December 2011 e-Newsletter! 
 

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO YOU AND YOURS

Board of Governors Report

The final board meeting of 2011 was held on December 8th and a summary of the agenda included the following topics:

- The Board discussed the membership survey and recommended that further review is required before specific action can be undertaken to focus the Institute's resources on issues important to members.

- Topics for research studies were reviewed with the focus shifting away from capital gains as the primary research topic of interest and towards issues relating to housing accessiblity and affordability.

- The Board revewied and approved several minor amendments to the Institute's Strategic Plan.

- The Board reviewed the current submission schedule for Chapter Plans with an expectation of modifying the schedule to more effectively serve the needs of the Chapters.  The Chapter Plans have also been referred to the Standards & Practice Committee for comment.

- The Board received an update from Craig Barnsley, President of the BC Association of AIC, regarding BCAAIC's activities.  Both organizations continue to benefit through cooperation and coordinated activities.

- A three year budget was presented and approved by the Board.

- The Board approved the replacement of the Institute's computers and software.

- A discussion of the Honorary Membership category was held with an expectation of expanding this area of membership.  The selection of Honorary Members will now be conducted by the Award of Excellence Committee.

The Board welcomes your feedback and should you have any comments or questions please don't hesitate to discuss them with your Governor.

Andre Gravelle, RI
President-Elect 

Highlights from 2011 President's Luncheon

David Podmore, RI, Guest Speaker

On December 8, 2011 David Podmore, CEO & President of Concert Properties spoke to over 110 guests at the annual President's Luncheon.  David commented on a variety of different aspects including Concert Properties involvement with building rental properties in Toronto and new price sensitive condos in Vancouver. 

David also spoke about philanthropy.  He noted that there are a lot of people within our industry that give back to the community and it is not known outside the real estate community.  He believes that working together we should be able to let more people know how much the industry does, in fact, give back to the community.

On a little lighter side, David mentioned that the roof at BC Place does not leak (it was not finished) and the name will not be changing.

As always David was a great speaker and we were honored to have him join us and share his thoughts with our guests.

 

 

                         
                          
The President's Luncheon is attended by many of the industry's Presidents, Executives, and of course our members. Each year we also invite a number of the elected officials from throughout the province.  This year we were joined by: Mr. John Yap, MLA for Richmond/Steveston, Mr. Don Fast, Deputy Minister of Community, Sport & Cultural Development, Mr. Richard Walton, Mayor of the District of North Vancouver and Mr. Peter Fassbender, Mayor of the City of Langley.   

CHARITABLE DONATION

A cheque for $16,000 to Make-A-Wish Foundation of BC and Yukon was presented to Willemein Van der Wal of Make-A-Wish by President Nathan Worbets & Golf Chair Robert Reichelt.  This donation was made possible through the REIBC Annual Golf Tournament that is held in June of each year. Ms. Van der Wal thanked the Institute for their contribution and noted that a young boy was able to go to Disneyland with his family with our contribution.

The following people won door prizes:

Julie Si - a bottle of wine
Collen McCombe - a bottle of wine
Allan Corbett - 2 tickets to the Canadian Tenors
James Stewart - 1 night stay at Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Resort

REIBC would also like to thank Ernst & Young for sponsoring this event.

We would like to thank everyone for attending and we look forward to seeing you next year.         
                                    
       
Vancouver Chapter Christmas Reception

On Wednesday, December 7th the Vancouver Chapter held it's annual Christmas Reception.  With over 125 people in attendance it was a great evening of networking and meeting up with new aquaintances and old friends.  The festivities began at 4:30 p.m. and wrapped up around 7:45 p.m.  During the evening door prizes were given away and members of the Institute that were unable to attend the Recogntion event in June were presented with their service awards.

Members receiving their service awards were:

25 Years
Bradley Fenton, Norman Laube & Lonnie Neufeld

30 Years
Alan Whitchelo

35 years
Azim Jamal

Congratulations to you all!

         

         

Thank you to the sponsors of this event:

Altus Group
BC Assessment
Campbell & Pound Commercial Ltd.                 
Cushman & Wakefield
Ernst & Young
The Real Estate Foundation of BC
The Society of Notaries Public of BC

We appreciate and thank you for your support.

Government Relations

REIBC has been working towards having the provincial government recognize the Institute as a place to go when they need assistance with real estate issues.  Over the last three months, REIBC has met with over 20 MLA's and 15 high level bureaucrats about the Institute and offering research opportunities to them.  The Real Estate Foundation of BC has advised that they would be putting 15% of their annual grant budgets aside for the Industry and REIBC is part of that industry.  We would be very pleased to have a couple pieces of research done that would benefit the government, the public and the industry.  We look forward to a great working relationship with them.

On the 29th of February 2012 the President and EO of the Institute have been invited to the legislature to be introduced in the house by Deputy Speaker Linda Reid.  She will also read a statement regarding the activities of the Institute.  This will take place at approximately 2:00 p.m.  We are very excited to be able to participate in this great opportunity.  Can you be there?

BCIT Awards

On November 16, 2011 REIBC attended the BCIT Awards Ceremony and presented the Robert (Bob) Mikitka Memoral Award to Paul Addison for his outstanding achievement in his first year of the Real Estate Program.  Paul is a student member of REIBC and was very pleased to receive this award. 

Real Estate Foundation Board

On November 22, 2011 Mr. Charles Scott was appointed to the Real Estate Foundation of BC Board.  Mr. Scott was appointed to the board by the BC Minister of Finance.  An economic development professional based in Prince George, Mr. Scott helps small and medium-sized buisnesses secure capital, enter new markets, and grow, as well as assisting communities with economic diversification.  In addition, Mr. Scott teaches at the University of Northern BC's business school and is currently pursuing a PhD in international business.

A board of five members directs the business of the Foundation.  The BC Real Estate Association, the Real Estate Council of BC, and the Real Estate Institute of BC each appoint one member.  The Minister of Finance appoints two members.  Individuals are appointed for three-year terms and may serve up to two consecutive terms.

In addition to Charles Scott, the current Board of Governors of the Real Estate Foundation includes:

Eileen Smith - Chair -appointed by the Real Estate Council of BC
Kelly Lerigny - Vice-Chair - appointed by the BC Real Estate Associaton
Stephen Mullock - appointed by the Real Estate Institute of BC
Harpreet Bhatti - appointed by the BC Minister of Finance

 
2012 Educational Symposium

Planning for the 2012 Educational Symposium is well underway and scheduled for March 30, 2012. Mr. Vaughn Palmer and Mr. Cameron Muir have been booked as keynote speakers. Please mark your calendars for this one day event!

The event will be held at the River Rock Resort and Casino in Richmond.  There are six sessions that will certainly interest you from contaminated sites, emergency preparedness, Riparian Area Regulations and more.  Early Bird Registration will begin in the next week; please watch your in boxes for the most up to date information. 

Accomodations can be made at River Rock Resort & Casino.

19th Annual Golf Tournament

Please mark you calendars and plan to join us on Wednesday, June 20^th, 2012 for our 19^th Annual REIBC Golf Tournament in support of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of British Columbia and Yukon.   Once again, this year’s tournament will be held at the beautiful Northview Golf and Country Club, Ridge Course, Surrey, B.C.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation of British Columbia and Yukon grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy.  We can make wishes come true with your support.

On-line registration will begin in April 2012.  Sponsorships will also be available.  For further information please contact Maureen at 604-685-3702 Ext. 102

Member Update

Governor John Castle from the Cariboo Region is now a Grandpa.  His grandson, Hunter, was born on November 29th and he and Mom are doing fine.  Congratulations John.

Do you have information you would like to share with your friends at the Institute?  email us at info@reibc.org

 

Member Surveys

REIBC undertook two member surveys in the last year.  The first one was specific to the INPUT magazine, the second one was much more encompassing including strategic plan information, and newsletter to name a couple. The information you provide to us is very valuable  to your Board of Governors and we thank you for participating.  If you would like to see the results of these surveys, log in and go to www.reibc.org/page/surveys.aspx

Industry News

Over the last 6 months, MBABC as well as 3 other industry associations and more than 70 businesses, have been requesting the attention of politicians and the Department of Finance to address concerns in relation to new rules that will limit the funding avenues that many MICs have had access to for more than thirty years. . .
to read more http://www.mbabc.ca/?p=1092

Buildex 2012 Conference Program Now Available

Please visit www.buildexvancouver.com to view the seminar line-up and to register online. Don't delay seminars fill up quickly and often sell out!

INPUT Magazine - Winter Issue

The winter issue of INPUT is well on its way to being ready to hit your mail boxes in early February.  The theme for the upcoming magazine is Appraisal and there are many articles from different perspectives.  Also look for the upcoming events page as well as noticing our supportive advertisers. 

If you have suggestions or ideas for the theme of the next magazine (due out in May), please contact us at info@reibc.org.  We would love to hear from you! 

All REIBC members automatically receive a 25% discount on advertising rates with INPUT Magazine!

For further information contact the office at 604-685-3702 Ext. 102 or by Email at info@reibc.org



Climate Change

We would like to here from you?  What would you like to read concerning our environment and its changes that affect real estate?  Any suggestions are more than welcome.  If you find an interesting article fellow REIBC members would also enjoy please forward it to us.

Please email suggestions and links to info@reibc.org

Club REIBC

Club REIBC is brought to you by the Real Estate Institute of BC.
This program is designed to provide you with valuable insider discounts on the products and services you want and need. Offers can be redeemed in a variety of ways - online, in-store and by phone.

Enjoy the benefits of membership!

Go to www.reibc.intrd.com to find out more.

 

Happy Holidays!