Published by the CIPS Network of the National Association of REALTORS®
First Quarter 2009
Join the Club Learn the Culture!
By Barbara J. Izzi, CIPS, CRS, ABR®, GRI
As an on-site Community Representative at the Westshore Yacht Club, a Resort-Style community on the Tampa Bay, Florida waterfront, I’ve found it to be an interesting experience to practice real estate locally and globally at the same time. To this end, I’ve traveled widely in Europe, gaining exposure to other cultures, and have served as Chair of the International Council of the Greater Tampa Association of REALTORS® (GTAR). I am also a member of the British American Club of West Florida (BAC), the French American Business Council of West Florida (Framco), and am involved with the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Council which supports the coalition representing 40 tenant units at MacDill Air Force Base.
A New Alliance
Recently, I joined the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF). As an Italian American, I welcomed an opportunity to participate in an organization whose mission is to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of Americans of Italian descent. Among its goals, NIAF serves as a liaison between Italy and the U.S. by promoting cultural, educational, economic, and political cooperation.
I attended my first NIAF Annual Convention, marking the organization’s 33rd anniversary, in Washington, D.C. in October 2008.The festivities began early, beginning with a visit to the Piazza d’Italia, a two-day best of Italy exhibition, a celebration of the foods and culture of Italy.
But, this was not the true highlight. It was the privilege of seeing ABC Correspondent Sam Donaldson interview the Honorable Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. The Keynote Speaker Luncheon featured Louis Zamperini, a former Olympian and WWII Prisoner of War, soon to be portrayed by Nicolas Cage in an upcoming major motion picture and featuring NIAF’s Award for Patriotism. Following the luncheon was a Public Policy Conference: “Perspectives on the Future of Healthcare in America,” whose purpose is to educate and to contribute to the public on important matters that will be of great influence to the future.
Let the Networking Begin
That evening I attended the 12th Annual Youth Gala—an evening of music, food and fun. My table hosted a group from Italy. At the table was a young man who owns a company in Italy and wants to provide a second home for his mother in Florida.We exchanged contact information and, of course, I am following up with him.
The next morning, I attended a National Council Networking breakfast where I had the opportunity to meet other attendees and exchange needs and cards— part of my job description. Afterward, I briefly revisited the Piazza d’Italia, for some more music, food and peo-ple—another great networking venue.
 That afternoon, I attended the Celebrity Auction and Luncheon, featuring such notables as Yogi Berra and Gina Lollobrigida. In the evening, the Anniversary Gala Awards
Reception and Dinner hosted such notables as Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito, Formula One Driver Michael Andretti, and New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, among many others. I walked through the room, meeting people from Tampa, Washington, D.C., and Italy, as well as people from all through the U.S.
The Benefits
So, aside from the obvious, what are the benefits of joining international associations and attending event like this? The first thing is to be involved. If you truly want to sell internationally, you should involve yourself in various international groups where you can be a key and active participant. After networking at the NIAF Gala, my network has truly expanded from local to international.
Involvement with and learning about the interests and needs of other cultures is part of familiarizing yourself with a specific market area. For me, attending the NIAF Gala, and also participating in French American Club seminars to discuss the “how-tos” of investing in property in America has broadened my opportunities to a global level.These involvements may not bring instant success or sales, but they have given me another means to connect.
Recently, I worked with a French Air Force General moving to Tampa.When I mentioned that I was a member of Framco, he was delighted that I had that much interest in his country. In turn, I was grateful to have the opportunity to apply my knowledge of his country to understanding his interest in the community that I represent.
I continue to work with the Italian business owner who wants to purchase a second home for his mother, and I am also working with a builder I met through NIAF who wants to purchase land in my area. Having British clients as well, I delight in the cultivation of valuable professional, social, and civic connections related to the growth of commerce between international markets and the U.S. Our world is constantly changing. I believe that acquiring the knowledge and ability to compete in the challenging international marketplace is one of the best ways to expand not only my horizons, but my income.
 Barbara J. Izzi, CIPS, CRS, ABR®, GRI, Westshore Yacht Club, a WCI community,Tampa, Florida, specializes in luxury waterfront properties. She works in all areas of Tampa from the Bay to the Gulf, serving residential needs, relocation clients, and those seeking vacation and/or investment beach properties. Reach her at BarbaraIzzi@wcicommunities.com.
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