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Published by the CIPS Network of the National Association of REALTORS®
First Quarter 2005
U.S. Associations Host Cooperating Association Delegates to NAR Convention
Several delegations from NAR Cooperating Partner Associations were hosted by their Ambassador Association (AA) in adjunctive visits—either en route to the REALTORS® Conference, or in combination with it. Here are some highlights.
As the newly appointed Ambassador Association to the Institute of Estate Agents of South Africa, the REALTOR® Association of Greater Fort Myers and the Beaches hosted a reception for the 300-plus South African delegation. It was a great get-acquainted event and ideal for the Fort Myers International Council's first official Ambassador function. For many Floridians, it was their first meeting with their South African counterparts, and many of the South Africans were enjoying their first visit to Florida and to the U.S. The event provided a great showcase for the Southwest Florida region. One of the visiting agents said he would add property offers in Southwest Florida to the portfolio he shows to his clients in South Africa. The South African market has enjoyed strong growth, with property values in some areas doubling since 2000. The Fort Myers REALTORS® said the South African group were well-versed professionals with varied interests and specialties. Both groups look forward to developing the relationship further and to the potential buyers it will bring into their local markets.
The Colorado Association of REALTORS® held a poolside reception at the Rosen Center Hotel in Orlando for their partner, the Association of Swedish Real Estate Agents. Approximately 60 people attended, including the Swedish delegation, Colorado Association leadership and Colorado international specialists. All enjoyed the opportunity to network in a relaxed environment and foresee other events that will continue to build business partnerships.
To maximize the long trip from Ukraine, the delegates from the Ukrainian REALTORS® Association spent four days in Springfield, Massachusetts en route to Orlando, hosted by their Ambassador Association, the REALTOR® Association of Pioneer Valley (MA). The RAPV association had previously approved a budget to cover U.S. travel expenses to Springfield for the group. The visit included an International potluck dinner at the association office, complete with international music and ethnic dishes prepared by members of the association's International Task Force. Over thirty Massachusetts REALTORS® and affiliate members attended. This was URA's first visit to their Ambassador partner. It provided an outstanding opportunity to learn about the structure of U.S. real estate associations, leadership responsibilities and, of particular interest, the new designated agency law being instituted in Massachusetts in 2005.
The RAPV group continued to be good hosts once in Orlando, inviting the URA delegation to many of the state and regional social and business activities. As an extra special touch, the initial invitation from RAPV was translated into Ukrainian by several Springfield REALTORS® fluent in the language, and sent to URA.
Representatives from the Polish Federation of Real Estate also visited their Ambassador Association, the Northern Virginia Association of REALTORS® en route to Orlando. A highlight of the visit was a presentation by PREF to sixty NVAR members, who packed a classroom to hear about the growing investment opportunities in Poland, both in resort areas and large cities. Poland’s economy—fueled by banking, insurance, and manufacturing—has helped support steady growth. As one of the newest members of the European Union, Poland is increasingly viewed as a tourist destination for those seeking active retreats of skiing, sailing, and more. Attendees were guided through the purchase process in Poland, and given pointers on how to find real estate agents, mortgage lenders, and other professionals needed to complete transactions.
Thirty-one Russian real estate professionals from the Russian Guild of REALTORS® enjoyed an extended warm weather break hosted by their Ambassador Association partner, The REALTOR® Association of Greater Miami and the Beaches. Their visit to Miami included meetings with city officials; a sponsored bus tour of oceanfront communities and developments, including a condo conversion project; office visits; seminars; and many business and social networking opportunities. Education was part of the experience for both the Russians and the Miami REALTORS®. RAMB provided a seminar on international referrals between RGR and RAMB members, and RGR presented a seminar on the Russian real estate market, followed by question and answer session and open discussion. In addition to support for the visit from individual RAMB members, the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association helped out, hosting the Russian Guild for lunch and property tours in Orlando.
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