[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 7]
[House]
[Page 10063]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1745
            CONGRATULATIONS TO REALTORS ON 100TH ANNIVERSARY

  (Mr. WILSON of South Carolina asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, on May 14, the National 
Association of Realtors celebrated 100 years of support to Realtors and 
the communities in which they serve.
  The NAR consists of 1.3 million members from around the country who 
are working together to promote positive and ethical service to 
Americans looking to sell or purchase a home. They are an advocate for 
homeownership, sound housing policies, and property rights. As a former 
real estate attorney, I have worked with the Realtors for over 25 
years, and I know firsthand of their professionalism.
  Homeownership is part of the foundation of the American dream. It is 
a sign of success and prosperity for millions of Americans and, most 
often, the largest investment a family will make. Today, a record of 
almost 70 percent of Americans own their own homes. This is a testament 
to the excellence efforts of Realtors.
  I commend the Realtors for their hard work and congratulate them on 
their anniversary, ably led in South Carolina by Andy Walker as State 
president and Nick Kremydas as executive director. I'd like to pay a 
special tribute to Jerry Fowler who was one of our finest Realtors who 
sadly passed away over the weekend but what a great citizen, and he 
will always be remembered.
  In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget 
September the 11th.

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