LICN's goal for 2009 is to improve the earnings of their members

The Long Island Commercial Network is the Commercial Division of the Long Island Board of Realtors. It is comprised of over 200 active members, affiliates and sponsors. Annually, this group holds two signature events and hosts ten breakfast networking meetings. 2009 will be a year of transition for the commercial real estate industry, as we deal with a weakened economy, marked with increasing vacancies and a softening of lease rates and selling prices. With the decline in residential prices and selling activity, a growing number of sales agents are considering a partial shift into commercial real estate. The new LICN was revamped over fifteen years ago with the following objectives: * To unite those in real estate with an emphasis on the branches of commercial real estate * To provide meetings for the exchange of information between members and sponsors * To encourage and facilitate cooperation among brokers * To foster sound, prudent and ethical practices * To foster and develop a knowledgeable membership through continuing education and new member orientation seminars * To promote interest in commercial and investment real property ownership * To promote and maintain high standards of conduct in the commercial real estate profession as expressed in the Code of Ethics of the National Association of Realtors. LICN will play an even more important role on Long Island this year. Continuing education and new member orientation will be stressed to improve the skill set and effectiveness of our members. A brand new fully featured website will be introduced on January 20, including a property database. We are not going to stand still in a slower environment. New tools, training, website, and enhanced networking opportunities are all a part of LICN for 2009. Our goal is to improve the earnings of our members. Alan Hendrickson is the 2009 president of LICN and associate broker for Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT, Syosset, N.Y.