Coldwell Banker Platinum Partners Sponsors Savannah Tall Ships Challenge

Coldwell Banker Platinum Partners is very excited to announce their sponsorship to support the Savannah Tall Ships Challenge event to be held May 3-7th.
“The Tall Ships Challenge® is an annual event organized by the Tall Ships America alternating in a three year cycle between the Great Lakes, the Pacific and the Atlantic coasts of North America. The event draws hundreds of thousands of people to witness beautiful Tall Ships from the age of sail and provides a unique opportunity for the participants to interact with the crews of different vessels in friendly rivalry as they race from port to port,” as posted on the Savannah Tall Ships Challenge website, www.SavannahTallShipsChallenge.com.
The event kicks off on May 3rd with an opening ceremony in downtown Savannah at the historic Riverfront. Visitors will be able to not only view, but board, many of the 15 ships scheduled to attend the five day festival. The event will also include performances, reenactments, sea shanties, stilt walkers, pirates and more.
Connie Farmer Ray, President and CEO of Coldwell Banker Platinum Partners shares, “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see these wonderfully majestic ships in our historic and beautiful city. To be able to support The Challenge as it stops in Savannah before it makes its way up the East Coast, is just thrilling for Coldwell Banker Platinum Partners. We proudly align our sponsorship with “The Eagle” which was one of the 5 sister ships built for sail training in Germany in the 1930s.” One of the Partner’s Staff members, Pam Tritschler, has a special place for the Eagle as she reminisces, “The Eagle is a beautiful ship. I grew up watching her start her cruise every year. I would sit on the beach in Watch Hill and watch the wind pick up her sails as she hit the open ocean. Just gorgeous! New London was just a little ways away from where I grew up and when we went over the bridge from Groton we could always look down and see her."
For more information, a schedule of events, an updated list of the Tall Ships scheduled to participate and to purchase tickets for the Savannah Tall Ships Challenge, visit www.savannahtallshipschallenge.com.
Make sure to visit www.MyCbpp.com for lots of great photos and videos of the event through the eyes of the Platinum Partner Team!

Coldwell Banker Platinum Partners, established in 1995, is a full-service real estate firm with office locations spanning from Beaufort, South Carolina, through the greater Savannah area to St. Simons Island, Georgia. In addition to listing and selling residential real estate, Coldwell Banker Platinum Partners’ other divisions include commercial real estate, property management, relocation services, new homes, a real estate school, mortgage lending and a publishing/media division. The company’s corporate offices are located at 6349 Abercorn St., Savannah, Georgia. For more information visit their Web site at www.MyCbpp.com.

Coldwell Banker Platinum Partners Plans March of Dimes Event at Emily’s

Coldwell Banker Platinum Partners are preparing to host their 3rd annual “Wine Tasting Event” at Emily’s on March 25, 2012. The event will include wine tasting, silent auction, delicious foods and great friends – all with the intention of 100% of the proceeds to benefit the March of Dimes. The March of Dimes is an American health charity whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality. “Last year’s event raised a total of just under $4500! We are so excited to share this day again with the community. We offer a HUGE thank you to our wonderful sponsors and silent auction contributors,” said Martha Hatfield, Broker in Charge at Coldwell Banker Platinum Partners. Sponsors include: Coldwell Banker Platinum Partners, Southern Wine and Spirits and Emily’s Restaurant and Tapas Bar. Silent auction items to include: a fishing excursion, private party cruise for 10, golf packages, art, handcrafted jewelry and more!
Martha continued, “I would also like to thank our committee members for their love of March of Dimes.” For more information on the event or to purchase tickets, please contact Martha Hatfield at 843.986.2444 or martha.hatfield@mycbpp.com.

COLDWELL BANKER PLATINUM PARTNERS ATTENDED 2012 COLDWELL BANKER GENERATION BLUE EXPERIENCE

Connie Farmer Ray, President & CEO of Coldwell Banker Platinum Partners, and the following managers and agents Michael Cherry, Paul Dunkle, Stephen Clementi, Jenny Hearn, Lyn McCuen and Don Varnadoe attended the Coldwell Banker Generation Blue Experience at the Ernest L. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, La. The Generation Blue Experience brought together thousands of international members of the Coldwell Banker system for an intensive professional development program and awards ceremony.

“It’s essential to embrace and understand the newest trends, technologies and best practices so that we can continue to serve as trusted real estate advisors and professionals,” said Connie Farmer Ray. “That’s why we appreciate being a part of the expansive, international Coldwell Banker network. We were able to exchange ideas with our colleagues and industry experts to stay on top of the latest information, which in turn helps us provide counsel to today’s buyers and sellers.”

The event was highlighted by the Coldwell Banker Housing Town Hall which featured Karl Rove and Robert Gibbs, Republican and Democratic party strategists, respectively. Michael Zimbalist, vice president, research and development operations, The New York Times, Patrick Grandinetti, head of industry, real estate, YouTube and Lee Jones, head of media solutions, Google Inc., also spoke.

Jim Gillespie, chief executive officer for Coldwell Banker Real Estate along with Budge Huskey, president and chief operating officer also presented, while Michael Fischer, chief marketing officer, unveiled the Coldwell Banker Real Estate marketing campaign.

Attendees were provided valuable insight and advice on timely industry trends, such as underscoring the true emotional value of home ownership, leveraging the power of video and social media to help buyers and sellers, and highlighting traditional best practices to ensure extraordinary customer service.

Coldwell Banker Platinum Partners’ Welcomes Angie Schroeder to the Brunswick Office

Angie Schroeder has joined Coldwell Banker Platinum Partners as a Sales Associate at the Brunswick Office located at located at 901 Glynn Isles where she concentrates on helping Military buyers and sellers and first-time buyers.

Angie has been a GA REALTOR® for 9 years and is a member of the Georgia Association of REALTORS® and National Association of REALTORS. Angie Schroeder may be reached at 912.552.0410 or via email at angela.schroeder@coldwellbanker.com.

Coldwell Banker Platinum Partners Names Paul Dunkle as Relocation Director

Paul Dunkle has been named as the Relocation Director for Coldwell Banker Platinum Partners, announced Connie Farmer Ray. He joined Coldwell Banker Platinum Partners in September as the Savannah area Managing Broker and is excited to also be able to share his relocation expertise.
"Paul has a wealth of experience in the real estate industry; prior to joining our team Paul was the Relocation Director for another award-winning Coldwell Banker for over 5 years. His knowledge, ambition, spirit, and skills are immediately identifiable," says Connie Farmer Ray, President and CEO of Coldwell Banker Platinum Partners. Connie continued, “Our Relocation Department provides stellar, and free, local, regional, national, and international relocation services to individuals, businesses of all sizes, federal agencies, and the Military.” Paul shares, “We know it’s never just ‘moving’, you are shifting lives, hobbies, families, expectations and dreams. It’s our goal to make every step of your move as simple and hassle-free as possible.”
Paul was licensed in Pennsylvania (for four years), South Carolina (for seven years) and just relocated to Georgia to join the Platinum Partners team. He earned his BS and MS in Biological Sciences and started his career as a Nuclear Medicine Technologist in West Virginia and then worked as a Research Administrative Manager for the Department of Human Genetics at Allegheny University. Paul’s real estate career started when he joined Coldwell Banker in Pittsburgh. He relocated to Coldwell Banker United in Charleston, SC, where he then became Director of Relocation. Paul’s professional memberships include National Association of REALTORS (NAR), South Carolina Association of REALTORS (SCAR), Georgia Association of REALTORS (GAR), Savannah Board of REALTORS (SABOR) and Charleston Multiple Listing Service (CTARMLS). Paul enjoys volunteering as well; he spent time with The Crisis Ministries of Charleston, SC (which is a non-profit homeless shelter) and Habitat for Humanity. Meet Paul Dunkle at 912.352.1222 or email him at paul.dunkle@mycbpp.com.

Coldwell Banker Platinum Partners Savannah Office Named to Gold Club at Cartus Broker Network International Conference

Coldwell Banker Platinum Partners Savannah Office has been honored for reaching the Cartus Broker Network’s Gold level. Gold is one of three Excellence Award recognition levels that qualifying principal brokers can attain. Only 17 percent of the Network’s principal brokers received Excellence Award recognition for 2012. Gold level recognition is based on performance results related to a wide variety of goals including customer service, cost management, and accuracy on the Broker Market Analysis.

In addition, Coldwell Banker Platinum Partners Beaufort / Hinesville has been honored as a Silver level company by the Cartus Broker Network. Silver is one of three Excellence Award recognition levels presented to qualifying principal brokers. Only 17 percent of the Network’s principal brokers received Excellence Award recognition for 2012. Silver level recognition is based on performance results related to a wide variety of goals including customer service, cost management, and accuracy on the Broker Market Analysis.

“I congratulate Connie Farmer Ray on being named a Gold level broker,” said Gerald Pearce, Cartus executive vice president, Broker Services and Affinity Services. “In a challenging economic environment, the company has used its experience and know-how to deliver excellent service to its customers and produce outstanding business results.”

“Receiving Cartus Broker Network’s Gold level recognition is a great honor for our brokerage,” said Connie Farmer Ray, CEO & President of Coldwell Banker Platinum Partners. “This means that we have been able to achieve standards realized by only the best companies in our industry. Any time that you are listed with great organizations, it is both rewarding and inspiring.”
About Cartus and the Cartus Broker Network
Coldwell Banker Platinum Partners is a member of the Cartus Broker Network, the nation’s leading real estate referral network, consisting of 835 real estate firms representing more than 3,000 offices and more than 97,000 agents. The members of the Broker Network serve the clients and customers of Cartus. Cartus provides trusted guidance to organizations of all types and sizes that require global relocation solutions. Serving nearly 60% of the Fortune 100 and providing service to more than 160 countries, we apply our more than half century of experience to help our clients with their mobility, outsourcing, consulting, and language and intercultural training needs. Cartus is part of Realogy Corporation—a global provider of real estate and relocation services.

Coldwell Banker Platinum Partners, established in 1995, is a full-service real estate firm office locations spanning from Beaufort, South Carolina, through the greater Savannah area to St. Simons Island, Georgia. The company was founded by Connie Farmer Ray, president and CEO of Coldwell Banker Platinum Partners. The company’s corporate offices are located at 6349 Abercorn St., Savannah, Georgia. For more information visit their Web site at www.MyCbpp.com or call 800.505.8111.

Coldwell Banker Platinum Partners Celebrates BEST SUPPORTING OFFICE Award and more!

The Golden Isles Association of REALTORS ® announced their 2011 Award winners. The event, held at the Jekyll Island Club Hotel February 24, 2012 was a welcomed celebration for all in attendance!

“Congratulations to our Brunswick & St Simons Island Partners!! You have exemplified the ultimate service and are the perfect examples of the core values and team commitment of Coldwell Banker Platinum Partners! Congratulations on winning the Best Supporting Office and also to Amy Mooney who was awarded the President's Award,” said Connie Farmer Ray, CEO & President of Coldwell Banker Platinum Partners. Connie continued, “It was also so great to see Don Varnadoe give the invocation and James Vivenzio lead the pledge to open the banquet. I am very proud of our Partners who continually strive to provide Platinum level service in every area they cover.”

Bedroom Design Trend for 2012: Turn Your Bedroom into a Sanctuary

The bedroom of today is evolving into a sanctuary for rejuvenation and relaxation, with colors inspired by nature; bedding that mixes high quality cotton and other natural materials; and furnishings that provide luxury in the form of comfort.

According to Fawni Hill, vice president of interior design for Larick Alan Hill Architects, while other rooms in the home are getting smaller, bedroom design is trending toward a larger master suite. "The bedroom is increasingly considered a sanctuary, a place to adjust the attitude and evoke the senses," says Hill.

"Trending colors are those found in nature such as sea gray blue, celery green, and the purples and violets you would see in mountains. These colors of earth, sea and sky physically calm us and have symbolic meaning of trust and commitment, of things you can always count on."

The Palo Alto-based interior designer says that fireplaces are now a common element in a bedroom master suite, as is the use of natural elements such as heated stone or hardwood floors and natural wool carpets.

Hill notes that she is seeing more luxury in the bedroom, but with a different spin. "Today's luxury doesn't necessarily equate to high cost, but rather high quality and comfort."

Source: McRoskey Mattress Company, http://www.McRoskey.com

Cheap Dates: Married or Courting, Keep the Cost Down and the Romance Level Up

By Barbara Pronin, RISMedia Columnist


Dinner at a fancy restaurant is nice, and orchestra seats at a major production can be exciting. But, points out leisure writer Lisa Sussmane, there are many romantic date night options that cost a lot less but can give any couple the chance to relax, shut out the workaday stress and catch up with each other.

Sussman suggests seven ways to get your imagination going:
• Cheap dinner and a movie – Check out a free movie from the library—or, in summer, look for a free movie screening in an outdoor venue in your community. Add a picnic dinner, or cheap take-out, put up your feet and enjoy.
• Home window shop – Make an afternoon of attending open houses in a neighborhood where you’d like to live one day. Enjoy the views, talk about the furnishings, and let yourselves dream a little.
• Camp out overnight – State parks offer inexpensive admission. Set up a tent, cook over an open fire, and gaze at the stars all night.
• Playground date – Go to the playground around dusk, after the kids have gone home. Climb the monkey bars, laugh like children, and see who can swing the highest.
• Get glamorous – Find an art show opening or a wine-tasting, and put on your fancy duds. Enjoy complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvres as you wander through the displays.