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More than 500 real estate professionals attended MNR event at Mystic Lake Center
Minnesota Realtors® (MNR) held Realtors® UNITE!, its annual state convention on September 21 – 22 at Mystic Lake Center in Prior Lake. Drawing over 500 Realtors® and brokers from across Minnesota, the event featured nationally renowned speakers, continuing education classes and symposiums, a vendor exposition, and an installation dinner where the association’s 2023 leadership team was formally inducted.

“Every year, the UNITE convention is growing in scale and importance for Minnesota’s real estate community,” said Chris Galler, CEO of MNR. “Members recognize that the quality and caliber of the speakers and educational forums is simply not available anywhere else in the state. Plus, the opportunities for face-to-face networking with colleagues from all over Minnesota are invaluable and rare. As word gets out, attendance is increasing and UNITE is becoming a must-do annual event.” 

Highlights of the two-day convention included an opening session with Mike Jaffe, a survivor of the 9/11 terrorist attacks who gave a motivational talk about transforming trauma into self-discovery and empowerment. On Wednesday night, during the Awards and Installation dinner, the association formally welcomed its new leadership for 2023, and held a ceremony recognizing Realtors® who made outstanding achievements in 2022. Entertainment was provided by Salsa Del Soul, a Latin-Caribbean orchestra based in the Twin Cities.

Thursday featured an exposition with 45 exhibitors showcasing products and services from a wide range of businesses, including brokerages, mortgage and title companies, home-warranty agencies, law firms, home-security providers, and more. The convention closed with a “fireside chat” by Dr. Bernice King, CEO of the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change. Touching on themes of social unity and justice, Dr. King talked about the need to bridge cultural and ideological divides through open, honest, and compassionate communication.

MNR installs new leadership team

Assuming the role of president from outgoing President Jason Miller of Premiere Real Estate in St. Cloud is Emily Green of Sandy Green Realty in Minneapolis. Geri Theis of Scenic City Realty in Redwood Falls will take on the role of president-elect. Patti Jo Fitzpatrick of Coldwell Banker Realty in St. Paul is the first member to fill the new role of first vice president. And Pat Paulson will serve as treasurer, a term that has been extended to two years. The newly elected officers begin their terms in January 2023.

In recognition of her outstanding contributions to the industry, Amy Peterson of Edina Realty was named 2022 Realtor® of the Year. Man Huynh of Edina Realty in St. Paul received the Edwin Anderson Political Achievement award for political advocacy on behalf of the real estate industry. Becca Ruegemer and Chuck Zwilling of RE/MAX Results in St Cloud were presented with the Minnesota Good Neighbor Award for their work on Ice Fest, a charitable event that donates funds to help feed under-nourished children.

Realtors earn credit and hone skills at classes and sessions

During both days of UNITE, Realtors® participated in breakout sessions led by nationally renowned experts and educators. The lineup included Tru Pettigrew, chief diversity and inclusion officer for the Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Lynx.  who spoke about how to create more diverse, inclusive, collaborative, and productive work environments. Sean Carpenter, a real estate leader and expert in digital media, led a symposium on maximizing the impact of social media. And Abhi Golhar, principle at Meridian 84, an Atlanta business advisory investment firm, educated Realtors on social media marketing trends and real estate investing. Also leading courses were Bill Lublin, a technology, marketing, and risk-management expert; and Mary Johnson-Pallin, a master trainer with expertise on getting buyers to the closing table. Attendees were able to earn up to 7.5 credits toward their annual continuing education requirements.

After hours, many convention-goers took advantage of Mystic Lake’s plentiful food and entertainment venues, including pubs, restaurants, and a 24-hour casino.

On September 20 - 21, 2023, Realtors® UNITE will return to Mystic Lake Center. Please save the date!