MASTER BROKERS FORUM LAUNCHES IN BROWARD COUNTY
Gallery One Resort Residences Hosts First Event for Real Estate Networking Group
FT. LAUDERDALE, FL – In 1993, a group of Miami real estate agents assembled in the wake of Hurricane Andrew to exchange information and assist each other professionally. Calling itself the Master Brokers Forum (MBF), over time, the group evolved into Miami-Dade County's leading network of top-producing luxury real estate agents. Today, Master Brokers are respected throughout the industry for their expertise and professionalism, and are frequently hosted by Miami's top real estate developers at dinners and special events. Membership is limited to the county's leading agents, based on sales volume and adherence to professional ethics.
This year, the organization officially expanded into Broward County. The launch event for the Broward MBF was held March 16 at Gallery One Resort Residences (the DoubleTree Guest Suites Galleria), located at 2670 East Sunrise Blvd. After a festive cocktail reception on Gallery One's scenic pool deck, guests moved inside to enjoy dinner and a panel discussion entitled "How High is High?",moderated by Hugo Ottolenghi, real estate editor of the Daily Business Review. The panelists included Andrew Britton, senior vice president of Wachovia Securities; Jason Robertson, chairman of the High Rise Council of South Florida; and Dean Trantalis, vice mayor of the City of Ft. Lauderdale.
"This event was a wonderful way to introduce our new organization to the community," said Carolyn Block-Ellert, chair of the Broward MBF and broker/owner of Premier Sales Group. "We are so grateful to our friends at Gallery One, Wachovia, and everyone who participated in the panel."
For a limited time, eligible agents in Broward County may apply for membership into the MBF. Membership is limited to agents who have generated more than $5 million per year in residential sales volume in South Florida for five consecutive years, and who conduct business in the spirit of cooperation with fellow Realtors® and with strict adherence to the National Association of Realtors Code of Ethics. For membership information, please contact Liz Caldwell at 954-515-0100.
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(bottom row) Gary Koenig, sales director for Gallery One; Hugo Ottolenghi, real estate editor of the Daily Business Review; Alicia Cervera Lamadrid, chair of the Miami Master Brokers Forum (top row) Ben Shmul, president of DSI Communities, developer of Gallery One; Helen Jeanne Nicastri; honorary chair of the Miami MBF; Walker Duvall, senior vice president of Wachovia Wealth Management; Andrew Britton, senior vice president of Wachovia Securities; Jason Robertson, chairman of the High Rise Council of South Florida; Carolyn Block-Ellert, chair of the Broward MBF; and Comm. Dean Trantalis, vice mayor of the City of Ft. Lauderdale
David May, sales agent for Gallery One; Andrea Greenberg, vice president of marketing for Fortune International Realty; Gary Koenig, sales director for Gallery One
Bill Hahne, event chairman for the Broward Master Brokers Forum; Helen Jeanne Nicastri; honorary chair of the Miami MBF;