Tom Hill III, CCIM/SIOR, hosted a CT CCIM chapter event at the Main Street Grill. Owner, John Bordeau, spoke on the challenges of locating, permitting and building out a new restaurant. During his welcome speech to our CCIM group, he related that a lot of people told him NOT to do it (i.e.: open a new eatery!), and he is glad he spent the year getting it built and open. New restaurants are always a draw. Sam Haydock, LEP of BL Companies, spoke on New Development Acts, the CT Transfer Act and the new DEEP, etc., and navigating environmental situations in all property categories. Past president Jack Lynch, CCIM commented that Sam's presentations are "always updated and very informative." Please call him for your environmental situations as he is our longtime sponsor from the www.BLcompanies.com Attorney Ed Hill, CRE from sponsor Robinson and & Cole www.rc.com presented a very thorough long list of due dilligence items that his client's look for today. Especially interesting were the politics of Commercial Condo associations. He also gave an overview of the CRE Designations, of which our own Stan Gniazdowski, CCIM also holds Counselor or Real Estate (CRE). Our cocktail social after the "brain fest" featured Ralph Richard, senior lender at Savings Bank of Danbury who have made a big push from their home base in Danbury west to Waterbury and recently filled in between with another new branch in Southbury. Ralph discussed a few multi-million dollar financing transaction that are under construction the this marketplace. It was told to me today that a few CCIM's in the room inquired about Ralph considering loaning on deals they were currently negotiating. A couple of final thoughts and recommendations to chapter members: Please ask your business friends to join our chapter. Recommend young agents and brokers to become candidates. How about your favorite vendor's become sponsors for access to the "CCIM" best in class Cadre! For those CCIM's out there who did not attend this timely affair, WHY NOT? Perhaps you would like to get involved and host the chapter in your market? Look for and register for our upcoming events and please plan to Join us in October in Las Vegas where our own past president of CT CCIM Chapter Wayne D'Amico will be inducted as CCIM's next National president! Wow, what an accomplishment for our CT Chapter.