NYSCAR July president’s message: 23rd annual conference was a hit - by Robert Strell

It was terrific to see many of you at the 23^rd Annual NYS Commercial Association of Realtors Annual Conference June 16-17, 2025 at the Rivers Casino in Schenectady.

This year’s conference, chaired by Mercedes Brien (RAC) had great information on a host of topics as well as outstanding opportunities for networking including the annual marketing session, moderated by Greg McLane, SEC. John Lavelle and Paul Hakim, CCIM, SEC served as meeting managers.

Monday morning kicked off with a very informative session with Jeremy Cole, CPA, BST regarding business structures, tax laws and deductions. Liz Celeone, Esq. followed the presentation with a legal update for real estate licensees. The afternoon featured two panel discussions which were both well received by the attendees. 

A wetland regulations panel was moderated by Conor Eckert, president and CEO Orange County Partnership, panelists: Krista Spohr, NYS DEC, Steven Wilson, LEED AP, senior project manager, Brian Drumm, NYS DEC and Anthony Luisi, Harris Beach Murtha. 

A cannabis industry in NYS panel followed with Clayton Livingston as moderator, panelists: Colleen Mairead Hughes, Creative Consulting Consortium, Francis Gorman, Harris Beach Murtha, Attorneys at Law, Joe D’Auria, PKF O’Connor Davies, Gail Rizo-Spika, AmeriCU Credit Union, and Scott Sweeney, Marshall & Sterling Insurance.

Many thanks to all the speakers who did an outstanding job.

NYSCAR is involved in many community organizations and supports a specific organization during the conference. This year NYSCAR was proud to support Operation at Ease as their charitable cause. Executive director Joni Bonilla spoke to the attendees during Monday’s lunch regarding the outstanding work done by her organization. She told the attendees Operation at Ease takes dogs from shelters, pairs them with deserving veterans and first responders and provides a free guided training program for post-traumatic stress and mobility service dogs. In addition to their service dog training programs, they offer resources such as free therapy dog support, ensuring long-lasting assistance for both our country and community heroes.

Tuesday was marketing day and attendees enjoyed networking with their fellow colleagues on a number of properties being presented. During the luncheon session on Tuesday, NYSCAR 2024 Realtor of the Year, Mark Rohlin, presented the 2025 Realtor of the Year Award to Ira Zucker (NY/LI).

We are so pleased to thank our sponsors of this year’s event! They are an integral part of every event and this year was no exception. Hats off to: Diamond sponsor: Harris Beach Murtha, Attorneys at Law. Gold sponsor: Society of Exchange Counselors. Silver sponsors: Beardsley Architects & Engineers, RBT CPAs, LLP, CIREB, CoStar, Greater Rochester Assoc of Realtors, LaBella Associates, New York Real Estate Journal, and Stewart Title Insurance. Cocktail sponsor: Upstate NY Real Estate Information Service. Caricature artist sponsor: Coldwell Banker Commercial Custom Realty.

Again, thanks to all for your support!

Robert Strell is president of NYSCAR, Albany, N.Y.

NYSCAR professional development class - July 24

Creating Wealth Through 1031 Exchanges

Date: July 24, 2025 via Zoom 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

CE Credit: 3 hours approved

Instructor: Russell Gullo, CCIM

“Best Kept Secret In Real Estate”. Learn how to pay no tax when disposing of business/investment-held property. What the requirements are, including the time frames, who the four parties are and how to set up a 1031 exchange

Registration fee: NYSCAR members: free, non-members $50.

Visit nyscar.org/resources tools/professional development to register.