RECORDING: Online Forum with the SBA
LOUISIANA REALTORS • April 6, 2020
Louisiana REALTORS® hosted Jo Ann Lawrence, Deputy Director of the Deputy Director of the U.S. Small Business Administration Louisiana Office, and Susheel Kumar, Public Information Officer, for the U.S. Small Business Office of Disaster Assistance, Field Operations Center – West, to provide a high-level overview of SBA programs available to assist businesses during this current crisis.
With over 1,000 REALTORS from around the state tuning it, we have made this recording available for playback along with a copy of the presentation for reference. This recording is approximately 1 hour in length and provides information on various SBA programs available to assist REALTORS® who have experienced business losses and setbacks due to the coronavirus pandemic.
One important item to note is that good record-keeping throughout the process is essential. In order to apply and for funds to possibly be forgiven you will need to provide information and demonstrate the qualifying amount to your lender and/or the SBA. Additionally, the SBA has moved swiftly to make these funds available and the SBA and lenders alike are still putting some processes into place to administer these programs. We are all reminded to be patient, yet persistent.
It is difficult to determine what is best for each business owner’s situation. In real estate, there are a wide range of business models and what is right for one model may not be right for another. Therefore, Louisiana REALTORS® suggests you consult with your accountant and financial advisor or talk with your business banking institution to determine the option that is best suited for your needs. A consolidated list of the more common and general questions following the call will be posted at a later date.
For more information always check back to: SBA and LED Financial Assistance
and the U.S. Department of the Treasury - Assistance for Small Businesses
2025 Extraordinary Legislative Session Wrap-up
Discover how real estate professionals can use technology to enhance client relationships, streamline transactions, and stand out in a digital market.
Louisiana REALTORS® wraps up 2025 and looks forward to 2026! Louisiana REALTORS® gathered in Baton Rouge from October 7–8 for the 2025 Fall Governance Meetings, a dynamic two-day event filled with professional development, strategic planning and member engagement. The day before the conference offered the conclusion to the 2025 LR Leadership Program with participants graduated from the yearlong program after a half-day session. The 2025 graduates include: Torri Byrd, Shawn Carter, Bradley Cook, Stefany Deroche, Mignon Richard Díaz, Alfra Dixon, Thaddeus Dixon, Glen Elliott, Yvonne Graham, Charlotte Johnson, Michelle LaBanca, Slagle McGuffee, Ellen Monroe, Matt Noel, Ros Pack, Tiffany Pellerin, Latonia Riggs, Shannon Rodi Nash, Trish Skellham, Rebecca Slone and Charlotte St. Romain. Additionally, a sold-out, full-day AI-Powered Real Estate Professional Certification course led by industry expert Matthew Rathbun blew away attendees and had them leaving the session with such invigoration. The first official day of the conference held focus on professional development and networking. Tuesday opened with an informative session entitled Professional Liability 101 from Rice Insurance Services Center, offering critical insights into E&O and risk management. RPR's session brought a wealth information to attendees and offered a hands-on learning experience for the tools offered online. Targeted sessions like the Local AE Meeting and the YPN Advisory Council Open Meeting provided space for peer exchange and innovation. The day concluded with a festive Opening Reception sponsored by Louisiana YPN, bringing members together to celebrate and connect. The next day offered collaboration and celebration with Closing the Affordability Gap, presented by the Louisiana Housing Corporation, equipping REALTORS® with tools to better serve clients in today’s market. Regional caucuses followed, allowing members from across Louisiana to discuss local issues and share best practices. The Board of Directors Meeting brought the governance portion of the event to a close with strategic decisions for the year ahead. At the Board Meeting, Chris Brock, Northeast REALTORS® of Louisiana; Trish Leleux, Greater Central LA REALTORS® Association; Synde Devillier, Bayou Board of REALTORS®; Scott McCubbin, Bayou Board of REALTORS®; Amber Morrow, Greater Fort Polk Area REALTORS®; and David Moses, Greater Central LA REALTORS® Association; were elected as 2026 At-Large Directors. The grand finale? A spirited LSU Pregame Fan Experience and the highly anticipated Installation Ceremony, where new leadership was formally welcomed in a celebration of community and commitment. Louisiana REALTORS® looks forward to hosting REALTORS® from around the state at the Winter Leadership Conference, March 3-4, 2026, at the Live! Casino & Hotel in Bossier City. We would like to thank our sponsors Greater Baton Rouge Association of REALTORS® (GBRAR) , Zillow , Dax Roy Appraisals, Supra, American Home Shield, Guard Home Warranty fo r their generous support in helping make this conference happen!
