NYSCAR’s 24th Annual Conference - by Mercedes Brien

We hope you had the opportunity to join us at the 24^th NYS Commercial Association of REALTORS® Annual Conference held June 8-10 at Rivers Casino, Schenectady, New York! Conference co-chairs Andrew Mangini and Don Minichino, along with the planning committee did a great job in organizing the event. On the first day of the conference, participants learned about Bownfields at the “Finding Value in Overlooked Properties” session that carried four hours of c.e. credit. instructors Thomas Seguljic, PE, PG, Principal, HRP Associates, Inc., Linda Shaw, JD partner at Knauf Shaw and Mark Wright, PG HRP, senior project manager, HRP Associates. gave pertinent information about the value of Brownfields. Peter West, CCIM, SEC taught attendees about the importance of counseling their clients in “Selling More Real Estate without Selling Yourself” which carried three hours c.e. credit. As always Peter brought his boundless passion to the class!

NYSCAR proudly honored Amanda Hirsch, Hunt Commercial Real Estate, Buffalo, NY as the 2026 Realtor of the Year! The award was presented by last year’s recipient, Ira Zucker (NYC/LI) (see separate announcement on Realtor of the Year)!

Guest Joni Bonilla spoke during lunch about the organization she founded “Operation at Ease.” This great organization takes dogs from the shelters and trains them for veterans and first responders who have post tramatic stress. It’s a wonderful charitable organization that NYSCAR has been proud to support the past few years.

The marketing session at this year’s NYSCAR Conference kicked off on Tuesday, June 9, and was a great hit! Many thanks to moderator Peter West, CCIM, SEC, meeting managers John Lavelle and Nate Kanney, CCIM, SEC for their support in organizing the session. Commercial brokers traveled from all over the region to take part in the Northeast Regional Marketing Session. An equity marketing session provides brokers the ability to present properties and opportunities to the group. Creative transaction alchemy is applied and deals are often put together on the spot. This year’s session was highlighted by a live conference with economist Brian Bailey, Senior Managing Director with Trimont. 

Hats off to conference sponsors: New York Real Estate Journal, Capital Bank, Stewart Title, Wallkill Valley Federal Savings and Loan, CIREB, Harris Beach Murtha, CoStar, LoopNet, Society of Exchange Counselors, Yaman Commercial and Beacon Financial 1031 Exchange Services. 

NYSCAR Board Meets – The NYSCAR Board met during the annual conference. Reports were heard from several of the committees. Jessica Richer, co-chair of the Education Committee reported that 36.5 hours of education have been given as of June 8 with a total of 302 students! She noted in addition to the Brownsfield class and counseling class held at the conference, the following classes were held since January: Russ Gullo, CCIM taught “How to Invest in Real Estate Wisely”; Past President Edward Smith, Jr. taught the “CIREC” course which consists of three 7.5 hour courses; and new instructor Kim Bullard taught “Is a Rhombus a Square” which fulfills the implicit bias and cultural competency requirements for NYS license renewal. .Co-chair Richer also reported on upcoming courses (listed below).

Government Affairs and RPAC chair Mike Johnson reported that NYSCAR raised $7,490 so far this year for RPAC and he thanked everyone who contributed. He also reviewed some legislative issues and the State budget.

Membership chair Amanda Hirsch reported on the current members and discussed ideas to increase the membership. 

Communications and technology gave updates on their work. Communications chair Rohlin reported that the committee has reviewed the Strat Plan to be sure the initiatives remain aligned with organizational goals and priorities. He noted that the marketing campaign was revised and said they are collaborating with an outside contractor to assist with social media strategy and implementation.

Technology chair Zucker reported that the website was successfully completed and that they are now working on Phase 2 of the plan which included navigation improvements (completed mid-May). Process improvements to simplify new member applications and continuing education improvements will be underway next.

Each of the seven NYSCAR chapters and the Upstate Chapter of CCIM reported on their membership and events.

Mercedes Brien, CEA, is a licensed real estate broker with Yaman Commercial, Cortland, NY and is the 2026 president of the NYS Commercial Assn. of Realtors (NYSCAR), Albany, NY.