The REALTOR® Association of Southwestern Illinois (RASI) celebrated its centennial on June 5 with a happy hour using Zoom video conferencing.

Members of the RASI Board of Directors and other REALTOR® members joined RASI staff members in several virtual toasts. The event included a compilation video of birthday wishes from members as well as State Sen. Paul Schimpf of Waterloo, State Rep. Nathan Reitz of Steeleville, State Rep. Charlie Meier of Okawville, O’Fallon Mayor Herb Roach and Swansea Mayor Michael Leopold.

On June 5, 1920, the Arch View East Board of REALTORS® was established to serve area homeowners and private property owners. Since then, the association worked to become part of the community. In 1979, the name was changed to the Belleville Board of REALTORS®. In 2005, the association became known as the RASI.

Over the years, many processes and procedures used by local REALTORS® have changed. For example, association members used to meet each other to exchange house keys for showings. Now, they can use their phones to access home interiors. Handshakes that used to confirm business deals were replaced by paper contracts and more recently, paperless contracts. In person office meetings have been replaced by FaceTime, virtual tours and Zoom meetings.

“The ever-evolving real estate world will always continue to change, but what is important is the heart and soul of the association: members, business affiliate members and staff,” says Deb Frazier, RASI CEO. “The need for personal contact may dwindle, but you cannot take out REALTORS® who love what they do and work hard to provide for their clients.”

“No matter what our name has been or how business practices have changed, the association will remain at the forefront of the Metro-East real estate market for the next 100 years,” says RASI President Donna Baker.

RASI is the voice for real estate in Southwestern Illinois and its mission is to empower members to succeed in the future. For more information on RASI and real estate careers, please visit www.618realtor.com, call (618) 277-1980 or send an email message to [email protected].

REALTOR Association of Southwestern Illinois Zoom meeting photo

RASI members participate in a Zoom meeting to commemorate the association’s 100th anniversary on June 5.