Christina Lodar, International Sales Director for Unique Homes Luxury Media, recently attended FIABCI-USA’s Annual VIP Luncheon at the United Nations in New York. The luncheon celebrated the International Real Estate Federation’s, or FIABCI’s, Special Consultative Status to the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. Over 130 leading international real estate professionals from around the world and representatives from the UN were in attendance. Lodar partook in an unparalleled opportunity to network and do business on a truly global level.

Robert M. White Jr., founder and president of Real Capital Analytics, delivered a presentation on the global outlook for commercial properties and currencies. White noted that 10 percent of U.S. buyers in 2007 were foreign, and 70 percent of European buyers are global buyers with the number of global buyers in the U.S. on the increase. As this happens, the whole world is competing for the same buyers. “These statistics are invaluable when trying to market U.S. properties to foreign buyers. It also shows that we need to start thinking outside of American boundaries and attract Europeans and Asians to the U.S. real estate market,” explained Lodar.

FIABCI-USA members from across the country welcomed FIABCI World President, Luis Correa of Colombia, during the recent national meeting in New York, N.Y. Members participated in the association’s governance and shared business tips. Tyler Clay, current President of FIABCI-USA, cited some highlights from the conference in an email to members. He noted:

” –Congratulations to new young member, Laura Farrell, of Lisa James Otto Country Properties! Laura won the Jim Wray Memorial Marketing Award for her presentation during the Networking Lunch & Marketing Session.

” –More than 20 new members received their pins during our Welcome Session and shared their experiences and expertise during the New Member Orientation Breakfast.

” –Past World President, Sheldon Good, offered tools and tips on ways the FIABCI Prix d’Excellence property awards program can help your business.

” –Danielle Grossenbacher, who has recruited 18 new members for teams, talked about how to use the Team Plan to grow membership in your local area.

” –Eugenia Foxworth led a discussion on marketing tips. The group stressed keeping in touch with clients and prospects to benefit from referrals and selecting the people you choose to work with.

” –Dagmar Sands and Kathryn Hunt chaired a lively discussion and brainstorming session of the Luxury Property Forum. The group is looking into developing a template for use by members in marketing themselves and their luxury listings.

” –Congratulations to Wayne Carroll and Greer Lee who were elected as our 2009-2010 President-Elect and Treasurer, respectively.”

FIABCI also recognized the Long Island Board of Realtors recently at a cocktail reception hosted by Shlomi Reuveni, executive vice president of Brown Harris Stevens Select, who provided an impressive venue in the former Tiffany’s Building at 15 Union Square in New York City. Special mention to FIABCI-USA’s New York Chapter President Michael Rossi of Elegran Real Estate and Development Services and to Joanne Dowds, who also served as hosts at the New York reception, providing live entertainment with a jazz ensemble.

LIBOR was cited for its philanthropic activities on a global basis and for its “We’re More Than Realtors” campaign. FIABCI serves as special consultant with NGO status to the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations Organization (ECOSOC) and through this relationship has a strong philanthropic commitment to help others throughout the world. FIABCI recognized LIBOR for this same commitment to global philanthropy. In addition to its domestic charity, LIBOR recently contributed $5,000 to the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China to assist in the ongoing recovery and rebuilding efforts in China following the devastating earthquake that hit Sichuan Province, a mountainous region in Western China on May 12, 2008. The quake, which registered more than 7.9 on the Richter scale is responsible for the deaths of nearly 70,000 people and the destruction of thousands of homes, as well as, numerous businesses and schools.