We start this year with many new challenges in our industry. Our business and the market continue to change quickly and it is critical that the leadership, shareholders and staff of Realcomp continue to look at all opportunities for the benefit of our customers.

The first step in keeping with this important goal will be the development of a strategic plan for 2010. This process will take place in January and will involve the Board of Governors and some key Realcomp Staff. This may very well be one of the most important plans that we have produced. We will be talking about topics such as the new NAR initiative (RPR-REALTOR^® Property Resource), additional consolidation opportunities, and new products and services.

To assist us in this process, we have secured the services of Brian Larson as our facilitator. Brian is an attorney who previously managed an MLS in Minnesota. The majority of his firm’s clients are real estate MLSs and associations, both local and state. Brian has performed as legal counsel and consultant to nearly 70 REALTOR^® associations and MLSs. He provides advice on policies, business strategies and more. We are pleased to have him leading this process.

Once the high level strategic plan has been completed, the management team at Realcomp will create a very detailed business plan that will include the individual projects and steps necessary to meet the objectives outlined in the strategic plan. This document will be our “marching orders” for the year. We will track our progress each month and provide quarterly updates to our shareholders and leadership.

In the next few months, I will provide you with an overview of both the strategic plan and the business plan. I will also keep you updated with our progress.

This is going to be a great year! Let me know how we are doing. You can reach me by email or by phone at 248.699.9120.