PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE - 2006

Kevin W. Matheson, SRA

The Appraisal Institute is a combination of two powerful appraisal organizations: the American Institute of Real Estate Appraisers and the Society of Real Estate Appraisers.   The Long Island Chapter was first Chartered in 1970; this equates to 36 years of promoting professionalism and providing education to real estate appraisers on Long Island.  As the 2006 Chapter President, I am confident that we will continue this tradition and pledge to focus on reaching out to the community of appraisers to demonstrate why being a member of this organization is a positive benefit to them.

I would like to thank Bob Smith, MAI for the incredible year he has given us as our 2005 Chapter President.  Bob has reminded us that the Chapter is here for the members not that the members are here for the Chapter.  With his exceptional leadership qualities Bob has promoted mentoring, free education and a feeling of fellowship among most of our members. 

As with any administration you can start programs but you need the following of the administration to carry these programs through to fruition, so that they may continue to grow and benefit the membership. I want to thank the 2005 Board, including the Chapter Officers, Directors and Committee Chairs.  Most of these people will continue to serve the Chapter in 2006. 

We will have some new blood joining us for the 2006 term; I believe these individuals will infuse our organization with good ideas.  As the incoming President, I would like to reiterate my thanks to our Executive Secretary, Francine Morgenstern.  Without Francine the chapter would not be to the same.  She has been the backbone of our local chapter and an invaluable member of our team.  I am looking forward to working with her this year.

When I attended the national meeting in October, I was able to see why some people feel intimated by the Appraisal Institute.  The people running the program, as well as those attending it, were a very powerful and insightful group.  When I looked around the meetings, I noticed that the Long Island Chapter had a very strong presence:  Past National President Gary Taylor, National Nominating Committee Chair Matt Smith, and National Education Committee Chair Richard Meyer, to name a few who attended.  The recipient of the National President's award went to James Gibbons from the Long Island Chapter.  The caliber of the members affiliated with the Long Island Chapter is exceptional.  When leadership is needed our Chapter is there.  Please feel that you can call any of the Board members and become more involved.

Education is an ever-changing challenge for the appraisal profession.  The Appraisal Institute is, and has always been, the leader.  As government amends the requirements to become a Real Estate Appraiser, the Appraisal Institute paves the way with education.  The government states that there are 10,000 applicants at any one time on the track to become an appraiser.  By the year 2008 with the new educational requirements, it is estimated that number will be reduced to approximately 3,000 applicants.  This past year, new programs were initiated within our chapter.  As an example, the Associate On-Track Program, Mentoring for the associates, and free education programs provide more value to our members. We also hold dinner meetings with educational seminars.  These programs will continue through 2006 as they help our members and associates.  The Long Island Chapter has excellent teachers from within our own chapter and will continue to keep our members and associates up to date with the latest in educational needs.

I am looking forward to this year as a year of growth for our chapter, not only in membership, but in the knowledge as well.  If any member or associate member has an idea for the chapter, please speak up and be heard.  I hope to see you at our meetings and functions.

Kevin W. Matheson, SRA
Long Island Chapter President -Year 2006
Kevin@appraiseny.com
 

Kevin W. Matheson, SRA

Long Island Chapter President - Year 2006