Illinois REALTORS® helped several commercial specialists maintain Illinois’ visibility with international investors at the annual MIPIM conference in Cannes, France last week.
Eight REALTOR® members qualified for scholarships/stipends:
- Bill Caton, Caton Commercial Real Estate Group, Naperville (Northern Illinois Commercial Association of REALTORS®),
- Marsha Collins-Mroz, Homesmart Connect LLC, Chicago (Mainstreet Organization of REALTORS®),
- Moses Hall, MoHall Commercial & Urban Development, Chicago (Chicago Association of REALTORS®),
- Jana Herdova, Regency Inc., Naperville (Mainstreet),
- Betty Milam, Berkshire Hathaway Homeservice, Chicago (CAR),
- Theresa Mueller, Trelleum LLC, Naperville (Mainstreet),
- Harini “Ri” Prasad, Kale Realty, Chicago (CAR) and
- Noah Ruggieri, SVN, Northstar, Savoy (Champaign County Association of REALTORS®).
In addition, two other REALTORS® with MIPIM experience gathered information from fellow delegates, took photos and recorded interviews: Andy Velkme, Caton Commercial Real Estate Group (NICAR); and Alex Ruggieri, SVN/Northstar, Champaign (CCAR).
Each day during the four-day conference, attendees could network, schedule business meetings, visit with representatives of cities or countries, attend panel discussions on topics such as economic development, housing and sustainability.
Among the observations made by members:
- Like the United States, many other countries are struggling with a housing shortage and looking for solutions;
- Attendees can start by growing their contact list on their first trip to Cannes but subsequent appearances will help you build solid relationships with those contacts; and
- Sometimes unexpected or unplanned social interactions (i.e. sharing a bus ride) lead to great business relationships and business deals.
