The Sensible City and Realty 1 Network Raise Awareness/Funds for Community Programs

The real estate business in Chicago just got friendlier. Imagine what would happen if every broker donated 10% of their commissions to neighborhood and community organizations? Here is a real estate firm that has been doing just that for the past 8 years.

Chicago, IL (PRWEB) December 20, 2004 -- Ian Bryan thought that his days in real estate were over. That is, until he met Delia Peterson, owner and broker of Realty 1 Network in Chicago who, for over 8 years, has been donating 10% of her companys brokerage fees to a diverse constituency of neighborhood, community and social services organizations. Rather than go the traditional route to marketing and PR, Peterson sought out The Sensible City -- a marketing firm that engages in what it calls Community-Oriented Marketing." Because Petersons brokerage is the only real estate company in Chicago with such a track record, she is hoping to send a message to her industry that generosity can be profitable.
   
Realty 1 Network is a values-driven business and neighborhood community leader," says Bryan, who gives preference to businesses that actively engage their communities. What impressed me is that [Petersons giving nature was completely authentic. She never once said, 'Hey, look at me. See how great I am?" In fact, Realty 1 Network has never released a single announcement to the press or even posted its story on the internet. That is, until now. It is time for Realty 1 Network to set an example for the thousands of other real estate-related businesses in Chicago," says Felix Waymouth, the publicity agent assigned to Petersons case. The rapid success and sustainable growth of Realty 1 [Network is a testament to the fact that giving back is profitable. Imagine what kind of city Chicago would be if there were 100 more Realty 1 Networks out there." But Peterson says that she cant take all of the credit. It was my husband Mike who started it all. We talked about whether or not we should give in the early phase or whether we should save every penny. Mike suggested that we donate 10% from the start, no matter what. So we did."

Whats next for Realty 1 Network? In keeping with The Sensible Citys cooperative development approach, Petersons company is compiling a list of every organization it has given more than $1K to in the last 8 years. Rather than just focus on getting attention for their client, The Sensible City has designed a media campaign that sheds light on the actual work of the organizations which Peterson supports. One by one," says Bryan, we are collecting stories from these nonprofits about what they have been able to accomplish over the years. Then we will promote these organizations directly in all of Realty 1 Networks media campaign efforts. In the end, our goal is to raise awareness and funding for these organizations while setting a real estate industry example by generating publicity for the good work that Realty 1 Network has done."

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