Your Fraser Valley Real Estate Board has long been a forerunner of member benefits. Don’t forget that it was this Board that invented WEBForms® before CREA acquired it. And it was our own directors who had the foresight to purchase the land for our office building and Back 40 when it was still possible to buy property for a song.
So in that tradition of innovation, this year we introduce some new things alongside some familiar things at this year’s Annual General Meeting.
Thanks to the launch of remote participation and voting, our AGM will be more inclusive and flexible than ever before. As long as you have an Internet connection and a device, it’s the next best thing to being there.
What is new?
Registration
Whether you are registering in person at the AGM or registering remotely through our FVREB AGM Dashboard, you MUST do so ONLY BETWEEN 7 am and 9:15 am on the day of the AGM, Wednesday, February 19, otherwise you will not be able to vote.
It’s a significant change that could cause some members surprise, because it’s new and because we can’t change it or make exceptions.
Changing the registration deadline was necessary to enable all registered members to vote simultaneously, which ensures a fair and accurate voting system, whether members are on site at the Coast Hotel and Convention Centre in Langley, or at home, the office or a vacation spot.
Live in-person attendance
On-site registration will be open from 7 am to 9:15 am. If you miss the registration window, you may still attend, but will not be able to vote. So get there early.
Voting cards & paper ballots
Those attending in person may carry one proxy and will vote using voting cards and paper ballots, which will be familiar to some members from previous AGMs.
Live stream observation
We said it was the next best thing to being there. So, once you are logged in to the FVREB AGM Dashboard you will be able to see and hear what is being said and presented on your device screen (desktop, laptop, tablet, smart phone) via the live stream signal from the convention centre.
Online participation
Last year we live streamed the AGM, which was well received by members. But this year we’ve ramped it up by providing a new way for members participating remotely to voice their comments through a custom dashboard.
For the first time ever you will be able to participate in the discussion occurring on the floor of the AGM by submitting your comments and questions via the online form.
How will that work?
Our staff moderators will monitor member questions and comments as they come through the AGM dashboard. If you want to be heard by the assembly, you’ll be directed to the online form to submit your comment or question. Using a microphone, our own Paul Cowhig will be on hand to voice your comments live in the meeting.
Voting remotely
Let your voice be heard. If you cannot attend in person, by all means vote remotely via the FVREB remote dashboard or through REALTOR Link® using your usual log- in and password.
We implore you to note the new cut-off for voting registration this year at 9:15 am on the day of the AGM. That’s a cut-off time that we must impose to make remote voting possible for members who can’t be there in person. Just log in between 7 am and 9:15 am and you’ll be registered to vote.
There are no proxy ballots available to remote voters.
For tips explaining how to use the online remote voting tools read this week’s NewsReal article Can’t be there? Find out how to watch the AGM and vote remotely on February 19.
And as always, you can find all the information you need and links to more detailed info by visiting our AGM page on REALTOR Link®.
We hope you’ll be there, one way or the other!