In November 2012, NAR recognized 23 Global Business Councils as part of the 2012-2013 Global Business Council Achievement Program. These groups, hailing from as far afield as Hawaii, Florida, and Las Vegas, were honored as Silver, Gold, and Platinum Councils. In order to receive an award, a council must apply for the program, demonstrating an extraordinary commitment to building awareness among REALTORS® of global business opportunities existing at the local level. Of the 105 existing global business councils, only four were awarded Platinum Council status, the program's highest distinction.
Greater Ft. Lauderdale REALTORS®
Consistently one of the leaders among Florida's many global business councils, Fort Lauderdale has shined, keeping members updated with monthly global news, consulate visits, and productive relationships with a number of local ethnic fraternal organizations. Additionally, Greater Ft. Lauderdale REALTORS® is the Ambassador Association to Argentina and annually hosts both CIPS education and global mini-conferences.
International Council of the Miami Association of REALTORS®
One of the oldest and largest global business councils in the country, the Miami Association of REALTORS® is one of two groups to be named a Platinum Council two years running. Miami is one of the few associations around the country that uses its MLS to capture globally relevant member data, and it provides a number of quality, globally-themed newsletters and monthly updates. Miami is the Ambassador Association to SECOVI (Brazil), the Russian Guild of REALTORS®, and the Costa Rica Global Association of REALTORS®. Miami annually hosts one of the largest global real estate congresses in the country.
REALTOR® Association of St. Lucie
A newcomer to the ranks of the Platinum Councils, RASL enjoyed a banner year in 2012. Its global business council maintains its own website, which is part of a network of Florida-based sites dedicated to raising global awareness among REALTORS®. The council also uses its MLS to provide globally relevant membership information, and the association's CEO is an active member of the area's Economic Development Council. RASL is the Ambassador Association to Belize and Jamaica. It collaborates with surrounding associations on a variety of programs and has generated statewide press for its efforts to bring global business to its members.
West San Gabriel Valley Association of REALTORS®
A two-time Platinum Council, the Global Business Council of the West San Gabriel Valley Association of REALTORS® is one of the most active on the West Coast. In addition to conducting productive annual trade missions to Taiwan, and most recently to Malaysia, WSGVAR boasts some of the highest member participation of any Global Business Council. The association hosts CIPS education each year and collaborates with boards across the state to build a truly global network of professionals, generating referrals and enhancing WSGVAR members' relationships with global clients.
For more information about Global Business Councils, please contact Zach Benjamin at ZBenjamin@realtors.org