Counselors of Real Estate looking forward to 2014

The New England Chapter of the Counselors of Real Estate recently wrapped up a dynamic year of programming and is looking ahead to another year of innovative, interactive meetings and networking opportunities in the Northeast real estate market. As we move into 2014, we would like to thank our members for participation in 2013 chapter meetings and activities. During 2013, members attended an "Economic and Real Estate Market Overview" by Ray Torto, CRE, PhD. and global chief economist at CB Richard Ellis. In April, a panel discussion was organized on "Trends in the Multifamily Housing Market" featuring Harold Brown of Hamilton Company and David Hall of Hanover Companies. The September chapter luncheon reprised the second "Hot Topics" forum which provided members and guests an opportunity to debate key trends impacting real estate counseling. In November, Rob Nahigian, CRE presented his nationally recognized program on "The New Era of Logistics and Supply Chain Real Estate Decisions in the 21st Century." During the year we also hosted a "Summer Solstice Social" at The Harpoon Brewery in the Boston Seaport and concluded the year with the Annual Holiday reception in mid-December at The UMASS Club in downtown Boston. Many chapter members also attended the National Spring Meeting in New York City and Fall Convention in San Francisco. The 2014 chapter leadership team is committed to providing provocative and useful programming as well as offering opportunities to share best practices and network with fellow CRE members. Planning is also underway for the CRE National Convention in Boston this fall. The convention is planned for October 26th - 29th at the Fairmont Copley Hotel and chapter members and the leadership teams are assisting the National Office in planning the conference agenda. Hugh Kelly, 2014 CRE chair of the board, joined chapter members at our Holiday Reception to personally reach out and encourage participation in shaping the agenda for the Fall Convention. The first chapter meeting of the 2014 will feature Torto. Torto will provide his "Commercial Real Estate and Economic Outlook" to the New England Counselors at a Luncheon on February 4th. Invitations will be sent to CRE members. Membership in the Counselors of Real Estate is by invitation and prospective members must be recognized by their peers, clients and employers for their outstanding professional achievement, impeccable judgment, and commitment to integrity in the field of real estate counseling. Regardless of their experience, firm type, or client base, all counselors provide sound solutions for complex real estate matters. New members may bring experience similar to that of other counselors, or they may bring entirely new skill sets and expertise into the organization. Individuals are considered for membership twice annually. Additional information on membership is available at www.cre.org. The chapter would like to acknowledge Bob Costello and John McLaughlin for their chapter board service and welcome Julie McIntosh to the 2014 leadership team. Following are CRE New England chapter officers for 2014. 2014 New England CRE Chapter Officers * Jill Hatton, TurtleRock Investment Mgt., chapter chair and secretary; * Peter Nichols, NorthStar Ally LLC, vice-chair; * John Baczewski, Real Estate Fiduciary Services, LLC, treasurer; * Donald Bouchard, Lincoln Property Company, membership vice chair; * Julie McIntosh, Capital Crossing Servicing Co., LLC, board member; * Martha O'Mara, Corporate Portfolio Analytics, board member; and * Harris Collins, CB Richard Ellis - NE Partners, board member. Jill Hatton, CRE, is the 2014 New England/Upstate N.Y. CRE chapter chair, Boston, Mass.