Concord Confidential: On The Record

Concord Neighborhood Matching Grant Program

Ford Craven, GREEN ECOBROKER (Weichert REALTORS - Craven & Company) — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 10:44:00 -0600

Just in time for the holidays! Concord City Council just approved a neighborhood matching grant program to help complete neighborhood projects. This program is open to neighborhoods recognized through the City's formal neighborhood program. Approved neighborhoods can be found at:

http://www.ci.concord.nc.us/Departments/BusinessNeighborhood/NeighborhoodProgram/Neighborhoods/tabid/224/Default.aspx

This is the text from the City:

Consider Neighborhood Matching Grant Program.
Council approved matching grants that allow recognized neighborhoods in the City of Concord Neighborhood Program to complete projects that will enhance their community or neighborhood association. Neighborhood organizations must match these funds with cash, in-kind services or goods, or contribute volunteer time. This program is available to active neighborhood organizations recognized through the City's formal neighborhood program.

2.0 Contact Management

Ford Craven, GREEN ECOBROKER (Weichert REALTORS - Craven & Company) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 08:26:55 -0600

You've read it before......I am updating my contact database management software to an online application because I use multiple computers and I'm lookig for a good one. Any suggestions? Thanks!

GREEN Contact Database Management

Ford Craven, GREEN ECOBROKER (Weichert REALTORS - Craven & Company) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 07:29:13 -0600

I am looking to upgrade my on line contact database management software. And I was looking for something GREEN. Now I know what you're thinking. There isn't anything GREEN about on line software. GREEN Contact Databases are Day Runners with recycled paper and soy based ink. Well that's not gonna cut it. There is an email out there called EcoMail that runs there servers on 100% solar! So I'm looking for an on line database management that runs their server off of solar, wind, a bunch of employees riding stationary bikes, whatever! So anyone ever heard of such a thing? Thanks!

Humpy Wheeler to belittle Concord's Christmas Parade

Ford Craven, GREEN ECOBROKER (Weichert REALTORS - Craven & Company) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 08:50:01 -0600

Humpy Wheeler, president of Lowes Motor Speedway for the past 33 years, will be honored during the Concord Christmas Parade. WHAT! Humpy isn't even from Concord. It used to be local legends that made up the Grand Marshal. Truly respected and active citizens from around town. Ones you see eating breakfast with the boys at the same joint every Wednesday morning or eating church hot dogs on Fridays for lunch. This feels like just another ass kiss from Concord to the Speedway. We already added the Bruton Smith Blvd name to the already named Speedway Blvd. and Concord Mills Blvd. 3 names for one street just to please an ego, come on. And now one of our towns most secretly treasured spots is being outsourced to a speedway big wig, no doubt because Concord and Bruton are at odds with their payment schedule to Bruton and the economy making payment terms that much hard to figure out. So lets be sure and keep Brutons friends happy so he doesn't punish us right? How about Donnie Whittington for grand marshal who is finishing up 50 years of coaching football at the Boys and Girls Club or Jeff Gordon for lending his name and money to build a Children's Hospital?

Concord's Tree Lighting Details

Ford Craven, GREEN ECOBROKER (Weichert REALTORS - Craven & Company) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 08:29:17 -0600

Concord's 11th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held on November 21, 2008 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The location is Market Street and Cabarrus Ave across from the Downtown Parking Deck.

Market Street will begin closing at approximately 1:00 p.m. from the intersections of Cabarrus and Market St. and Barbrick St. and Market St.

Limited access will be available until 5:00 p.m. on Market St.

After 5:00 p.m. Market Street will be closed to all through traffic.

Entertainment this year will feature the Choral Academy under the direction of Gary Shive, Cox Mill Elementary Chorus under the direction of Eric Bond, and acoustic guitar by Gary Gilmore.

Santa Claus will be on hand for the children to make a request for gifts. Children's crafts, face painting, and balloons will be available and free!

The Tree Lighting will take place at 6:30 p.m. with fireworks later at 7:30.
The Cabarrus Art Council Art Walk will take place from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Over 20 galleries, restaurants, and shops will feature artwork.

Bring the entire family out for a wonderful night of fun!

Trek goes chainless!

Ford Craven, GREEN ECOBROKER (Weichert REALTORS - Craven & Company) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 06:56:48 -0600

With the move to a Green lifestyle a lot of people are trading in their cars for bikes. It saves on gas, helps the environment and your health. One of the barriers for a lot of bike riders is maintenance and complexity. So Trek is introducing chainless bikes! Surprise your best client this Christmas with a state of the art Eco-Gift!

FREE OF CHAINS: Wisconsin-based Trek Bicycle is introducing two chainless models this holiday season, using technology most often found in things like motorcycles and snowmobiles. The nation's largest domestic bike manufacturer is part of a movement to bury the finger-pinching, rust-prone sprocket and chain.

BIKE ON: More urban pedal-pushers are trading their cars for a more low-tech way to get around because of gas prices as well as health and environmental concerns. Bicycles were a $5.4 billion industry in the U.S. in 2007, including the retail value of bikes, related parts and accessories, according to research funded by the National Sporting Goods Association.

THE BENEFITS: The new belt-driven bikes - currently in single-speed and eight-speed models - are touted as a low-maintenance alternative to a chain, which has roughly 3,000 parts including all the links and connectors. Aside from the quieter ride, the lighter and longer-lasting carbon-fiber composite belts won't rust, stretch, slip or leave grease marks.

First 6 Months of Loan Paid by Shea Homes

Ford Craven, GREEN ECOBROKER (Weichert REALTORS - Craven & Company) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 12:21:22 -0600

Shea Homes will pay the Principal and Interest on your First Mortgage for the first 6 months of your loan!

Close in December 2008 and make no payments until August 2009!

Available on all Shea Inventory Homes in the Charlotte area*

What will you do with the spare cash every month?
Buy new furniture, go on vacation, make a down payment on a new car, put money into savings? It's your choice!
But act now before your dream home is snatched up.

Visit www.sheahomes.com/charlotte today
to find the home that's right for you!
Or select a community below
to see a list of its available homes.
Master-down plans, 3-story homes, gourmet kitchens, finished basements...
There's something for virtually everyone!

A.L. Brown Showcased!

Ford Craven, GREEN ECOBROKER (Weichert REALTORS - Craven & Company) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 11:26:25 -0600

Looks like A.L. BROWN, Kannapolis High School, is being showcased as a 21st Century Model of Innovation! (I know a lot of Concord High School Spiders that would disagree!)

Its is being showcased due to some up and coming programs such as: Mandarin Chinese, Biotechnology, Cyber Campus, Smartboards, International Studies.

These are definetly step ups in the highschool arena. And with the new North Carolina Research Campus and BioTechnology Center right in A.L. Browns backyard these programs are sure to be appreciated!

Below is a blurb from the wesbite:

Tuesday, November 18 is North Carolina School Innovation Day, and A.L. Brown High School is one of the sites being highlighted. A.L. Brown will be open to all visitors November 18 from 10 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. No appointment is needed. Just drop by to see the home of the North Carolina Principal of the Year and the school that won the NC Lighthouse Award for excellence and innovation.

http://ebiz1.exfoundry1.com/members/response.asp?ID=9115457643103195

ForSaleByOwner.com VS. REALTOR.coom

Ford Craven, GREEN ECOBROKER (Weichert REALTORS - Craven & Company) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 11:18:15 -0600

A Battle Royal!

ForSaleByOwner.com vs. REALTOR.com

The scoop: ForSaleByOwner.com sent out a press release stating that they can now post unrepresented listings on REALTOR.com. REALTOR.com says that they can't and have asked them to send out a retraction. ForSaleByOwner.com says that everything they sent out is accurate and will not issue a retraction.

So can they or can't they? Seems like this should be a black and white issue. I hope that REALTOR.com wins.

REALTOR Retrospective Video!

Ford Craven, GREEN ECOBROKER (Weichert REALTORS - Craven & Company) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 10:36:51 -0600

I received an email update from NAR last week with a wrap up review of this years conference. I made it down for the first day and I could tell it was going to be a great show! I have included a link to a retrospective video from NAR president Dick Gaylord. It pretty much shows what NAR has been doing for its membership for the past year. It is a well made and easily viewable video. I think you should watch it, especially at the end when the lady is playing the ukulele!

NAR Retrospective Video

GREEN: www.2shoplocal.com

Ford Craven, GREEN ECOBROKER (Weichert REALTORS - Craven & Company) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 10:16:06 -0600

I was driving into Kannapolis this morning and saw a billboard. It was an ad for www.2shoplocal.com for Cabarrus County. So I jotted it and just looked it up. It looks to be a collaborative effort put up by 3 banks. It has sites for Stanly, Anson and Cabarrrus Counties, which I assume are the counties in which these banks serve. I would consider this a green movement. And I am all for it! I love to see companies embrace this concept and promote it! www.shoplocal.com is a good idea and everyone should shop local this holiday season if you can. It cuts down on so much waste: packaging, transportation, supports the local economy, etc. I just submitted an email for my company to be included on this site. If you are in Cabarrus County, Anson or Stanley you should do this too!

Cities In Line For a REBOUND!

Ford Craven, GREEN ECOBROKER (Weichert REALTORS - Craven & Company) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 09:53:13 -0600

I just read an update from REALTOR.org that listed a handful of cities that are poised for an economic rebound. The article said that in October 2005, the height of the boom, that the median sales price for homes in the US reached 7.3 times per capita income. Anbd that by this past May it was 5.7. They stated this was a historical norm. Now there is no doubt that this number has slowly headed south, towards a historicac low, since May 2008 which would seem to me that these locations are a lot more ready for a rebound then ever beofore. So call a REALTOR in these ciites and get set up for some referral action!

Seattle
Raleigh
Des Moines
Philadelphia
Denver
Birmingham, Ala.
Salt Lake City

From Jim Weichert - Founder of Weichert REALTORS

Ford Craven, GREEN ECOBROKER (Weichert REALTORS - Craven & Company) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 09:22:56 -0600

One of the commonly cited reasons why homebuyers remain on the sidelines is that they think they need to have a 20 percent downpayment in order to get a mortgage. This is another mortgage myth that is easily busted when you stop to think about the facts.

Recent statistics from the National Association of Realtors show that the number of first-time buyers is increasing. It is common knowledge that most first-time buyers don't have large downpayments, so they couldn't possibly all be putting 20 percent down.

Low-downpayment loans are still readily available. Just the other day, I heard about a 25 year-old man who purchased his first home using a Weichert Sales Associate, and got a loan through Weichert Financial Services requiring only 3 percent down.

Help us bust this mortgage myth. Reach out to your book of business and let them know it remains a great time to buy and that good loans with low downpayments are still available, despite what they may have heard.

Remember, Weichert has the financing to provide a mortgage for the homes we sell.

Jim Weichert

Downtown Concord Restaurant to Open Valentines Day 2009

Ford Craven, GREEN ECOBROKER (Weichert REALTORS - Craven & Company) — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 17:16:34 -0600

Just got word that a new restaurant slated to open on Valentines Day 2009 in Downtown Concord will be named the Prince and the Pauper. It will be located in the old Cabarrus Bank building across the street and to the right from the Historic Courthouse. It will be continental fare in a fine dining atmosphere. The rumor also is that there will be a bar in the basement (hopeully Irish or English in nature!)

There are also 6 residential condos above the reastaurant that will be available. Things are looking up for Downtown Concord! Literally!

Concord Standard Shuts Down

Ford Craven, GREEN ECOBROKER (Weichert REALTORS - Craven & Company) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 09:40:15 -0600

I caught the word yesterday that one of our communities local media outlets, The Concord Standard and Mount Pleasant Times, has shut its doors. After the 24th publication of its 5th volume, this quais-popular newspaper which emphasized the Christian religion and made obituaries more personal and has been an outlet for real estate advertisiments is another casualty of the recession. And also a casualty of the times. Readership among all print media is down considerably becasue of the turn towards Interent news outlets and blogs. Why read the paper, or subscribe, when the news comes straight to your phone? I don't know either.

This effect is also being seen in Real Estate specific publications such as The Real Estate Book and Centralina Homebuyers Guide. It is obvious the toll of lack of advertising has had on these publications. You can put the same month from a year ago beside the most recent issue and see the difference.

It should be very obvious to you now that internet advertising and placment is where its at. Good luck and safe driving on the Super Information Highway. There is a lot more traffic now and it's only going to increase.

Sun Drop Murders

Ford Craven, GREEN ECOBROKER (Weichert REALTORS - Craven & Company) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 08:17:47 -0600

I know we Realtors are always out and about in our community. We are the eyes. We aren't locked ina cubicle like so many in todays sociaety. That is why I felt the need to post this entry. Earlier this Fall, a man walked into Sun Drop Bottling Company on Branchview/Hwy 3 in Concord, NC and murdered 2 people in cold blood. One worked there and the other was applying for a job. This man got away and we are now searching for him. Last I checked there was a $75,000 reward for his capture. Please help our community get justice! Thanks you!

The attached composite is of an individual of interest that was seen first at the front door of Sun Drop before the doors were unlocked. Several individuals who witnessed an individual walking across Hwy 3 west on Cabarrus Ave after the incident were shown this composite and collaborated that this was similar to the individual they saw.

Contact the Concord Police Department at 704-920-5000 if you have any information.

Contact: Deborah Clark, Public Relations Manager
Phone: 704-920-5204
Email: ClarkD@ci.concord.nc.us

$hop Cabarrus!

Ford Craven, GREEN ECOBROKER (Weichert REALTORS - Craven & Company) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 07:33:53 -0600

The Cabarrus Chamber of Commerce has set out to help stimulate the local economy this holiday season, and hopefully forever, by promoting $hop Cabarrus. $hop Cabarrus is being promted through the Chamber via their website and mass emails to their network. It is obviously promoting the idea that you should shop local for Christ mas this year. And why not? We all should be shopping local all of the time. No need to hire a plane to travel around the world so that special someone can have a table cloth from Budapest or a blowfish lamp from Japan. Just go to the chamber website to find the most up to date discounts and offerings available. Merry Christmas!

Here are the latest offerings:

Company Name Offer to Chamber members

The Village Fudge.............................10% discount if you mention you're a Chamber member at time of purchase

Bear Rock Cafe................................10% discount on holiday catering orders-mention you're a Chamber member

Balance Wellness Center..................Buy 4 gift certificates, get 5th one free - until Christmas

Ruckus House.................................Corporate Partnership rates to employees of Chamber members - Call for explanation and identify yourself as a Chamber member for more information.

Merle Norman Cosmetics..................20% off all services (pedicures, manicures, etc.) and 10% off retail sales

Whittington Appraisals......................$25 off all residential real estate appraisals ordered by Chamber members

CabarrusNow.com .....................Advertise in our magazine 6 issues consecutively - receive 10%

Ben Mynatt ................................Additional $200 discount on National GM Red Tag Price thru 1/5/09. If you purchase a pre-owned vehicle you will receive a one-year maintenance plan.

The Sign Market...............................10% discount on any banner, sign or other advertisement graphic during holiday season

PrimePay.........................................20% discount and 1st month free payroll processing

McNulty Chiropractic & Acupuncture...Complimentary Consultation and Exam to all Chamber Members and families

Wayne Brothers, Park Creek..............10% discount - Phase 2 on all lots and $1,000 toward closing cost by end of the year. Closing must be by end of January 2009.

Invision Family Eyecare......................25% Holiday discount for Chamber members on a pair of eyeglasses or sunglasses - mention that you are a Chamber member when you visit.

Cielo Salon & Spa...............................Offers Chamber members $10 off color service, $5 off facials, $10 off spa package-free make-up application and lessons...mention your Chamber membership when you make an appointment.

Ivory Nicole's Floral Gallery.................Offers Chamber members 10% off floral arrangements through Dec. 31st...this will exclude wire out orders.

Harvest Catering...................................Offers Chamber members 15% off all gift baskets, food gifts and holiday catering - minimum of $150 - mention you are a Chamber member when ordering.

Auld Golf...............................................Offers Chamber members a 5% discount - mention you are a member before purchase.

Piedmont Dance Theatre .....................Discount to Chamber members who identify themselves for the Nutcracker performance on Friday, Dec. 12 - 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 13 - 2:00 p.m. Call 704-932-8888 for discounted tickets.

The Mecklenburg Times.......................Offering a $25 gift card to a restaurant for a years subscription to Chamber members only...(restaurants are Capitol City Grill, Morton's Steakhouse or McCormick & Schmick's).

Leaf Collecting 2008-2009

Ford Craven, GREEN ECOBROKER (Weichert REALTORS - Craven & Company) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 07:17:13 -0600

Let your clients know about the 2008-2009 Leaf Collection Schedule. It can be found in PDF form on the City of concord website located at http://www.ci.concord.nc.us/. This is a good way to stay in front of your clients both past and present.

And I have to mention this since I am in the process of "greening" my lifestyle. Why not suggest to your clients that they collect their leaves and take them out to a friends wooded property or land to dump them. They can reuse the bags multiple times during the fall. Just a thought!

From Jim Weichert - Founder and Owner of Weichert REALTORS

Ford Craven, GREEN ECOBROKER (Weichert REALTORS - Craven & Company) — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 10:32:55 -0600

Every so often Jim Weichert sends the professionals at Weichert a brief update. I am going to start posting them here so that everyone in our region and beyond can benefit from his wise words. Enjoy!

Last week, my e-mail to you centered around the doubt and misinformation common among many of today's homebuyers. Feedback from our most recent "Understanding the Incentives" seminar confirms that consumers are simply unaware that mortgage money is available and that home ownership is within their reach.

Seminar attendees thought they needed 20 percent down and a perfect credit score in order to get a mortgage. You can bust that myth by sharing the reality that Weichert has safe, secure mortgage money available.

In addition, buyers were unaware of how the $7,500 tax credit worked and how it could benefit them. Do your part to inform your first-time buyers of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to help them get into the home of their dreams.

The great news is that they did believe it was a good time to buy. We can each help bust the mortgage myth by reaching out to our entire book of business and reiterating that not only is it a good time to buy, but that the fears that are holding them back are unfounded.

Remember, Weichert has the financing to provide a mortgage for the homes we sell.

Jim Weichert

Look at the last paragraph!

Ford Craven, GREEN ECOBROKER (Weichert REALTORS - Craven & Company) — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 09:25:48 -0600

Will Americans spend more on green homes? REAL TRENDS update #1053

Despite, or maybe because of the capricious economy, more Americans are going green when it comes to their homes, according to a recent survey conducted by Better Homes and Gardens at home shows in 15 cities across the country.

Despite "cost" being singled out by 36 percent of respondents as the greatest impediment to going green, half of those surveyed have paid more money for an energy efficient product in the past 12 months and one in three homeowners (30 percent) claim they would be willing to spend $5,000 or more on green improvements to increase a home's appeal to potential buyers. "As their environmental awareness grows, American homeowners are beginning to take action on green issues and are willing to spend their money accordingly," explained Sherry Chris, president and CEO, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate. "These survey results confirm homeowners are identifying greater value in green and when the time comes to sell their homes, they will look to convert high consumer awareness levels on the green issue into a market differentiator."

In addition, when preparing to buy or sell a home, more than half of those surveyed (51 percent) believe in the importance of working with a green certified real estate agent. This would include knowledge in regards to housing materials and construction, energy efficient appliances and systems, as well as the impact of landscaping on a home's environmental footprint.

NAR Radio

Ford Craven, GREEN ECOBROKER (Weichert REALTORS - Craven & Company) — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 08:41:25 -0600

SO it looks like NAR is about to hit the radio waves! They are having a new talk radio show abotu everything real esate. It is going to be titled "Real Estate Today". I'm sure the goal here is to increase consumer confidence through education. Way to tackle mass media with our own media! This show is slated to hit various markets at the end of this year and expand throughout 09. Keep an eye out for it in your area!

Obama to support NAR

Ford Craven, GREEN ECOBROKER (Weichert REALTORS - Craven & Company) — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 08:35:36 -0600

At least that is what NAR is saying. NAR is stoked about Obama and the Democrats. They like Obama because in Illinois Obama advocated tax credits for property owners, fought the good fight to stop predatory lending and advocated for a stronger FHA. He also put up his vote for the NAR backed economic stimulus bill. The Dem's are also looking strong since they picked up House and Senate seats. A lot of the legislators are called "Blue Dog Democrats" who tend to be conservative and business minded. A lot of them have already sided with REALTORS on key issues.

100th NAR National Convention!

Ford Craven, GREEN ECOBROKER (Weichert REALTORS - Craven & Company) — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 07:54:30 -0600

I have just returned from the 100th NAR Convention in Orlando, FL. The weather was beautiful. I only got to go to the convention for its opening day. I mainly went down there to get a new designation that was offered in the days before the convention. The convention was held at the Orlando Convention Center which was by far the biggest convention hall I have ever seen. Period. And they are building an even bigger one across the street! The Expo hall was about the size of 3-4 football fields. Everyone who's anyone in the real estate industry seemed to have a booth. It was loads of fun. It helped that there was a bar about every 50 yards too! Lionel Ritchie was the artist who opened up the convention. I didn't make it but heard it was a great show! The convention is till going on and I'm sure he speakers are blowing it up. The lineup was stellar. I reccomend going to this convention at sometiem in your life. It was totally worth it! I also want to thank Mr. David Knox for getting me in for free!

Response from NAR GREEN Designee

Ford Craven, GREEN ECOBROKER (Weichert REALTORS - Craven & Company) — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 07:25:40 -0600

In response to Mike Michaud: Mike, thanks for your response and kudos to being involved in the green building industry for the last 8 years! That's awesome. Your question was how do green agents help me as a green builder. The first thing that comes to mind is referring. One of the things we were taught was to get toassemble all of the "green" oriented contractors, builders, mortgage brokers, etc. in our area as a point of reference for our clients. This makes us a point of contact for anyone interested in the green movement. Lets call it a green referral network. What I see as greens biggest hurdl rright now is education to the masses. After I get my green referral network togther I am going to be partnering with them to do classes for the general public and for othe realtors in my board. I am also going to be doing some cross marketing with these partners to spread the word.

I also want to repsond to what you referrred to as putting low E windows in an otherwise conventional house or blowing recycled cellulose. These are green features. Obviously if you onlydo one of these your entire home is not green. But it is more green then a house without it. As an green agent I will be able to recognize what a home buyer has done and help sellers promote it as another positive feature of their home whereas an average agent won't have this knowledge. Likewise when helping a buyer. I understand that you sell green homes that are entirely green. Wouldn't it be great if you had a green realtor who could knowledgeably explain your product and it's benefits to a potential buyer or be able to refer you when in conversation with someone looking to go green?

I also understand that more then likely if someone is interested in going green that they are going to be more knowledgable then me. I'm ont trying to be a green expert, I'm just trying to make sure my clients understand the benefits of going green and can have access to the people and resources to make that happen.

Mike, I'd like to add you to my referral netowrk if that is allright. I occasionally have a client headed to Texas and as my green client base grows it is very possible I'll have a future green texan in my midst. I would also like to keep this channel of communication open as I have a lot of questions about the green building process. Thanks Mike!

Debut of the GREEN Designee!

Ford Craven, GREEN ECOBROKER (Weichert REALTORS - Craven & Company) — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 09:17:03 -0600

It was a class of around 236 REALTORS from all over the US including Puerto Rico that made up the debut class for NAR's Sustainable Property Designation. It was a two day class in Orlando before the opening of the 100th NAR National Conference. All attendees, now designees, are recognized as the first in the world to obtain this designation and are all founding members of NAR's GreenREsource Council. Designees receive the Green Marketing Tool Kit allowing customized print and mail materials at reduced cost, Certificate of Membership in the Green REsource Council and a Member lapel pin. Ah, the lapel pin. I personally took this class in order to get the lapel pin. They are so powerful. The debut class was taught by Terry Watson, a familiar face on the NAR teacher circuit. He was very funny and kept the attention of the class. Seeing as this was the official pilot test group it had its up and downs and some kinks to work out. But they were obvious mistakes, more like growing pains, so I'm sure they will be fixed before the next class. The class was taught via poweroint and text book. A lot of video teachign as well. There is a lot of material to cover in the green world so obviously you can't learn everything in 2 days. So review of the text book after the class is very necessary to obtain the knowledge you seek.