Let's take a quick poll...

Raise your hand if you are happy to be done with 2008 and are happy for the new year... or raise your hand if you think 2009 will look worse... now look around you and see who is watching you read a newspaper by yourself and raise your hand.
So which was it for you?
In my discussions with real estate professionals from around the region, we are all be happy to sing Auld Lang Syne, but are somewhat anxious at what the new year will bring. A new president, a new congress, a new stimulus package and a new judge on American Idol are all things to be apprehensive of. But, I think that people are excited about what the new year will bring.
As for the local CCIM chapter, there is little to be apprehensive of. For those of you who have not tried yet, you can now in 2009 pay your national and local due online at the same Bat time and same Bat channel, visit www.neccim.com for more information.
While you are there please check out our events table and see what we have slatted for the new year. This year's programs, run by our new chair Mark Dickey of Cale Commercial Realty Group, are sure to be great. From our great staples such as STDB training and our SIOR/CCIM F-1 Challenge to some great review for candidates such as resume review and spread sheets review, there is something for everyone.
Speaking of candidates I would like to take this chance to thank all of our applicants for our CCIM scholarships. Each year we award over $3,500 worth of scholarships to the CCIM 101 Course, which is the foundation course for CCIM. This year we did a twist, allocating $500 to a 102, 3 or 4 course that can be used anytime during the 2009 year. What better way to embark on a new year that is filled with worry, than to jump into some hard core education. As normal we were flooded with applications but I am pleased to announce our winners. For the two National 101 scholarships: Brendan Daly and Brett Pagani. For our three local 101 scholarships: Chris McMahon, Kevin Huther and Jason Duguay. Our new 102, 3, or 4 Scholarship: Mark Dickey.

Congrats to all of our winners and thank you to all of our applicants.
So as we put on silly hats, wear our "2009" glasses, and watch the ball drop on Times Square, let us look forward a great year ahead. We hope you will join us at our events, chapter members and guests. You may now put down your hand from my survey and raise a glass to the new year!
Chris Norwood 2008-2009 is the president of New England CCIM and president of NAI Norwood Group. Bedford, N.H.