As 2009 comes to an end, the R.I. chapter of the Appraisal Institute is proud to say that we went a long way in meeting the needs of our membership. This past year we saw many changes. In 2009 our state legislature passed the "Rhode Island Independence Bill," which was necessary to implement the federal Secure and Fair Enforcement Act (SAFE Act). Both were designed to prevent mortgage lenders from placing undue pressure on real estate appraisers. Another new change in our industry was the Home Valuation Code of Conduct (HVCC) which took effect on May 1, 2009; and as a result all institutions that deliver loans to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac must now warrant that the appraisals adhere to the requirements found in the HVCC. Another important change that affected our industry was that as of October 1, 2009 all FHA-approved lenders are now required to use certified appraisers for FHA-insured mortgages. This was a good incentive for those currently licensed to move on to the next level (certification)!
Illustrating the effect these changes had on our membership and their businesses was deftly handled through the education process. To that end, special thanks again must go to Keith White, SRPA the R.I. chapter vice president of education and our executive secretary, Elsie John. Together, they were successful in the planning and presentation of several seminars/programs that provided our membership with the necessary tools to meet the new requirements.
At our December general membership meeting our new 2010 chapter officers and directors will be installed. The Officers are yours truly, Ann Hollands, MAI president; Keith White, SRPA, vice president of education; Gregory Accetta, MAI, vice president membership admissions, development retention; Bradford Hevenor, vice president administration/assistant vice president of education; and Evelyn Spagnolo, vice president of finance. I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to Edward Stachurski, SRA who has stepped down as vice president of membership admissions and development retention. Stachurski has provided many years of service to our chapter in this capacity.
As we move toward 2010 I look forward to another active and productive year. A major goal will be to adopt a "Scholarship Program." Brad Hevenor vice president of administration has graciously agreed to spearhead this endeavor. To date he has completed his preliminary research and has developed a program outline for future action by the directors. For instance, he found that women and minority appraisers still make up a very small percentage of appraisers and an even smaller percentage of designated members. At the same time, since their numbers are increasing, they represent the biggest growth opportunity for the Appraisal Institute and the local chapters. He further found, as a result of a recent membership survey from the Appraisal Institute that both women and minority appraisers appear to place a greater importance on participation in chapter activities, i.e., attendance at educational events, pursuit of leadership opportunities and appraisal designations. We see this as an investment in our chapter and the payoff will be the growth of our membership and the movement toward a designation.
Not unlike 2009, the challenges facing our industry remain daunting. Quality education programs and seminars will continue to play a pivotal role in our personal and business development. As the R.I. chapter president I am honored to be surrounded by such an experienced and capable team. Collectively the newly elected officers and directors have many years of experience; and their knowledge of the industry will serve us well.

Ann Hollands is the 2009 RI Appraisal Institute chapter president, East Providence, RI.