Welcome to the Summer 2026 edition of Field Notes, our Georgia Chapter RLI Members Newsletter. Inside you'll find key updates, property rights and current gov issues, member spotlights, and valuable resources for land professionals.
Just like that the first two quarters of 2026 have came and went. The Georgia Chapter RLI Board extends its warmest greetings to all of our members! The first half of 2026 has been a fruitful one for the Chapter.
Be sure to read through this newsletter entirely for a complete recap of chapter happenings over the first two quarters as well as updates for some exciting events we have planned throughout the remaining two quarters of 2026!

Charles Davis, ALC
2026 GA Chapter RLI President
Dear Members of the RLI Georgia Chapter REALTORS® Land Institute,
Here’s a brief update on recent and upcoming Georgia Chapter activities:
Thank you for your continued support and engagement as we build a stronger, more connected Georgia Realtors Land Institute.
If you have any questions or ideas, please contact me at 404.788.1164 or charles1164@gmail.com
Warm Regards, Charles Davis, ALC, President, Georgia Chapter – REALTORS® Land Institute

August 19th - 10AM-4PM | $50 - BBQ Lunch Included
Chapter Meeting - Updates, discussion, and networking
3 Hour GA Broker/Agent CE - Live Interactive Demonstration of Land id® led by Raborn Taylor, III, ALC, CCIM & live interactive demonstration of Acres by Greyson Fernandez.
Location: Georgia Forestry Association - 551 N Frontage Rd, Forsyth, GA 31029
SEATING IS LIMITED! THIS EVENT IS EXPECTED TO SELL OUT!



The 20th Anniversary of the National Land Conference held in San Antonio, TX was very fruitful for the RLI GA Chapter! Our membership has a lot to be proud of. The chapter was awarded several awards this year. We were awarded trailblazer status in the Chapter Achievement Program which is the highest tier possible. Furthermore we were named the overall Outstanding Chapter of the Year for 2025! Our Chapter Administrator Beth Moraitakis was awarded the 2025 Chapter Administrator of the Year!
Beth was awarded the 2025 Chapter Administrator of the year at NLC26! We could not be more thrilled for her! The chapter is grateful for all of Beth's hard work behind the scenes. We couldn't do it without her!


Many of our chapter members had a great time at the official welcome reception hosted at the Alamo!

This year the RLI GA Chapter had a great lunch for members in attendance. Pictured here are members of the board and admin teams. Special thanks to Farm Credit Associations of Georgia for their generous support!

This year's welcome reception was held at the Alamo!
The Land Education Foundation (LEF) seeks to provide financial scholarship grants for assistance in land-based education opportunities, including the pursuit of the elite Accredited Land Consultant (ALC) Designation. Scholarships cover the cost of one course and are available per person, per year. If you or someone you know might be interested, please download and complete the full scholarship application.
For a complete overview of all details, requirements, and criteria about LEF click here!
Scan the QR code to the right, or click here to access the LEF Scholarship Application!


For a complete overview of the GAR scholarship process and details click here.
Scan the QR code to the left, or click here to access the GAR Scholarship Application.
by Beth Moriatakis, GA Chapter Admin - Events Coordinator
August 13th - 10AM - 3PM | $30 Lunch Included
Location: Phoenix Systems Training Facility - 6470 Corporate Court, Alpharetta, GA 30005
Register here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/gachapterrealtorlandinstitute/2235439
For brokers/agents who are pursuing the ALC designation, or those who simply want to increase their knowledge about selling land. Land 101 is an excellent course, and one of three core courses required by RLI for the ALC designation. Course approved for 14 GA CE hours by Academy of Land Specials - GREC Approved School #7806 Expires 12/31/2028
August 17th-18th | Pricing- ALC: $175 | RLI Member: $200 | Non-Member: $225
Location: 5775-D Glenridge Dr #100, Atlanta, GA 30328
Instructor: Raborn Taylor, III, ALC, CCIM
Registration coming soon!
August 19th - 10AM-4PM | $50 - BBQ Lunch Included
Chapter Meeting - Updates, discussion, and networking
3 Hour GA Broker/Agent CE - Live Interactive Demonstration of Land id® led by Raborn Taylor, III, ALC, CCIM & live interactive demonstration of Acres by Greyson Fernandez.
Location: Georgia Forestry Association - 551 N Frontage Rd, Forsyth, GA 31029
SEATING IS LIMITED! THIS EVENT IS EXPECTED TO SELL OUT!
Network, learn, and stay ahead at THE event for land professionals across the Southeast!
Early bird pricing only $199! Regular registration $249! Don't wait! Secure your spot early to capitalize on the discount!
Discover how a property can be sold and a replacement property purchased without incurring any federal income taxes on the sale. Gain and impress clients with a working knowledge on how to save them money when conducting transactions as well as what tax deferred options there are to increase income or adapt to the needs of their changing lifestyle.
October 19th-20th | Pricing- ALC: $175 | RLI Member: $200 | Non-Member: $225
Location: Savannah Area REALTORS® 7015 Hodgson Memorial Drive, Savannah, GA 31406
Instructor: Jim Miller, Esq.
Registration coming soon!
For Brokers/Agents looking to sharpen their skillset, and level up their knowledge of GAR Land Contracts and Forms. The course is $30, and lunch is included. Approved for 4 Hours GA Broker/Agent CE.


Please scan the QR code to the left and fill out our form regarding future land classes hosted by the RLI GA Chapter. This is your opportunity to make your voice heard by selecting the classes you most desire the chapter to offer. Scan the QR code or click here!

FOUNDER & ATTORNEY
ABOUT LESLIE
Leslie Simmons opened her law practice in 2003 and has been serving the Cartersville community with dedication and expertise ever since. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Georgia Institute of Technology (1995) and earned her Juris Doctor from Georgia State University College of Law (2000).
AREAS OF PRACTICE
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Beyond the courtroom and conference table, Leslie is committed to giving back to her community. She serves on the Board of Bartow Family Resources, mentors youth at her church, and enjoys an active lifestyle as a dedicated runner and triathlete.
Following his graduation from Hampden-Sydney College and Georgia State University College of Law, Douglas (Doug) McManamy began practicing law in 1993. For the first ten years of his practice, he represented and opposed some of this country’s largest corporations in litigation across the southeast. In 2005, he opened his own practice and began representing privately held businesses as general legal counsel along with representing lenders in asset or real estate backed lending.
Doug has served as a member of his parish Vestry, was the Secretary of the Board of Managers of the Savannah Golf Club for 15 years and has held Board and Officer positions at Hancock Day School since 2004. Doug is married with two adult sons.

Raborn joined the Firm as an Associate Broker. Raborn is a graduate of The University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business with a Real Estate degree. Raborn is originally from Sandersville, Georgia and has served as the Education Chair, Secretary, Vice President, and President of the Georgia Chapter of the Realtors Land Institute and teaches the Land 101 course, Recreational Land, and Land Investment Analysis. The Georgia Chapter of the Realtors Land institute received the Chapter of the Year Award at the 2026 National Land Conference in San Antonio, Texas. Raborn currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Georgia Chapter of the Realtors Land Institute. He has over 20 years of real estate sales experience in land sales and commercial properties. Raborn has an extensive background in land sales including timberland, farmland, and recreational property. Raborn is an ALC (Accredited Land Consultant) Designation and holds the CCIM (Certified Commercial Investment Member) Designation. Raborn holds real estate licenses in Georgia, Alabama, & Tennessee. Raborn also holds a Georgia Auctioneers License and is able to serve your Georgia Auction needs. GAL #4744.


Jim Miller is Executive Vice President and General Counsel for IPX1031. Prior to joining IPX1031 in 2003, Jim was a mortgage banker for six years in Arizona and he practiced law for fourteen years in the State of New York. As an attorney he represented buyers, sellers, homebuilders and developers in commercial and residential real estate transactions ranging from multi-million dollar shopping centers to single-family homes.
The States of Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Washington have certified Jim to teach continuing education classes to their real estate licensees.
He is an approved instructor for the REALTORS® Land Institute as well as being a frequent lecturer to attorneys, CPAs and financial planners on the subject of §1031 Exchanges.
Jim received a Bachelor of Arts degree, magna cum laude, from The Pennsylvania State University and a Juris Doctorate from the Villanova University School of Law. He is a member of the Bar of the State of New York and a registered In-House Counsel in the State of Arizona.
David A. Howard, Attorneys at Law, LLC is a south Atlanta based law firm that provides professional real estate settlement services for home buyers, sellers, investors, and lenders throughout the state of Georgia.

by Greyson Fernandez, GA Chapter Admin - RLI Nat'l Liason
A forward-looking strategy to conserve Georgia’s natural resources.
Guiding the state through the next decade of ecological stewardship is the newly released 2025–2035 Georgia State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP),
Today in Georgia, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced $501 million in investments for 59 rural development projects and an additional $405 million in affordable housing in communities across the state of Georgia.
New Georgia bill expands tax incentives for land conservation. Applications open through December 2025.The Georgia Conservation Tax Credit is one of the strongest mechanisms for land conservation in the state
The RLI Government Affairs Committee continues advocating for land professionals. Contact our legislative liaison to support these initiatives.
RLI Advocacy REALTORS® Land Institute > Resources > RLI Advocacy
"Best of the Best" awards for top performers
Chapter committee and board opportunities
Connect with top land professionals nationwide
Exclusive access to LANDU courses and certification
Members report increased business opportunities and professional development.
Member Resources: Georgia > Resources


The ALC designation represents the pinnacle of land expertise. Congratulations to these two chapter members for earning the ALC designation, and getting to walk across the stage at NLC26 in San Antonio to receive their ALC pins from RLI National President Geoff Hurdle, ALC.





Got questions, ask questions and pitch deals using the new RLI Land Line message board were 100's share their resourses and.

Charles Davis, ALC

Kyle Cato, ALC

Sam Bowers, ALC
2024 Nat'l RLI President

Greyson Fernandez
Directors
Immediate Past President - Director Raborn Taylor III, ALC, CCIM Director - Past President '23 Elena Stanfield, ALC Director - Past President '22 Mike Garrett,
Directors
Dan Crocker, ALC Director - EmeritusNat'l Past President Bob Hatcher
Administration
Events & PartnersCourse Facilitator Beth Moraitakis Marketing & MembershipCourse Facilitator Jerrod A Trainer, ALC, CCIM Course CE & Course CreationAcademy of Land SpecialistsGREC Approved School FD Bell
Join us for our summer meeting in Forsyth | August 19
Brokerage or Local Realtor Board
Invite a colleague to our next event
Your active participation makes our chapter stronger! We appreciate your continued commitment to excellence in land brokerage.

Long time chapter member, board member, previous Chapter President, and owner of Twisted Spur Cattle Co, Elena Stanfield, ALC recently hosted a Beef Cattle Field Day at her farm in Thomaston. The field day was hosted in conjunction with the USDA, and the University of Georgia.
This was an excellent opportunity for our members who were interested in taking a deep dive into beef cattle production. The event featured a fantastic lineup of speakers who covered topics such as the ranch, NRCS/FSA programs, contractors, weed spraying, conservation, and facilities.









Long time chapter member, board member, previous Chapter President, and Broker of Crocker Realty Inc, Dan Crocker, ALC recently attended an excellent training workshop hosted by Tall Timbers.

This was an excellent learning opportunity regarding conservation easements throughout the Red Hills Region in South Georgia/North Florida.



by Jerrod Trainer, ALC, CCIM - GA Chapter Admin - Marketing Coordinator
Write about a transaction with a fellow RLI Member and how collaboration led to success
Share your path to becoming an Accredited Land Consultant and the impact on your career
Tell us about your first National Land Conference and the connections you made
Is there an RLI Member who was a strong mentor in your professional development?
Submit your stories for our "Field Notes Newsletter" to showcase member experiences and inspire our community

Attn: Jerrod Trainer, ALC, CCIM - GA Chapter Admin Marketing
jerrodatrainer@gmail.com
Beth Moraitakis - Chapter Admin
Greyson Fernandez - RLI National Liaison
Jerrod Trainer, ALC, CCIM - Marketing Admin
FD Bell - Education Coordinator
info@georgiarli.org
Member portal access: rliland.com/members
Field Notes:
GA Chapter RLI Members
Quarterly Newsletter