Fra Noi Embrace Your Inner Italian
The Illinois Realtors has created the Brian A. Bernardoni Political Advocacy Award in honor of its local government affairs director. The award is based on the outstanding contributions of a Realtor or affiliate member in public policy political and/or legislative advocacy.
It’s rare to have an award named after someone while they actually are still working in the field, but according to Michael Cabonargi, commissioner of the Second District on the Cook County Board of Review, Bernardoni’s experience makes him very deserving of this honor.
“Brian has been a respected leader in Chicago’s real estate community for many, many years, and I commend the Illinois Realtors for recognizing Brian’s dedication by naming this award for him,” Cabonargi says.
For 17 years, Bernardoni has been a lobbyist and spokesperson on public policy matters ranging from the cloud and property taxes to rent control and affordable housing. A defender of private property rights, he’s often asked to speak to the media on matters pertaining to real estate.
Bernardoni is a member of the Advisory Board of the Salvation Army of Chicago. He also is a current member of the Board of the Civic Federation, Chicago Area Public Affairs Group, Cook County Health Foundation Board and Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans.
Why is he wearing a World Series ring? For more than 21 years, Bernardoni has served as a docent for the Chicago Cubs, giving behind-the-scenes tours of Wrigley Field as the unofficial Wrigley historian. Team owner Tom Ricketts gave him the World Series ring that wears proudly.
Bernardoni has a treasure chest of awards, including Community Builder Award from the City of Chicago and the Jerome Holtzman Award from the Pitch and Hit Club of Chicago, as well as honors from the Chicago Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation and others.
He proudly shares this honor with his wife and four daughters. One can only guess that one of his children will have a future in real estate … or at least be Cubs fans.
