
Members of IAR’s Consulate General Liaison Program listen during a recent meeting.
In an effort to expand the scope of global engagement, IAR has launched a new program. Created as a sub-group of the IAR Global Business Council, the Consulate General Liaison Program began this week in its pilot phase and is uniquely designed to help position the REALTOR® community as a leading source for service and information for a growing global clientele.
Modeled after the NAR Federal Political Coordinator program and the IAR State Legislative Contact Program, this program has a bit of a different twist. IAR has named several members who have a history in working with Consulates General on programming, trade missions, outreach, etc. These members have the potential to create more robust relationships with prominent officials representing their home countries in Illinois.
Our launch team includes:
- Jim Kinney, liaison to the United Kingdom;
- Jana Herdova, Czech Republic;
- Sonia Anaya, Mexico;
- Michelle Shang, China;
- Pradeep Shukla, India;
- Don Pasek, Poland;
- Nancy Suvarnamani, Thailand; and
- Maurice Hampton, Canada.

Mike Drews (left) and Jim Kinney
Thinking out of the box is in our DNA,” says IAR President Mike Drews, who is looking forward to the growth and success of the program. The NAR is also excited about this new venture and will help the cause through its work with the NAR President’s Liaison and the NAR Ambassador Association programs.