The Bonita Springs–Estero REALTORS® (BER) Global Business Council has once again secured the Platinum Global Achievement Award from the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) for 2025 — marking its fifth consecutive year of national recognition. This prestigious award represents the highest tier of achievement in NAR’s Global Business Council Achievement Program and highlights BER’s exceptional commitment to international education, outreach, and partnerships. It’s a rare honor that many larger boards pursue for years without attaining, underscoring how difficult Platinum is to achieve.
Five Years of Rising Through the Ranks
BER’s journey in NAR’s Global Achievement Program reflects consistent growth: Silver (2021), Gold (2022), Gold (2023), Platinum (2024), and Platinum (2025). Each step up signifies deeper engagement in global markets and more robust programming. These awards are reserved for councils that demonstrate the utmost commitment to helping members capture their share of the global real estate market. Platinum-level councils are among the most accomplished organizations in global business development and consistently set the benchmark for excellence.
Florida remains the top destination for international homebuyers, and global investors spend tens of billions of dollars on U.S. property each year. Earning Platinum signals to those investors that BER’s members are highly trained, globally connected, and ready to serve cross-border clients at a high standard.
Program Criteria and Prestigious Standards
NAR’s Global Achievement Program rates local councils on five key focus areas — Business Planning, Marketing & Communication, Events/Education, Outreach, and Benchmarking. To achieve Platinum, a council must not only build a strong annual plan but also execute advanced marketing strategies, host high-impact international education or events, and maintain active outreach such as sister-association partnerships, inbound delegations, or sustained committee work. The requirements are intentionally stringent, and even established councils must continually innovate to remain at Platinum level.
Platinum is also the stepping stone to NAR’s Diamond level, which requires five consecutive years of Platinum performance before a council can even be considered. Maintaining this standard year after year demands ongoing leadership, resources, and measurable impact — making BER’s five-year climb a notable achievement.
Leadership and Collaborative Success
This recognition reflects outstanding teamwork across the association. CEO Meighan A. Harris has championed global initiatives as a strategic priority for BER, ensuring staff and volunteer alignment around international programming and member education.
Five Years of Rising Through the Ranks
BER’s journey in NAR’s Global Achievement Program reflects consistent growth: Silver (2021), Gold (2022), Gold (2023), Platinum (2024), and Platinum (2025). Each step up signifies deeper engagement in global markets and more robust programming. These awards are reserved for councils that demonstrate the utmost commitment to helping members capture their share of the global real estate market. Platinum-level councils are among the most accomplished organizations in global business development and consistently set the benchmark for excellence.
Florida remains the top destination for international homebuyers, and global investors spend tens of billions of dollars on U.S. property each year. Earning Platinum signals to those investors that BER’s members are highly trained, globally connected, and ready to serve cross-border clients at a high standard.
Program Criteria and Prestigious Standards
NAR’s Global Achievement Program rates local councils on five key focus areas — Business Planning, Marketing & Communication, Events/Education, Outreach, and Benchmarking. To achieve Platinum, a council must not only build a strong annual plan but also execute advanced marketing strategies, host high-impact international education or events, and maintain active outreach such as sister-association partnerships, inbound delegations, or sustained committee work. The requirements are intentionally stringent, and even established councils must continually innovate to remain at Platinum level.
Platinum is also the stepping stone to NAR’s Diamond level, which requires five consecutive years of Platinum performance before a council can even be considered. Maintaining this standard year after year demands ongoing leadership, resources, and measurable impact — making BER’s five-year climb a notable achievement.
Leadership and Collaborative Success
This recognition reflects outstanding teamwork across the association. CEO Meighan A. Harris has championed global initiatives as a strategic priority for BER, ensuring staff and volunteer alignment around international programming and member education.
“With a focus on global, we have been able to put Bonita Springs & Estero on the map for many global buyers and investors. During our travels and meetings, we have discovered that many know of Orlando, Miami, and Tampa but have yet to discover the beauty and desirability our area. With these partnerships and events, we have been able to expand our reach outside of the US and make a name for our market.”
Meighan A. Harris CEO
Volunteer leadership has been pivotal. In 2024, President Mark Ledbetter helped elevate BER’s global profile through partnerships, member training, and cultural programming that showcased international markets. That momentum continues under 2025 President Adam Ruud and the 2025 Board of Directors — Vice President Fawn Estes, Treasurer Jeanne Drath, Secretary Wade Abed, and Directors April Ritchie, Todd Golnick, Erin McDonald, Ellen Boyce, Gina Lamouth, Doug Purcell, Saundra Hinton, Alice Schwer, and Ally Miller — who are committed to expanding global education, outreach, and investor engagement throughout the year.
Special recognition goes to Global Diversity Committee Chair Kris Boyle, whose leadership has included organizing and participating in international trips, developing global education meetings, and producing much of the council’s outreach materials. Her hands-on work — from program design to content creation — has helped demonstrate the sustained performance NAR expects at the Platinum level.
Impact on Global Investors
For international buyers and developers, the Platinum designation is a clear signal of quality. It indicates that BER members are well-versed in cross-border considerations, connected to international networks, and supported by high-caliber programs such as CIPS-level education, market-specific briefings, and relationship-building events. For Southwest Florida specifically, it means global investors can expect informed guidance on lifestyle communities, coastal property, resort and vacation assets, and long-term rental opportunities.
How to Get Involved
Achieving and maintaining Platinum status is a team effort. REALTORS® who want to build global business are encouraged to join BER’s Global Business Council and participate in events, education, and outreach that expand connections and skills. Members can sign up on our website — see “Join a Committee.”As we celebrate five consecutive years of global achievement, BER will continue to raise the bar for international education, partnerships, and investor engagement, showcasing Southwest Florida as a premier destination for global real estate.
