Illinois REALTOR® Convention

Contact:
Mary Schaefer/Ann Londrigan
217-529-2600

Illinois REALTORS® Assembled at the Annual IAR Convention in Lombard, Sept. 16-18

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – REALTORS® and other real estate professionals from throughout Illinois gathered September 16 – 18, 2009, for the Illinois Association of REALTORS® (IAR) 93rd Annual Convention and Expo at the Westin Lombard Yorktown Center in Lombard.

This year’s convention, themed “Year of the Professional: Redefining the Industry,” showcased the latest in real estate trends while offering REALTORS® the educational training they need to succeed in today’s market including getting clients to buy or sell, effective communication and marketing, financial and tax planning, using social media tools to boost business and top producer tips. Featured speakers included negotiation pro Steve Harney, real estate marketing expert Joe Sesso, top trainer Kim Daugherty, plus tax expert Chris Bird and noted real estate commentator Paul Lisnek.

“lllinois real estate agents and brokers learned from national trainers and experts about the latest educational, training and even social networking strategies they need as professionals to get ahead and succeed in this evolving market,” said IAR President Pat Callan. “They also saw the latest marketing, technology and industry tools available to the real estate industry.”

REALTORS® had the opportunity to earn up to six hours of continuing education (CE) credit toward their licensing requirements with two CE classes. Instructor Chandra Hall highlighted new financing guidelines and options with her class, “New Financing Realities for a New Market” on September 16. Instructor Lynn Madison walked REALTORS® through license law and escrow with her class, “Agency, License Law and Escrow: Welcome to Runamuck Realty” on September 18.

Top vendors serving the Illinois real estate industry showcased their products and services in a state-of-the-art trade expo.

Inaugural gala activities included a reception, dinner and dance in honor of the incoming 2010 IAR officers. New officers are President Michael Onorato, GRI, broker-owner of Onorato Real Estate in Coal City; President-Elect Sheryl Grider, ABR, CRB, GRI, Development and Operations Coordinator with Traders Realty in Peoria; Treasurer Loretta Alonzo, CRB, GRI, broker-owner of Century 21 Alonzo & Associates, La Grange Park.

For more information about the 2009 IAR Convention and Expo, visit the Illinois Association of REALTORS® Web site at www.illinoisrealtor.org or call 217-529-2600.

The Illinois Association of REALTORS® is a voluntary trade association whose 50,000 members are engaged in all facets of the real estate industry. In addition to serving the professional needs of its members, the Illinois Association of REALTORS® works to protect the rights of private property owners in the state by recommending and promoting legislation that safeguards and advances the rights of real property ownership.

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