AREW offers top notch networking and education

By Jennifer McCool As the fall season gets into full swing, the real estate industry is busy taking its economic pulse, and pundits continue to analyze and make predictions about the state of the economy and its effect on commercial real estate. The profound changes in the financial markets are, of course, still being deciphered as property owners, investors and their myriad of service providers continue to seek guideposts to navigate a changed market of decreased lending opportunities with stricter underwriting. These are challenging times when membership in an association, such as AREW, that has its finger on the pulse of the market, can provide a much needed competitive edge. As one of the industry's leading associations, AREW offers unparalleled networking and educational opportunities. Both are proven tools with which to build and retain business, especially when the going gets tough. We are opening our 2008-09 season with a superb opportunity to jump start the fall season-a networking cocktail reception on September 24th, to be held at Hudson Terrace, 621 West 46th St. in Manhattan. The rooftop ambiance and views are superb, but AREW networking goes far beyond the beauty or comfort of the venue. When you network at AREW, you have the opportunity to meet professionals from the full spectrum of the real estate industry. Thus, you build relationships and, ultimately, business through access to professionals in non-competitive disciplines. That diversity not only provides the opportunity to have business referred, but also creates a lively mix of opinions, points of view and sharing of experiences that our event attendees find invaluable. AREW also holds monthly luncheons. Members attend at no charge and the industry at large is also welcome. Our 2008-09 luncheon season begins on October 7th with a behind-the-scenes look at the fall of, and life after, Bear Stearns. Guest speaker for the program, entitled "Lions, Tigers and Bear Markets," will be J. Christopher Hoeffel, managing director at JPMorgan Chase and president of the Commercial Mortgage Securities Association. Hoeffel is the former global co-head of Bear Stearn's Commercial Mortgage Department. The luncheon, to be held at Club 101, 101 Park Ave. at 40th St., is being co-hosted with the Financial Women's Association. An hour of networking begins at 11:30 a.m. and precedes the luncheon and program. In addition to luncheons, AREW's rich and varied schedule of programs includes tours and seminars. On October 21st, we will be hosting a morning seminar on a timely topic. Entitled "Transitioning Careers in a Changing Marketplace" our speakers, who will share their wisdom and experience, as well as tips and techniques for surviving and thriving in current market conditions, include Margaret Blakey, managing director and co-head of Opportunistic Lending for Capmark Investments; Susan Swanezy, managing director, New York, Stockbridge Real Estate Funds and previously managing director in RREEF's Client Relations Group; and Sonia Axter, director, RREEF Infrastructure, who is actively involved in the acquisition and development of RREEF Infrastructure's North American investment portfolio. Networking. Business development. Current education. Career strategies. AREW offers what real estate professionals need in these challenging and changing times. Please visit us at ww.arew.org to register for the above events, learn more about AREW and how membership in and sponsorship of our organization is an outstanding conduit to professional growth. Jennifer McCool is the 2008-2009 AREW president and president of Moynihan Station Venture, New York, N.Y.