AREW launches 2009 with series of timely events

Having committed to providing our members and real estate industry colleagues with valuable news they can use in this challenging market, AREW is launching its 2009 programs with three information-packed events that will meet that goal. Our February 5th luncheon, co-hosted by Crain's New York Business, will feature Greg David, editorial director of Crain's New York Business, as guest speaker. David, who has been a journalist for almost 40 years and is one of the city's leading commentators on business and political issues, will address the question of "Where is the Bottom? The Future of the New York Economy" and take attendees on a roller coaster ride through New York's recent economic history, explain why this downturn may be different than all the others and how the city may emerge as a much changed place. On February 10th, the next in AREW's Breakfast Seminar Series will feature Jim Randel, real estate author, entrepreneur and investor, as guest speaker. Speaking on the topic of "Finding Yourself in a Tough Climate" and using information from his latest book, The Skinny on Willpower, Randel will provide some seriously good information on how to declutter your brain of superfluous information and gear yourself up for personal and professional success in a trying real estate market. Randel's first book, The Real Estate Game, received national recognition from investors and critics around the U.S. which led to speaking engagements and his becoming a commentator on Financial News Network. In 1990, Randel decided to concentrate on his investing activities and returned to writing in 2006 with Confessions of a Real Estate Entrepreneur. He regularly appears on Fox Business News and other television and radio stations and is a real estate and business correspondent for the Huffington Post. At AREW's March 3rd luncheon, guest speaker Anthony Malkin will address "Been There. Done That. Life Lessons from the Early '90s and Today's Economy." Malkin will speak to whether history repeats itself and what lessons learned from the real estate recession of the late 1980s and early 1990s can be used to survive and thrive in today's economic times. Malkin is president of Wien & Malkin LLC, W&M Properties and their affiliates and vice chairman of Wien & Malkin Securities Corp. Altogether, these firms comprise the real estate acquisition, management, construction and marketing arm of the Malkin family, which has been active in real estate for four generations. AREW is experiencing a record-breaking season with sponsorship that has increased 69% over last year's figures and membership approaching the highest in the association's 30 year history. We are gratified so many leading companies and real estate professionals see the value in the exposure, educational programs and networking opportunities AREW offers and invite you to join as a member or sponsor. For more information about AREW and the above events, including location and costs, log onto www.arew.org. Jennifer McCool is the 2008-2009 AREW president and president of Moynihan Station Venture, New York, N.Y.