First, I would like to thank the immediate past president John Beauchaine, MRA for his hard work and dedication as president of the Mass. Board of Real Estate Appraisers (MBREA). I have been fortunate during my time on the board of trustees to work with several dedicated presidents, Richard Simmons, Jr., RA, Marcus Johnson, MRA and Susan Mitchell, RA. 

I would like to thank all the members who served on the board of trustees during my time and the many members who serve on all the committees. It’s you that keeps this organization running. 

2019 was another busy year for the MBREA. In October, the New England Appraisers Expo was held in Norwood, put on by the MBREA and the Appraisal Institute. This all-day event features 7-hours of continuing education, sponsor booths, lunch and networking. 

In June we held our 85^th Anniversary and Appraisal Hall of Fame Ceremony. Ten distinguished professionals were inducted for their significant contributions to the appraisal industry. 

In 2019 three members were awarded MBREA Designations; Julia Lee was awarded the RA designation while Thomas Jenson and Allen Cohen were awarded the MRA designation. In December 2018, Heather Ross and Joseph Curley received their MRA designations. Congratulation to all. I would encourage all appraisers and especially anyone who does private appraisal work to consider an appraisal designation, as it separates you from others. I received my RA in 2014 and even though it was a time-consuming process I learned a lot and now look back as an accomplishment that not too many appraisers have done. 

2019 saw the passage of the AMC Bill in Massachusetts, a bill that requires AMC’s to register with the state. Executive vice president Steve Sousa and Allan Cohen, chair of the MBREA government affairs committee, put in countless hours on Beacon Hill the get this bill passed, thanks to both.

Finally, I need to thank executive vice president Steve Sousa and Dina Portrait. They are the backbone of the MBREA and run the daily operations. 

In conclusion I look forward to the upcoming year as president –something that runs in the family as my dad, Chester Nicora, MRA, was president in 1989. We have a lot of work ahead of us as an association and profession. 

Please consider joining the MBREA as there truly is strength in numbers.

Michael Nicora, RA, AM, is the 2020 president of MBREA and is the owner of Suburban Appraisal Company, Agawam MA