The partnership between the volunteer leadership and professional staff provides a solid foundation for the Bronx-Manhattan North Association of Realtors (BMAR) to sponsor and service the real estate industry and business community. October 3, 2008 marks my 25th anniversary as the CEO of the association. I take great pride in facilitating business daily with a passion and enthusiasm for getting things done. Together with leadership, we will continue to provide outstanding programs, services and networking opportunities. On June 19, 2008, the 2009 officers and new Board of Governors members were elected. They are: president, George Bookis; president-elect, Matthew Engel; vice president owner-management division, Matthew Schmelzer; vice president commercial-industrial division, Kathy Zamechansky; vice president Bronx residential division, Christina Taylor; vice president Manhattan residential division, Richard Guarino; secretary, Hatema Nezaj; and treasurer, Danielle Erickson Noak. New governor members were also elected. They are: James Coleman, Houlihan-Parnes Realtors; Peter Bourbeau, PWB Management; Earl Washington, United Realty Services; Randolph Silverstein, Sparrow Real Estate Corp.; and Wanda Forden, W.W. Realty Services, Inc. We are well known for our events and networking takes place at all meetings including meetings of the Board of Governors (BOG). The BOG is a very dynamic group of successful professionals truly proud to serve the organization, the real estate industry and business community. There exists such camaraderie that members often continue their conversations well after meetings end. For the second consecutive year, there is a waiting list for members to serve on the BOG. This fact makes this association truly remarkable especially in our society today where volunteerism has been declining. Waiting list members are: Pete Verma, Chase Home Mortgage; Lorraine Coyle, Koppell Realty; Michael Berr, Goodhart National Gorman Agency and Susan Meliti, Exit Realty Van Zandt. The members of the waiting list are invited to attend the meetings of the BOG. The fact that we have an excellent core group of active past presidents, loyal members and a waiting list of members interested in serving on the board, is an impressive testament to our dynamic organization. Today's real estate market provides challenges and difficulties to test the character and endurance of even seasoned real estate professionals. The key to persevere in this market is to be relentless in the ethical pursuit of closing more deals, business referrals and networking. Active membership and taking advantage of the valuable services and networking opportunities will assist all professionals long term success. We have a rich history and a culture of inclusiveness. Many of our members are 3rd or 4th generation of active companies in the organization. Our inclusiveness is well represented with members throughout the New York metropolitan region and broad membership including: licensed real estate brokers and agents; multi-dwelling property owners; building service vendors and suppliers; unlicensed property managers; attorneys; appraisers; banks; mortgage companies; fuel service and energy companies; title and abstract companies; insurance companies and insurance brokers; contractors and other companies servicing the real estate industry. Over 1,000 professionals from throughout the New York metropolitan region are expected to attend the next major networking event: the 7th Annual Real Estate Trade Show scheduled for October 29. Register early to participate as an exhibitor, sponsor or as a guest. Take advantage of this outstanding opportunity and build your business with this dynamic professional trade association officially representing the real estate industry and business community since 1924. For more information visit us at www.bmar.org or email: [email protected]. Nunzio Del Greco, RCE, is the CEO of the Bronx-Manhattan North Association of Realtors, Bronx, N.Y.