August 23, 2021 Meeting Minutes
Rotary Club of Harrisburg
By Curt Stutzman
The meeting was called to order at 1:06 pm by President Matt Staub with the ringing of the bell. The invocation was given by Dr. Doug Pieper, and the song, “America the Beautiful,” was led by Marion Alexander. The pledge of allegiance was then taken by all present. Ellen Brown introduced guest Kathy Ludwig, Executive Director of the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors, who was attending the meeting with speaker Margaret Parsons.
President Matt made several “good news” announcements:
> Club member Cami Grimm was named a Woman to Watch by the Whitaker Center relative to the Women in STEM program.
> Our own Executive Director Addeline has been named as one of Central Penn Business Journal's 40 under 40, as was club member and President Matt's wife, Sarah Hyser-Staub. Congratulations!
> Kipona volunteers are needed for Labor Day weekend. Our club is assisting in the Welcome tent. See the ClubRunner for more information and to sign up.
> The Pancake Breakfast Committee will meet after today’s meeting.
Today’s speaker was introduced by Programs Committee member Ellen Brown. Margaret Parsons is Government Affairs Director of the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors (GHAR). She shared about the goals and challenges faced by the GHAR, established in 1916. The association covers the three county area of Dauphin, Cumberland, and Perry. She shared housing statistics from the three counties, which have all increased significantly since 2020. Recent dynamics include high prices, fast sales, and a low supply of residential housing in the area. While bidding wars have been a common occurrence in recent months, that seems to be settling down a bit now. Prices are staying high, however. Building materials prices have in some cases doubled in the past several years, which makes access to affordable housing quite difficult, especially for new homebuyers and those moving from rentals. Income is not rising enough to cover the inflationary cost of housing. The GHAR is pursuing legislation to help provide better zoning and improve the regulatory environment for affordable housing and rental housing.
The commercial real estate market seems to be improving in many areas, although there is still significant vacancy in office space around the area because of the reduction of the onsite workforce since the pandemic began. Teleworking is decreasing somewhat, but is still at levels three times higher than before the pandemic. The Association of Realtors focuses their efforts on affecting local ordinances and regulations, state and federal legislation, and flood insurance access. They also provide grants to communities through the GHAR Foundation. Persons with questions can contact Margaret at their website hgar.realtor.
Following a short Q & A period, President Matt thanked Ms. Parsons and had her sign a copy of Where I Live.
Next week, August 30, we will not be meeting at the Hilton, but instead will be holding a Service on a Monday event at the Salvation Army. Space is limited, and you should arrange your attendance by contacting Addeline. Since the following week, September 6, is Labor Day, our next meeting at the Hilton will be on September 13.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:53 p.m by President Matt.
