COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE ALLIANCE
Friday Morning Marketplace Pitch By: Ken Hughes, CNK REALTY, President
I
f you have been to the RASM South building on a Friday morning, you have probably noticed a large group in the meeting room. The tables are set up in the form of a large square so everyone can see each other and communicate easily with one another. Not only are they enjoying the coffee, donuts, bagels, and fruit, but they are also doing a lot of business together. Attendees include:
Commercial real estate brokers Commercial bankers General contractors Insurance providers Engineers Construction suppliers Real estate attorneys Commercial property inspectors And many others that are directly involved in commercial real estate.
Each Commercial Marketplace Pitch meeting begins at 9:00 a.m. and starts with a reminder to the group of how the meeting runs and encouragement to openly share information with each other. The microphone is passed around the room and each individual takes about a minute to introduce themselves and discuss items such as new listings or particular needs they have for a client. Affiliates receive the same opportunity to discuss their services and announcements that they may have relating to their specific industry. The group fluctuates on who attends and it is not mandatory to attend every week. It’s a great opportunity to not only get deals done but also understand and meet business affiliates that members often work with. It’s often typical that after the meeting adjourns, individuals seek each other out to discuss deals or questions they may have regarding properties or services. There is a requested $2 donation that goes toward the donuts and bagels, as well as the annual party, 24 | ELEVATE [FEBRUARY 2020 ]
which is typically hosted by Erick Shumway, who has been the organizer of these meetings for many years. To attend the meetings on a regular basis, you must be a member of CREA but visitors are welcome.
MONTHLY CREA EVENTS In addition to the weekly Marketplace meeting, CREA hosts monthly luncheons for its members to gain insightful knowledge on the market, not only locally, but nationally as well. January’s meeting was highlighted by Stewart Title’s chief economist, Dr. Ted C. Jones, who presented “And the Beat Goes On: An Economic Outlook on What Changes, What Stays the Same, and What’s to Come.” This February’s meeting will be held on February 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., and the focus will be on local economic development. Members of the EDC from Sarasota County, City of Sarasota, and Bradenton will comprise a panel to give an update on their respective economies and answer questions from the audience. You must be a member of CREA to attend these meetings, and are encouraged to reach out to RASM to discuss membership options. For licensed agents who are members of RASM, membership is currently only $50 per year. •
