Pittsburgh REALTORS® Celebrate 100 Years
A Weekend of Events Commemorates the Centennial
PITTSBURGH (September 22, 2011) - The 2,100-member REALTORS® Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh (RAMP) is celebrating 100 years of serving the real estate needs of our area’s families and businesses with a Centennial Weekend Celebration comprised of four events spanning two days.
Centennial Weekend Celebration
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30
3:00 to 4:30 P.M. - Annual Meeting and Membership Awards | Penn Brewery at 800 Vinial Street on the North Side
The featured presentation is a Panel Discussion of Allegheny County’s Property Reassessment. Panelists include Rich Fitzgerald, Democratic Nominee for Allegheny County Chief Executive; Raja, Republican Nominee for Allegheny County Chief Executive; Wayne Fontana, Pennsylvania State Senator and REALTOR® member of RAMP; and Vince Gastgeb, Allegheny County Council Member for District 5.
4:30 to 7:00 P.M. - Centennial Weekend Kick-Off Reception | Penn Brewery at 800 Vinial Street on the North Side
Kick off the weekend celebration at a reception sponsored by RAMP’s affiliate partners and the Young REALTOR® Professionals Network.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1
11:00 A.M to 2:00 P.M. - Reunion with the Past Presidents Brunch | Bucca Di Beppo at 3 Station Square
Meet, eat and reminisce during brunch hosted by RAMP’s former officers at the site of RAMP’s previous headquarters in the Express House, Station Square.
5:30 P.M. to 10:30 P.M. - Celebrate Our Place in History | Senator John Heinz History Center at 1212 Smallman Street in the Strip District
See RAMP’s history on display during a gala evening of fellowship, cocktails and dinner at Pittsburgh’s famous center for history.
The REALTORS® Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh claims a proud history of serving the community and the real estate industry for 100 years. The organization was chartered on May 11, 1911 as the Pittsburgh Real Estate Board, founded by 30 charter members to “create a closer bond and to improve conditions of the real estate business by united action directed to a common goal.” The board began in a day when the real estate business was virtually unregulated and an unscrupulous broker was as easy to come by as an honest one. Real estate brokers around the country formed organizations to become acquainted with others who could be trusted, share information, and improved the stature of the real estate business. On June 16, 1911, the Pittsburgh board became affiliated with those brokers in the National Association of Real Estate Exchanges, which later became known as the National Association of REALTORS®.
RAMP’s founding members established a distinguished tradition of civic involvement, beginning with the board’s first president, David P. Black, who was one of the original nine councilmen on Pittsburgh’s first city council. The sixth president, A. J. Kelly, Jr., was also one of city’s original councilmen. During the early decades, board members chaired the city’s zoning committee, served Allegheny County’s board of assessors, and influenced the development of city’s Renaissance I and II. These public servants represent many members who have served the community, influenced public policy, and contributed time and talent to advancing the real estate profession throughout the years.
RAMP Milestones in the Past 50 Years
1963…A committee of lawyers and REALTORS® formed to foster a harmonious relationship between the two professions. The Lawyer REALTOR® committee prepared standard forms and agreements that became the standard in use in the local marketplace for over 26 years.
1964…A real estate school was approved by the Department of Education and affiliated with Duquesne University’s programs in 1968. The board’s school was the forerunner to today’s REALTORS® Education Institute that has served the real estate education needs of the industry and the public for 40 years. This is one of many educational services RAMP provides.
1971…A hotline was formed to help the layman with real estate matters. The Hotline committee fielded inquiries, answered questions, and directed callers to expert resources.
1975…The Voluntary Affirmative Marketing Agreement was signed between the National Association of REALTORS® and HUD, with state and local associations and their members following suit. Signatories pledged to observe anti-discrimination practices and foster the open housing market the federal Fair Housing Act of 1968 intended. The agreement has since been reaffirmed on landmark anniversaries of the Act.
1988…The first fulltime professional educator, Elaine K. Houser, M.Ed., was hired as director of the REALTORS® Education Institute. The current director is Mary Lynne Deets, M.Ed.
1991…A government affairs department was created and a full time director, Robert J. Johnson, was hired. The department was formed to enhance the board’s mission as the voice of private property rights, especially in the metropolitan area. Jennifer M. Cloonan is the current director.
1992…The Greater Pittsburgh Board of REALTORS® started doing business as the REALTORS® Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh. The name was changed to reflect the expanded marketplace of the organization’s members.
1992…A not-for-profit charitable organization formed, the REALTORS® Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh Foundation, to serve the needs of the community and REALTORS®.
1992…The Alternate Dispute Resolution Service™ was launched to provide an affordable and efficient way for buyers and sellers to settle disputes through mediation and arbitration, as an alternative to civil litigation.
2002…RAMP developed a partnership with LaRoche College and the first four-year real estate degree program in Western Pennsylvania became a reality with courses offered that fall.
2006…A communications department was formed to enhance RAMP’s internal and external communications. Joi Rogers is the current marketing and communications director and master of the organization’s award-winning website www.ramprealtors.com.
2011…RAMP celebrates 100 years of serving the real estate industry and Pittsburgh’s residents and businesses.
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The REALTORS® Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh Foundation is organized under the Pennsylvania Non-Profit Corporation Law and is qualified as an exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
The term "REALTOR®" is a federally registered collective membership mark which identifies real estate professionals who are Members of the National Association of REALTORS® and subscribe to its strict Code of Ethics. Since the subject term is a registered mark and serves this special identifying function, it should be used only in reference to real estate professionals who are Members of the National Association. The mark REALTOR® should also be distinguished from words of ordinary use by capitalization. Please take care to capitalize the term REALTOR® in the manner specified in the AP and UPI style books.
PHOTO CAPTIONS:
RAMP_Centennial_Logo(No_Background_No_Text_Black).gif – RAMP’s Centennial Logo
