Illinois REALTORS® Bicentennial Task Force members got updates on a number of projects on Wednesday, not the least of which was the association’s commemorative plaza being built in Springfield.

• Construction work recently began on the Bicentennial Plaza- A REALTOR® Community Partnership, kicking off months of work to create a public space on the north side of the association’s headquarters. The plaza will have interpretive panels to provide information on the people, places and events which shaped Lincoln’s worldview.
• The Task Force launched its Bicentennial Plaza Legacy Campaign where members can buy an engraved brick to have placed in the completed project. The bricks cost $500, and are considered tax-deductible through the Real Estate Educational Foundation. REALTOR® Sonia Anaya is spearheading the effort.
• Illinois REALTORS® will have a booth at the next NAR Conference and Expo in November. The booth will feature a visit from an Abraham Lincoln impersonator, and attendees will be encouraged to stop by and get their picture taken with him.
• Final plans are being formed for a student essay contest which is being developed with the state’s Board of Education. Scholarships will be awarded, and the contest will kick off Nov. 1.

The task force is chaired by REALTOR® Vicky Turner from Dixon.