Welcome to our Chicago Chapter of the Appraisal Institute. As we look toward brighter economic days in 2010, we need to take time to reflect on the rollercoaster ride of the past year. Through all the uncertainty of the past year, the Chicago Chapter of the Appraisal Institute was actively championing the cause of Appraisers and our Appraisal Industry.

The Appraisal Institute has been the leader in real estate appraisal education, research, publishing and professional membership designation programs. Recognized nationally for their depth of experience, understanding and knowledge of real estate valuation, Appraisal Institute members exhibit a higher level of competence than is required of appraisers who are solely state-licensed or certified.

Members of the Appraisal Institute adhere to a strictly enforced Code of Professional Ethics and Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice. Furthermore, Appraisal Institute Members are highly respected by those seeking professional opinions of value and other types of real estate related services.

I am excited to share with you plans to re-energize the Chicago Chapters' resources and hope to provide a model that other Chapters will choose to emulate in the future. One such initiative is to strengthen our associate guidance and membership development. My door, as well as your entire Board of Directors, will always be open to future, current and non-members who may need assistance. It is important for appraiser professionals to recognize there is a place to go to when any question arises.

We are constantly trying to encourage our Associates to strive for their next level, that being their designation. To aid in achieving that goal, I would like to remind all of our Associates of two distinguished Scholarships that our Chicago Chapter offers. Applications for the Schroeder Scholarship should be turned into the Chapter office no later than February 1st and the Crommelin Scholarship no later than September 1st.

The Crommelin Scholarship is in honor of Jacques B. Crommelin who was a Member of the Appraisal Institute, holding both the MAI and SRA designations. Mr. Crommelin believed in the value of education and had great respect for the education programs provided by the Chicago Chapter.

The Schroeder Scholarship is in honor of Mr. James J. Schroeder, MAI. Mr. Schroeder is a current Member of the Chicago Chapter who has devoted many years teaching appraisers as well as holding numerous committee chair and officer positions during his tenure.

Another implementation will be the establishment by National of the E-Demo Report Program. As discussed in the "Designation Membership Requirements Analysis -Relevance in Changing Times" the Admissions and Designations Qualification Committee shows that the traditional demo report is a stumbling block for Associates working towards their designation. The E-Demo Report Program will aid Associates to write better demos as well as making their demo a robust learning experience, therefore making the Associate a better appraiser.

Just a reminder, the Appraisal Institute has established a new Member Referral Program that will allow existing members to earn a five percent (5%) discount on their 2010 National Dues for every new member that joins in their name. As a Member, you can make up to four referrals for a maximum 20% discount on dues.

As the Chicago Metropolitan and Surrounding Areas continue to evolve, we, the Chicago Chapter are pleased to be offering "Homegrown" seminars. These seminars will focus on what we, the professional appraiser, would like to learn more about. Please email me or our Chapter office anytime to give any suggestions or ideas for these seminars as we would love to hear from each of you. We are always looking for more active participants and new ideas to better serve our Chapter.

As always, we are working on the "Conditions of the Chicago Market" seminar that takes place annually. We anticipate this year to be just as, if not more informative than past years.

A first of its kind this year will be a Strategic Planning Committee consisting of some of our Past Presidents and Chapter Leaders. It will be the goal of this Committee to discuss visions for the future and how to implement these visions to better support our Membership.

Finally, thank you for the opportunity to serve as your President for the upcoming year. I invite everyone to expand your skills and contribute to your Chicago Chapter as well as our profession. I anticipate this will be a great year as there are many outstanding Members willing to serve our Chapter and our Membership.

Michael A. Wolin, MAI
2010 CCAI President