The North Shore-Barrington Association of REALTORS® (NBAR) made a serious impression at the recent National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) NXT event. NSBAR’s Young Professionals Network (YPN) was recognized nationally while NSBAR member, Betsy Brint, was named as an honorable mention for NAR’s Good Neighbor Award.
The conference took place throughout the week of Nov. 13 in Anaheim, California.
There, NSBAR’s YPN earned the title of YPN Network of the Year for a medium association. The distinction was based on the total number of Realtors who are a part of each association and NSBAR fit that category, defined by 2,000 to 5,000 members.
NSBAR’s YPN, meanwhile, has over 200 agents actively involved. “It’s where we funnel all our new Association members to create instant networks for themselves in the industry, so it is not just ‘young’ people,” NSBAR CEO Jeff Lasky told Chicago Agent. “It’s really members new to our association.” Within that group, a 16-person Advisory Council does most of the organizing, planning annual events and donating the net revenue to NSBAR Cares, the organization’s charitable arm.
Reflecting on the recognition from NAR, Kelly Ipjian, NSBAR’S 2023 YPN chair, said they are thrilled to win Network of the Year. “I couldn’t be more excited about the strides we’ve made with our exceptional team. This award is a testament to our commitment to growth, and we’re eager to continue this trajectory in the coming years,” Ipjian said.
Other YPNs recognized at NAR NXT came from the West Hawaii Association of REALTORS® (for a small association), Columbus REALTORS® (for a large association), the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association (for a “mega” association) and the California Association of REALTORS® (for a state association).
Betsy Brint
Meanwhile, an individual NSBAR member also earned special recognition at the conference: Brint, a broker with @properties Christie’s International Real Estate. She is also chair of the Highland Park Community Foundation and was named an honorable mention for the Good Neighbor Award because of her work with the foundation. The award acknowledges those who give back to the communities they call home, beyond buying and selling properties.
In the wake of the Highland Park Independence Day Parade shooting in 2022, Brint oversaw the distribution of $5.8 million to the families of the victims and nonprofit groups that provide mental health, legal and other services to affected community members.
Brint was one of five honorable mentions; five winners were also named.
“We could not be prouder of the recognition Betsy has received for the work she does for the Highland Park Community Foundation,” NSBAR President Luigui Corral said of Brint’s achievement. “She is a shining example of the work REALTORS® do in their communities and to help others.”
“NSBAR loves to see our members receive recognition for the work they do both inside and outside of our industry,” Lasky added.