First Nations Conference
Topic – Land : The Economic and Social Platform for First Nations
The certainty of land ownership can manifest in community services and sustainable economic development. How this is accomplished is open to a wide variety of options now facing First Nations in Canada. Canada’s re-emerging and evolving First Nations face some unique and common issues of economic development, community services and revenue certainty. Recent and pending legislative changes support the establishment of Aboriginal institutions in Canada designed to accelerate First Nations governance and the self administration of land-based revenue system.
The International Property Tax Institute (IPTI), in cooperation with First Nations Tax Commission (FNTC), formerly the Indian Taxation Advisory Board, British Columbia Assessment ad the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation, invites all members of REIBC to participate in a two-day symposium dealing with land as the economic and social underpinning for First Nations. The date of the conference is Tuesday, March 16th, 2010 8:00 am – Wednesday, March 17th, 2010 5:00 pm at location Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort – 45 Songees Road, Victoria, BC.
Click here for program and registration details
New Marketing Coordinator at REIBC
Chris Alexandrovich has recently left REIBC to become more engaged in his volunteer endeavors. All of us at REIBC wish him the best of luck and thank him for his hard work. George Koumbounis, as of January 18th, 2010 is the new Marketing Coordinator for REIBC. George was born and raised in Vancouver B.C but during his teenage years moved to Athens, Greece with his family. George owned and operated a restaurant while obtaining degrees in Sociology and Marketing. He has put forth many new fresh ideas for REIBC and we look forward to his input.
Webinar – Results and Participation
REIBC launched its first webinar on January 13th, 2010 and was a great success. Over 60 participants tuned in to the discussion concerning the Harmonizes Sales Tax (HST) and its effects on the real estate industry. The feedback we received overall was good and there were many suggestions on how to make this easier for participants in the future, and recommended topics of discussion for future webinars were also presented by participating members. Most members felt that a webinar could be held every other month (6 per year) and we will endeavor to do so. REIBC demonstrated how valuable this technology can be by pioneering the use of webinars in connection to real estate industry agendas. We thank all of you who participated.
Member Survery Results
The member survey was completed in late 2009 and the results have been compiled. The survey shows that approximately 80% of members are satisfied or very satisfied with REIBC. Only 6.8% of members responded that they are not satisfied at all or unsatisfied with events offered by REIBC and their respective chapters. The survey was of major importance to us as it helped us understand the views and concerns of our members. We thank everyone who participated in the survey. If you would like to view the full results please click on the link below.
Click to view the Member Survey Results
AGM + Recognition Dinner
The 2010 AGM and Recognition Dinner will be held on Thursday, June 10, 2010 so everyone please mark you calendars. This will be an entertaining evening of networking, catching up with fellow RI’s, and meeting new ones. The event will take place at the Terminal City Club in Vancouver, the AGM will commence at 5:00 pm and the Recognition Dinner will be followed at 6:30 pm. We ask all members to keep a close eye on their inboxes as more information will be forthcoming.
Award of Excellence
The Professional Excellence Award is presented to a member who has best demonstrated exceptional and outstanding leadership and contribution to the real estate industry in a manner beyond the expectation of daily business. The member will also best demonstrate a continued commitment of contribution to voluntary organizations within their community and the community-at-large.
This is your opportunity to nominate a fellow RI who goes above and beyond the call of duty. Nominations close on Friday April 30th, 2010. The nomination forms have been sent to all members, if you would like more information regarding this award please go to
Click to view Awards of Excellence
Election Information
In 2008, the bylaws concerning the elections were revised so there would be elections each year so ½ of the Board of Governors would be elected each year. The nominating committee for 2010 have been selected and is, Peter Remillong, Tracy Wall, and Alex Messina. Positions that are up for election in 2010 are: 2 Vancouver seats, 1 North Fraser seat, 2 FraserValley seats, and 1 Vancouver Island seat. That also signifies that ½ of each of the chapter directors for those regions will be elected as well. If any members are interested in running for any of the positions mentioned above, we ask you to please contact one of the three members of the nominating committee.
Upcoming Webinar in March
Since January’s webinar was a success, REIBC will be assembling a second webinar in the month of March. We ask for all members to watch for more information regarding date, time, and topic of discussion for the next REIBC webinar in your inbox in February.
17th Annual Golf Tournament - In Support of "Make a Wish Foundation"
Please mark your calenders for the upcomming 17th Annual REIBC Charity Golf Tournament on Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010 at the Northview Golf & Country Club Ridge Course in Surrey in support of the Make a Wish Foundation. More information concerning this fun filled event will be forth coming so please remember to check your inboxes.