From left to right: Congressman Don Beyer (D-8), Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-11), Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton (D-10) and NVAR CEO, Ryan McLaughlin.
A great working relationship and camaraderie was on display as all three members of the Northern Virginia Congressional delegation took the stage at the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors® (NVAR), marking the return of an annual NVAR tradition.
On Friday, April 22, over 50 Northern Virginia Realtors® Political Action Committee (NV/RPAC) Major Investors and guests from neighboring Dulles Area Association of Realtors® (DAAR) and the Realtor® Association of Prince William (PWAR) gathered for the annual Major Investors’ Congressional Breakfast. With Covid-19 gathering restrictions finally lifted, Realtors® were excited to return to this exclusive event for the first time since 2019. Congressman Don Beyer (D-8), Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton (D-10) and Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-11) attended the event along with members of their policy staff.
From left to right: Angie Delboy, FPC to Congressman Gerry Connolly; Christine RIchardson, FPC to Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton and Fetneh Schacht, NV/RPAC Major Investor
In additional to serving as a recognition event for the NVAR members who contributed $1,000 or more to the Realtors® Political Action Committee (RPAC), this event also allowed Realtor® Federal Political Coordinators (FPCs) a unique opportunity to meet with their Members of Congress in a relaxed setting. The FPC program assigns every member of Congress a specially selected Realtor® who is the voice and the face of real estate to our federal lawmakers. These individuals play a pivotal role in Realtor® Party outreach and advocacy.
FPCs and Major Investors mingled with their Congressional lawmakers during the pre-event coffee and networking session, shared stories and real estate industry priorities over bacon and eggs at the breakfast table, listened and asked questions of the Congressmen during the panel discussion and Q &A session, and finally grabbed some photos after the event.
“I've been a Major Investor for many years and recently became the Federal Political Coordinator for Congressman Don Beyer,” said Nicholas Lagos with Century 21 New Millennium. “I truly did not appreciate all of the work that goes into Realtor® advocacy until I became a Major Investor and got to attend events like this that connect Realtors® with our lawmakers. I can meet one-on-one with the Congressman, hear insights on what is happening on Capitol Hill, and also ask direct questions. It’s a great opportunity.”
Angie Delboy with Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Premier and the FPC to Congressman Gerry Connolly added, “Realtor® and homeowner issues can get lost when competing with hundreds of issues on the national level. The FPC program as a whole, and events like this breakfast, are our opportunities to break through the noise and get Realtor® issues front and center with our Representatives.” Also joining us was Christine Richardson, FPC to Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton,
Congressmen Beyer and Connolly and Congresswoman Wexton discussed a wide range of serious issues mixed with laughter and levity throughout the morning. During the panel discussion, moderated by NVAR CEO Ryan McLaughlin, the Representatives spoke on everything from local transportation and infrastructure funding to gas prices and inflation and the international conflict in Ukraine. The bulk of the discussion, however, focused on the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) 2022 Legislative Priority Issues. Continuing to address fair housing and improving access to homeownership through housing inventory and supply were themes on which all three Members of Congress could agree. The panel closed with an overview of how redistricting will impact each of the Northern Virginia district lines and how each member planned to connect with their new constituents.
If you missed out on this special event, please reach out to NVAR Staff or visit www.NVAR.com/RPAC to find out how you can become a Major Investor and support the real estate industry and our Realtor® Party advocacy efforts.
View all photos here!