North Shore Chapter of Women's Council of Realtors Celebrates 40 Years

The North Shore Chapter of Women’s Council of Realtors (WCR) held their 40^th Anniversary Celebration at Lovell's in Lake Forest last Thursday. The organization aims to “empower women to exercise their potential as entrepreneurs and industry leaders,” according to their mission statement.

Many of the presidents from the past 40 years took part in the event, including Ruth Thiel, the first chapter president in 1972 and 1973.

“Forty years is a long time when you think that in 1972, gas was 55 cents a gallon, rent was $165 per month and a pair of jeans was $12,” she joked during her speech.

Thiel noted that the most valuable part of the WCR was the support network that comes from it.

“The amazing thing is the cooperation that comes through the Women’s Council,” she said. “You can always count on a member. There’s always somebody willing to talk to you about what’s going on in their area...and I’m so proud to be part of this group.

The entertainment for the event was Alan Gresik, a Chicago-based jazz pianist who wowed the crowd with his take on old standards. He was joined by another pianist for a “dueling pianos” program while attendees dined. The lunch menu featured a few pink foods (such as peppermint ice cream) in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, which has affected many members of the organization in one way, shape or form.

The afternoon concluded with event chair Marjorie Rissman’s parody of the Clint Eastwood Republican National Convention speech. In it, she spoke to the empty chair about the future of the organization, the importance of keeping up with the times and strategies to get more young women realtors involved.

Those interested in learning more about the North Shore Chapter Women’s Council of Realtors can visit them online at www.wcrnorthshoreil.org.