Illinois broker/author Terri Murphy was scheduled as the opening keynote speaker for the Georgia Association of Realtors (GAR) convention, opening today. But she can't be there.

Like the rest of the nation, the events of September 11,2001, have impacted Murphy's travel plans, not to mention her peace of mind. If flights were leaving out of Chicago in time, she could take her place at the podium.

"They evacuated my building because the governor lives there," recalls Murphy. "The Hancock building is in front of us, and the Sears Tower is right behind us. That's fear."

"We take for granted such things as the soundness of our homes," continues Murphy. "When you live in a large building, it is unfathomable that your china might not stay in the cabinet."

While GAR spokespersons say they will regret Murphy's absence, they are determined that the show will go on. The state association has no plans to cancel its annual convention and reports that attendees won't either.

"People who have to come from great distances will naturally be affected," says Sherry Dunn, spokesperson for GAR. "Our entire crew is already in Asheville and have been there since yesterday (Sept. 11.) I've only had four or five calls for cancellations and only two of those were from vendors."

Realizing that other speakers can't be found on such short notice, the GAR plans to wing it as best they can. "The speakers do have the option of faxing or e-mailing their materials in and we have staff that will present it for them," says Dunn. "I'm sure everyone will understand under the circumstances."

The Texas Association of Realtors (TAR) has also decided to move forward with the convention that it is sharing with the Louisiana Association of Realtors (LAR) this weekend in Dallas.

John Gormley, director of communications for TAR, said, "The decision was made via telephone conference call, with 21 of 33 members of the executive board participating. We are moving forward but also acknowledging the events of Tuesday, September 11. We aren't letting terrorist acts change this fact."

The convention is expected to draw as many as 1,000 Realtors. "We had people call on the 11th to register, and we have only had one vendor fall out," says Gormley. "but we may experience some changes in programming."

TAR says it is looking at including prayer opportunities for conventioneers. “Our hearts go out to the victims of the tragic events from Sept. 11, as well as their families,” said John D. Eckstrum, chairman of the 50,000-member TAR. “We are working with our partner, the Greater Dallas Association of Realtors (GDAR), to adjust the convention schedule to include appropriate acknowledgements and services.”

GDAR is also working on pulling together a mobile blood bank at the convention. There is already a temporary blood bank set up at Reunion Arena, across the street from the convention hotel headquarters at the Hyatt hotel. GDAR president Rich Thomas says, "We don't have anything confirmed yet, but we are working with Carter Blood Bank to possibly have a mobile unit set up for Monday, September 17th. That is the day that we expect the largest attendance as that is education day."

The decision to move forward wasn't as easy for the Louisiana Association of Realtors. LAR president Malcolm Young, said, "We have to listen to our members. One of our issues is that many of our members have to fly if they do attend, and they are cautious about flying right now."

"Our leadership team felt that part of President Bush's message is to try to assume normalcy as soon as possible," says Young.

Published: September 13, 2001

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Blanche Evans is the award-winning senior editor of Realty Times, the Internet's leading independent real estate news service. She is featured daily on the Realty Times Video Network in the "Realty Viewpoint" segment. Blanche has been named one of the "25 Most Influential People In Real Estate" by REALTOR Magazine, and has been twice recognized as a "notable." In 2005, she was named "Top Reporter Covering the NAR" by Delahaye-Bacon's. Blanche is a renowned author of five real estate books. Her newest, Bubbles, Booms and Busts: Make Money In Any Real Estate Market, McGraw-Hill, was rave-reviewed by The New York Times. She was also selected from hundreds of real estate experts to contribute to Donald Trump's book, Trump: The Best Real Estate Advice I Ever Received: 100 Top Experts Share Their Strategies, Rutledge Hill Press, and is featured on page 68. Order Now Review - Honors In 2006, Blanche was selected among scores of candidates to author two consumer real estate guidebooks for the National Association of Realtors: The NAR Guide to Home Buying, and The NAR Guide to Home Selling, Wiley & Sons. She is currently planning two new books for the NAR and its members.       Known for her keen insight into real estate industry issues and for her ability to make complex subjects easy to understand, Blanche is a sought-after keynote and continuing education speaker. Real estate organizations from MLSs, to brokerages, to franchisors, to associations hire her to provide up-to-the-minute analysis of real estate industry news and advice on how to improve revenues. Her passionate delivery, peppered with stinging wit, is a huge hit with audiences and fans. Don Klein, CEO Greater Nashville Association of Realtors, Blanche Evans, Richard Courtney, president 2007, GRAR "The GNAR membership meeting last week featured Blanche Evans as the keynote speaker. Her comments and insights resonated extremely well with those in attendance and we have had many requests for copies of her PowerPoint Presentation. She was a terrific part of the membership meeting and convention program!" - Don Klein, CEO Greater Nashville Association of Realtors Coverage from WSMV, Nashville - 8-14-2007 That Interview Guy - Get Inside The Head Of Today's Generation 2007 AE Institute Session - To purchase 2006 AE Institute Session - Parts 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 HouseValues Mastermind call - Parts 1 2 Blanche's fireside chat with Jeremy Conaway, HAR - Click here. To contact Blanche, email her at . For more articles by Blanche, click here.