President's message: Joining The Association of Real Estate Women is a wise strategy for tough times

When the going gets tough, the tough get going. And, right now, the going is tough. In a market of declining values and property income, reduced tenant demand, extreme risk avoidance and lenders carefully guarding the money they may have available to lend, it is the wise real estate professional who looks for ways to enhance their profile, increase skill sets, create new avenues of business development and stay on top of the latest news. While joining a leading real estate association is always a wise career growth strategy, real estate professionals should be even more motivated to do so during these turbulent times. The Association of Real Estate women (AREW) is currently proving that supposition by experiencing the greatest growth of membership and sponsorship in our 30-year history. AREW provides one of the richest programs of varied events in the industry. Our goal is twofold: to help our members obtain a competitive edge through access to current knowledge and education; and to provide opportunities to build relationships that build business. In these changing and challenging 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 are all directed toward relevant issues, timely topics, enhancing professional skills and providing news our members can actually use to their immediate benefit. We have, to date, provided a behind the scenes look at the capital markets; explored the current status of the retail, residential and hospitality sectors; hosted a seminar on job transitioning; and held two networking events. Upcoming are a seminar on networking for job survival and success and a holiday celebration luncheon with N.Y.C. council speaker Christine Quinn as guest speaker. Another strong reason people join associations is because they offer outstanding opportunities to make new contacts that help 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. Membership in AREW includes attending our monthly luncheons at no charge; reduced admission for other events including networking receptions and tours; the opportunity to make a difference in the greater community through the AREW Charitable Fund; and to build your network and skills by joining an AREW committee. And, though we are the Association of Real Estate Women, we have and welcome men as members. For more information about AREW, a membership application and to register for events, log onto www.arew.org. Jennifer McCool is the 2008-09 AREW president and vice president development at Moynihan Station Venture, New York, N.Y.