2022 Canopy Year in Review

2022 Year in Review

Advancing the Profession and Improving Our Communities

Your CEO… Advancing the Profession and Improving Communities on a national, regional and local level

In order to stay at the forefront of our industry and to bring best practices and opportunities to members, Anne Marie serves on several industry boards and committees:

• Realtor.com® MLS Advisory Board

• MLS GRID Board of Managers, corporate secretary

• Represents Canopy MLS on the MLS Roundtable, an industry thought-leadership group

• National Association of Realtors® Legal Action Committee

• Broker Public Portal (BPP) Board of Managers, a collaborative venture between real estate brokerages and MLS organizations

Her work toward Improving Communities includes leadership roles with entities focused on housing affordability:

• The Executive Committee of REBIC

• UNC-Charlotte Childress Klein Center for Real Estate (CKCRE) Advisory Board, where her leadership has been paramount, leading CKCRE to develop a multi-year benchmarking study on the State of Housing in Charlotte utilizing Canopy MLS data

• B oard of Advisors for the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), a non-profit working to make economic equality a reality with a focus on creating stability for communities, families and residents

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

Dear Canopy Realtor® Members,

It is my hope that your relationship with Canopy Realtor® Association and Canopy MLS has prepared you for another year of productivity and success.

We have compiled this Year in Review report to demonstrate our vision in action, which is to Advance the Profession and Improve our Communities. We are sharing these accomplishments in an effort to highlight the value and benefits provided to our members and subscribers.

While we are proud to be the 16th largest Association in the nation, we are most proud of the work that we are doing to foster engagement, create value, improve professionalism, provide education, elevate the value of a Realtor®, advocate for our industry, and develop future industry leaders.

As the 19th largest MLS in the country, our staff works closely with the Canopy MLS Advisory Group to ensure that subscribers receive the technology tools, training and support to better equip Realtors® to serve clients. We are proud to be the MLS of choice now serving 14 Realtor® Associations in a 23-county service area. The service area includes North Carolina’s Charlotte region, Asheville region and the Catawba Valley region, and three counties in South Carolina.

The Canopy Real Estate Institute’s array of education is helping to advance the profession through specialized training, career development, designations and certifications. Another way we are able to Improve our Communities is through the Workforce Housing Certificate Program, where Realtors® gain the skills to work with first-time home buyers and help clients get mortgage ready and on a path to homeownership.

The impact of Canopy Housing Foundation, the charitable arm of the Association, continues to grow through the support of Realtor® volunteers in Mecklenburg, Iredell and Haywood Counties. Through the Foundation’s mission, Realtors® actively demonstrate their commitment to the entire housing continuum from homelessness to homeownership. Whether it is the annual Realtors® Care Day project or the Strides for Shelter 5K, the Foundation is working in partnership with those who share the vision of “creating communities where all housing needs are met.”

As I reflect on these accomplishments, I am optimistic for the future. We will continue to add value, promote collaboration within and outside the industry, position ourselves to accommodate growth, and contend with any disruption that comes our way. Each year, we review our Strategic Implementation Document (see pages 23-30), which I encourage you to review. The document serves as a roadmap to keep us focused on our vision.

These incredible accomplishments would not be possible without committed and talented staff as well as the support of the Canopy Realtor® Association, Canopy MLS and Canopy Housing Foundation Boards of Directors, committee chairs and committee members.

Having this quality of leadership in place makes it possible for me to represent the Association and MLS on the local, regional and national level. This past year, I have had the opportunity to be involved in all aspects of our industry, ranging from serving on national boards and committees, to speaking to other Associations and MLS leadership, to addressing the housing market with local and national media.

I represent Canopy with the greatest pride and recognize that you, our members, are why we will continue to look for opportunities to Advance the Profession and Improve our Communities.

Your Canopy Realtor® Association is here to serve you, and as always, I would like to hear from you. Please share your thoughts and ideas by contacting me at CEO@canopyrealtors.com .

Sincerely,

Anne Marie DeCatsye, Esq., CEO

CANOPY MEMBER AND SUBSCRIBER SERVICES

What we improved

Member Services fully Integrated HappyFox into our processes, which improved direct lines of communication with agents, made account management easier and response time faster when dealing with account issues. Staff also maximized usage of our comprehensive membership database system to further collect additional firm contact information to enable firms to more effectively manage their rosters and avoid loss of member and subscriber access due to an agent’s non-payment. Staff continues to educate members on the billing process and increase awareness of brokers.

THE REALTOR® STORE

The Realtor ® Store was busy this year with over

What was new

Photo frames, trucker style hats, Christmas ornaments, tote bags and wine tumblers.

How we support Advancing the Profession

The Realtor® Store offers products requested by Realtors®, such as lock boxes, yard signage, maps, calendar magnets and photo props. The calendar magnets are used as a thank you or holiday greeting and the photo props are used to help advance the Realtor’s® social media presence.

The Realtor® Store works closely with Canopy Real Estate Institute to offer text books and study materials to help students achieve success. Members have access to a notary at no charge

18,889 transactions

1,376 new and used Supra Lockboxes sales

Most popular item

Working with RE Agents brochure

LEGAL/RISK MANAGEMENT

The Risk Management team has continued to closely monitor the multitude of lawsuits aimed at the real estate industry and which could have a significant impact on the future of real estate. During 2022, the Canopy Board of Directors was kept up to date on the procedural posture of these lawsuits through regular reports by Canopy legal staff. A brief overview of the antitrust cases was provided to the membership through eHeadlines and Realtor® Reflections.

In addition to the monitoring of lawsuits, the Risk Management team has also continued to keep an eye on general risk management issues affecting the industry and the membership. Several different educational pieces covering different topics were written and provided via eHeadlines, Matrix and Realtor® Reflections. Topics covered included, coming soon listings, square footage requirements, trespassing and entering a property without an appointment.

Ethics Complaints and Arbitration Requests

39 Ethics complaints were received

16 Ethics hearings were held

5 Ombudsman requests were received

4 Ethics appeals were requested

4 Requests for mediation were received

7 Arbitration requests were received

3 Arbitration hearings were held

7 MLS appeal hearings were held

What was new

The Professional Standards Committee began holding MLS Compliance hearings for those Member Participants and Subscribers who received excessive MLS Compliance notices for violations of the MLS Rules and Regulations. The purpose of the hearing is for a hearing panel to review the violations and hear from the Subscriber to determine the best approach in preventing further violations of the Rules and Regulations.

How we support Advancing the Profession

The professional standards process advances the profession by addressing serious allegations made by Realtors® and the public about potentially unethical behaviors of other Realtors®. By reviewing complaints and holding due process hearings, our trained Grievance and Professional Standards Committee members work to correct, educate and ultimately ensure Realtors® understand and adhere to the Code of Ethics.

FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING

The Finance and Accounting Department analyzes fiscal performance to carry out the organization’s financial strategy through risk management, forecasting cash flows and investment strategies.

Copies of the Association’s tax return and budget can be accessed on the Canopy Realtors® Association website under Association Overview/Finance.

Number of press releases

MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS

Realtor® Value Campaigns

Canopy creates annual campaigns to raise awareness about the value of working with a Realtor®. The “with a Realtor® you see it all” member value campaign educates consumers on the expertise and unique set of tools that only Realtors® can access. The campaign shows what can happen without the guidance of a Realtor® – all told through the power of radio, digital, print ads, and billboards.

Campaigns are customized to address market conditions. In 2022, our campaigns primarily focused on sellers listing property due to the extreme lack of inventory and how Realtors® could help them strategize on timing their move and finding a new home.

The campaign expanded to “with a Realtor®, you’re in the know” to educate consumers about the value of a Realtor® and the power of Canopy MLS. The campaign positions Realtors® as the best resources for consumers because they utilize Canopy MLS to access the most accurate, timely data and provide maximum exposure for a home. Custom digital ads were created for all the counties within the Canopy MLS service area.

Campaign websites and social media performance

www.youseeitall.com

Display ads generated over 7,000 landing page views, Facebook/ Instagram ads generated nearly 5,500 landing page views and 13,419 website page views

www.realtorsknowmore.com

Display ads generated over 4,500 landing page views, Facebook/ Instagram ads generated nearly 5,200 landing page views and 28,496 website page views

Website activity

271,812 C arolinahome.com page views

1,987,073 C arolinarealtor.com, now Canopyrealtors.com page views

135,226 C anopyreinstitute.com page views

7,537 C anopyhousingfoundation.org page views

Number

of social media followers

FOLLOW US @CANOPYREALTOR

““Great info. I loved this podcast. I was in need of some reliable and easy information from our industry. Can’t wait for the next episodes!”

Canopy Realtor® Association opens the files and discussion on current events and issues to educate and equip Realtors® and enlighten consumers. Always entertaining, engaging and sometimes edgy.

Inside the Canopy Files Podcasts

11 episodes produced

• How Realtors® Benefit from Technology Offered by Canopy

• Update on Charlotte’s 2040 Plan, Policy Map, and Unified Development Ordinance

• Women Making History (in Honor of Women’s History Month)

• NAR Rules Changes 2022

• On the Road with Realtors® Care Day Improving Communities

• Are you Part of the PAC? RPAC?

• On the Road with Project R.E.A.C.H.

• Mid-year Market Update

• Unified Development Ordinance Update

• Charlotte Realtors® Making the Charlotte Rescue Mission Their Mission

• The Shifting Housing Market

Thais Marinelli, Podcast Subscriber

Virtual Board of Directors Installation held January 27 300 attendees

Realtor® EXPO held June 2

850 participants with $72,000 in sponsorships

Holiday Awards Luncheon and Annual Member meeting held December 16

460 attendees with $9,150 in sponsorships

What was new

Canopy’s first-ever, Brand Ambassador Program was launched to increase engagement among our leadership and their spheres of influence. The program promotes the value and benefits of the Association, MLS, CREI, and the Foundation, and builds the Canopy brand among all stakeholders. The Brand Ambassador Program includes regular updates at our board meetings that outline our focus areas for engagement that month. Board members are provided with talking points and information they can share within their own firms and sphere of influence. Our leadership, committee chairs and committee members are now recording their own videos, posting on social media and sharing their journey as a Canopy Brand Ambassador.

Canopy started offering infographics for use in members’ social media with a combined total reach of 7,625. Marketing Monday graphics were launched in Matrix followed by Facebook and Instagram to emphasize the technology tools and resources available to Canopy MLS subscribers. The graphics always include a consumer message to consult a Realtor®. Through these media channels, the campaign has reached over 23,600 individuals.

We created www.canopygrabandgrow.com to provide free access for members and subscribers to graphics and content to market their value. The site has been a tremendous success in a shortperiod of time with over 1,100 downloads

By partnering with Click Dimensions, we have improved and implemented a new online registration and check-in for events. This partnership has helped us segment messaging and target specific members by location so that messaging is more relevant and impactful to them. The first-ever campaign was piloted in Haywood County late fall to encourage members to support the Foundation’s $35 quarterly solicitation. The campaign effort was a success laying the groundwork for future automated campaigns.

“What your Canopy dues DO for YOU” campaign was created to explain the dues increase to $195 and build better understanding of how Canopy invests members’ dues to Advance the Profession and Improve Communities. The campaign demonstrated all the benefits and value Canopy provides for 53 cents a day.

How we support Advancing the Profession

Canopy provides our members with Smart Agent Talking Points and Infographics to position them as an expert and elevate the value of working with a Realtor®. Several departments collaborate to promote resources, training and other member benefits that help advance the profession, while the Foundation’s impact helps improve communities.

ADVOCACY/ GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

Advocacy work

Building further on the solid foundation established during the debate on and passage of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan, Canopy’s Government Affairs arm, the Real Estate and Building Industry Coalition (REBIC), was successful in obtaining several key changes to the City of Charlotte’s new Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). Among them were increased flexibility for regulations related to trees, open space and green space, and elimination of new restrictions on short-term rentals.

Additionally, Canopy and REBIC have launched an ambitious effort to implement several housing affordability strategies:

• P ursue expansion of the Homestead Exemption to assist older or disabled homeowners by reducing their tax burden.

• Encourage the retrofitting of existing commercial buildings for residential use.

• P ursue a State Tax Credit proposal modeled after the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC).

• Amend Housing Tax Rebate requirements to establish a new threshold of 10% set aside for those earning up to 80% of AMI.

• Expand the use of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).

• A ddress the burden of local regulation, and encourage more flexibility and an enhanced and speedier review and approval through the land development and building process.

In Iredell County, REBIC enhanced already strong working relationships with town officials in Mooresville and has been directly engaged in influencing positive changes to its UDO. In Troutman, REBIC has worked closely with town leadership on economic development opportunities and has offered strategies to address water treatment capacity challenges. When the City of Statesville contemplated amending its road standards to a level considerably more stringent than the State’s already rigorous requirements, REBIC was there to push back against this unnecessary regulation that would have made housing even more unattainable. REBIC continues its work to promote local candidates who support a pro-growth, pro-business agenda throughout its entire coverage area.

What was new

Collaboration and coalition building are not new, but REBIC has found additional ways to achieve success. Refining communication tools, like its website and weekly newsletter entitled “2 for Tuesday” has positioned REBIC to provide targeted messaging and reach more members to ultimately affect change.

How we support Advancing the Profession and Improving Communities

REBIC has served as a strong advocate for all things real estate in the Charlotte region since the 1980’s. It continues to be the go-to entity when it comes to policy considerations related to the industry throughout our coverage area. The efforts of REBIC serve as an important check on government overreach, and enables its members to deliver the services to their clients that they need and expect.

$305,440

Invested by RPAC members marking the most funds ever raised which earned Canopy, recognition from the National Association of Realtors®, with the 2022 Triple Crown Award*.

* NAR presents the Triple Crown Award annually to an association that meets or exceeds its local share of their state’s National RPAC Fundraising goal and meets or exceeds its local participation criteria.

Canopy MLS and its leadership, the Canopy MLS Advisory Group, and staff work to ensure that Subscribers are receiving the technology tools, training and support to better equip Realtors® to serve their clients. Canopy MLS continues to enhance and improve services.

CANOPY MLS

Canopy MLS added Coming Soon-No Show status listings for display on syndication websites, and enabled RPR to display Canopy MLS’s on-market listings to all Realtors® nationwide. Compensation and “Additional Information” are also displayed in RPR only for Canopy MLS members and any other MLS with which we have a reciprocal agreement.

The Canopy MLS Board of Directors approved contracting with ListTrac, which will be implemented in early 2023, to provide online listing activity reporting for real estate brokers and agents.

Work began to convert to a new Matrix system to adopt the Real Estate Standards Organization (RESO) Data Dictionary at the core (native) level when listings are entered into Matrix.

MLS Fields

Field additions and changes were implemented to improve the accuracy of the data provided in MLS listings, and support the needs of members and their clients. Now it is possible to search both the Subdivision and Complex fields at the same time, and search by Yearly HOA Expense. The fields “City Taxes Paid To” and “Lower Above-Grade” were relabeled to clarify their purpose and meaning. List Price was added for Firm Exclusive Comp Sales. Required fields are easier to identify with extra yellow highlighting. Options for Nonconforming Loan, Induction Cooktop and Invisible Fencing were added, and confusion was reduced with changes to the lake options and Waterbody Name field.

MLS Rules and Regulations

The Canopy MLS Rules and Regulations were revised to reflect eight mandatory and optional rule changes approved by the NAR Board of Directors in 2021 to reinforce transparency for clients and consumers working with Participants and Subscribers in real estate transactions, and empower Participants with the information and data they need to better serve their clients and customers. The new “Compensation Comments” field was adopted with a rule that any necessary comments regarding compensation can only be provided in the Compensation Comments.

What we improved

Canopy MLS created a streamlined data licensing webpage for Canopy MLS Subscribers and technology vendors that explains how to request a data feed through MLS Grid, with descriptions of data feeds available, and the vetting process for approval. We also clarified listing edit policies concerning corrections of errors.

How we support Advancing the Profession

Canopy MLS clarified the Canopy MLS Rules and Regulations so that MLS Participants and Subscribers who receive more than ten administrative sanctions for Category I, or more than three administrative sanctions for Category II and/or III violations in a calendar year, are required to attend a hearing for their actions and potential violations of MLS rules. Six MLS Hearings were held as a result of excessive violations.

Matrix

6,159,177

Matrix desktop logins

594,128

Matrix mobile logins

6,768,480

Total Matrix logins

MLS

Canopy MLS dashboard highlights resources for Members and Subscribers.

Broker Relations + Technology Training

Canopy’s Broker Relations team ensures that subscribers are receiving the tools, training, support and assistance to better equip Realtors® to serve their client’s needs. Training is available in-person and virtually. Canopy’s technology trainers also travel throughout the region to deliver training at various firms or in partnership with area associations in our Canopy MLS service area.

Total number of Matrix-related classes conducted

23 Classes were offered at Canopy’s Technology Lab 159 Classes were offered at firms and at special events

437 Online webinars were offered

723 A gents attended a total of seven webinars on Canopy MLS Rules and Regulations

5,841 Total number of participants that attended a Matrix-related class

1,421 Total number of participants in training offered by vendors including ShowingTime, Remine and MyFloodStatus.com

BUILDING FACILITY HIGHLIGHTS

Canopy hosted 32 days of room rentals generating non-dues revenue from real estate firms, the NC Appraisal Institute and the CCIM Institute.

What was new

The Canopy building wayfinding experience was improved by painting the walls near the elevators on each level of the parking deck a different color and new signage was added. More security cameras were added to increase video surveillance, and the audio/video equipment in the boardroom was updated to better accommodate virtual, in-person and hybrid meetings.

CANOPY HOUSING FOUNDATION

Through Canopy Housing Foundation, Realtors® are working hand-in-hand with individuals, organizations and corporate partners to strengthen our communities.

Realtors® Care Day

The Foundation’s vision and mission support Advancing the Profession and Improving Communities

The Vision of the Foundation is: “Creating a community where all housing needs are met.”

The Mission of the Foundation is: “Realtors® creating housing opportunities through advocacy, education, funding and leadership.”

On April 22, more than 350 Realtor® volunteers worked on 15 projects for the 11th Annual RCD. In addition to the critical repair projects for homeowners, there were a number of special projects that took place to aid the community at large. These projects included:

• Hope Haven, Charlotte

• McCreesh Place, Charlotte

• Children’s Hope Alliance, Troutman

Realtor® volunteers also conducted Food Drives in Mecklenburg / Iredell / Haywood Counties in conjunction with RCD to further spread the Realtor® impact. Almost 10,000 pounds of food was collected to benefit local food pantries and animal shelters. Since the program’s inception, 300 families and non-profit organizations have received critical exterior repairs to their homes or facilities with an estimated economic impact of more than $1.2 million

Sixth Annual Strides for Shelter 5K

On October 21, a beautiful fall day, the Realtor® community hosted 670 registered participants for the Sixth Annual Strides for Shelter 5K Run / Walk. The runners and walkers raised $39,444.97 for Charlotte Rescue Mission. The 2022 race achieved record results in both the number of participants as well as the largest amount of money ever raised.

Quarterly Realtor® member solicitations

The Canopy Realtors® stepped up to show their support for the Foundation’s non-profit work by raising a record amount through two quarterly member solicitations. The total amount contributed by the Realtor® community in 2022 was $87,297. Of this amount, a total of $4,235 was raised in Haywood County and will be used to address local housing initiatives in that community specifically.

Canopy Housing Foundation primarily fulfills its vision and mission by distributing funds in the three-county service area through various grant and award programs.

Grant Distributions

Community Grants

The Community Grants are awarded annually to non-profit organizations who are addressing unmet housing needs. This grant program is conducted in the Canopy Realtor® Association jurisdiction.

• In 2022, Haywood County Realtors® awarded a total of $10,000 to two organizations. In Mecklenburg and Iredell Counties, a total of $50,000 was invested in the community through 17 organizations.

• The NC REALTORS® Housing Foundation matched the $3,000 received by Purple Heart Homes in Statesville with an additional $3,000 through their state-wide grant program, therefore, leveraging the initial awarded funds.

• The total amount of funds distributed through the Community Grant Program since its inception is $445,619.70

Award Programs

Humanitarian Award

The Humanitarian Award is presented annually to a person, project or organization that has contributed greatly to the quality of life in our communities. This year, the Realtor® community recognized Hearts & Hands Food Pantry in Huntersville. Not only were they awarded for the service work that they do to feed hundreds of families each year, they were honored for their innovative approach to serving families who are food insecure.

• $5,000 was presented to Hearts & Hands Food Pantry. The total distributed through the Humanitarian Award program since 2007 is $51,250

YES Award

Habitat Regional Grants

The other primary grant program of the Foundation is the Habitat Support Grant Program. These grants are intended to support project-based applications and those specifics to creating homeownership opportunities.

• A total of seven regional Habitat organizations received funding in the amount of $21,000

• The total amount of funds distributed through the Habitat Support Grant Program since its inception is $296,700

Scholarships

• Two scholarships were also distributed in Haywood County to local high school students in the amount of $1,000 for a total of $2,000

Grant Celebrations

The Youth Excellence in Service Award (YES Award) exists to recognize young adults ages 10-18 who are positively affecting our communities through service and leadership. The 2022 award was presented to Brandon Wilson, a 12-and-a-half- year-old, who founded Beamer, Inc. which raises funds for Atrium Health Care’s Child Life Department. The $500 award given to Brandon was leveraged into $7,931.80 through his efforts during 2022 alone. These funds will assist the Child Life Specialists at Atrium who are attending to the needs of children with critically ill parents.

Two Grant Celebrations were held to ensure coverage of the Canopy Realtor® Association jurisdiction and to celebrate those organizations receiving funds from the Canopy Housing Foundation.

Haywood County

In Haywood County, the celebration took place at a July 26 luncheon and was held at the Wells Event Center. Approximately 80 people were in attendance as the grant and scholarship recipients were honored.

Mecklenburg/Iredell Counties

On July 27, grants were distributed at a special brunch for organizations in Mecklenburg/Iredell Counties. Held for the first time at the Canopy Realtor® Association headquarters, there were approximately 125 people in attendance. The guest speaker for the event was Linda Lockman-Brooks, a key community leader and founder of Lockman-Brooks Marketing Services.

What was new

Canopy Housing Foundation adopted Little Sugar Creek Tribune III at Pearl Park. Throughout the year, more than 40 Realtors® volunteered from the Diversity Inclusion Alliance, the Young Professional Network, the Leadership Academy and the Canopy Housing Foundation Committee.

A new YES Award Mentor program was launched to offer an opportunity for the YES Award recipient to recognize someone who has mentored and influenced them greatly with a mentor pin. Brandon Wilson presented the first-ever mentor lapel pin to a former teacher. We participated in Giving Tuesday CLT on November 29. Although a global effort, this day of philanthropy is sponsored locally by Share Charlotte. Members of the Canopy

Project R.E.A.C.H.

Housing Foundation Committee offered to match any donations up to $1,250 resulting in an additional $1,400 in support for the Foundation. The Foundation was also awarded two Lowe’s gift cards for participating in the events of the day. The gift cards will be used toward the costs of Realtors® Care Day in 2023.

Tiffany Johannes, 2022 President-elect, participated in the “Pitch Battle” at NAR’s Leadership Institute. She pitched Project R.E.A.C.H. in an attempt to gain national recognition and financial support for the project. As part of the top two presentations, Johannes received $1,500 for the project from NAR to be used in the 2023 project. Expressing pride in the presentation that Johannes gave, NC REALTORS® further presented Canopy with a check for $6,000 to support the project.

Canopy Housing Foundation received support from the Diversity Inclusion Alliance (DIA) designed a special T-shirt with the message ‘Fair Housing for All’ with the proceeds supporting the mission of the Canopy Housing Foundation. DIA has raised $3,435 for the Foundation’s mission through these shirt sales.

Approximately 125 Realtor® volunteers assisted five organizations with their mission; each group received $500 from their Realtor® volunteer groups. Non-profit groups participating included:

• Urban League of Central Carolinas

• Project Outpour

• B eds for Kids

Holiday Virtual Auction

• Braveworks

• Freedom School Partners

A total of 199 items were donated to be auctioned virtually via www.BidForCanopy.com in support of the Canopy Housing Foundation. More than $33,000 net was raised to address housing needs in Mecklenburg, Iredell and Haywood Counties through the Foundation’s multiple grant programs and initiatives.

Haywood County Investments

In the spring of 2022, Haywood County secured a housing opportunity grant from Dogwood Health Trust, which is a nonprofit that administers the proceeds from the Mission Hospital sale on behalf of 18 western counties. The grant award totals $1,112,500 and will be matched by Haywood County from American Rescue Plan Funds, plus the Town of Maggie Valley will contribute $112,500, for a total of $2,225,000.

Of those funds, $375,000 will be used to pave the roads at Bethel Village, which is an affordable housing subdivision owned by Mountain Projects, a Canopy Housing Foundation Community Grant recipient. Another $334,000 will go to the Pathways Center, also a Community Grant recipient, for the development of transitional housing for individuals and families. The remaining $1,515,602 will be dedicated to a more permanent resource making it easier for non-profits and local governments to address unmet housing needs in Haywood County.

As part of the continued effort to ensure that these Canopy Realtor® members remain part of the community rehabilitation , the Canopy Housing Foundation Western Region Committee has pledged to work closely with the county and area non-profits to offer support as these relief funds are utilized.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION (DIA)

For over 15 years diversity, equity and inclusion have been a priority for Canopy. The programs and initiatives of the Diversity and Inclusion Alliance (DIA) foster an inclusive culture and provides members with the opportunity to learn, engage, develop leadership skills and connect with the community.

Programs/Initiatives

• C anopy Diversity and Inclusion Alliance provided education on industry news and networking events that included cultural components presented through Realtor® Hot Topics:

• Real Estate Alert! Gale Force Demographic Wind Gusts Ahead held February 25

• Women Who Mean Business held March 23

• Making Connections: Growing homeownership opportunities with multicultural partnerships held June 24

• Utilized the new Diversity in Action Newsletter to encourage members to attend Canopy events and programs, participate in the Canopy Realtor® Association/Canopy MLS elections and foster opportunities to be appointed and elected to leadership positions.

Attended by 365 members

• C anopy was awarded a $4,945 Leading with Diversity Grant from the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) to present NAR’s four-hour “Bias Override: Overcoming Barriers to Fair Housing Course.”

• The Diversity in Action webpage and Canopy’s social media served as a resource for information to help members learn, stay informed, get involved and engage with our diverse community.

Community Outreach

The Diversity and Inclusion Alliance members volunteered and participated in the following community events:

• A dopt-A-Stream for Pearl Street Park (park clean up) held March 29

• C anopy Housing Foundation’s Realtors® Care Day held April 29

• Charlotte Pride Parade held August 21

• L atin American Festival held September 17

• Charlotte Dragon Boat Race and Asian Festival held October 8

• C anopy Housing Foundation’s Strides for Shelter 5K Run + Walk held October 22

DIA also supported and partnered with multicultural real estate industry partners participating in education and networking events, hosted a Realtor® Hot Topic showcasing partners, and provided exhibitor space at the Realtor® EXPO including:

• A sia Real Estate Association of America (AREAA) Charlotte Metro Chapter

• Charlotte Crown Black Real Estate Association (National Association of Real Estate Brokers)

• LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance (North Carolina/Charlotte Chapter)

• NAHREP Charlotte (National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals)

What was new

Canopy launched a bi-monthly newsletter called “Diversity In Action”, expanded NAR’s Bias Override: Overcoming Barriers to Fair Housing course to Canopy Leadership, staff and the Leadership Academy, in addition to creating and selling the “Fair Housing for All” T-shirt to raise funds for Canopy Housing Foundation.

How DIA supports Advancing the Profession and Improving Communities

The DIA expands Canopy’s inclusive culture, educates leadership and members, encourages member participation and develops diverse partnerships to better serve Realtors®, the real estate industry and community. The DIA connects members with industry and community resources that support diversity and inclusion in homeownership and helps members stay informed, get involved and engage with our diverse community.

CANOPY REAL ESTATE INSTITUTE (CREI) + EDUCATION

Canopy Real Estate Institute’s array of education offerings provides prelicensing and postlicensing education, professional development, and specialized designations and certifications that position members and students as trusted industry experts. With this knowledge, our members continue to advance the profession and improve our communities.

Broker-in-Charge (BIC) Briefings/Roundtables and Realtor® Hot Topics

National and local guest speakers and experts are featured throughout the year covering issues impacting members, the industry, consumers and the community. Under the guidance of the Education Advisory Group, along with other Canopy departments, programs are tailored to serve Brokers-in-Charge or all Realtor® members at Realtor® Hot Topics.

BIC Briefings

• Professional strategies to help lead and empower agents to thrive in today's market held January 14

• Cybersecurity: How Technology Can Ruin Your Business and What You Need To Know About Cyber Liability Insurance held September 9

• “Disruption Only Happens to the Unprepared” Nikki Greenburg, Future of Real Estate (in-person and virtual), held November 17

Realtor® Hot Topics

• The Charlotte 2040 Plan: Policy Maps, Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) held February 4

• Fair Housing: Protecting People, Your Business and Your Livelihood held April 8

• Changes to the South Carolina Realtors® Contracts held May 16 (presented in partnership with the Piedmont Regional Association or Realtors®)

• Top 10 North Carolina Real Estate Commission Complaints and Disciplinary Matters held August 12

• P utting Realtor® Safety First: Safety Strategies for the Modern Realtor® held September 2

• It 's here! Mecklenburg County Assessor's Update on 2023 Property Revaluations held October 7

• Realtor® Hot Topic: Flood Insurance Facts for the Carolinas held October 24 (presented in partnership with the Piedmont Regional Association of Realtors®)

Attended by 215 BICs

Attended by 1,697 members

Attended by over 600 members

Canopy Realtor® EXPO

Canopy hosted Realtor® EXPO on June 2, a free member benefit that featured industry experts and more than 70 exhibitors. Speakers included:

• Terry Watson, EASIFY – “I Got This”

• George Ratiu, Economist, Realtor.com®, “Landing the Plane: Economy & Housing in 2022”

• Carolyn Snow Abiad, 2022 President of Piedmont Regional Association of Realtors®, and 2022 Board of Directors South Carolina Realtors®, “Double Take on Due Diligence”

NAR’s National Real Estate Ethics Day

Canopy Realtor® Association participated on July 7, 250 attended

Continuing Education

Additional education and services

6 South C arolina Review courses/167 students

19 Commercial CE classes offered Live-Stream

627 Students took Commercial CE

5 Free post-course reviews were offered for prelicensing students

36 Free virtual drop-in tutoring sessions were offered

NAR designation/certification classes

Canopy Real Estate Institute offered the following National Association of Realtors® Designation and Certification courses presented by top-ranked nationally recognized instructors.

• The Right Start- Your Path to Success held January 24, January 26 and February 2

• The Right Start - Your Path to Success held March 21, March 23 and March 28

• Partnered with NC REALTORS® to offer the Certified International Property Specialist course held throughout March

• Real Estate Professional Assistant Certificate Course held March 31 and April 1

• At Home with Diversity Certificate Course (discounted to $10 for members) held April 5

• Military Relocation Professional Certificate Course held May 10 and May 11

• Real Estate Professional Assistant Certificate Course held May 25 and May 26

• Real Estate Investing Certificate Course held June 8

• Pricing Strategic Advisor Certificate Course held September 20

• Bias Override: Overcoming Barriers to Fair Housing held October 20 and October 21

• Real Estate Negotiation Expert (RENE) Certificate Course held October 27 and October 28

• Senior Real Estate Specialist held November 30 and December 1

Attended by over 600 Realtors®

Fair Housing Challenge initiatives throughout April

Members participated in a variety of programs to strengthen their commitment to fair housing in the real estate industry.

• Created the theme: “Stand Up to Racial Equity” to promote the Fair Housing Challenge.

• Offered the live-stream NAR “At Home with Diversity” certification course held April 5 for only $10 to members that offered continuing education elective credit.

• Hosted a Realtor® Hot Topic held April 8 with Fair Housing expert Bryan Greene, Vice President of Policy Advocacy at NAR.

• Offered the CE elective “Focus on Fair Housing” Live-stream via Zoom on April 21.

• Promoted NAR’s Bias Override: Overcoming Barriers to Fair Housing.

• Promoted NAR’s Fairhaven: A Fair Housing Simulation Training.

• Highlighted local, state and national resources and information on our “Diversity in Action” webpage at carolinarealtors.com.

• Promoted the 2022 Realtors® Care Day project scheduled for April 29 to demonstrate our commitment to creating safe and affordable homes for all.

• Encouraged nominations for the Canopy Housing Foundation’s YES Award.

• Promoted the Canopy Housing Foundation’s website to learn more about the Association’s and Foundation’s commitment to Fair Housing.

• Promoted the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County proclamation for Fair Housing Month.

Workforce Housing Certificate Program

The Workforce Housing Certificate Program (WHCP) is a supplemental education program for Realtors® who wish to seek information about working with first-time homebuyers within 80% of the AMI. Providing information in this area of real estate provides specialized, localized resources to advance the skill set of our members. These potential first-time home buyers serve as the backbone of our community and include police officers, firefighters, teachers, retail staff and food service industry workers. Statistics for the year include:

223

29

What was new

CREI created a virtual “Canopy Campus” to host and deliver in-person, virtual and on-demand courses to launch in early 2023. Prelicensing curriculum hours were extended and a State Exam Prep Program was incorporated to support continued student success. Designation and certification offerings were expanded to include: The Right Start- Your Path to Success, Real Estate Professional Assistant Certificate Course, Bias Override: Overcoming Barriers to Fair Housing and Bias Override: Overcoming Barriers to Fair Housing. CREI also added three additional faculty members.

How we support Advancing the Profession and Improving Communities

Canopy Real Estate Institute serves as a central location for education, training and professional development and provides members with the education and relevant information they need throughout their real estate careers. The Broker-in-Charge Briefings and Realtor® Hot Topics provide timely and important topics to improve the business of our members and enhance professionalism to better serve consumers.

2023 STAFF DIRECTORY

EXECUTIVE

Anne Marie DeCatsye, Esq. Chief Executive Officer amdecatsye@canopyrealtors.com

Ashley Wheeler Senior Vice President Association Operations awheeler@canopyrealtors.com

Danielle Melendez Executive Assistant dmelendez@canopyrealtors.com

LEGAL/ RISK MANAGEMENT

Michele McCaskill Vice President Risk Management/ Assistant General Counsel mmccaskill@canopyrealtors.com

Bob Hull General Counsel bhull@canopyrealtors.com

Carla Rose Professional Standards Administrator crose@canopyrealtors.com

ACCOUNTING

Michelle McCool Chief Financial Officer mmccool@canopyrealtors.com

Leslie Singleton Billing Manager lsingleton@canopyrealtors.com

Yvonne Case Staff Accountant ycase@canopyrealtors.com

HUMAN RESOURCES & ADMINISTRATION

Laura Cuddy Vice President lcuddy@canopyrealtors.com

David Fraley Facilities Manager dfraley@canopyrealtors.com

MEMBER SERVICES

Carla Gaydos, Notary Public Member Services Manager cgaydos@canopyrealtors.com

Stephanie Beckett Member Services Coordinator membership@canopyrealtors.com

Leah Bessette Member Services Coordinator membership@canopyrealtors.com

Linda Hickman Senior Member Services Coordinator membership@canopyrealtors.com

Bryan Leitch Member Services/Realtor® Store/ Building Assistant membership@canopyrealtors.com

Kay Murphy Senior Member Services Coordinator membership@canopyrealtors.com

Myra Pachter Member Services Coordinator membership@canopyrealtors.com

Emily Cagle

Tier One Member Services Coordinator membership@canopyrealtors.com

Meet the team helping to Advance the Profession and Improve Our Communities.

Julie Jones

Tier One Member Services Coordinator membership@canopyrealtors.com

Lisa Brown Western Region Manager lbrown@canopyrealtors.com

THE REALTOR® STORE

Colleen Pierce Manager cpierce@canopyrealtors.com

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION SERVICES

Karyn Lindsey

Vice President of Education, Diversity and Inclusion klindsey@canopyrealtors.dom

LaToya Simms Director, Canopy Real Estate Institute lsimms@canopyrealtors.com

Courtney McLaughlin Education Services Manager ckmclaughlin@canopyrealtors.com

Deanna Smith Education Services Specialist dsmith@canopyrealtors.com

Francesca Frye Education Assistant ffrye@canopyrealtors.com

MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS

Kim McMillan Vice President

kmcmillan@canopyrealtors.com

Shawn Proffitt Integrated Marketing Manager sproffitt@canopyrealtors.com

Kim Walker Research and Media Relations Specialist kwalker@canopyrealtors.com

Tara Howie Creative Services Specialist thowie@canopyrealtorscom

Bryan Perkins Broker Relations Manager bperkins@canopyrealtors.com

CANOPY HOUSING FOUNDATION

Terri Marshall Executive Director tmarshall@canopyrealtors.com

Kim Oliver Director of Community Engagement koliver@canopyrealtors.com

Stacy Baum Sponsorship Coordinator sbaum@canopyrealtors.com

Lisa Brown Western Region Manager/Foundation Committee liaison lbrown@canopyrealtors.com

CANOPY MLS/ INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Steve Byrd Chief Information Officer sbyrd@canopyrealtors.com

Debbie Wey Vice President, MLS Administration dwey@canopyrealtors.com

Amy Davis Training and MLS Support Specialist support@canopyrealtors.com

Brigett Bouvier, Notary Public Training, Compliance and Data Licensing Administrator bbouvier@canopyrealtors.com

Kyle Murphy MLS Support Managaer support@canopyrealtors.com

Shawn Holyfield MLS Support Specialist support@canopyrealtors.com

Chante Johnson MLS Support Specialist support@canopyrealtors.com

Jocelyn Smith MLS Support Specialist support@canopyrealtors.com

AJ Sulayman MLS Data Licensing Analyst data@canopyrealtors.com

Oanh Duong IT Manager oduong@canopyrealtors.com

Harman Gill Senior Software Engineer hgill@canopyrealtors.com

Dana Gibbs Compliance Manager support@canopyrealtors.com

Gina Kang Compliance Administrator support@canopyrealtors.com

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

Rob Nanfelt Executive Director, REBIC rob.nanfelt@rebic.com

carolinahome.com

canopyrealtors.com

canopyreinstitute.com

canopyhousingfoundation.org