(l to r) RASI President Angie Zahn, Breese Mayor Charlie Hilmes and REALTOR® Chris Dixon agree that community growth is important for residents and REALTORS®.

Mayors from Belleville, Breese, Columbia, Fairview Heights, Mascoutah, O’Fallon, Shiloh, and Swansea joined more than 130 members of the REALTOR® Association of Southwestern Illinois (RASI) last week in Fairview Heights for a discussion about their communities.

“Mitch Albom once said, ‘Devote yourself to your community around you and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning,’” said Angie Zahn, RASI President. “The sentiment behind this quote was felt at ‘Breakfast with the Mayors’ last week.

“We, as the REALTOR® Association, feel it’s so important to have an active role in our communities. We strive to continually be partners in community development, making sure that the communities in the Metro-East are thriving.

“Whether it’s being an advocate for the rights of private property owners or giving back to those who need it, we feel that it’s essential to work together with our community leaders. We are incredibly grateful for the reciprocal feelings of the mayors who joined us. We sincerely appreciate their time and all they do for our communities.”

The gathering was held at the Four Points by Sheraton in Fairview Heights.

RASI will continue the working relationships with these mayors and mayors from all the communities in the Metro-East to protect the rights of private property owners. RASI is the voice for real estate in Southwestern Illinois with more than 950 members.