The organization: The council provides education to incoming and existing Realtors on how to deal with and handle clients of multiple ethnic characteristics.
What he’ll do: “As NEFAR Multicultural Council chair I want to lead an International Committee that has a focus on international business development and making things happen while working alongside existing groups such as Realtor Political Action Committee, local government, the building industry and financial services providers to encourage non-U.S. investors and potential residents to consider Northeast Florida as their destination.”
When are meetings and what happens during them? “We’ll be meeting monthly with sub-committees meeting more often when required. Initially, we’ll be reaching out to those individuals and delegations who can carry our message to our intended markets until we can resource our own visits to those other countries and build on the personal relationships that will foster our business.”
His business: He is a Realtor with Prudential Network Realty’s Mandarin office.
How were you elected/selected? “I have a background in and a passion for international economic development, having worked in Ireland, Turkey, the Middle East and the Balkans. This led me to seek the Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) designation. I have also worked on other NEFAR committees. It was suggested by several people active in the international real estate field that I should get involved with the international side of business at NEFAR.”
Goals for 2008 as chair? “I want to explain to those who might be interested in coming to Northeast Florida why it’s a good idea, in particular the physical and financial stability of the area. For example, the area is 100 times less likely to suffer hurricane damage than South Florida, 40 times less likely to suffer than the Panhandle and we have been less affected than many by the cyclical nature of real estate investment. We also want to promote the idea of a ‘silver visa’,’ encouraging those who might want to retire to Northeast Florida to do so. People who will bring resources to the region and at a stroke add volume to the real estate market.”
How does the council have an impact on the industry? “It’s too early to say how much of an impact we’ll have. But our aim is to have authoritative representatives from the key parts of the industry participate on the Multicultural Council to speak with one voice to those non-U.S. investors and potential residents who are not yet aware of what we have to offer here in Northeast Florida.”