Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
Anita Moon, the 2024 President of the Greater McAllen Association of Realtors (GMAR), today unveiled a groundbreaking initiative to elevate realtors’ role in the Rio Grande Valley. Since taking her oath of office in December 2023, Anita has focused on fostering a culture of professionalism, trust, and community engagement within the real estate sector. Her leadership has been instrumental in bringing the Texas Realtors Leadership Program (TRLP) to the region, a move she describes as a “transformative initiative” to shape real estate professionals into influential community leaders.
Introducing the Texas Realtors Leadership Program to the Valley
The Texas Realtors Leadership Program (TRLP), initially founded in 2004 by Travis Pessler and Chris Haggerty in San Antonio, has been introduced to the Rio Grande Valley under Anita’s guidance. Drawing inspiration from leadership programs Chambers of Commerce offers, the TRLP is explicitly tailored to the real estate industry, focusing on enhancing leadership capabilities and fostering a deeper sense of community involvement.
“The TRLP mirrors leadership programs like those offered by the Chambers of Commerce,” said Anita. “It’s designed to enhance leadership within the real estate sector, focusing on understanding leadership, inclusive decision-making, spokesperson training, and professional growth and development.”
As of today, the TRLP has over 2,245 graduates across Texas. The program’s expansion into the Rio Grande Valley represents a significant milestone for GMAR, highlighting the region’s growth and dedication to cultivating leadership skills among its professionals.
Anita outlined several core objectives for the TRLP’s introduction to the Rio Grande Valley:
- Equipping Real Estate Professionals with Leadership Skills: The program provides structured training that prepares participants to assume leadership roles within their organizations and the broader community.
- Fostering Professional Growth: By encouraging ongoing professional development through networking, visibility, and community engagement, the program supports continuous improvement and adaptability in an ever-changing landscape.
- Enhancing Community Impact: TRLP aims to empower real estate professionals to contribute meaningfully to community development through cultivated leadership.
“The program emphasizes service above self,” Anita noted, “aligning with the belief that effective leadership is rooted in community service and collective betterment.”
The inaugural TRLP class in the Rio Grande Valley exemplifies this commitment, reflecting the region’s growth and the increased professionalization of its real estate sector.
During her address, Anita stressed the importance of collaboration, vision, and adaptability in leadership. She quoted Jack Welch, emphasizing that “the transition from personal growth to growing others is a critical leadership trait.” She also highlighted the necessity of maintaining a balanced life while pursuing professional and community goals.
Travis Kessler, President and CEO of Texas Realtors, commended GMAR’s efforts through a video, and he said,
“Hello, everyone. I’m Travis Kessler, the President and CEO of Texas Realtors. I want to thank each of you for participating in the Texas Realtors Leadership Program this year. Seeing many of you in Austin for the governmental affairs session was great. I hope it gave you a better understanding of the importance of advocacy and our work in politics and legislation.
Thanks to Anita Moon and the Greater McAllen Association of Realtors for bringing the TRLP program to South Texas. Developing leadership skills is essential for our profession’s future, and your involvement helps strengthen our communities.
Greater McAllen, thank you for making this happen. Your commitment to leadership is truly making a difference. Keep up the great work, and thank you!”
Art Ortega from Freedom Bank shared his journey, highlighting the importance of hard work, vision, and resilience in leadership. He urged participants to seize opportunities, commit to their goals, and foster a culture of collaboration rather than competition. “My journey from migrant work to banking success illustrates that perseverance and a focus on community can drive remarkable outcomes,” he said.
Seby Haddad, McAllen City Commissioner, and Lone Star National Bank banker spoke about the essence of leadership as a daily choice rooted in serving others. He praised the collaboration among community banks and realtors, stating that “authentic leadership involves uplifting those with fewer resources and giving back to the community.” His remarks underscored the deep connection between economic development and community well-being in the Rio Grande Valley.
Art Ortega pointed out that “with its growing real estate market, the Rio Grande Valley is poised to benefit significantly from the leadership development fostered by TRLP. As more professionals engage in this program, the region will likely see enhanced economic activity, job creation, and community development.”
Under Anita’s presidency, GMAR’s leadership initiative marks a significant step toward elevating the role of realtors in the Rio Grande Valley. By introducing the TRLP, GMAR invests in its members’ professional growth and community engagement, positioning the region as a real estate and community development leader.
The joint efforts of realtors, financial institutions, and other stakeholders reflect a shared commitment to building a prosperous and inclusive community, laying a solid foundation for sustained growth and impact in South Texas. “We are not just shaping better professionals; we are building better communities,” Anita concluded.
