BNAR President Vienna Laurendi reflections of her year at the helm. To watch the full video, click the link below!  https://youtu.be/spW20BU3ims

2024 BNAR President, Vienna Laurendi, November Message: Positive changes can happen by getting involved. To watch the full video, click the link below!  https://youtu.be/mLuzxUPe3ds

The Meat Brawl RPAC fundraiser Tuesday night at the Artisan Culinary Loft was a fun and successful night for the Realtors and celebrity judges alike. Five Realtors competed for the coveted meat Brawl Trophy, with Sharon Ciminelli snaring the victory. Donna Littlefield’s meatballs won the People’s Choice award. Thanks to all the other chefs: John Gerace, James Wangelin, and @NYSAR_News President Joe Rivellino. The judges noted that every single meatball was delicious, not a bad ball in the bunch.   Thanks to all who attended, contributed, and supported this memorable event. A tip of the chef’s hat, too, to judges Don Postles from WIVB-TV, Chef Li Wang from WIND Restaurant, and broadcaster DJ Anthony. More great food for the guests was provided Ace and Kristen from Amici Ristorante. Cheers to all! Realtor advocacy, done in a bipartisan fashion, is more important than ever in these tumultuous times.

The BNAR was proud to welcome U.S. Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) to the Association Wednesday afternoon. The first-term representative discussed housing affordability, community development, and strategies to grow the population in WNY. The BNAR supports candidates and elected officials in a bipartisan manner who are Realtor-friendly.

  Before a packed room, two potential mayoral candidates spoke to the BNAR’s Government Affairs Committee Thursday. Erie County Clerk Mickey Kearns spoke about zombie homes, repayment plans for to help people stay in their homes, and the onerous homeowner’s arrears interest rates , and improvements at the County Auto Bureau. Later, Garnell Whitfield, Jr. discussed the legacy of his late mother, Ruth, who was killed in the 5/14 Tops massacre on Jefferson Ave. He termed it a “clarion call to action,”  noting how educating and empowering others will move the community forward. As a lifelong public servant, Whitfield has now become involved in nationwide initiatives. He has seen more progress in other cities housing and social issues than in WNY but took responsibility for not being more proactive himself. Both Whitfield and Kearns said they are mulling runs for Buffalo’s top job.

The BNAR’s DEI Committee welcomed Todd Vaarwerk ,  Chief Policy Officer at the WNY Independent Living family of agencies,  on the challenges and discriminatory practices suffered by people with disabilities. As a person with cerebral palsy, Todd discussed hurdles he has faced and offered a wealth of information on funding, regulations, and resources available for housing the disabled. An eye-opening discussion, the Committee reaped valuable info from this discussion.

"In the Spotlight:” BNAR CEO John Leonardi discusses the new transaction agreement, available resources to help agents, and cooperation among members. To watch the full video, click the link below! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IVlL_5eGzQ  

October President’s Message: Vienna Laurendi offers her insights on the newly elected Directors, previews October events, and lists 5 ways agents can get paid. To watch the full video, click the link below!  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uylifdDIRuQ  

  On Sept. 19 th , Assembly Member Monica Wallace (143 rd   District), covering Cheektowaga, Lancaster, Sloan, parts of Buffalo, was the guest speaker at the Government Affairs Committee meeting. Wallace spoke about a number of real estate-related issues, including condo and inspection bills, the inner workings of the Assembly, and offered her office as a resource to our members, many of whom are her constituents. After her presentation, Wallace entertained a number of questions from the Committee. We appreciate the Assembly member’s time and commitment to the region.   Pictured: Rosalind Burgin, Brendan Cunningham (GA Committee Chair & Vice-Chair) Monica Wallace, BNAR president Vienna Laurendi

NY State Assemblymember Monica Wallace is “In the Spotlight,” discussing her inspection bill, business in her district, and highlights from the ’24 legislative session. Click this link to watch the whole video! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iNoTEpShwtQ

  Two part presidents and current BNAR members, Sharon Ciminelli and Eric Winklhofer, attended an outing at E. Aurora CC Monday in support of State Senator Patrick Gallivan. As always, the BNAR supports Realtor-friendly elected officials in a bipartisan manner. 

Former U. S. Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy was the featured guest at a reception for Congressman Nick Langworthy On Saturday morning, former U. S. Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy was the featured guest at a reception for Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) at a private residence in Lake View. The freshman Congressman and McCarthy, who represented California  in Congress for 16 years and served as Speaker in 2023, previewed the upcoming Presidential election, just hours before President Biden opted not to run for reelection.   Lisa Avery, BNAR Federal Political Coordinator for Rep. Langworthy, and Government Affairs Director Brenda Alesii, attended the reception. The BNAR continues to support Realtor-friendly candidates and elected officials in a bipartisan manner.

The Amherst Chamber of Commerce honored BNAR member and REIS Director Jim Roberts The Amherst Chamber of Commerce honored BNAR member and REIS Director Jim Roberts July 18 th  at their Small Business Awards Luncheon & Showcase at Salvatore’s. WNY Metro Roberts Realty  was  won the Family-Owned Business Award. WNY Metro Roberts is a full-service local brokerage. Before a packed crowd of business and civic leaders, Roberts and Neil Gerrity, company general manger, accepted the honor and spoke about  the  leading his company to the fourth largest real estate company in WNY.  Along with members of the BNAR staff, 2024 President Vienna Laurendi and her father, Presidential Advisor Carmen Laurendi, attended the Awards ceremony .

Members of the BNAR attended NY State Senator Patrick Gallivan’s fundraiser in West Seneca   On July 9 th , members of the BNAR attended NY State Senator Patrick Gallivan’s fundraiser in West Seneca. A former Erie County Sheriff, Gallivan (R,C) represents District 60 in the Senate and is the Minority Whip. The BNAR supports candidates and elected officials who are Realtor-friendly in a bipartisan manner.  Pictured below: ’24 President’s Advisor Carmen Laurendi, Senator Gallivan, Erie County Undersheriff Bill Cooley.  

An election year means a  plethora of fundraisers for officials and candidates  around WNY.  Last Saturday, Government Affairs Director Brenda Alesii attended Assembly Member Monica Wallace’s annual fundraiser at the Broadway Driving Range & Mini Golf, a family-friendly event. Last night, Alesii and Government affairs Committee Member Bonnie FitzGerald attended State Senator Sean Ryan’s fundraiser on Niagara Street in Buffalo. The BNAR supports candidates and elected officials, who are Realtor-friendly, in a bipartisan manner.

Rivera fundraiser The BNAR attended Assemblymember Jonathan Rivera’s fundraiser Tuesday night on the West Side. Rivera represents the 149 th  Assembly District, encompassing parts of Buffalo and Lackawanna, Hamburg, Blasdell, and Lake View. BNAR member and Rivera’s State Political Coordinator, James Wangelin, met with the Assemblymember at the event, advocating for Realtor-friendly legislation.

  FORMER LABATT USA HEADQUARTERS OFFICES & BREWING SPACE AT 79 PERRY STREET AVAILABLE FOR SUBLEASE  BUFFALO, NY – June 5, 2024 –  HUNT Commercial announces the exclusive listings of the former Labatt House headquarters offices, along with the 1st-floor brewery and tasting room spaces available for sublease at 79 Perry Street. This property was the key anchor tenant in the 2018 Adaptive Reuse project led by Pegula Sports and Entertainment, which oversaw a complete renovation of the building.  The brewery and tasting room occupy 3,500 square feet of ground floor space, equipped with state-of-the-art brewing equipment and a dedicated tasting room. The office headquarters on the 2nd floor spans over 11,000 square feet, featuring unique amenities, including 11 private offices, several bullpen and collaboration spaces, a covered outdoor patio, and an indoor bar and kitchen. This space presents an attractive opportunity for companies aiming to attract employees back int...

Benefit RPAC on our private Sunset Cruise on the Grand Lady! Enjoy a beautiful, relaxing evening on the Buffalo River to benefit RPAC! Have a drink (or two!) and dinner while light music plays and the summer sun sets right on the water. Come for the silent auction items, networking opportunities, and two hours on the open water. Your $70 RPAC contribution includes an open bar, delicious light fare, and a relaxing evening on the historic Buffalo Please arrive at 5:30 pm for a 6 pm departure | Your RPAC investment: $70 per person Register on your Member Portal;Seating is Limited

  “Honor Space” at Tops on Jefferson Avenue  Three members of the BNAR and DEI VP Brenda Alesii attended the unveiling Tuesday of the “Honor Space” at Tops on Jefferson Avenue. The Honor Space is a tribute to the 10 people who were massacred on 5/14/22 by a white supremacist who traveled to Buffalo to target Black people. A host of civic leaders, family members, and the public paid their respects at the ceremony. 

ESSEX HOMES SHOWCASES SEVERAL MOVE-IN READY SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES ACROSS WNY! April 12 th , 2024 (Lancaster, Orchard Park)  – Essex Homes of WNY is pleased to announce it has three new homes available to tour in the  Cross Creek Estates (Lancaster), Knoche Farm Estates (Orchard Park), and The Hills (Orchard Park)  neighborhoods.  These stunning move-in-ready homes are now available for purchase along with the ability to tour them and see the quality craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail they put into their homes. The announcement was made by Greg Nanula, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Essex Homes. “Construction on our incredible new home at 2 Hidden Oak Court, in Orchard Park is complete and the home is now MOVE-IN READY!  This customized “Easton” floorplan is the epitome of fine craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail.  The rich stone accents, large, covered porch, beautiful front door with decorative glass and sidelites, thr...