What a year!  In some ways, I can’t believe how long this year has felt, but yet, I find myself surprised that the end of the year is upon us. Thanksgiving looked different for many this year. I hope each of you found a way to celebrate safely and, of course, eat plenty of pie. I am approaching this December with great anticipation and hope for what is ahead—protection through a vaccine, returning to some normalcy in the workplace and elsewhere, and the ability to celebrate and gather with loved ones.  I know these things will not come immediately, but I will wait with hope.  As the year winds down, I want to thank you for welcoming me into this world as TREC’s executive director.  I love the privilege of serving in this role and owe thanks for a great year to TREC staff, the volunteer advisory committees, Commission members, and all of our license holders. It takes a village, and this one has risen to the occasion. 

November Commission Meetings

In November, we held two Commission meetings, both remote. The first was the regular quarterly meeting and the second was for the narrow purpose of proposing two forms that required conforming changes to address the revisions to TREC promulgated contracts. 

If you have not already done so, please take a moment to review the rules recently proposed and provide us feedback. Your comments are essential in the rulemaking process. The comment period ends December 27, and you can submit your comments to TREC's general counsel via email at general.counsel@trec.texas.gov.

Coffee with the Commission

For the first time, the Chair and I will host a quarterly "coffee with the Commission" on December 10 at 10 am.  We will go live on Microsoft Teams and review adopted and proposed rules and contract changes. Additionally, we will answer questions of license holders. We intend this will be a regular event for license holders to visit about essential topics in a relaxed format.

Staff Awards and Milestones

I am happy to announce that our own Regina Durden was recently named Woman of the Year by the Executive Women in Texas Government.  Regina recently came to TREC as a purchasing manager, and we are proud to celebrate this great accomplishment!

Congratulations also goes to Gwen Jackson. Gwen is celebrating 39 years at the agency! Gwen is devoted to her work and a valuable resource for all those at TREC.

87^th Texas Legislative Session

Lastly, the Texas Legislature will convene in January but bill filing has begun in earnest.  This will be a unique session and I look forward to seeing what is ahead.  We will follow closely, as will the local and state associations, and we will keep you as informed as possible.

And as we near the Christmas holidays, please note that we are closed on December 24, 25, and January 1. I look forward to what 2021 has to bring.  Happy holidays to you and your families.