December 6, 2013 The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch Page 59 ... Business News FROM PAGE 58 ers and the economy as a whole.” Designations Explained BERLIN – You are in the neighborhood for buying or selling a home and end up connecting with a local Realtor®. On their business card, you notice a long list of letters after the person’s name but have no idea what they stand for or what they mean. You think they might be pretty important – and you are correct. The letters stand for specific designations and certifications. “The real estate industry is constantly changing,” said Sheila Dodson, Coastal Association of Realtors (CAR) Executive Director. “Our realtors want to stay up-to-date on all of the emerging trends and value the education and resources made available through the designation courses.” “We are a service industry, not a sales industry,” said Kaye Jones, ERA Martin Associates. “Designations make us as Realtors® more valuable to the buyer, seller and community at-large,” added Bernie Flax, Prudential PenFed Realty. Pam Wadler from Shamrock Realty Group dropped her ABR® (Accredited Buyer’s Representative) designation and is taking the course again to earn it back. “Our industry is constantly changing, as is the material being taught in continuing education courses,” said Wadler. “There is no such thing as too much education.” Since Brent Miller took over as managing director for Sperry Van Ness – Miller Commercial Real Estate six years ago, he has stressed the importance of continuing education, professionalism and designations. In order to work for his firm, contractors are required to be a CCIM (Certified Commercial Investment Member) designee or be actively working towards completing the classes to receive their designation. “The CCIM designation carries a level of professionalism that transforms our advisors into invaluable resources for any and all commercial real estate owners, investors or users,” said Brent Miller, Sperry Van Ness – Miller Commercial Real Estate. “When the economy tanked, our agents were the first ones the banks came to for help with selling, leasing and managing properties after tenants defaulted and abandoned the space.” Sudoku Answers