REALTORS® serve as Spokane ambassadors

Sun., June 29, 2008

Patti Mckerricher Boyd Spokane Association of REALTORS®

One of the enjoyable aspects of being a REALTOR® is the opportunity to showcase Spokane. Not only are we marketing and selling homes, we are relied upon as a valued relocation resource. When a newcomer contacts an area REALTOR®, many times we are the first “area ambassador” they speak with, providing up-to-the-minute information about the region, and what makes Spokane a desirable destination to live, work and play. Home buyers ask for city statistics, school information, shopping, restaurants and especially “things to do.” On each REALTOR®’s Web site, you will most likely find a section where a prospective resident can browse an extensive collection of links and resources, much like a condensed chamber of commerce or tourism Web site.

As ambassadors, and as residents, there are currently about 2,000 dedicated Spokane REALTORS® who call Spokane home. Many are second- and third-generation family business owners. We live in neighborhoods across the region. Like you, our spouses and extended families work in every type of business category. Our kids attend schools with your kids. As your neighbors and as participants in our wonderful community, Spokane REALTORS® are excited to give support to projects coming online each year that add to our unique cultural amenities and the special mix of things to do here.

We know the future is right around the corner, and we are excited about forthcoming opportunities like the Mobius Science Center, planned for a 2010 opening. The proposed $33 million science center would have approximately 45,000 square-feet of exhibit, lecture, and café/retail space and also bring Spokane a new IMAX theater.

The exhibits housed within the Mobius Science Center will include permanent exhibits as well as a rotation of traveling exhibits, all set in experiential learning environments. They will reflect our region’s natural and technological resources and will showcase some of the best science from the Inland Northwest and around the world. The Mobius Science Center hopes to inspire our next generation to study and explore careers in science, math, technology and engineering.

As an update, The Spokesman-Review reported last month that Mobius Spokane has raised $10.7 million so far, according to Robyn Tucker, Mobius’ campaign counsel. The state of Washington has contributed funds totaling $3.4 million, but about two-thirds of monies to date have come from private donors. Reaching $14 million is the next fundraising milestone. Mobius will need a total of $26.4 million before it can break ground and begin construction.

Jim Karel, president of the Mobius board, said many private donors are giving in hopes of improving science and math education and inspiring study among our youth. “The science center product is resonating extraordinarily well,” Karel said. “For our competitiveness as a region and nation, the time is now to bring science and technology innovation home.”

Mobius Science center will be a significant regional attraction for school groups, families, visitors and relocating companies. The Mobius campaign cabinet includes members of the Spokane Association of REALTORS®, as well as myself. As a science-technology resource, the Mobius Science Center is very important to the residents of Spokane.

Nationwide, science and technology centers are a billion-dollar per year industry, with science-related institutions in every major city in the country. We encourage our neighbors to offer their financial support to this worthwhile entity. Mobius Science Center is an investment in our children, families, schools, and economic well-being of the region. Adding Mobius to the mix of Spokane’s educational resources will allow present and future generations to pursue scientific understanding and its relevance to our everyday lives and to our future, in a dynamic hands-on learning environment.

Spokane REALTORS® passionately support our community and wear many hats, educating newcomers and residents about the area’s finest features and abundant lifestyle pleasures. Those interested in contributing to Mobius’ efforts to build a new science center can call (509) 838-9905.

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