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Group Offers Help For Struggling Realtors

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 11, 2009

TAMPA - A new volunteer organization spearheaded by Tampa lawyer Ron Weaver aims to help unemployed real estate agents and staff affected by the downturn in the housing industry.

The group is working to create a free online network of counseling, job training and job placement opportunities.

The organization formed in November when a group of people in the real estate industry became concerned about friends, family members and colleagues who were laid off or otherwise affected by the recession.

"We want to do what we can to help," Weaver said. "That might mean helping them and their families with their most immediate needs, or it might be helping them find education or re-training programs. Ultimately, our goal is to get them back into a job that they can be proud of - in or out of real estate, within an hour of home."

Local professional organizations and institutions that have signed on to help launch the leadership core for Real Estate Lives include current and former local chapter presidents of the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties, Commercial Real Estate Women, the League of Women Voters, Hillsborough Community College, University of South Florida, Hillsborough County School Board, Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, Hillsborough County Social and Health Services, United Way, Tampa Bay Workforce Board Alliance and SunTrust Bank.

The group is assessing the needs of the people it intends to help, screening job opportunities and connecting those in need with others who can help. Workshops are planned for people in need of assistance.

For information about Real Estate Lives, contact Weaver at rweaver@swmwas.com. Real estate professionals seeking employment may contact Elane Kennedy at ekennedy @gvaadvantis.com.

Laura Frazier

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