An interesting reality about being president is the concept that energy is required before any forward progress can be made. I'm not a physics major but I've quickly come to understand that without energy nothing is accomplished. My success in energizing committees to provide meaningful programming and services for the purpose of enhancing the value of your membership will define my presidency. From the outside it may seem the chapter exists, programs and courses come and go and administration just seems to happen. Few people actually witness the time and effort it takes to plan a meaningful agenda. It may not be obvious, but let me assure you the Massachusetts and Rhode Island chapter exists on volunteer efforts. Yes, Lianne is the linchpin but truth be told she provides a steady, experienced and guiding hand to committee chairs as they do the heavy lifting of developing the programming and educational offerings you attend. The energy level and commitment displayed by these professionals is inspiring. I'm fortunate to have the opportunity to know and work with the volunteers who lead your chapter. Take a look at the calendar link on the Massachusetts and Rhode Island Chapter of the Appraisal Institute website. We have a robust set of offerings through the first six months with many more set for the remainder of the year. These programs were considered, analyzed, developed and offered as a result of coordinated volunteer efforts on the part of a number of your peers. I want to thank the committee members for their energy and commitment in developing and administering programs that are second to none. Aside from the plethora of classes and seminars we have planned, there are several chapter developed networking opportunities in the near future. The Rhode Island branch is holding a meeting and cocktail reception on February 27 at the Sheraton Providence Hotel in Warwick. Attendance at this event will count toward a Candidates minimum chapter meeting requirement. Our guidance and candidates committees are putting the finishing touches on a candidates program that will precede our April 15 Chapter meeting at the Holiday Inn, Dedham. The theme of the chapter meeting is valuation of special-use property including healthcare, hospitality and affordable housing. Presentations will be produced for each of these specialty categories. This meeting also serves to satisfy the Candidates minimum chapter meeting requirement. In April we will continue our commitment to the annual Jay Zeiger Service Day. This year we will host a volunteer day at the Greater Boston Food Bank. The date has not been set as of this printing but plan to come out and enjoy a few hours of community service while honoring Jay's memory. I look forward to seeing you at an upcoming event. If you have the capacity and desire to assist in a volunteer position contact me and I'm sure we will find a place for you. Joseph Comperchio, SRA, is the 2014 president of the Mass. & R.I. chapter of the Appraisal Institute, and works for commercial banking at Chase, Boston, MA.