ZZZ - GMG - VEGAS INC 2011-2014

The UNLV Alumni Association sends its congratulations to an outstanding UNLV alumna and former alumni staff member on being named Woman to Watch in 2014. You make us proud! TINA KUNZERMURPHY '75 '77 H eidi Kasama likes the sound of the word "normal." It's a word that has been elusive to the Las Vegas residential real estate market for quite some time. But Kasama sees 2014 as a step in the right direction for the local market. Kasama, managing broker of Prudential Americana Group Realtors and 2014 president of the Greater Las Vegas Association of Realtors, welcomes a reprieve from the roller coaster price ride of years past. The last two years saw 20-plus percent increases, which followed catastrophic pricing drops. The hope is that 2014 will offer none of the above. "The roller coaster is really tough for the economy. It's much better to see stable growth. I'm very optimistic about 2014," she said. Kasama says the resale home supply constraint of the past two years is loosening, and this will be the ultimate stabilizing factor in the market. Traditional sellers make up about 80 percent of sales too, she added, indicating that perhaps most of the distressed short sales and foreclosures have worked their way through the system. For 2014, the long-time real estate pro wants the GLVAR to continue to provide the best technology solutions to its members, but would also like to initiate closer relationships with area chambers of commerce, minority real estate groups and economic development officials. GLVAR members will need to educate clients about some new credit requirement rules and legislation impacting short sales and foreclosures, she said. With the boom-bust cycles the market has experienced, Kasama, who carries a 2014 presidency theme of "Proud to be a Realtor," said many real estate professionals have come and gone from the industry. Today, many of the agents are the ones who have been committed to the business for the long haul. She's proud of their ability to survive the Great Recession. "I believe so strongly in the agents that are active now," she said. "They are solid professionals contributing to our community by being great professionals." — By Brian Sodoma Heidi Kasama 2014 President Greater Las Vegas Association of Realtors WOMEN TO WATCH V alerie Parker believes not just in doing well, but also in doing good. The 20-year resident of Southern Nevada has built a reputation as a mover and shaker in the community. Her purpose-driven business, for instance, combines Earth-friendly choices for purchasing printing, design and promotion products. Her focus is to empower businesses to create environmentally friendly and sustainable business practices. I n 2 0 1 4 , Pa r k e r w i l l c o m b i n e h e r entrepreneurial and leadership skills and passion for education to help bring the Young Entrepreneurs Academy, a groundbreaking curriculum for middle and high school students aspiring to become entrepreneurs, to Nevada. Through the yearlong program, students in grades 6-12 will generate business ideas, conduct market research, write business plans, pitch to a panel of investors, and launch their own companies. She believes the program, in partnership with U.S. Chamber of Commerce and ABC's hit show Shark Tank, will redefine Entrepreneurship Education in America. Helping people in concrete ways, as with YEA, will remain a fundamental part of what drives her. "Students are learning all these different things; (schools) prepare you for college but they're not really preparing you to become an entrepreneur. To keep that spirit alive, I feel it's very important to do what we can to bring that to our community. It's giving them opportunities to learn and to keep the entrepreneurial spirit alive. I don't think we're teaching that in the classroom." Parker also serves as president of the National Association of Women Business Owners Southern Nevada, on whose board has served since 2008. She will continue to be a powerful force advocating on behalf of women business owners in the Las Vegas community. "We're now taking it to another level," Parker said. "We brought in a strong board last year. They are now seasoned, steadfast and true, because you've got to remember that your board members are volunteers. We're a 501(c) (6), so everything we do is on a volunteer basis." After eight years of being with the NAWBO, Parker remains "dedicated to the success of women in our community – bringing them into the community, giving them opportunities." — By Howard Riell Valerie ParKer President and CEO BGreen Branding _WomenToWatch_020314.indd 7 1/30/14 2:18 PM

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