THE ASSOCIATION WAS ORGANIZED TO UNITE ITS MEMBERSHIP IN ACTIVITIES TO EFFECTIVELY EXERT A COMBINED INFLUENCE UPON MATTERS AFFECTING THE REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY, TO ELEVATE THE STANDARDS OF THE REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY THROUGHOUT THE STATE AND TO PROMOTE THE PROFESSIONAL AND ETHICAL CONDUCT OF PERSONS ENGAGED THEREIN, AND TO PROMOTE THE COMMON BUSINESS INTERESTS OF THE REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY. IN FURTHERANCE OF THESE EXEMPT PURPOSES THE ASSOCIATION PROVIDES EDUCATION AND PROGRAMS SPECIFIC TO THE INDUSTRY, SPONSORS THE ANNUAL CONVENTION, DEVELOPS AND UPDATES FORMS THAT REFLECT VIRGINIA LAW AS IT RELATES TO THE REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY, AND ACTS AS A LIASON BETWEEN VIRGINIA REALTORS AND STATE GOVERNMENT.