So.... Champagne toasts are finished.... Auld acquaintances are forgot... and 2008 is upon us! Is that a good thing you ask? Survey Says YES! Not only is eight my lucky number, but also this is a leap year!

In reality we have so many things to look forward to in 2008. As I said in my last president's message, New England CCIM is "Back to Basics" in 2008. Among those items that should be drawing us back to basics is the fact that this year NE CCIM is hosting two CI Intro Courses. What better way to get back to the basics than sitting for an Intro Course with one of CCIM's senior level instructors? Cash flow analysis. NPV. IRR. These are the tools that we will need to use for this year and beyond as we adapt to investment real estate market that is constantly in flux. Look for more information on www.neccim.com for these courses and others that are coming up.

So why else is 2008 a great year? Is it because we may finally find out who is the winner of American Idol season 27?...... No! It is because of great CCIM programs. By the time you read this you will have just missed our kick off event for 2008. We had a tremendous turnout for our panel discussion on environmental site assessment. Fueled by great questions, with a bit of humor, our panelist gave a great overview of the site assessment process and what it means from many different angles. Special thanks to our panel, Catherine Finneran, Shyla Mathews, David MacDonald, Lawrence Feldman, Gary McAllister and Michelle O'Brien.

What other great events could NE CCIM host that are more exciting than New Hampshire's Primary's? On February 14th we have our annual spreadsheet for members only (no not the jacket). This event will give us a great overview of some of the tools we have as designees and candidates. March madness will consist of our annual market update on the 6th and the aforementioned CI Intro Course on March 17th and 18th.

If you are a chapter member we look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events. If you are not a chapter member you are officially voted off the island. Signing up is as easy as jumping on to www.neccim.com and dues for the year are $150 and give you great discounts and access to a handful of members only events.

Of course if you have any suggestions, comments, questions, thoughts, one-liners or hot leads, give me a call and our entire board will do our best to implement your ideas. It is Your Chapter, Your Network, Get Involved!

Chris Norwood, CCIM, is the president of the New England CCIM chapter and is director for NAI Norwood Group, Bedford, N.H.