Ozark Gateway Association of Realtors

The Ozark Gateway Association of REALTORS® has a long and proud history of

representing the interests of the real estate community in the greater Joplin area.

The organization began its life as the Real Estate Board of Joplin. Four local real estate agents called a meeting of all Joplin agents on April 26, 1918, to consider organizing a Realty Board. Joe Pile was chosen chairman of the meeting and was elected the first President of the new Board on May 6, 1918. In May, 1924, the Board became affiliated with the National Association of Real Estate Boards.

From the very beginning this organization has been enthusiastic for civic improvements. Many of these we enjoy today originated with this little band of progressive boosters.

The Board was incorporated in 1945. In September of 1963 the Board became known as The Joplin Board of REALTORS®.

The first formal multiple listing program was established in 1973. The MLS system was fully computerized in 1985. The first printed MLS book was available in August 1985.

The association purchased its’ first permanent office building in 1981. Previous to that time, each broker and agent was required to go to the home of the executive officer to pick up the current MLS listings.

In 1996 a group of members set out to build a conference center to provide permanent space for the Associations’ many classes and events. The C. Ray McDaniel Conference Center, named for C. Ray McDaniel, a former Appraiser/REALTOR® broker, instrumental in Board leadership for many years, was dedicated in 1997.

The Board exhibited steady growth throughout the nineties. Membership grew 25%. The addition of companies from Carthage and Neosho to the MLS resulted in a 28% increase in MLS participation.

With the advent of the Internet, the dynamics of how the real estate business is conducted has changed dramatically. The Ozark Gateway Association of REALTORS® has used it’s resources to offer services to help it’s membership keep pace with the many changes.

The challenge for the future will continue to be how to keep the REALTOR® at the center of the real estate transaction.

Current market conditions call for bold, innovative steps that match the boldness with which outside forces are encroaching on the industry and result in traditional real estate brokers and agents remaining viable providers of real estate transaction services.

The Ozark Gateway Association of REALTORS® is up for the challenge. The association has proven its willingness to change to remain relevant to its members and the industry they seek to serve.