As most in commercial real estate thankfully put 2010 behind them and anxiously and optimistically look to better times in 2011, I reflect upon the fact that 2010 was actually quite a positive year for the Real Estate Finance Association (REFA), one of five divisions of the Greater Boston Real Estate Board (GBREB). Over the course of the past year, REFA held 30 programs that were attended by nearly 2,800 real estate professionals; hosted a sold out golf tournament that contributed $10,000 to a local charity; and held its annual Gala that packed the house. Obviously, none of this would have been possible without the hard work of a dedicated staff at REFA, its more than 500 members and 55 corporate sponsors, a board of directors that generously gives its time and experience and the leadership of Marci Loeber, 2010 REFA president. Thank you.
Looking forward, as we kick off 2011, we do so with the Annual Forecasting Luncheon on January 26th, which is perennially sold out and one of the highlights of the year for the Members Only Luncheon Committee. This year's luncheon will be moderated by Jim McCaffrey, managing director, Eastdil Secured, and feature insights from industry veterans Tom Alperin, president, National Development, David Provost, senior vice president, Boston Properties, and Alicia Sasser Modestino, senior economist, Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. And to top it off, we'll announce which sagacious members correctly predicted such scintillating industry tidbits as the 2011 Boston rental rates and 10-year interest rate from last year's survey.
To take advantage of such timely and insightful programs, not to mention the unsurpassed networking benefits, I encourage those of you who aren't members to not only join REFA, but one of its ten dynamic committees. I have no doubt this will create and foster great relationships amongst many industry leaders.
To close, I wish all a healthy and prosperous New Year.

Eric Nelson is the 2011 president of REFA, Boston, Mass.Over the course of the past year, REFA held 30 programs that were attended by nearly 2,800 real estate professionals; hosted a sold out golf tournament that contributed $10,000 to a local charity; and held its annual Gala that packed the house. Obviously, none of this would have been possible without the hard work of a dedicated staff at REFA, its more than 500 members and 55 corporate sponsors, a board of directors that generously gives its time and experience and the leadership of Marci Loeber, 2010 REFA president. Thank you.