S & J Journal

The Miami Association of Realtors held a conference last week at the Biltmore called the Miami International Real Estate Congress where 250 agents from the United States and ten foreign countries joined together to network and discuss the Miami/Miami Beach residential markets. These remain highly sought-after cities for international buyers and investors. The Association reported that the largest amount of foreign real estate purchases here are from Venezuelans, followed by Argentinians and Brazilians. Generally this is because prices are still better in Miami than in those countries' markets. Latin Americans account for about 70% of the international real estate transactions in Miami and Miami Beach (Western Europeans 18%). Read more here:   http://www.miamiherald.com/ 2012/11/05/3083404/foreign- interest-in-miami-property. html#storylink=cpy

Business and civic leaders from around Miami and South Florida joined last week at the Biltmore Hotel to honor Peter Dolara for his service to the South Florida community as Vice President of American Airlines. M r. Dolara, who joined the airline in 1963, will retire handing over the Vice President post to Art Torno. American Airlines has about 9,000 employees in South Florida and more than 300 flights a day, up from just 18 flights in 1989 when Mr. Dolara took the helm. Pictured:  Art Torno, Miami International Airport Director Jose Abreu (receiving Eagle Award) and Peter Dolara.

Julia Lancaster and Amanda-Rose Cabrera enjoy the weekly farmers market in front of Gables City Hall. The market is open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 405 Biltmore Way every Saturday through March 31, 2012.