03/02/2026
11/10/2025
New Digital Visibility:
Agent Dashboard + ValleyMLS.com consumer ads
Engagement Sponsorships:
Monthly REALTOR® Trivia & Winner Spotlight
More Exposure, Better Tools:
Attendee lists, short presentations, performance tracking
See recommended fits in each section.
Why it works: Consistent, high-volume visibility via newsletters & emails.
Great for: Mortgage & Financial, Title & Closing, Insurance, Warranties, Home Services.
Featured opportunities:
Weekly Newsletter Sponsorship
Monthly ValleyMLS Email Sponsorship
NEW: Trivia Sponsor (question + winner spotlight)
NEW: Credit Card Expiring Notification (sponsor message)
Why it works: Authority and trust—align with REALTOR® education.
Great for: Inspections, Appraisals, Mortgage & Financial, Title & Closing, Insurance, Warranties.
Featured opportunities:
CE Course Sponsorship (monthly in 2027 CE year)
New Member Orientation (Day 1 AM / Day 2 AM / Day 2 Lunch)
“Title Talk” Orientation (Title Attorneys only)
Certifications & Designations (SRS, ABR, GRI series)
Why it works: Face-to-face relationships and referral growth.
Great for: Builders, Roofing, Home Services, Moving, Mortgage, Title & Closing.
Featured opportunities:
Membership Luncheons (quarterly)
Happy Hours (multiple dates)
Annual/Gala & Seasonal Events
09/10/2025
06/11/2024
As we celebrate Pride Month, let’s take a moment to reflect on what it truly stands for. Pride is about honoring the history, struggles, and triumphs of the LGBTQ+ community. It’s a time to recognize and embrace diversity, promote equality, and advocate for the rights and acceptance of all individuals regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Pride is a celebration of love, courage, and resilience. It’s a reminder that everyone deserves to live authentically and without fear of discrimination or prejudice. It’s a call to action to continue fighting for a more inclusive and accepting society for all.
Let’s use this month to educate, uplift, and support one another. Let’s stand in solidarity with our LGBTQ+ friends, family members, and neighbors. Together, we can create a world where everyone is free to be their true selves without fear or judgment.
05/24/2024
Madison, Alabama is finally home to two stunning murals. Both are grand in size, bold in color, and rich with meaning. Read on to learn how the first two murals along Madison’s very own mural trail came to fruition.
Bringing murals to Madison: Surely it’s as easy as picking some fun designs, grabbing some paint, and getting them thrown up on some exterior walls to add just a little bit of color to the city, right?
Err, not quite! The “behind the scenes” process of bringing something new (such as a couple of new murals) to a city is often much more involved and costly than one may assume, but a few local groups worked together diligently to bring the Madison Mural Trail to life! Here’s the story.
In case you haven’t heard (or seen them!), Madison now has two visually stunning, expansive murals right smack in the middle of our community.
A landscape-orientation mural is located on the east-facing wall of Filthy Gorgeous in downtown Madison and is a nod to our community’s historical roots.
The mural project began nearly 12 months ago after a few community members brought the idea to city leaders in Madison. Madison Visionary Partners soon came on board with support and rapidly put the pedal to the metal to get the ball rolling with funding, location approval, artistic selection, and more.
Executive Director Melanie Thornton says that this project was a “perfect fit” for MVP.
“We see murals all over Alabama in both big and small cities, and we wanted that for Madison too.”
She shares that “public art displays tell the stories of a community and bring people together.”
The Madison Arts Alliance also brought their expertise in mural maintenance to assist with the long term care of the murals.
Thornton worked hard with Mayor of Madison Paul Finley and other city leaders to have an ordinance put in place that would allow art like this in Madison to move forward.
A mural advisory board was formed and location ideas were suggested.
Selecting locations was more challenging than it may seem because the right spots for a mural had to checkmark a handful of boxes, especially the Downtown Madison mural, where century-old buildings must be protected and respected.
Public viewability and accessibility are also important, so options were further limited.
Cindy Sensenberger, the owner of the far-west downtown building that houses businesses such as Filthy Gorgeous and Pure Barre, was enthusiastic from the beginning and supportive of a mural being painted along the north-facing side. This checked the box for the historical downtown mural.
Charlie Sealy, Vice President of Sealy Management Company, and Christy Wimberly, owner of Honest Coffee, had had conversations about bringing a mural to The Avenue already, so they were easily on board with Thornton’s suggestion to move forward with an Avenue mural location.
Ann Moeller was hand-selected by the MVP Board of Directors to paint The Avenue mural, named “March of the Monarch”.
“We wanted a local artist,” shared Thornton, who explains that Moeller is from Madison with children in the school system.
She was first discovered by the advisory committee after her mural within the new Kroger on the corner of County Line Road and Highway 72 was recognized.
“We loved the look of the mural she painted in Kroger, so we approached her with our idea. She has roots here, and we knew that she was exactly what we were looking for.”
The inset in the brick wall fits a perfect 15.5’ wide by 26’ tall mural.
The Madison Mural in downtown was completed by Sonya Clemons, known as The Art Lady.
“I’ve been a huge fan of her work for years,” explains Thornton. “I love her style, and she has done great work with a few historic murals already.”
Thornton says that the committee loved that she is from North Alabama as well.
“Her artwork is very engaging and just leaves you wanting a little bit more.”
Thornton says that the “March of the Monarch” mural is a thoughtful and purposeful design that beautifies the city while also serving as an educational opportunity.
Inspired by a desire for a garden-themed mural that reflects the city’s growth and evolution, the committee behind the design chose the monarch butterfly as a symbol for two reasons. Firstly, Madison sits on the migratory trail for monarch butterflies, making it a fitting choice that resonates with the local environment. The design focuses on the significance of planting pollinator plants and showcasing the life cycle of the monarch butterfly. Secondly, it ties into our city’s evolution and transformation.
This mural would not have been possible without funding support from organizations like the Huntsville Area Association of Realtors, Toyota of Alabama, Sealy Management, and Bank Independent.
For the Downtown Madison Mural, a heavy priority was creating a design appealing to children. Anything that felt overly serious or heavy was out of the picture.
“We wanted you to leave with a sense of happiness, so every element is very intentional and designed to be inclusive.”
The Mural Advisory Committee worked alongside local historian John Rankin to examine major parts of Madison’s history and determine what would be best for the mural.
“We can’t put all of Madison’s history on one wall,” explains Thornton as she elaborates on how coming up with the design was trickier than it may seem.
Both murals will have nearby plaques with website information that will help viewers dive deeper into the symbolism of what they see.
This mural would not have been possible without funding support from the Alabama State Council on the Arts as well as District 4 State Representative Parker Moore, who championed this project from the beginning.
Thornton says that she would be remiss to not give great thanks to the Madison Station Historic Preservation Commission as well as Madison’s Director of Development Services Mary Beth Broeren who took these projects on their backs and worked hard to get them approved.
And here’s more good news: Phase Two of the Madison Mural Trail is already underway!
To learn more about the Madison Mural Trail and keep up with future additions, click here!
“MADISON MURAL”: 14 Main Street, Madison, AL 35758
“MARCH OF THE MONARCH”: 92 Shorter Street, Madison, Alabama 35758
05/24/2024
Gavin’s day involves monitoring our networking and cybersecurity systems to ensure smooth operations and resolving any technical issues that arise. His role is pivotal in maintaining the technological backbone of HAAR, ensuring everything runs seamlessly.
Gavin’s primary responsibilities include overseeing day-to-day tech operations, managing budgets, and working with vendors to keep our systems and contracts current. His meticulous approach ensures that HAAR remains at the forefront of technology and innovation.
Although Gavin is new to the team, he’s already making a mark by maintaining our cybersecurity tools and further developing our policies and procedures. His proactive approach and dedication are evident in every task he undertakes. For Gavin, the people at HAAR make all the difference. He appreciates the friendly and positive work environment, which fosters collaboration and growth.
Outside of work, Gavin is a sports fan who loves college football and Major League Baseball. He’s also a proud cat parent to three adorable cats. He graduated from Auburn University, which has a special place in his heart. Regarding food, Taco Bell in Huntsville/Madison is his go-to spot for a quick bite. On weekends, he enjoys spending time with friends and family or simply relaxing at home with his cats.
Gavin reflected on his time at HAAR and said, “I have really enjoyed my time here so far. I’ve worked in the IT/Cybersecurity field for many years, and I’m looking forward to bringing my skills to a new environment and continuing to grow and learn.”
We are excited to have Gavin on our team and look forward to his continued contributions. Join us in welcoming Gavin and cheering him on as he takes on new challenges and leads our technology initiatives at HAAR!
05/09/2024
Jay Jennings, Local Education Directors Chair
In the heart of Washington D.C., amidst the gathering of real estate professionals at the 2024 National Association of REALTORS® Legislative Meetings, one figure stood out – Jay Jennings. Serving as the NAR’s 2024 Local Education Directors Chair for the Professional Development Committee, Jay demonstrates exceptional leadership and dedication to the advancement of education in the industry.
Organizing and participating in a captivating panel discussion at the Legislative Meetings, Jay showcased his expertise in advancing real estate education. Following the panel discussion, Jay seamlessly transitioned into the next phase of his agenda – presenting the gathered insights from the panel to the NAR Professional Development Committee meeting.
His presentation to the Professional Development Committee meeting was inspiring, highlighting his commitment to excellence. Jay’s leadership serves as a path forward, guiding our association towards a brighter future.
05/01/2024
From the moment Abbie Kate starts her day, it’s evident that she’s a master of organization and flair. Armed with her trusty colored pens, she tackles her calendar, ensuring no detail is overlooked. Her mornings are dedicated to immersing herself in the virtual realms of HAAR and ValleyMLS.com, meticulously curating content, and engaging with the community across various social media channels. With a keen eye for trends and an innate understanding of the industry, Abbie Kate ensures that HAAR remains at the forefront of digital innovation.
But Abbie Kate’s talents extend far beyond the digital sphere. She is the creative genius behind HAAR’s iconic events, including the celebrated REALTOR® Expo and REALTOR® Gala. With a knack for orchestrating unforgettable experiences, Abbie Kate ensures each event is a resounding success, leaving attendees highly anticipating the next HAAR extravaganza.
At the heart of Abbie Kate’s role lies many responsibilities, from marketing and branding to event coordination. She is the driving force behind creating and disseminating all promotional materials for HAAR and ValleyMLS.com, ensuring that their brand identity remains consistent and compelling across all platforms. Moreover, Abbie Kate takes immense pride in her role as a mentor, guiding and nurturing interns as they embark on their journey into the world of public relations and marketing.
Abbie Kate has started a new chapter in her HAAR journey, taking on the role of affiliate liaison. In this capacity, she forges new connections between HAAR’s REALTOR® and affiliate members, fostering collaboration within the community. It’s a testament to Abbie Kate’s versatility and commitment to excellence as she continues to evolve and expand her role within the organization.
Abbie Kate offers invaluable advice for those aspiring to follow in her footsteps: get involved. She attributes much of her growth and success to her active participation in professional organizations such as the Public Relations Council of Alabama and the Public Relations Society of America. By surrounding herself with like-minded peers and industry experts, Abbie Kate has cultivated a wealth of knowledge and experience that fuels her passion for her work.
What inspires Abbie Kate about her role? It’s the opportunity to educate and empower others, whether guiding first-time homebuyers through ValleyMLS.com or showcasing the incredible work of HAAR’s REALTOR® members. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities for growth, and Abbie Kate is eager to continue learning and achieving new milestones in her HAAR journey.
In her spare time, Abbie Kate indulges her passion for baking and enjoys exploring the scenic wonders of North Alabama. However, her dedication to her craft extends far beyond the confines of the office, as she serves as a board member for Mobility Worldwide North Alabama and takes on various leadership roles in professional and alumni organizations.
As Abbie Kate reflects on her time at HAAR, she is grateful for the opportunities and experiences that have shaped her journey. With each passing day, she is inspired by her colleagues’ resilience and dedication and the HAAR community’s unwavering support.
01/27/2023
The 2023 Realtor® Gala & Masquerade Ball was a stunning night under the rocket at the United States Space & Rocket Center, Davidson Center – Saturn V Hall. Five hundred REALTORS® gathered to celebrate the induction of our 2023 HAAR and ValleyMLS.com Leadership Team and Board of Directors. HAAR President, Chris Hulser’s theme for the year is ‘Breaking Barriers’ and HAAR members did just that at the gala; being the most-attended in HAAR History! A wonderful night of fellowship was had with our fantastic REALTOR® and affiliate members.
Congratulations to the 2023 HAAR and ValleyMLS.com Leadership Team and Board of Directors!
2023 Leadership Team:
Chris Hulser, President
Lore Hislop, President-Elect
Tamara Fox, Vice President
Whitney Stringer, Treasurer
Isaac Winkles, MLS Chair
2023 HAAR Board of Directors:
Anne Adams
Jeanne Allen
Pamela Bass
Katie Crawford
Tracy DeGraaff
Christa Duncan
Zelda Friedman
Shannon Hoff
Terry Lewis
Ashley Martin-Hicks
Barry Oxley
Laura Patrick. Ricky Phillips
Rod Schumann
Travis Stevens
Heather Vader
2023 ValleyMLS.com Board of Directors:
Heather Batchelor
Gerald Bourrell
Melanie Brooks
Allison Click
Kim Coyne
Brian Dean
Kynan Donovan
Brenda Elliott
Kimberly Essex
Sheila Freeman
Zelda Friedman
Brenda King
Rebecca Lowrey
Hannah Matlock
Caleb McConnell
Beth Medley
Clyent Myrie
Laura St. Clair
Pam Woodruff
01/15/2020
Elizabeth focuses on delivering tools to her agents that make their work lives easier and show their professionalism through education, agent support, marketing and local market knowledge. She makes sure her agents dive deep into local market stats every month to stay up to date on the latest trends and things like absorption rates in our local high schools. She fosters a culture of striving for knowledge that leads to more educated agents and a better experience for their clients.
Elizabeth has been a qualifying broker for more than a decade, with 22 years experience as an agent. She is known for running her new agents through her signature “rookie bootcamp” that requires each new agent to tour 100 homes across various price ranges and school zones to familiarize themselves with the market.
Outside of the industry, Elizabeth supports the Huntsville Inner City Learning Center, Wounded Warriors, Toys for Tots, and Special Olympics.
