Ostermeier Prairie at 25

It's rewarding to share the rich history of Lincoln Memorial Garden as a volunteer for this nonprofit's newsletter and social media content team. During COVID-19, Illinois Times readers voted Lincoln Memorial Garden as a place that helped them deal with the crisis. While the Nature Center was closed, programs and events cancelled, we pivoted to offer an at-home art contest, online plant sale, and nature education via social media. Above all, families appreciated the opportunity to get outside to walk the trails as part of the permitted outdoor activities. It's beautiful! Next time you're in Springfield, Illinois, be sure to visit.

Aim High, Build a Network

This sample graphic comes from a campaign designed to encourage association members to get involved on a statewide committee. We surveyed past committee members and conducted a focus group with the Young Professionals Network to discover motivations for getting involved. Then we showcased emerging leaders with their words for "why get involved." The content was reshaped and shared on the blog, website, social media, and newsletters.

National Volunteer Week

The in-person volunteer appreciation event was cancelled this year due to COVID-19, so I developed a series of Facebook posts featuring volunteers for Lincoln Memorial Garden during National Volunteer Week, April 19-25, 2020. This specific post, also timed for the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, recognizes members of the Native Wildflower Committee who tend to plants in the greenhouse for the annual plant sales. Committee members also maintain the Native Wildflower Demonstration Garden, a project of the University of Illinois Extension Logan/Menard/Sangamon Unit Master Naturalists and Master Gardener program.

Fair Housing Makes U.S. Stronger

As staff lead for a video project commemorating the 50th anniversary of the signing of the federal Fair Housing Act, I conducted research and developed the video concept, coordinated interview logistics, and collaborated with The Storyteller Studios. This nationally recognized video was used in educational presentations throughout the anniversary year in 2018, and it continues to be featured during "April Is Fair Housing Month."

President's Cup RPAC Fundraising Award

As fundraising team leader for the Illinois REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC) from 2012 to 2020, consistent growth and innovation in the fundraising program combined with exceptional member-influencer engagement resulted in three consecutive years of National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) President’s Cup awards (2017, 2018 and 2019). To get the Cup, we met or surpassed nine RPAC fundraising and advocacy goals set by NAR. RPAC dollars support candidates for public office who support issues important to homeowners and private property owners. Learn more in a related blog post: https://www.illinoisrealtors.org/blog/illinois-realtors-celebrate-2019-rpac-achievements-plan-ahead-for-2020/.

About the Flags - and the Lights - on Bicentennial Plaza

As staff liaison to Illinois REALTORS® Bicentennial Task Force, I had the opportunity to lead many projects celebrating REALTOR® involvement in Illinois' 200th birthday. Among them, I developed a statewide essay contest in partnership with the Illinois State Board of Education, coordinated the #REALTORSworkingwithHeart local association and statewide projects, planned VIP events involving state legislative leaders, and helped raise awareness for the association's new Bicentennial Plaza in downtown Springfield.

Lobby Day Member Experience Campaign

Our goals for the Member Experience Campaign were to grow attendance and demystify the annual REALTOR® lobby day. As project lead, I developed a countdown strategy and used dynamic images from past years to build excitement/FOMO (fear of missing out), incorporating language from focus groups and surveys about what motivates members to attend. The campaign featured a series of "what to expect" emails and the Young Professionals Network podcast (http://podcast.illinoisrealtors.org/e/what-to-expect-at-capitol-conference/) to ease the chaotic nature of the day. More signage was used on-site including "human signage" (e.g., staff welcoming members to lobby day, thanking them for their time, and "see you next year" at the end of the long day).

New Agent Success Tips

I served as project lead, team mentor, writer, and editor for the Young Professionals Network (YPN) podcast series including "I wish I knew then what I know now," the association's first and one of its most popular podcasts. The series shines the light on YPN members and is used in the New Member Campaign providing success tips for new real estate agents. The series resulted in the Illinois YPN receiving the National Association of REALTORS® State Network of the Year Award in 2019. Learn more: https://www.illinoisrealtors.org/blog/illinois-ypn-recognized-nationally-for-network-of-the-year/.

Outreach Team Plans Ahead for Office Visits

I'm proud to be manager and mentor for the creation and continuing development of a 50,000-member trade association's Member Outreach Program. The team started in 2015 with two local Governmental Affairs Director (GAD) staff serving as “boots on the ground” to connect members with the services and benefits paid for with their dues. The program also is a valuable listening tool for member concerns and trends. It has grown to a team of six covering different regions of the state. All are "iReporters," sharing photos and story ideas for social media and other content channels. I earned a Game Changer Award in 2011 for my iReporter idea, inspired by CNN's iReport Program. Illinois is a large state to cover by headquarters staff in Springfield, so we ask remote staff or those traveling around the state to submit iReports. Learn more: https://www.illinoisrealtors.org/membership/outreach/

New Member Campaign

“Welcome Center” is the name I gave the reception desk when promoted in 2011 to lead a new department for the Illinois REALTORS®. The receptionists (including me) became “Member Care Specialists.” Our goal? Create raving fans one member at a time as we answer the telephone, respond to emails, and engage with visitors to the building as well as our co-workers. When not at the Welcome Center, the team made calls to members on their one-year anniversary as a REALTOR®. The "Happy Anniversary" call is a personalized way to show members you care and are here to help their business move forward. A warm and friendly phone call can break through the clutter to connect members to their association benefits and resources.