Event Details

"The Triple Whammy - Hurricanes, Insurance, and Taxes" - Sponsored by WCI's Resort at Singer Island

In 1993, a group of Miami real estate agents assembled in the wake of Hurricane Andrew to exchange information and assist each other professionally.Calling itself the Master Brokers Forum (MBF), the group evolved over time into Miami's leading network of experienced and successful real estate agents.Today, with chapters in Miami-Dade and Broward County, Master Brokers are respected throughout the industry for their expertise and professionalism, and are frequently hosted by real estate developers at dinners and special events.Membership is limited to the region's top-producing agents, based on sales volume and adherence to professional ethics.

In June 2007, the organization officially expanded into Palm Beach County.The launch event for the Palm Beach MBF was sponsored and hosted by WCI’s Resort at Singer Island.After a festive cocktail reception on the Resort’s scenic pool deck and tours of model units, nearly 100 guests enjoyed a presentation and welcome from Steven Griggs, senior project manager/sales manager for WCI Communities.This was followed by a panel discussion entitled "The Triple Whammy: Hurricanes, Insurance, and Taxes",moderated by Philippe C. Jeck, a real estate attorney with Jeck, Harris & Jones, LLP.The panelists included Gary Nikolits, Palm Beach County Property Appraiser; Bob Hamilton, a real estate analyst with MetroStudy; and Lee Gorodetsky of L&S Insurance Services, Inc.

“After many months of assembling an outstanding advisory board and recruiting qualified members, we are quite excited to have formally launched the chapter,” said David Staples, chair of the Palm Beach MBF.“We are eternally grateful to our friends at WCI and the Resort at Singer Island for their hospitality and tremendous support of the Realtor community.”

For a limited time, eligible agents in Palm Beach County may apply for membership into the MBF.Membership is limited to agents who have generated more than $5 million per year in residential sales volume in South Florida for five consecutive years, and who conduct business in the spirit of cooperation with fellow Realtors and with strict adherence to the National Association of Realtors Code of Ethics.For membership information, please contact Melanie Buhrman at (561) 391-0605 or visit www.masterbrokersforum.com.

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About the Master Brokers Forum

Established in 1993, the Master Brokers Forum is a unique organization comprised of South Florida's top residential real estate professionals.The MBF provides its members with the opportunity to network and exchange ideas, stay at the cutting edge of the real estate industry and new products, and spearhead the identity of the best of real estate professionalism.Membership is limited to the region's most successful real estate professionals, and is by invitation only.The Palm Beach MBF is generously sponsored by Wachovia. For more information, visit www.masterbrokersforum.com.

About the Resort at Singer Island

Featuring 239 all-suite resort units and 66 residential condominiums, The Resort at Singer Island includes 4,000 square feet of meeting space, an 8,500-square foot spa, and all of the amenities and services one would expect from a world-class facility. Butler Service, valet attendants, and a full-time concierge will enrich guest experiences and activities, including coordination of private events, theater tickets, dinner reservations, and travel arrangements.

Experience the essence of elegance in one- or two-bedroom resort units ranging from 800 square feet to just over 2,100 square feet of living space. Decorated with dark wood tones, stainless steel kitchen appliances, and marble baths, the resort offers a luxurious contemporary modern edge. Residential three- or four-bedroom condominiums ranging in size from 2,700 square feet to over 3,000 square feet of living space and offer incredible views from the Atlantic Ocean or IntercoastalWaterways from every room and terrace.

Dining options include an alfresco ambiance at the oceanside eatery, the convenience of room service, or special events catered within the stunning entertainment veranda. Even a temperature-controlled wine room is available to store private wine collections.

The white sands of Singer Island provide the ultimate place to relax. Attentive pool and beachside attendants provide everything from plush beach towels and relaxing lounge chairs to tempting frozen libations. Outdoor private cabanas are the ideal place to enjoy a casual poolside lunch.

For more information on The Resort at Singer Island, call 561-340-1772.

PHOTOGRAPH CAPTIONS (from left to right)

1.Paula Silberberg, vice chair of the Palm Beach Master Brokers Forum; Steven Griggs, senior project manager for WCI Communities; Gary Nikolits, Palm Beach County Property Appraiser; David Staples, chair of the Palm Beach Master Brokers Forum; Helen Jeanne Nicastri, chair of MBF, Inc.; Philippe C. Jeck, real estate attorney with Jeck, Harris & Jones; Lee Gorodetsky, president of L&S Insurance Services, Inc.; Bob Hamilton, real estate analyst with MetroStudy; and Ann Latham, sales representative for WCI Communities

2.Lucille Gioia, Palm Beach MBF advisory board member; Jennifer Hyland, Illustrated Properties; and Susan Polan, Palm Beach MBF advisory board member

3.Holly Hickman, Related Cervera Realty Services; Sally Kimball, Ambassador Realty Associates; Paula Silberberg, vice chair of the Palm Beach MBF; and Judith Kaye, Prudential Florida WCI Realty

4.Keyes Company associates Jo Ann Mazzeo, Barbara Ross-Kozlow, and Sheila Amster

5.Lee Gorodetsky, president of L&S Insurance Services, Inc.; Gary Nikolits, Palm Beach County Property Appraiser; and Bob Hamilton, real estate analyst with MetroStudy

6.Palm Beach MBF advisory board members Melanie Buhrman, Lucille Gioia, Robert Kemp, Linda Fontana, Dana Koch, and Judy Doyle