As we near the end of 2009, I would like to thank everyone who supported our programs this year. We have had great success due to the support of the members and other industry leaders. On November 12, NYSCAR sponsored "Discrimination Issues in Commercial Brokerage" in cooperation with the Metro Long Island Chapter of NYSCAR. Many thanks to NYSCAR past-president Edward Smith, Jr., ITI for teaching the class at the Holiday Inn in Plainview. This was a great opportunity for students to earn three hours of continuing education credit and fulfill the fair housing license requirement for all licensees. On April 21, 2010, NYSCAR will sponsor a six-hour Creative Formulas course, in cooperation with the Hudson Valley Chapter of NYSCAR. The course will be instructed by Chuck Sutherland, SEC. Please watch your email for further information relative to the class. Annual Conference: This month the planning committee for the 9th Annual NYS Commercial Real Estate Conference will start meeting to begin the planning process for the conference which is sponsored by NYSCAR, the NYS Chapters of CCIM/SIOR and the Society of Exchange Counselors. John Lavelle (RJ Smith Realty, Pine Bush) will chair the conference. We encourage you to plan to attend this outstanding event which will be held June 14-16, 2010 at the Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Verona. In these challenging economic times, this is an outstanding opportunity to network with colleagues from NYS and beyond. This past year there were attendees from 13 states and also Canada. The conference will feature a top-notch marketing/networking session, continuing education classes, leasing roundtable, golf, networking lunches and dinner with industry leaders. It is always an unbeatable value - we hope to see you there! Professional Standards Calendar Released: The NYS Association of Realtors will be offering Code of Ethic/professional standards training, as they have over the past few years. The course, instructed by NYSAR VP of board and member services, will carry continuing education credit and will be offered on the following dates and locations: January 21, 2010, Buffalo, Marriott Amherst; January 22, 2010, Rochester, Marriott, Rochester, West Ridge Rd.; February 25, 2010, Syracuse, Doubletree Hotel, Syracuse; February 26, 2010, Binghamton, Binghamton Regency; March 5, 2010, Lake Placid, High Peaks Resort; March 9, 2010, Tarrytown, Westchester Marriott; March 12, 2010, Albany, Albany Marriott (registration form available at www.nysar.com. I encourage all Realtor members to check out the commercial webinars at Realtor.com (commercial section). There are very timely topics offered each month, as well as the commercial podcasts from NAR treasurer and commercial broker Jim Helsel, CCIM, SIOR. This month Helsel talks about the efforts of NAR leadership and commercial practitioners who continue work on bringing more liquidity to capital markets. He also reports on ongoing visits to members of the House Financial Services Committees and updates from the NAR convention in San Diego. I wish you all a wonderful holiday season and happy and healthy New Year! Maureen Wilson, CCIM, SIOR is the 2009 president of NYSCAR, Albany, N.Y.