Lisa Kurrass Elected First Female World President of International Real Estate Federation FIABCI

HOUSTON, TX--(Marketwire - June 16, 2008) - The International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI) made history on May 30, 2008 in Amsterdam, Netherlands by electing Lisa Kurrass, Chairman of Real Estate Connection International in Houston, Texas, the first female World President in its 60 year history. Ms. Kurrass brings over 16 years of experience to her new position, which she will assume in May of 2009 in Beijing, China, including having served FIABCI in numerous leadership positions.

A 2007 World Medal of Honor and a 2001 United States Medal of Honor recipient, Ms. Kurrass was the United States Chapter President in 2004-05, a member of the FIABCI Board of Directors from 2006-2011, and President of the Americas in 2007-08.

The President-elect campaigned on a platform to provide better value for the cost of membership. "Members of FIABCI deserve more [benefits] and that is exactly what 'And Then Some' is all about; providing Realtors around the world with more membership value and then even more; going that extra mile to make a significant difference in our great Federation," explained Ms. Kurrass.

The election of Kurrass to FIABCI's highest office has been met with words of high praise from colleagues across the globe. "I have worked with Lisa closely for more than 15 years, since 1998 on the China Working Party and before that time on the Asia Committee. Her willingness to accept any challenge has revealed her tenacity and positive attitude. With Lisa at the helm, FIABCI can only be strengthened and grow in a positive manner," said Daniel Teo of Singapore, the FIABCI World President in 2002-03.

The International Real Estate Federation, more commonly referred to as the French acronym FIABCI, is a business organization of real estate professionals from 60 countries. The Federation represents 100 national real estate associations and over 1.5 million professionals from all segments of the industry. It serves as a special consultant with NGO status to the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations Organization (ECOSOC). FIABCI is a non-political entity whose objective is to help its members add an international dimension to their businesses. FIABCI helps members acquire knowledge, develop networks, and optimize business opportunities worldwide.

Contact Information: Contact: Alyssa Nightingale 631-367-8599 anight@att.net