NAR Leadership Training - Chicago, Illinois

Each year the National Association of REALTORS (NAR) hosts a Leadership Summit for incoming Presidents of local and state REALTOR Association around the country. The event is in August and always held in Chicago - the home base of NAR. As incoming President (2012) for the Vermont Association of REALTORS I was able to attend this year.

This year I arrived a day early so I was able to spend Sunday seeing the city. I have been to this event a few times before, but still enjoy getting to look around Chicago a bit. Because I had Sunday as a free day, I enjoyed it.

Morning was a cup of coffee and a muffin while walking to Navy Pier. Once there I enjoyed the Chicago Air & Water Show that was happening all weekend long. Was fun to see all types of airplanes doing their magic over the pier. This is the largest free show in the country and the pier was full of enthusiastic spectators.

As recommended by the concierge at the Sheraton, I enjoyed a luncheon of Fish & Chips (atlantic haddock from boston) at RIVA. Of course lunch was followed by Ice Cream, and my treat of choice was Dippin' Dots! For those that haven't tried them, you should. Not that they are better than any other ice cream, they're just fun!

A short rest on a park bench, then a tough decision: What show do I see? It was choice between Pinocchio and Cirque Shanghai. Rick and I had been to Cirque Shanghai a couple years earlier while in Chicago, but this was an all new "Extreme" show for 2011. I chose Cirque and wasn't disappointed! Just an hour show but non-stop acrobatics and fun entertainment.

Finally after a short rest in my room - such a stressful day requires a nap - I met up with friends for a wonderful night of comedy at Chicago's own, Second City.

It was a fun day!

An Interesting Day Of Travel

Well, today was an interesting day of travel. I am in Chicago for a National Association of REALTORS "Leadership Summit", but it all started early this morning in my hometown of Randolph, Vermont.

Like any other day that I have a trip planned, I was out of bed a bit early to make sure I had plenty of time to pack (why bother do it the night before!?), take care of some household chores (why do I always want to clean when I am going away?), and make time I leave plenty of time for the drive to the airport. And this morning I added a few things: take time to brush the cats, pick cucumbers from the garden (they would be HUGE in just 4 more days), and try to retrieve voice mails from the office phone system that seems to be giving me an issue (not succesful!).

Then the interesting things began. As I drove to the post office to check my mail I was impressed to see dozens, if not hundreds, of motorcycles. The bikes and the riders came in all shapes, sizes and colors. They were in town for the Gifford Medical Center's "Last Mile Ride". Its a benefit to raise money for end of life care - a great cause and a great event.

After finishing my errands in town I was headed north on I-89 toward the airport. Traveling only a tiny bit over the posted speed limit (I was driving Rick's car - gotta be good) I was soon passed by an older (1980's) green Buick Park Avenue. This wouldn't seem odd except for the fact that it also had double white racing strips painted over the hood, roof and trunk. The driver (male, mid-50's) and his assumed wife/girlfriend were grinning ear to ear. As they passed my at a speed that had to be nearing 85 I was even more suprised to see what they had in tow. Yup, there was a utility trailer with a full sized gas grill, folding wooden table and a huge cooler. I was happy to see they were tied down in good shape. Not sure who they were (NH plates), or where they were headed, but I could tell what they were thinking: LIFE IS GOOD!

I arrive at the airport with plenty of time to park, check in at the ticket counter and proceed to the gate with only 4 people in line in front of me at the security checkpoint/screening. Arriving at the gate I was awaiting my 12:26 flight to Chicago. As I waited I couldn't help but to take notice of an older woman (70ish - hope I don't offend anyone) who was drinking a diet coke - very quickly. In fact, three sips! Yup, a 20 oz bottle gone in just three larges gulps. I waited patiently for her to burp, but it didn't happen. I then wondered if it's only me that gets gassy drinking coke.

About 1/2 hour prior to boarding there was an announcement: "United Flight 3744 is delayed. Chicago is experiencing severe storms and all air traffic at O'hare is under a ground stop". Then, a few minutes later the announcement suggested we might be leaving at 2:00. Not bad, I was in no hurry, and I could do more people watching. We finally left a bit after 3:00.

Once in Chicago I purchased a round-trip ticket between the airport and my hotel. I board the van only to meet a wonderful lady from Pennsylavania that was in Chicago for the same meeting as I, and she was headed to the same hotel. On the van ride to my hotel we passed by a huge billboard (thank god Vermont doesn't have those!) with an advertisement for a gentleman's club - it was called the Pink Monkey. I laughed.

This is the same weekend as Chicago's "Air & Water Show", that means lots of boats, noisy fast and colorful planes and Fireworks!

Remembering Our Veterans

Let us take time on this special day to remember all of those who have served, and continue to serve, our great country. The United Sates of America wouldn't be the same without all of the brave men and women who have protected us and provided all American's with the freedoms we enjoy every day. To all Veterans, THANK YOU!

2010 REALTORS Convention

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS 2010 CONFERENCE


I just returned from attending the NAR Conference & Expo held in New Orleans! I have been to this great city before, once immediately after Hurricane Katrina and then again a year later for the 2006 NAR Conference. It's great to see all the improvements and the city coming back to life. I heard that the population of the city is back to pre-Katrina levels and is growing! I am thrilled for the city and the pride they take in rebuilding their homes, careers and lives!

While at the convention I was able to attend some fabulous learing opportunities, sit in on group sessions and attend committee meetings. I currently serve on the NAR's Multiple Listing Service Policies & Procedures Committee. We met year at the convention and at Mid-Year meetings in Washington, DC every May. One of the highlights of the convention for me was taking a class called "Generation Buy". It's a new offering from Real Estate Buyer Agents Council (REBAC) and was instructed by Realtor (and real estate instructor) Mark Givens. The course was all about how to understand and communicate with everyone from Millenials to Seniors, and this inclused the Baby Boomers and the Generation X crowd (that's me!).

And, of course, a trip to New Orleans wouldn't good without visiting the wonderful local restaurants - of which there are many. Here were a few of my favorites:

ANTOINE'S (www.antoines.com) - Some of the best Escargot ever, the Trout was incredible and you must try the bread pudding with rum sauce!

THE COURT OF TWO SISTERS (www.courtoftwosisters.com) - Turtle Soup, Catfish and another Bread Pudding, this time with Butter Whiskey sauce!

BACCO's (www.bacco.com) Great Italian food in the French Quarter. Shrimp cooked in Abita Amber beer and Creole spices, market salad with candied pecans and more bread pudding with Boubon sauce!

CAFE DU MONDE (www.cafedumonde.com) If you haven't ever had a Beignets from Cafe Du Monde you must - its a french doughnut much like fried dough and covered in sugar!

So, if you travel to New Orleans anytime soon, but sure to check these out!

The Gaslamp Strip Club (It's a Steakhouse!)

Gaslamp Strip Club

340 5th Avenue, San Diego

Many of you are probably thinking that I am now a food critic and no longer a REALTOR! It's not true. I just happen to love food and when I am in a city on a convention or traveling with Rick I get to try new places.

Last night a group of Vermonter's that are in San Deigo for the NAR Convention got together for dinner. We went to The Gaslamp Strip Club on 5th Avenue in the gaslamp district of the city - not far from the convention center. You must understand, the Strip Club is a great steak house.

The steaks are all dry aged and served unprepared. You get to use a community grill to cook your own. The place was a blast and the food was really good. Along with you choice of meat they serve a huge family style salad, garlic bread ready to put on the grill and you can order sides. We ended getting a few sides for everyone to share: White Truffle Mac-N-Cheese (the house signature dish), Three Cheese Mac-N-Cheese, Brocolli and Carrots, and beet battered Onion Rings.

In short, the place was fabulous. The prices were great, the service was incredible and it's certainly worth checking out if you are in San Deigo! You can read more on their website at:

http://www.cohnrestaurants.com/restaurants/gaslampsteak/

(Oh, and Rachel Ray likes it, so it's gotta be good! - see her video on the website)

Seaport Village, San Diego

Greetings from San Diego! I am in town for a few days to attend the National Association of REALTORS (NAR) annual convention. The convention is being held at the San Deigo Convention Center on Harbor Drive. I am staying at the Hyatt Manchester Grand Hotel and my room has a wonderful view of the city as well as the Marriott Marina.

For lunch I ate at Roy's Hawaiian Fusion Cuisine - it's was fabulous! I started with Soy Beans tossed in seasoning (salt, sugar, chili's, orange, who knows what else) and then had the Prime Rib Sandwich. It was thin sliced prime rib on grilled sourdough bread with horseradish creme, havarti cheese and bacon jam. It was served with Maui onion au jus and parmesan fries.

Later in the afternoon I had the opportunity to take a walk around Seaport Village and boardwalk area. I came upon a great little cookie shop (leave it to me to find cookies) called Seaport Cookie Shop. They had the cookies on display in the window. I couldn't decide which one was for me, so I got 4! Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal Raisin, White Chocolate Macadamia Nut, and Walnut Chocolate Chip. I couldn't resist.

With a few more days here in San Diego, I'm wondering what other food exploration awaits!

Dennis Received "GREEN" Designation by NAR

I am excited that I recently received my 'green' designation from the National Association of REALTORS! I took much of the course in Washington, DC in May, and finished with a full day class in September at the VAR Conference in Burlington. Below is the press release:

RANDOLPH, VERMONT – Dennis Brown with New England Land Company, LTD. has been awarded the National Association of REALTORS®’ [NAR’s] Green Designation, the only green real estate professional designation recognized by NAR.

Dennis achieved this prestigious designation after completing 18 hours of course work designed specifically for REALTORS®. The courses were created in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team of industry experts from across the country; ensuring designees gain comprehensive knowledge of green homes and buildings and issues of sustainability in relation to real estate.

More specifically, Dennis was trained in understanding what makes a property green, helping clients evaluate the cost/benefits of green building features and practices, distinguishing between industry rating and classification systems, listing and marketing green homes and buildings, discussing the financial grants and incentives available to homeowners, and helping consumers see a property’s green potential.
“As energy costs rise along with concern for the environment, homeowners are looking for innovative ways to save money and live responsibly,” said Dick Gaylord, NAR’s immediate past president. NAR’s Green Designation was developed in response to growing consumer awareness of the benefits of resource-efficient homes and buildings. The designation helps consumers who care about energy efficiency and sustainable building practices identify REALTORS® who can help them realize their green real estate and lifestyle goals.

As an NAR Green Designee, Dennis has gained the knowledge and the tools necessary to become a trusted green resource for Central Vermont. For more information feel free to contact Dennis at (802) 728-9100 x204 or by e-mail at dennis@newenglandlandvermont.com


For more information about NAR’s newest designation, visit their website at www.greenresourcecouncil.org