On May 21st at the Hartford Hilton, David Gergen spoke before a crowd to the Hartford Chapter of the Real Estate Finance Association. Gergen is a professor of public service at Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government and director of its Center for Public Leadership. He is also editor-at-large for U.S. News & World Report and a senior political analyst for CNN. In earlier years, he served as a White House advisor to Presidents Nixon, Ford, Reagan and Clinton.
The board of directors and sponsor level members were invited to a meet and greet with him prior to the public appearance. The discussion focused on the affects of the economy on commercial real estate and a macro view of the financial markets. Gergen addressed the membership and provided his insights on the first hundred days of the Obama Presidency, discussing domestic and foreign affairs as well as addressing comparisons to former administrations.
The crowd had an opportunity to ask questions on a variety of subjects, from taxation policy, the current situation in Iran, the financial crisis today versus the 1930s and the 1970s. Gergen commented on the need for strong foreign policy leadership and that Hillary Clinton has performed quite well in her role as Secretary of State. He also commented on the differences between being a debtor nation and a lender nation with the latter being the more favorable.
Following the discussion, he remained for the networking session with the members.
Mark Duclos, REFA's Hartford Chapter president, said "REFA was honored to have David Gergen as the guest speaker for the evening event. With years of experience in a number of administrations, Gergen offered us a unique perspective on the Obama administration's first 100 days."
The Hartford Chapter chair of the program committee, Tyler Brown with Cornerstone Real Estate, worked with his committee and Vin Bergin of People's United Bank, to organize this event.

Please contact Mark Schuman, Sharon Moran or Mary Yokose at the REFA executive office (860) 243-3977 for more information on joining REFA or to join a committee.
Up Coming Events:
REFA Golf Tournament
Date: Monday, June 8, 2009
Place: Race Brook Country Club, Orange, CT
Schedule: 10:30 a.m. Registration
11 a.m. Lunch
12:30 p.m. Golf - Shotgun Start
5:45 p.m. Networking Social & Awards
6:30 p.m. Dinner
Plans have been finalized for the Tenth Annual Members-Only Real Estate Finance Association Golf Tournament and Dinner. This year's tournament sponsors are Reckson, a Division of SL Green and People's United Bank. This event provides a great opportunity for members of the Hartford and Fairfield/Westchester Chapters to network.
Sponsors of the Golf Tournament receive priority registration to this popular event. Sponsors, we appreciate your support of REFA-CT!!!
This year, the proceeds from the Golf Outing will be distributed to Foodshare and Habitat for Humanity of Coastal Fairfield County. Foodshare is the heart of greater Hartford's fight against hunger. They bring together individuals and organizations to create effective solutions to end hunger in all 42 towns of Hartford and Tolland Counties. Habitat for Humanity follows a nondiscriminatory policy of family selection. Neither race nor religion is a factor in choosing the families who receive Habitat houses.