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.