UPDATE: October, 2008
With an economic situation with particular challenges at hand, I'm asking 1031 Like-Kind Exchange Guru, Matt Linville to weigh in on this again. And in the meantime, here's an Asheville 1031 review...
Recently, I happened on an article about
Lunch and Learn, a program designed to expand training and development for staffers. Lunch and Learn, I discovered ,could work to expand our real estate and real estate services training with a multi- outreach and professional education program. Because we are an Asheville Firm with a focus on 1031 Like-Kind Exchanges, this seemed like a great opportunity for staff and clients alike.
So, we opened our office doors to the public and inaugurated a "green investment (1031s encouraged) and sustainable issues"community and neighborhood outreach venue.
Our informal lunch-time chats, previously untitled, could become Asheville's own "1031 green" real estate's Lunch and Learn forum. Does that sound like a Plan to you? It sure did to all the Active Rain Members at our Firm here in Asheville...
Typical Lunch and Learn programs include: 
Eco-conscious investing
1031 & Green
Qualifiers & the 1031
Product training
Professional development
Personal Development
Life Skills
Active Rain Members who enjoy camaraderie at our Firm here in Asheville (7 of us.you can see Bill, Sami, Gabe and Rhodes, in the photo to the right) invited another Active Rain Member, and 1031 Qualified Intermediary, Matt Linville to kick off our Lunch and Learn program.
Here's Matt! 
Matt had informed all of us at Active Rain that there are some seriously important new developments that real estate professionals need to know if we work in the 1031 arena, so we were excit
ed to hear what Matt had to say.
I, for one, wanted to know what might be new in terms of second/vacation homes, land and conservation properties as investments.
I had a good conversation with him during our Lunch and Learn session. This opportunity to speak informally with the Experts may be one of the greatest benefits of the Lunch and Learn Program, I thought.
Matt had posted on the proposed 1031 Like Kind exchange affects of the new Farm Bill currently under consideration...on his BLOG not long ago, and I wanted to know more about that, too.
Making the exchange of collectibles no longer able to qualify for tax deferment was a concern to me. And, I stayed concerned until I read his update Farm Bill Update....1031 Like Kind Exchange . Matt informed us that " The update will bring good news to those taxpayers who exchange collectibles. The proposed change to their qualifying nature has been dropped from the bill. So, exchange those collectibles as normal!"
Of course, real estate pro
fessionals being who we are, an inquisitive bunch for certain, especially those of us who are into the "green is red hot" thing, we had numbers of questions about conservation and socially-conscious investing as it pertains to the 1031 Like Kind Exchange ready for Matt.
And here he was, right in our Lunch and Learn, and with all the latest news. "I will continue to keep you up to date as things happen!" Matt promised us. . .
...and I will answer questions if you ask them in comment section below. .."
THANKS, Matt!
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What a wonderful time it was for me! I so appreciate the chance to come in and speak with each of you. What am I doing in the first picture? Looks like I was caught taking the last cookie.
I am always impressed with your dedication and the willingness of your firm to learn all that is out there. We make a great team and I look forward to working with each of you and your clients as well!
Thank you, janeAnne!
One works up an appetite, focusing on such involved subjects.
It only makes sense that victuals be served at such intense educational gatherings!
J.T.Narrin
jane Anne -- a great idea -- It is great that you have someone with this expertiese nearby. We have incoroprated a similar concept with our Board's Realtor to Realtor lunch series -- where we have an "expert" speak/sponsor lunch - realtors can come and learn and enjoy lunch and education! It is been a huge hit! Thanks for keeping us posted on the 1031 legislation.
Matt~
Coming from you...what a great compliment...thank you so much for writing, " I am always impressed with your dedication and the willingness of your firm to learn all that is out there. "
I was wondering about any ideas you have a bout "green" 1031 possibilities...for the "eco-conscious" investor...
Stephanie~
I bet something like this is going to be happening real soon in your neck o' the woods...(knowing you!) It sure is a lot of fun...and makes for an opportunity for all of us to come to know and appreciate each other in a new way...
JT~
I noticed by your photo that You seemed to have worked up an appetite at this 1031 session. Hope it was informational AND enjoyable for you. Thanks for your comment.
Bill~
Even though I have taken 5 or 6 1031 classes, and completed many 1031 Like Kind Exchangesfor my clients, each year I plan to get a "refresher"...this Lunch and Learn turned out to be a double refresher and also refreshing =)
Joan~
It makes me smile to read your comment...that at your Board of REALTORS you have the same idea..."where we have an "expert" speak/sponsor lunch "...I like both parts of that idea! ..speak AND sponsor...
Gabe~
Sounds like a plan.How many 1031s do you expect to do in 2008? We'll see that you get a super-duper sandwich for each one ...i'm smiling.
Hey janeAnne - what an awesome idea this is! The topics that could be covered at these "Lunch and Learn' gatherings could cover a wide variety of topics, and if you have good 'victuals', just think about the turn-out you could have. Have yourself a 'veggie Picnick'! ;-)
Ann
Hi JaneAnne ~ This is a great idea!
I attend weekly a lunch and learn at Standale Lumber. They have distributors and reps come in to train employees and customers alike on their product lines. What I have found is it is very informal and that lends to being more informational. The attendees are more apt to ask questions and get good honest answers than in a formal presentation. This is a great service to offer clients as well as employees!
For me learning a new job this is also important as I am able to observe style points from different speakers to see what works and who generates the most response from the audience! Don't forget when attending seminars to observe for STYLE POINTS!!! Simple observations can help one improve their own presentation!!! (just a little FYI from me!)
Dena~
I like the idea, too...and am especially happy you commented as you did. Quite A compliment coming form YOU! THX!
UPDATE: October, 2008
With an economic situation with particular challenges at hand, I'm asking 1031 Like-Kind Exchange Guru, Matt Linville to weigh in on this again. And in the meantime, here's an Asheville 1031 review...