Message from executive director of BMAR: Lets educate, innovate and, of course, celebrate!

Eliezer Rodriguez, Bronx - Manhattan North Association of Realtors

If you have never attended a Realtors Conference and Expo hosted by The National Association of Realtors (NAR), I recommend you add it to your bucket list.  This year, the conference was held in Orlando, Florida from November 4^th through the 7^th and its theme was “Educate, Innovate, and Celebrate.”  I must confess, they nailed the theme.

Over 20,000 members and guests attended the annual event which showcased about 400 industry vendors, who present the latest innovative tools just for real estate professionals.  Nationally recognized speakers, trainers, and industry experts led the scheduled 100 educational sessions in discussion on timely topics and critical issues of value to Realtors.

My last night at the conference was spent participating in “Realtors Night Out At Universal Studios.” I had a blast celebrating with other Realtors.  From 7:30 pm to 11:30 pm, the entire theme park was only opened to Realtors, their families and friends who attended the conference.  It was a magical experience. I was able to get on whatever ride I wanted with very little waiting time.

Beside the theme park, two events will be stored in my mind under “memorable.” First, the general session featured a man I greatly admire, retired U.S. general Colin Powell.  Powell has been a leader for most of his life, having led troops as a military leader, chairman of the joint chiefs of staff and secretary of state. He spoke about what it takes to be a leader.  The general provided strategies for taking charge and remaining focused, and taking responsibility during times of great change and great crises. After I finished listening to him, I wanted to go outside and run around the block a few times.  He was extremely motivating and humorous.  The general’s love for his country was clear…crystal clear! 

The highlight of the conference for me was presentation of the Good Neighbor Awards. For the past 17 years, the Good Neighbor Awards have recognized Realtors who dedicate countless volunteer hours to help others as an example of how Realtors build and strengthen communities.  This year, five individuals were named as Realtors Magazine Good Neighbor Award winners.  Among them, was New York’s own, Susan Gruen Helsinger from Douglas Elliman Real Estate of Merrick, N.Y.

After Gruen Helsinger’s teenage son died suddenly at school from an undiagnosed heart abnormality, she was determined to do something to prevent similar tragedies. She founded “The Jason F. Gruen Research Foundation” and for 30 years, she has fought to bring awareness, fund research and equipment, and screen teen athletes so that those with cardiac issues can seek treatment. Her dedication and hard work has raised nearly $2 million to fund efforts to understand these ailments and diagnose them early. Thank you, Susan, for being a Good Neighbor and congratulations to the other four winners: Cindy Barrett; Ed Liebzeit; Wyn Ray; and Sarah Sorenson. 

Before shifting my attention back to the Bronx, I also want to congratulate Bill Brown, a second generation Realtor from Alamo, Ca., who was installed at the conference as 2017 president of the National Association of Realtors. Brown will serve our interests well and he can count on our support.

The holiday season is quickly approaching and so is our 32^nd annual Holiday Party and toy drive.  You are invited to join the “Who’s Who” in the real estate world by celebrating your company’s holiday party with us at the elegant Marina del Rey Caterers on December 7, 2016, from 6 pm till 10:30 pm. Sponsorship opportunities are still available and the new unwrapped toys will be delivered to the homes of selected underprivileged children.

If you want to party with us and the many real estate brokers, associate brokers, real estate professionals, developers, bankers, insurance agents, and title companies, to name a few,   call 718-892-3000 to reserve your table or seat.  I hope you are planning to take part in the biggest and best holiday party in New York City.  “God bless us, every one!”

Eliezer Rodriguez is the executive director of The Bronx-Manhattan North Association of Realtors.