Aurora and South Metro Denver REALTOR® Association merge

AURORA, Colo. - Aug. 20, 2020 - PRLog -- Aurora and Centennial, CO – Members of the Aurora Association of REALTORS® and the South Metro Denver REALTOR® Association have approved a merger of the entities that will create one of the state's largest local REALTOR® associations with more than 5,000 members. Effective Oct. 1, 2020, the merged organization will retain the name South Metro Denver REALTOR® Association.

The merger provides a significant expansion of member resources covering programs, services, education, political advocacy and events including:

·       Access to more than 250 annual education courses and events, with FREE continuing education and career enhancing education for members of the organization;

·       Expanded networking opportunities;

·       A stronger, more powerful voice for political advocacy and protection of Private Property Rights at the local, state and national level;

·       A stronger association capable of navigating market fluctuations and managing operating costs efficiently for its membership.

·       Combined Industry Partner membership providing an economical membership benefit and industry partner support for the Association.

"The overwhelming vote of approval from our respective membership validates the combined vision of our directors and leadership teams to bring these two great organizations together and deliver the resources today's REALTORS® need to be successful and thrive, both in their businesses and for their clients," said SMDRA CEO Melissa Maldonado.

Serving Aurora, Centennial, Littleton and the South Metro Denver Communities, the consolidated organization will operate from the nearly 30,000 square-foot headquarters located at 6436 South Racine Circle in Centennial. The two-story building features a 300-seat event center, 48-seat REColorado Training Center, extensive REALTOR® retail store, video recording studio, private meeting rooms and expanded office services, indoor and outdoor event space and additional space available for lease or future growth.

"While the decision was difficult and emotional for all of us, this is an opportunity to both preserve our strong Aurora heritage and culture while expanding our footprint and service to our valued members and the communities we serve," said AAR Board Chair Barb Riley. "The consolidation of our organizations simply catapults us to the forefront in every measurable category that our members need and deserve from us."

SMDRA Board Chair Heather Hankins added, "From our initial conversation through today's final vote, we've said, together, we are better, and with the backing of our membership, we're now prepared to move this tremendous service-focused association into the future."

A combined board of directors and integrated staff will help lead the organization with AAR's former CEO, Karen Becker, taking on the role of Chief Operating Officer for the merged association and Melissa Maldonado continuing her role as Chief Executive Officer.

https://smdra.com/ or https://auroraassociationofrealtors.com/
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