While I joined the sessions and celebrations this week, one word came to mind: happiness. But not happiness as a destination or even as a journey—happiness as a state of mind.

There’s a great Chinese proverb quoted in the book, “The Giving Way to Happiness: Stories and Science Behind the Life-Changing Power of Giving.” As the ancient saying goes, “If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap. If you want happiness for a day, go fishing. If you want happiness for a year, inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime, help somebody.”

Constellation1 powers platform that sets Mid-Atlantic MLS apart from the competition

For Andrew Strauch, vice president of Premium Services and Broker Rewards at Bright MLS—a multiple listing service (MLS) serving more than 90,000 real estate professionals in the Mid-Atlantic U.S.—the key to driving value to members is strong partnerships.