New Leadership at the Helm: Glen Tosh Appointed 2020 President of the Manitoba Real Estate Association

The Manitoba Real Estate Association (MREA) proudly announced Glen Tosh of Royal LePage Martin-Liberty Realty in Brandon as its President for 2020. This appointment marks a significant moment for the association, signaling a continuation of its commitment to excellence, professional advocacy, and community engagement within Manitoba’s vibrant real estate sector. Tosh, a seasoned professional with a deep-rooted passion for both real estate and public service, brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to this pivotal leadership role.

As president, Tosh is set to guide MREA through an evolving market landscape, championing the interests of both real estate professionals and the public they serve. His leadership is anticipated to reinforce MREA’s mission to build, empower, and uphold the real estate profession across the province, ensuring that Manitoba’s homeowners and aspiring buyers receive the highest standard of service and protection.

Glen Tosh: A Journey Rooted in Service and Dedication

Glen Tosh’s path to the MREA presidency is a testament to his unwavering dedication to both his profession and his community. His journey in real estate began in 2008 when he joined MREA as a Realtor in the Brandon area. However, his professional roots extend further, having initially started his career as a mortgage broker. This early experience provided him with a comprehensive understanding of the financial intricacies of homeownership, a foundation that would prove invaluable in his subsequent career as a real estate professional.

The transition from mortgage broker to the sales side was driven by a profound realization: the direct and powerful impact Realtors have in helping individuals and families achieve their dreams of homeownership. This understanding has shaped his approach, emphasizing not just transactions, but the life-changing aspirations behind every property sale. His commitment extends beyond the closing table, focusing on building lasting relationships and contributing positively to the lives of those he assists.

A Lifelong Commitment to Community Building

Beyond his professional achievements, Glen Tosh is widely recognized for his extensive contributions to community service. Following in the footsteps of his parents, who instilled in him the importance of giving back, Tosh has dedicated nearly his entire life to volunteering. His efforts span a wide array of initiatives, from coaching local sports teams to actively participating in community development projects and foundation work. This lifelong commitment underscores a deep-seated desire to make a tangible difference in the lives of his fellow Manitobans.

His dedication has not gone unnoticed. The Assiniboine Community College Alumni Association recently honored Tosh with its prestigious Community Service Award, recognizing his significant contributions to the welfare and betterment of the community. Furthermore, his leadership and positive influence were acknowledged in 2018 when he received the Community Leader award from The Brandon Sun. These accolades highlight not only his active participation but also the profound and lasting positive impact he has had on the communities he serves.

Tosh himself articulates his enjoyment in meeting new people through both his professional and volunteer roles. He values the intricate processes and diligence that characterize executive-level volunteer work, expressing initial surprise at the extensive behind-the-scenes efforts required. He is particularly impressed by the frequent engagement of staff and volunteers with political leaders, emphasizing the critical role they play in sharing invaluable industry knowledge and advocating passionately for homeowners’ rights and interests.

Charting the Course: MREA’s Three Pillars Under New Leadership

Glen Tosh’s vision for MREA’s future is firmly anchored in the association’s three fundamental pillars: to build, empower, and uphold the real estate profession. He expresses enthusiasm for serving alongside a board and staff that embodies a harmonious blend of seasoned experience and innovative new ideas. This dynamic combination is crucial for navigating the complexities of the modern real estate market and ensuring MREA remains at the forefront of industry development and member support.

Let’s delve deeper into what these three pillars entail:

1. Building the Real Estate Profession

This pillar focuses on fostering growth, enhancing professional standards, and ensuring a robust future for real estate in Manitoba. Under Tosh’s leadership, MREA aims to:

Elevate Education and Training: Continuously improve and expand educational programs for Realtors, equipping them with the latest market knowledge, ethical guidelines, and technological skills necessary to excel in a competitive environment. This includes workshops, seminars, and accreditation programs that go beyond basic licensing requirements.
Promote Best Practices: Encourage and enforce a high standard of professional conduct, ensuring that all MREA members adhere to a strict code of ethics and best practices that build public trust and confidence in the real estate profession.
Attract New Talent: Inspire individuals to consider a career in real estate, offering guidance and resources to those entering the profession, thereby ensuring a healthy pipeline of skilled professionals for Manitoba’s future.

2. Empowering Real Estate Professionals

Empowerment is about providing MREA members with the tools, resources, and support they need to succeed and thrive. This pillar focuses on enhancing the capabilities and opportunities available to Realtors:

Access to Resources: Provide members with comprehensive market data, legal updates, technological innovations, and marketing tools that enhance their ability to serve clients effectively and efficiently.
Advocacy and Representation: Actively represent the interests of Realtors at all levels of government, advocating for policies that support a fair and robust housing market, protect property rights, and reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens.
Networking and Collaboration: Create opportunities for members to connect, share insights, and collaborate with peers, fostering a strong sense of community and mutual support within the profession.
Professional Development: Offer ongoing opportunities for Realtors to specialize, expand their skill sets, and adapt to emerging trends, ensuring they remain competitive and relevant in a rapidly changing industry.

3. Upholding the Real Estate Profession

This critical pillar is dedicated to maintaining the integrity, credibility, and ethical standards of the real estate industry, protecting both professionals and consumers alike:

Consumer Protection: Implement and advocate for measures that safeguard the interests of home buyers and sellers, ensuring transparency, fairness, and accountability in all real estate transactions. This includes maintaining robust dispute resolution mechanisms.
Ethical Standards and Enforcement: Maintain and enforce a rigorous code of ethics, holding members accountable for their professional conduct and ensuring that the public can trust the advice and services provided by MREA Realtors.
Market Stability and Regulation: Work with government and industry stakeholders to ensure a stable and well-regulated real estate market that benefits all participants, fostering economic growth while mitigating risks.
Public Awareness and Education: Educate the public about the value and importance of working with a qualified MREA Realtor, highlighting the protections and expertise they bring to the home buying and selling process.

A Diverse and Experienced Board of Directors for 2020

Glen Tosh is not alone in his mission; he is joined by a formidable team on the MREA 2020 Board of Directors, bringing together diverse expertise and geographical representation from across Manitoba. This collective strength ensures that the association’s strategies are well-informed and responsive to the varied needs of its members and the public throughout the province. The board’s composition reflects a deliberate effort to blend established wisdom with innovative perspectives, creating a dynamic leadership environment.

Key members of the 2020 Board of Directors include:

Stewart Elston, Powell Property Group, Winnipeg, served as President-Elect, indicating a clear succession plan and continuity in leadership.
Julie Friesen, Delta Real Estate, Steinbach, held the crucial role of Treasurer, overseeing the financial health and strategic allocation of resources for the association.
David Powell, Powell Property Group, Winnipeg, as Immediate Past President, provided invaluable guidance and institutional memory, ensuring a smooth transition and leveraging his recent leadership experience.
Roberta Weiss, Century 21 Bachman & Associates, focused on enhancing professional development as the Education Chair.
Lorne Weiss, Century 21 Bachman & Associates, led MREA’s political action efforts as the Manitoba PAC Chair, crucial for advocating on behalf of the industry.
Chris Pennycook, Royal LePage Dynamic Real Estate, Winnipeg, served as a Director at Large, contributing broad industry insights.
Adrian Schulz, Imperial Properties, Winnipeg, also served as a Director at Large, bringing additional perspectives to strategic decision-making.
Catherine Schellenberg, Re/Max Professionals, Winnipeg, represented WinnipegRealtors as its president, linking MREA to the largest local board in the province.
Kourosh Doustshenas, Expert Real Estate Services, Winnipeg, was the WinnipegRealtors President-Elect, highlighting future leadership within the regional context.
Mandy King, No Place Like Home Realty, represented the Brandon Area Realtors as their president, ensuring regional concerns outside Winnipeg are well-addressed.
Michael Barrett, Re/Max ValleyView Realty, served as the CREA Regional Director, providing a vital link to the national real estate association and broader Canadian real estate trends and policies.

This comprehensive board structure underscores MREA’s commitment to robust governance and effective representation, ensuring that the association continues to serve its members and the broader Manitoba community with integrity and foresight.

MREA’s Enduring Impact on Manitoba’s Real Estate Landscape

The Manitoba Real Estate Association plays an indispensable role in shaping the real estate landscape of the province. Beyond its internal governance and member support, MREA acts as a crucial guardian of consumer confidence, promoting market stability through ethical standards and transparent practices. The association’s proactive engagement with policymakers ensures that the unique dynamics of Manitoba’s housing market are understood and addressed in legislative decisions.

Under the leadership of Glen Tosh and the dedicated Board of Directors, MREA is poised to continue its legacy of fostering a fair, efficient, and professional real estate environment. Their collective efforts ensure that whether one is buying their first home in Winnipeg, expanding a business in Brandon, or selling property in Steinbach, the process is guided by knowledgeable and ethical professionals committed to excellence. MREA’s work contributes significantly to the economic vitality and social well-being of communities across Manitoba.

Conclusion: Charting a Course for Success and Service

The appointment of Glen Tosh as the 2020 President of the Manitoba Real Estate Association ushers in a period of dynamic leadership and renewed commitment to the core values of the profession. His extensive background in real estate, coupled with a lifetime of dedicated community service, positions him perfectly to lead MREA in achieving its strategic objectives.

With a clear vision articulated through the pillars of building, empowering, and upholding the real estate profession, and supported by a diverse and experienced Board of Directors, MREA is set to continue its vital work. The association remains steadfast in its mission to advocate for its members, protect the interests of homeowners, and contribute positively to the economic fabric of Manitoba. The future of real estate in the province looks promising under this dedicated and forward-thinking leadership, ensuring that the dreams of homeownership remain attainable and well-supported for all Manitobans.