Association membership is your business tool

Computers and technology are essential business tools for today's successful professionals. Membership in a not-for-profit professional trade association such as the Bronx-Manhattan North Association of Realtors (BMAR) can multiply your business customers and generate additional business referrals. In these tough economic and uncertain times, BMAR membership is another business tool for your benefit. Companies benefit as members to generate more business including referral business from the hundreds of companies throughout the New York metro region. BMAR membership is broad based and includes both the real estate industry and business community professionals. Companies do not need an office in Manhattan or the Bronx to be active members of the association. Even one business referral or new business contact more than pays for the annual membership dues. Top 10 Benefits for Affiliate and Institutional Type Members include: 1. Receiving discounts on reservations to attend any one of the 4 major networking events including: the upcoming Annual Banquet on April 15th; Annual Golf & Tennis Outing; Annual Real Estate Trade Show; and the Annual Holiday Party. 2. Being able to be listed as an exclusive or sponsor of the major networking events for additional recognition for your company. 3. Being able to advertise in any one of 5 annual publications and the Realtor Professional Edge 16 page monthly newsletter distributed to over 12,000 contacts throughout the New York metro region including participating in Advantage Advertising for discounts on advertising for up to 25% savings. 4. Being listed in the Annual Membership & Referral Directory membership roster with additional listings alphabetically based on type of service for referrals and more business. The directory is utilized as a reference guide and referral tool. 5. Being able to serve on any of over 25 Standing & Special Committees. I often mention the culture of inclusiveness which exists in BMAR. Networking takes place at all events that are sponsored including committee meetings. 6. Have an opportunity to serve as a member of the Board of Governors (BOG) which is the policy-making body for the association if there is a vacancy. There currently is a waiting list to serve on the BOG. 7. Receive discounts and be able to attend some of the many educational programs and cutting edge informational seminars are sponsored through the association. 8. Being able to access group health insurance plans including dental plans through BMAR. Group rates and plans are also available to 1099 independent contractors or agents. 9. Receive a free copy via email of the Realtor Professional Edge including additional free email news & updates. 10. Benefitting from RPAC - the Realtors Political Action Committee. Real estate brokers and agents membership benefits include: In addition to the Top 10 Benefits for Affiliate & Institutional Members, licensed real estate brokers and agents can take advantage of exclusive benefits through the NYS and National Association of Realtors which is the largest trade group worldwide with over 1.2 million members. With spring and warmer temperatures, there will be an increase in listing inventory in the 2nd quarter of 2010. BMAR offers IDX and VOW solutions at minimal cost and maximum exposure for your exclusive listings on premium Internet search engines including Realtor.com. As an added incentive for new offices to join, the Initiation Fee has been waived. Benefits of the BMAR Multiple Listing Service includes: 1. IDX and VOW solutions at minimal cost and maximum exposure. 2. Free agent MLS access for up to 15 member agents. 3. Free unlimited exclusive listings (including commercial listings) can be entered by members. 4. Upload up to 40 photographs for each listing or video tours. 5. Free world-wide advertising of your exclusive MLS listings on premium Internet search engines. 6. BMAR MLS listings are automatically featured on: Realtor.com and other premium websites. 7. Consumers and buyers around the world can view your listings and contact you directly. 8. Close more deals by having thousands of agents worldwide working to sell your listings. 9. Unlimited access to the BMAR MLS: 24/ 7. 10. Companies do not need an office in Manhattan or the Bronx to be BMAR members. 11. Realtor associate dues are the lowest in the New York region. 12. $200 monthly for the office or $2,200 annually if paid in full. Nunzio Del Greco, RCE is the CEO of the Bronx-Manhattan North Association of Realtors, Bronx, N.Y.