The times are changing in the real estate industry and at AREW. That combination makes membership in AREW more important as a career strategy and, based on our plans, more exciting a prospect than ever before. We are embarking on our fourth decade by taking a long, hard look at the reasons people join associations and how we, at AREW, can provide what our members are looking for at the highest levels of association experience. One of those reasons is education. Not boring education. Not a rehash of what you've already read or know. You want current, insightful, valuable information about what is happening right now in the industry, why it's happening and where the market (and your part of it) will go from here. In these changing times, all of us need all the knowledge we can get to survive and thrive, which is why AREW's 2008-09 luncheons, seminars and tours will all be directed toward relevant issues, timely topics, enhancing your professional skills and providing news you can actually use to your benefit. Another strong reason people join associations is because they offer outstanding opportunities to make contacts and build relationships that build business. AREW provides a unique environment to do just that. As an association whose members represent the full spectrum of the industry, at AREW, you network with professionals in non-competitive disciplines, a mix that creates a stimulating dynamic of information, opinions and opportunities. And, this coming year, we will be kicking up our networking opportunities and venues to an entirely new, exciting level. We're calling our big plans, enhanced venues and formats, and all new events and opportunities "The Next Generation of AREW." Let's face it. When we were founded, women real estate professionals were few and far between. Not any more! Thus, we are addressing, like never before, the real needs of a membership of successful, ambitious real estate women (and men!). As an AREW member, your dues include attending seven monthly luncheons, industry leader breakfasts and additional members-only events; reduced admission to networking functions, seminars and tours; reduced pricing for the Career Center, for N.Y. Building Congress and Professional Women in Construction events and for REBNY courses; a listing in our directory; and opportunities to serve on a committee to enhance your skills and networking. Sponsorships are available at partner, associate, friend and supporter levels, each offering outstanding, multiple opportunities to build your brand and business with an audience of influence-shaping and decision-making real estate professionals. For further information about membership and sponsorship, log onto www.arew.org. It's going to be a spectacular year, filled with new energy and innovation, packaged in distinctive AREW style that will provide a genuine return on your investment in our association. We're already one of the hottest associations out there, but we're still turning up the heat. Which is why now, more than ever before, is the time to be an important part of, and player in, AREW. Jennifer McCool is the 2008-09 AREW president and a vice president at Moynihan Station Venture, New York, N.Y.