[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 15]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 21469]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




       RECOGNIZING REALTOR ASSOCIATION OF GREATER FORT LAUDERDALE

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. DEBBIE WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 20, 2011

  Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
90th anniversary of the Realtor Association of Greater Fort Lauderdale.
  The Association has a long, successful history of growth and success 
that mirrors the community growth and economic development of the City 
of Fort Lauderdale and surrounding South Florida community.
  From its humble founding in 1922 by six local real estate 
professionals as the Fort Lauderdale Board of Realtors, the Realtor 
Association of Greater Fort Lauderdale has grown over the past nine 
decades into one of the largest realtor Associations in the state of 
Florida.
  Today, the Realtor Association of Greater Fort Lauderdale serves more 
than 7,500 members across Broward, Palm Beach, and Miami-Dade counties 
who in turn assist tens of thousands of South Floridians.
  Since its inception, the Realtor Association of Greater Fort 
Lauderdale has helped its membership conduct thriving businesses and 
along the way has promoted the highest standards of professional 
practice in the real estate community.
  As a Member of Congress, I have been particularly proud of the 
Association's work over the years as a constant champion for consumers 
in our local communities.
  In cities and towns across America, realtors provide expert advice 
and guidance to current and future property owners on what often is the 
biggest investment a family makes. Realtors promote affordable housing, 
expand home ownership, and work to end housing discrimination wherever 
it exists.
  The Realtor Association of Greater Fort Lauderdale does all of these 
things while maintaining the highest level of professionalism. The 
Association's realtors study long hours to hone their professional 
skills and adhere to the Code of Ethics set out by the National 
Association of Realtors.
  The last few years have been extremely difficult for the housing 
market nationally, and especially in South Florida. Yet, realtors have 
stood ready to assist with the challenges of the current market because 
they know--as all of us who live in South Florida know--that our 
community is one of the best places in the country to live, work, and 
raise our families.
  I am pleased to join in celebrating the Realtor Association of 
Greater Fort Lauderdale on their 90th anniversary and wish to honor all 
of Florida's realtors who serve our communities.
  I look forward to continuing to work with the Realtor Association of 
Greater Fort Lauderdale as it continues its long tradition of 
excellence to the South Florida community.

                          ____________________