2024 The Convention

Valerie Garcia

Speaker & Consultant

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Valerie is truly passionate about helping others embrace change. As an international Real Estate speaker and consultant, she is known for delivering encouragement and truth with her signature straightforward style and sense of humor. By focusing on the importance of overcoming fear, adapting to new ideas, and putting the customer first, Valerie’s sessions speak to the very heart of our industry.

Valerie has had the privilege of working with Real Estate brands such as RE/MAX, Century 21, Royal LePage, and others in the US, Canada, Europe and Australia, and has spent over 17 years educating and teaching Real Estate professionals. In her previous role as Director of Training for RE/MAX INTEGRA, she created and delivered education initiatives for tens of thousands of associates across North America. Named as both an Inman Top 100 Influencer, as well as a Top 20 Social Influencer on the Swanepoel Power 200, Valerie is considered to be a key voice in the Real Estate industry.

• 2:45 - 3:35 PM, Sep 25, 2024 Saginaw Room

  Lobsters & Popsicles - CE Marketplace Certified 1.0E hr [REPEAT]

• 10:00 - 10:50 AM, Sep 25, 2024 Saginaw Room

  Lobsters & Popsicles - CE Marketplace Certified 1.0E hr

• 11:10 AM - 12:00 PM, Sep 25, 2024 Saginaw Room

  The Risk Rollercoaster - CE Marketplace Certified 1.0E hr

Michael Walker

Walker Enterprises LLC

With over 21 years of experience in real estate, Mike has worked as advisor and consultant for some of the largest real estate brands in the US. His passion for law and ethics have prompted him to independently study both national and local levels of real estate conduct. His diverse knowledge of the real estate business extends well beyond that of simply residential and commercial sales. Mike has succeeded as an agent, managing broker, owner and developer throughout his real estate career.
Mike has spent 14 years teaching negotiation as a professional advisor to real estate brokers nationally. He has worked with over 10,000 agents, across 31 states in the U.S., involving various aspects of transaction negotiation, mediation, and consumer prep. He recently worked as a negotiation consultant for the City of Philadelphia and contributes to the curriculum of several universities and educational institutes on a regular basis.
Mike has held Broker licenses in New York and Colorado and has been a proud member of NAR and other local Non-NAR Boards for most of his career. He is passionate about the evolution of the real estate industry and is always looking to stay on the cutting-edge of the latest real estate trends. A lifetime of seasoned experience and well-honed expertise drives Mike’s support of real estate professionals who desire to reinvent their business approach and see the value in negotiation skillsets.
Originally from Colorado, Mike grew up as an athlete and still participates in outdoor activities like football, skiing, hiking and stand-up paddle boarding. He also enjoys photography and the arts, but his favorite hobby is helping entrepreneurs develop their business strategy as it pertains to growth and development. He moved to New York City 11 years ago and currently resides in Westchester County with his wife Jes and daughters Ella & Mallory.

• 11:10 AM - 12:00 PM, Sep 25, 2024 Swan Creek Room

  Fair Housing & Negotiations - CE Marketplace Certified 1.0F hr

• 10:00 - 10:50 AM, Sep 25, 2024 Swan Creek Room

  Negotiation Blindspot: The Unseen Expense of Real Estate Agents - CE Marketplace Certified 1.0E hr

• 1:30 - 2:20 PM, Sep 25, 2024 Swan Creek Room

  Mastering the Art of Commission Negotiation - CE Marketplace Certified 1.0E hr

John Young

RE/MAX EXCELLENCE REALTY - METRODCFORSALE

John Young is a top Realtor in the Washington DC area. His life was transformed in 2009 when he became the parent of a child with non-verbal autism. In 2019, John began speaking on "Serving Clients with Special Needs" and the importance of helping others. He also enjoys sharing his extensive knowledge of sales and marketing through his popular "Steal These Ideas!" talks.

John brings his passion for helping others to everything he does and strives to improve the lives of both clients and fellow Realtors.

• 2:45 - 3:35 PM, Sep 25, 2024 Three Fires Room

  The Other "AI": Accessibility Issues - CE Marketplace Certified 1.0F hr

• 1:30 - 2:20 PM, Sep 25, 2024 Three Fires Room

  Do’s’ and ‘Don’ts’ of Working within the Americans with Disabilities Act - CE Marketplace Certified 1.0F hr

Beth Graham

Broker/Appraiser

Beth L Graham, Appraiser

Beth is a licensed broker and certified residential appraiser serving the Greater Lansing market area since 1986 as a self-employed fee appraiser. She has been a resident of Lansing since 1985 after graduating from Ferris State University and from Davenport University; Beth grew up in Hart and Newaygo. Beth started her volunteerism with the Women’s Council of REALTORS serving on committees at the local, state and national levels and serving as local Lansing President in 1997, State President in 2004, State Governor in 2005 and 2006. She was President of the Greater Lansing Association of REALTORS in 2016. Other service included Michigan REALTORS grievance, finance & budget, convention task force and MiCREA chair in 2008; National Association of REALTORS Real Property Valuation committee, Sustainability Advisory Group, Chair of the Real Property Valuation Forum in 2018, 2020 member of the Federal Financing & Housing Policy Committee and 2021 member of the Real Property Valuation Committee. Beth is also volunteers with the Michigan Mortgage Lenders Association and the Appraisal Institute. She had the honor of being named Michigan Realtor of the Year 2010; Michigan Realtor Active in Politics 2019; GLAR Realtor of the Year 2010; WCR Michigan Member of the Year 2009; Michigan Mortgage Lenders Assoc. Volunteer of the Year in 2007. Beth is a RPAC Major Investor and holds the PMN, RAA and ePRO designations. At the community level, she is currently a Lansing Board of Water and Light Commissioner, past Lansing Planning Commission member, past member of the Neighborhood Watch Advisory Group, a Girl Scout Leader and served from 2006 – 2012 on the Michigan Appraiser’s Board. Beth and her husband, Jay, enjoy their time with family (granddaughters), our golden retriever and grand-goldens, camping, traveling and golfing.

• 11:10 AM - 12:00 PM, Sep 25, 2024

  Clear to Close Panel

Karen Greenwood

Realtor®

Karen has been a REALTOR® since 2000 in southeast Michigan serving over 60 clients a year. Past president (2017) of the Greater Metropolitan Association of REALTORS®. REALTOR® of the Year for GMAR and for the Michigan REALTORS® in 2018. Karen has served on the Michigan REALTORS® Public Policy Committee and is the 2023 Chair. In addition, she is serving the National Association of REALTORS® as the Major Investor Council Michigan representative. Karen also works on a couple nonprofits - Women’s Build Habitat for Humanity steering Committee for Oakland County and The Troy Community Foundation. One son, Dane, has earned his Eagle Rank and is a Freshman at U of M. Karen and Jay have been married for over 25 years and love traveling around the state!

• 11:10 AM - 12:00 PM, Sep 25, 2024

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Brandon P. Fleming

Brandon P. Fleming is a renowned speaker, nationally acclaimed educator, and author of MISEDUCATED: A Memoir. His triumphant story of struggle, success, and service has captured the heart of national media and inspired millions of people around the world. An at-risk youth and college dropout turned award-winning educator, Fleming is a former debate coach at Harvard University and Founder & CEO of the Veritas School of Social Sciences in Atlanta, GA.

In 2017, Fleming was recruited to become Harvard University’s assistant debate coach at the age of 26. Fleming soon made history at Harvard as the founder of the first Black pipeline program called the Harvard Debate Council Diversity Project, which was designed to increase Black enrollment at Harvard’s residential debate program where hundreds of gifted young scholars from over 25 different countries study and compete in an international academic debate competition.

Over six years, Fleming has raised millions of dollars to enroll more than 200 students of color into Harvard’s summer debate residency on full scholarship. But there was one challenge that Fleming faced: How would he take Black youth from mostly under-resourced schools in Atlanta, who had never been exposed to the rigors of academic debate, and prepare them in just one year to compete against some of the most elite debaters from across the globe? Fleming created a transformative curriculum that is designed to build intellectual capacity, accelerate learning, and ultimately level the playing field for Black students. And it did. For six consecutive years, since the program’s inception in 2017, every cohort trained by Fleming has won the international competition as six-time consecutive champions. News of the achievement has gone viral and broke national headlines, being featured on CNN, Good Morning America, the Steve Harvey Show and many more. The organization has gained the financial backing of Fortune 100 companies such as The Coca-Cola Company, UPS, Chick-fil-A, and many more.

Fleming’s story represents the transformative power of equity. The equity model Fleming has built to close performance gaps is one that academic and corporate institutions have highly sought to replicate. As a renowned speaker, Fleming has keynoted for international governmental organizations such as the United Nations. Fleming has spoken at the nation’s most prestigious colleges, universities, and K-12 conferences. Fleming has also keynoted conventions for corporate executives at the nation’s largest brands such as Walmart, Bank of America, FedEx, the Federal Reserve Bank, and many more. At the age of 29, Forbes Magazine named Fleming to the Forbes 30 under 30 list. In 2020, The Root Magazine named Fleming one of the top 100 most influential African Americans in the United States. And in May 2021, North Carolina Wesleyan College bestowed upon Fleming the honorary Doctor of Humanities degree.

• 4:00 - 5:30 PM, Sep 25, 2024 Entertainment Hall

  Grand Assembly

Trista Curzydlo

C4 Consulting L.L.C.

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Trista is a graduate of Washburn University and Washburn University, School of Law, where she was a member of the Washburn Law Journal. After serving as Assistant Legal Counsel to Kansas Governor Bill Graves, Trista joined the office of the District Attorney for the Eighteenth Judicial District of Kansas as an Assistant District Attorney assigned to the Consumer Fraud division. From 2004 to January of 2010, Trista was the Government Affairs Director and Legal Counsel for the Wichita Area Association of Realtors® and the South Central Kansas MLS, in Wichita, Kansas. Trista is now the principal member of C4 Consulting, L.L.C. and is devoting her time to offering excellent educational opportunities for real estate licensees across the country.

With the knowledge you expect from an attorney and the sense of humor you wish your attorney had, Trista brings a fresh perspective to teaching continuing education classes for real estate licensees. Her career as an attorney both in the courtroom and the Statehouse provides her with a strong grasp on the “why” behind difficult legal topics while her experience as Legal Counsel for a Realtors® Association allows her to provide the “how” for risk management in a manner that everyone can grasp and enjoy.

• 9:30 AM - 12:15 PM, Sep 25, 2024 Black River Room

  Go Forth & Sin No More: the Code of Ethics - CE Marketplace Certified 3.0E hr

• 2:45 - 3:35 PM, Sep 25, 2024 Black River Room

  Litigation Roundup: Recent Cases Impacting Real Estate - CE Marketplace Certified 1.0L hr

Frank Lucarelli

Sr Account Executive

First American Title

• 11:10 AM - 12:00 PM, Sep 25, 2024

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Ted Edginton

Mortgage Loan Originator

US Bank

No matter where you are in the home buying process, I can help.
As a mortgage loan officer right here in Bloomfield Hills, I work with you to help you find the right mortgage for your unique situation.
You probably have lots of questions. How much house can I really afford? Which type of mortgage best fits my needs? I can help you answer questions like that and I've worked with lots of people in and around Bloomfield Hills with home financing needs similar to yours.
I'm proud to work for a reputable bank like U.S. Bank, and you can trust me to do what's right for you. So give me a call at 248.991.9390.

• 11:10 AM - 12:00 PM, Sep 25, 2024

  Clear to Close Panel

Chris Abazis

Dream Key Consulting

Fasten your seat belts, folks, and get ready for a rollercoaster ride of knowledge, energy, and guaranteed fun! Meet Coach Chris, a real estate dynamo who started as a rookie of the year Realtor and transformed into a luminary thought leader. He's inspired over a thousand agents to chase their dreams while cherishing leisurely lunches. Despite moving to the warmer climes of Palm Beach, he maintains his New York hustle, delivering insights with a rapid-fire verve so fast the front-row here today may wish to take cover! Please help me welcome your new favorite coach, Coach Chris!

• 10:30 - 11:20 AM, Sep 26, 2024 Black River Room

  Communication Catalyst: Connect & Close More Effectively

• 1:30 - 2:20 PM, Sep 26, 2024 Black River Room

  Masterful Coaching Through Challenging Times

• 11:45 AM - 12:35 PM, Sep 26, 2024 Black River Room

  Beyond the Bank: Innovative Financing Strategies

Dave Dalfino

Owner

Pillar to Post

Dave Dalfino has been a trainer for over 30 years and has been a Certified Real Estate Inspector, dealing with Residential and Commercial properties for 22 years. Combining his architectural, building and property management backgrounds gives him an ideal position to educate the real estate community with his training and mentoring. Dave presents many proprietary courses, and ‘how to’ guides on real estate topics throughout S.E. Michigan. With the belief that ‘learning should be fun’ and “knowledge is powerful” Dave’s information is very both positive and helpful.
While property inspections focus on the Structural, Systems & Safety areas, Dave has an extensive background and offers education on many Environmental Topics associated with real estate properties. Dave is always working on furthering his education to add more to his teaching repertoire. He encourages his students to learn and use their knowledge to surpass their clients’ expectations. Dave truly believes that knowledge and the willingness to help others with that knowledge will not only earn you a client, but impress them in ways that will lead to more sales and success.

• 11:45 AM - 12:35 PM, Sep 26, 2024 Three Fires Room

  INNOVATE: Pillar to Post - New Technologies in Homes - CE Marketplace Certified 1.0E hr

Ifoma Pierre

G. E. M Coaching & Consulting

As a licensed and long-established real estate Associate Broker, Pierre boasts more than 15 years of experience in the sale and acquisition of prime residential properties within Queens, New York. Because of his thirst for knowledge and education, Pierre created a coaching program called G.E.M a complete training system designed for real
estate agents' success through mastering the art of sales, marketing, branding, and advanced social media lead generation strategies. Pierre is also an EXIT Realty International Corporate Trainer and holds several designations including ABR, GRI, MCNE, SRS, PSA, ePRO, CBR, and ITI. He has earned the prestigious John Maxwell
Certified Speaker Trainer & Coach designation.

• 2:45 - 3:35 PM, Sep 26, 2024 Black River Room

  Stop Recruiting and Start Attracting! - CE Marketplace Certified 1.0E hr

• 10:30 - 11:20 AM, Sep 26, 2024 Swan Creek Room

  S.O.S. How to Survive Overwhelming Social Media - CE Marketplace Certified 1.0E hr

• 11:45 AM - 12:35 PM, Sep 26, 2024 Swan Creek Room

  Navigating the AI Landscape: Empowering Real Estate Agents and Enhancing the Consumer Experience - CE Marketplace Certified 1.0E hr

Marilyn Chrumka

Vice President of Development

Michigan Community Capital

Marilyn Chrumka has a degree in Community Relations from Michigan State University. Marilyn began her career doing door-to-door community organizing and working for grassroot non-profits such as Clean Water Action, the Foundation for Sustainable Development, and the Community Relations Coalition. After a brief attempt to change her degree to Horticulture and starting an urban flower farm on Ingham County Landbank property, she got an internship at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) for the Community Assistance Team.

Post-graduation, she worked on the launch the Redevelopment Ready Communities Program statewide at the MEDC before moving into the role as a Community Assistance Team Specialist. In this position, she loved traveling across 9 counties in Michigan, meeting with Downtown Development Directors, City Managers, and other interested stakeholders to talk about their Community Development goals.

In 2016, Marilyn went to work for a private development company, Kincaid Henry Building Group. There, she worked with investors to financially structure and close important downtown revitalization projects such as the Strongback Project in Adrian, The Lofts on Louis Project in Jackson, The Owosso Armory in Owosso, The Thompson Block in Ypsilanti, and 449 Bridge Street Redevelopment in Grand Rapids.

Marilyn joined Michigan Community Capital (MCC) in 2019. In her role as Vice President of Development, she uses her experience as a generalist rooted in human connection to balance the ever-conflicting needs of design and return on investment. Over the past six years, she has created 275 middle-income apartment units across the state and has built and sold 36 owner-occupied homes. Marilyn lives in Traverse City with her husband, Jason, and their German Shephard, Abby. They recently welcomed the birth of their daughter Lila May in the Spring of 2023.

• 10:30 - 11:20 AM, Sep 26, 2024 Ojibway Room

  Commercial Track: From Vacant to Vibrant: The Story of Broadway Lofts - CE Marketplace Certified 1.0E hr

Mary Anne Kennedy

Mary Anne is a seasoned real estate professional with over 35 years of experience as the owner and Principal Managing Broker of Selling Michigan Real Estate, Inc. She holds various designations, including CRS, ABR, PMN, and SRS, and certifications such as BPOR, PSA, SFR, and TRC. Her expertise spans contracts, negotiations, marketing, and international relocation. Mary Anne has served on numerous national and local real estate committees and was honored with the Michigan Residential Real Estate Council Spirit Award in 2021. Outside of work, she enjoys golf, gourmet cooking, travel, and photography.

• 1:30 - 2:20 PM, Sep 26, 2024 Three Fires Room

  INNOVATE: CRS - Secrets of Success: Innovation. Collaboration. Designation. - Sponsored by RRC - CE Marketplace Certified 1.0E hr

Rebecca Berke

Director of Legal Education

Michigan Realtors®

Becky Berke serves as the Director of Legal Education for Michigan Realtors® . She began her role in 2016 after acting as a legislative and legal intern for the Michigan State Senate. Becky earned her undergraduate degree from Michigan Technological University and her law degree from the Michigan State University College of Law. In her role at Michigan Realtors® , Becky conducts legal and legislative research on issues that affect the real estate industry. She also assists in developing content for legal continuing education. As an advocate of Fair Housing education and outreach, Becky also serves as the staff liaison to the Fair Housing Diversity and Inclusion Committee.

• 10:30 - 11:20 AM, Sep 26, 2024 Saginaw Room

  NAR Settlement Temp Check - CE Marketplace Certified 1.0L hr

• 10:50 AM - 12:30 PM, Sep 27, 2024 Saginaw Room

  Within the Law - CE Marketplace Certified 1.0L hr

Brian Westrin

General Counsel

Michigan Realtors®

Brian Westrin is General Counsel for the Michigan Realtors®. He helps facilitate both the Public Policy Committee & Legal Action Committee. He regularly presents on legal and policy issues, often working directly with local associations on emerging concerns. Brian is a graduate of Louisiana State University and Michigan State University College of Law.

• 10:30 - 11:20 AM, Sep 26, 2024 Saginaw Room

  NAR Settlement Temp Check - CE Marketplace Certified 1.0L hr

Dee Dee Ohara Blizard

In her 20+ years in real estate, Dee Dee has earned the loved and respect of her clients and the community of real estate professionals alike.

With a focus on repurposing under used real estate into mixed use livable and lifestyle communities, She believes that it requires all of our creative resources to contribute to addressing the housing shortage and lack of affordable housing worldwide.

Her goal is to introduce many more real estate professionals to doing global business intentionally.

• 2:45 - 3:35 PM, Sep 26, 2024 Saginaw Room

  Jumpstart Your Global Real Estate Business - CE Marketplace Certified 1.0E hr

Tom O'Connor

Cosen Martial Arts

Tom O’Connor also known as Coach O’Connor is a martial artist, personal development coach, and a public speaker. As a former prevention coordinator in municipal government, O’Connor has helped thousands of families and he has presented his ideas on a variety topics to audiences all across Michigan.

• 1:30 - 2:20 PM, Sep 26, 2024 Saginaw Room

  Practical Self Defense Application

• 11:45 AM - 12:35 PM, Sep 26, 2024 Saginaw Room

  Common Sense before Self Defense - CE Marketplace Certified 1.0E hr

Sandra Clark

President/Owner

Applied EcoSystems, Inc.

Sandra Clark is the President and Owner of Applied EcoSystems, Inc. (Æ), a full-service environmental consulting company that specializes in commercial property environmental due diligence. She is a graduate of the University of Michigan and has over twenty-nine years of experience in conducting all phases of environmental site assessments on commercial, industrial, and municipal properties. She received the Commercial Inc., Elite Eight Award in honor of her outstanding leadership in commercial real estate industry as an environmental professional. She specializes in the identification and management of environmental liability risk to help facilitate real estate sales. She has published multiple articles and been asked by many organizations including the Genesee County Bar Association, the Commercial Board of Realtors, the National Groundwater Association and Chambers of Commerce to speak to their members about environmental matters.

• 1:30 - 2:20 PM, Sep 26, 2024 Ojibway Room

  Commercial Track: Successful CRE Transactions

Lawrence Yun

Lawrence Yun is Chief Economist and Senior Vice President of Research at the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. He oversees and is responsible for a wide range of research activity for the association including NAR’s Existing Home Sales statistics, Affordability Index, and Home Buyers and Sellers Profile Report. He regularly provides commentary on real estate market trends for its 1 million REALTOR® members.

Dr. Yun creates NAR’s forecasts and participates in many economic forecasting panels, among them the Blue Chip Council and the Harvard University Industrial Economist Council. He appears regularly on financial news outlets, is a frequent speaker at real estate conferences throughout the United States, and has testified before Congress. Dr. Yun appears often as a guest on CSPAN’s Washington Journal and is a regular guest columnist on the Forbes website.

Dr. Yun received his undergraduate degree from Purdue University and earned his Ph.D. from the University of Maryland at College Park.

• 9:00 - 10:00 AM, Sep 26, 2024 Entertainment Hall

  Rise & Refocus Keynote - Sponsored by Homes.com

Darren Montreuil

Darren Montreuil is a Business Development Specialist for MSHDA’s Homeownership Division. Darren has over 20 years of mortgage industry experience having held positions in retail, wholesale and operations team management.
Darren provides MSHDA homeownership program training, technical assistance, and educational seminars to our partners in the SE Michigan and Northern Michigan regions.

• 10:30 - 11:20 AM, Sep 26, 2024 DeerFox

  INNOVATE: MSHDA's Homeownership Programs - Delivering the Dream to Michigan Families - CE Marketplace Certified 1.0E hr

Margo Rosenthal

Margo Rosenthal is a Vice President with Investment Property Exchange Services, Inc., and also works for Fidelity National Title in Michigan in the Commercial Business Development Group. IPX is the premier Qualified Intermediary for IRC Section 1031 tax deferred exchange transactions. Ms. Rosenthal is an attorney, licensed to practice in the state of Michigan. Both IPX and Fidelity Title are subsidiaries of Fidelity National Financial, Inc., the largest title insurer in the nation. IPX 1031 handles real property exchange transactions, including simultaneous, delayed, build-to-suit, reverse and workout exchanges. Ms. Rosenthal has been with IPX for twenty two years, and closing commercial title transactions for over twenty five years. She has structured over 2500 exchanges. Ms. Rosenthal is a frequent speaker on 1031 Exchanges, having done seminars for ICLE (Institute for Continuing Legal Education), Homeward Bound Series, Continuing Education for CPAs and for groups of Attorneys and Real Brokers. She has also published a chapter on Title Insurance for the Michigan Residential Real Estate Transaction Book published by ICLE. Not only is Ms. Rosenthal an expert on IRS 1031 Exchanges, she is the queen of 1031 exchanges.

• 1:30 - 2:20 PM, Sep 26, 2024 Ojibway Room

  Commercial Track: Successful CRE Transactions

Cindy Immonen

Cindy joined the FNF Michigan Agency team in 2013 as VP/Sr. Account Manager for Michigan. With over 33 years in the title industry, she is an ALTA National Title Professional and MLTA Certified Land Title Professional. Cindy’s expertise provides timely solutions for Title Agents and the Real Estate community. She is an active member of the Michigan Land Title Association and ALTA, and received the Robert J. Jay Award for distinguished service in 2017. Cindy volunteers as Vice President of the Clarenceville School District and Secretary of the Clarenceville Education Foundation. A southeast Michigan native with a Business degree from Lawrence Technological University, she lives in Livonia with her husband and enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking, boating, and outdoor activities.

• 1:30 - 2:20 PM, Sep 26, 2024 Ojibway Room

  Commercial Track: Successful CRE Transactions

Carole Bullion

Liberty Title

Carole Bullion-Mincy, a Livingston County native, is the former Owner and President of Classic Title Agency in Brighton, Michigan. Carole sold Classic Title Agency to Liberty Title Agency in 2011. She currently uses her expertise to drive growth and optimize business opportunities as the Livingston County Business Development Manager of Liberty Title. Carole has enjoyed over 40 years in the real estate and title industry conducting thousands of closings in southeast Michigan. Prior to opening her own title agency, she served as President of Stewart Title of Detroit where she was responsible for operations in the State of Michigan. She also served as Regional Director of Real Estate Development throughout ten states in the Midwest for Stewart Title, one of the nation’s largest title insurers.

• 2:45 - 3:35 PM, Sep 26, 2024 Ojibway Room

  INNOVATE: Liberty Title's THE GOLDEN TICKET - Access to articulating YOUR worth in every transaction - CE Marketplace Certified 1.0E hr

Tonika Lewis Johnson

Social Justice Artist

Tonika Johnson is a photographer, social justice artist and life-long resident of Chicago’s South Side neighborhood of Englewood. She is also co-founder of the Englewood Arts Collective and Resident Association of Greater Englewood, which seek to reframe the narrative of South Side communities, and mobilize people and resources for positive change. Tonika’s art often explores urban segregation, documenting the nuance and richness of the black community to counter media depictions of Chicago’s violence. As a trained photojournalist and former teaching artist, Tonika’s artistic legacy has gained citywide recognition in the last five years. In 2017, she was recognized by Chicago Magazine as a Chicagoan of the Year for her photography of Englewood's everyday beauty. Her Englewood-based photography projects "From the INside," and "Everyday Rituals," were exhibited at Rootwork Gallery in Pilsen, the Chicago Cultural Center, the Harold Washington Library Center and at Loyola University's Museum of Art (LUMA). LUMA also exhibited her Folded Map project in 2018, which visually investigates disparities among “map twins”—Chicago residents who live on opposite ends of the same streets across the city’s racial and economic divides—and brings them together to have a conversation. An excerpt of the project was also displayed at the Museum of Contemporary Art within The Long Dream exhibition. Since 2018, Tonika has transformed Folded Map into an advocacy and policy-influencing tool that invites audiences to open a dialogue about how we are all socially impacted by racial and institutional conditions that segregate Chicago. In 2020, she formalized Folded Map into a nonprofit organization, where she serves as Creative Executive Officer. In 2019, she was named one of Field Foundation’s Leaders for a New Chicago andm is not serving her second year as appointed member of the Cultural Advisory Council of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events by the Chicago City Council. Most recently, Tonika was selected as the National Public Housing Museum’s 2021 Artist as Instigator. In that role, she’ll work on her newest project: Inequity for Sale, which highlights the living history of Greater Englewood homes sold on Land Sale Contracts in the 50s and 60s.

• 2:45 - 3:35 PM, Sep 26, 2024 Swan Creek Room

  Fair Housing

• 1:30 - 2:20 PM, Sep 26, 2024 Swan Creek Room

  Fair Housing

• 11:45 AM - 12:35 PM, Sep 26, 2024 Ojibway Room

  Commercial Track: Physical Risk - Coming Required Reporting, Understanding Analytics, and Potential Value Impact

Terry Bixler

ROC Real Estate

• 1:30 - 2:20 PM, Sep 26, 2024 Ojibway Room

  Commercial Track: Successful CRE Transactions

Rick Linnell

Rick is a graduate of the University of Michigan and Wayne State Law School. He has been an attorney in private practice since 1998. Involved in real estate since 1996, Rick focuses his experience in commercial and residential real estate, as well as corporate law. Rick has also been actively involved in commercial and residential real estate development including acquisitions, development, complex financing, syndications, and work outs. Rick is the owner of Linnell & Associates. His law firm has become one of Michigan’s most trusted law firms specializing in real estate law. The law firm has a combined total of over 75 years of legal experience in real estate law.

• 9:30 - 10:20 AM, Sep 27, 2024 Black River Room

  Riparian Rights for The Real Estate Professional - CE Marketplace Certified 1.0L hr

Brian Westrin

General Counsel

Michigan Realtors®

Brian Westrin is General Counsel for the Michigan Realtors®. He helps facilitate both the Public Policy Committee & Legal Action Committee. He regularly presents on legal and policy issues, often working directly with local associations on emerging concerns. Brian is a graduate of Louisiana State University and Michigan State University College of Law.

• 10:50 AM - 12:30 PM, Sep 27, 2024 Saginaw Room

  Within the Law - CE Marketplace Certified 1.0L hr