[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 55 (Tuesday, April 12, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E405]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  COMMEMORATING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ILLINOIS ASSOCIATION OF 
                                REALTORS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DARIN LaHOOD

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 12, 2016

  Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I would like to honor the Illinois 
Association of REALTORS on their 100-year anniversary of steadfast 
advocacy for the real estate industry and homeowners of Illinois.
  The Illinois Association of REALTORS was founded in 1916 under the 
principle, as declared in their mission statement, ``To concern itself 
in all matters for the betterment and protection of real estate 
interests.'' Today, Illinois REALTORS has grown to become one of the 
largest trade associations in the state of Illinois representing more 
than 44,000 realtors. The association has significantly shaped the 
state's real estate industry with grassroots advocacy efforts such as 
the ``RVOICE'' program, fighting local mandates, and lobbying state 
legislative proposals that encourage and protect homeownership.
  Their leadership and advocacy throughout Illinois has grown and 
become a model for other REALTOR associations in the country. Illinois 
REALTORS is the first to centralize the Local Governmental Affairs 
Director program under the state association providing professional 
development and resources to ensure statewide coverage. Among other 
accomplishments, Illinois REALTORS is credited with advocating for the 
first real estate license law that went into effect in 1922 and the 
Association continues to shape the law to best uphold industry 
professionalism.
  The Illinois Association of REALTORS has become an important resource 
for realtors throughout the state of Illinois and the communities they 
serve. I extend my sincere congratulations to the Illinois Association 
of REALTORS for their outstanding accomplishments and contributions to 
Illinois. I hope the organization continues to grow and prosper for the 
next 100 years.

                          ____________________