We recently asked members to tell why they belong to the MBREA. Discounted education, legislative and regulatory work, networking and our member-only online community, MyMBREA, were frequently mentioned. It was the comments of one member that quickly caught my attention. She wrote, "Being a part of a professional organization is one reason why you are deemed a 'professional.' It's part of the package. Being part of such a group helps to keep you informed, provides you with education and a forum in which to discuss issues whether it's online or at meetings/seminars/classes."
The MBREA is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year. The association has not only survived for eight decades, it has consistently grown stronger. The sole reason for its success is its members. We are fortunate to look back over the years and recall the countless hours and hard work members have invested in the MBREA. Whether they served on our board of trustees or a committee, or faithfully paid their dues each year, MBREA's members are responsible for the organization's success.
The nature of associations has changed. Not so many years ago, we could expect hundreds of members to attend a dinner meeting. Today, with increasing demands on their time, members are using new technologies to network with each other. The MBREA launched a virtual community (MyMBREA) a few years ago that has developed into the place to ask questions, share advice and network with peers.
Recently, Jonathan, an appraiser for close to 30 years, made a decision to join the MBREA for the first time. His reasons were simple - he came to realize that MBREA, through its government affairs initiatives, supported him in his profession. He felt it was time that he show his support for the association by becoming a member. Each new member, each Jonathan, strengthens the organization that strengthens the appraisal profession.
Later this year the MBREA will host an 80th anniversary celebration dinner. At the dinner, we will induct the second class into the Appraisal Hall of Fame. The inaugural class was inducted when the Hall of Fame was established to recognize MBREA's 75th anniversary and the tradition will continue every five years. Inducted in 2009 were: Charles Akerson, Leon Boudreau, MRA, Abigail Burns, MRA, Steven Byrnes, Richard Dennis, Sr., MRA, John Hewitt, MRA, Paul Kinsella, MRA, John Quincy, Jr., MRA, Richard Simmons, Sr., MRA, William Stewart, MRA, Tony Trodella, MRA and Timothy Warren, Jr.
"80 years building value for appraisers" is the theme for 2014. MBREA cannot rest on the laurels of its past; rather its members are committed to building even greater value for appraisers in the years ahead. You are invited to add to the energy by becoming a part of the MBREA's future. Joining is easy to do, either online at www.mbrea.org or by contacting the MBREA office at 617-830-4530. We hope you will become the next Jonathan.
Stephen Sousa is the executive vice president of the Mass. Board of Real Estate Appraisers, Dedham, Mass.