April Luncheon Recap: Advocacy, Engagement & Community Impact

Longleaf Pine REALTORS® gathered on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at the Crown Center Complex for the April General Membership Meeting. The luncheon opened with association business, guest recognition, and updates, followed by the welcome of John McPherson, 2025 NC REALTORS® President, as the featured program speaker.

John shared an encouraging message about the importance of REALTOR® involvement beyond the local level. He reminded members that their voice matters at every level of the industry and encouraged them to look for ways to serve through state and national committees, connect with local REALTOR® contacts, and stay informed through the Longleaf Pine REALTORS®, NC REALTORS®, and NAR websites. His message centered on one clear takeaway: getting involved helps strengthen the REALTOR® voice, support the profession, and protect the communities our members serve.

Members also received important association updates, including an announcement that Longleaf Pine REALTORS® has approved a $500,000 donation to the FTCC Foundation to support scholarships in skilled trades connected to the housing industry. Of that total, $150,000 will go into LPR’s previously established scholarship endowment, while $350,000 will support workforce pathways in areas such as electrical systems, plumbing, building construction, carpentry, and masonry.

The Bylaws Committee also provided an update on its comprehensive review of the Association’s governing documents. After more than a year of work, the committee is in the final stages of review and plans to present a draft to the Board of Directors at the June meeting, with a membership presentation expected later in the summer or early fall. Members were encouraged to watch the newsletter for future updates.

Advocacy and REALTOR® engagement were key themes throughout the luncheon. Members were reminded of the impact of NC REALTORS® PAC, which supports candidates based on REALTOR® issues such as homeownership, property rights, and the real estate industry, not political party affiliation. The materials also highlighted upcoming RPAC opportunities, including the “Aim High for RPAC” Clay Shooting Event on Friday, May 8, and the ongoing gift card raffle tied to the event.

The luncheon materials also highlighted opportunities for professional development and community involvement. Members were encouraged to take advantage of Fairhaven 2.0, NAR’s essential fair housing education resource, and to participate in May volunteer opportunities, including ALMS House Volunteer Night, Friendship Garden Volunteering, and Fayetteville Urban Ministry Service Saturday.

Nuts & Bolts was back for the first time in many years with presentation materials that included an April 2026 Chemours information session for Longleaf Pine REALTORS®, covering Fayetteville Works, PFAS education, emissions reduction efforts, private well sampling programs, public water considerations, and resources for homeowners or listing agents with questions about eligibility for sampling.

Thank you to everyone who attended, participated, and continues to help advance the mission of Longleaf Pine REALTORS®. From advocacy and leadership involvement to community investment and volunteer service, the April Luncheon reflected the many ways LPR members are making an impact locally, statewide, and nationally.

Photo Credits to our incredible Affiliate Member, Angela Pollitt of Angela Pollitt Photography! Check out some of her other work at https://angelapollitt.smugmug.com/