On Tuesday, September 16th, over 130 members and their guests had the opportunity to hear Mark Zandi of Moody's Economy.com speak at the Hartford Club. Zandi's presentation on the economy was an overwhelming success. He explained how the economy got to where it is today, and what he foresees happening over the next eighteen months. Zandi outlined where the recession was hitting hard in the United States, and those states that were not feeling the recession in such depth. Thanks to Cornerstone Real Estate for its help in securing Mark Zandi for REFA.
On Thursday, September 18th, over 150 members and guests heard from a distinguished panel of experts on an Overview of 2008 at the Stamford Marriott. Moderating this informative discussion was Dean Shapiro of Building & Land Technology. The panelists were Al Epstein of Holliday Fenoglio Fowler, Ed Tonnensen of Albert B. Ashforth, and Andy Merin of Cushman & Wakefield. Their knowledge of the real estate market and what has happened and their insight into what they expect in the future to hold was very well received by those in attendance.
On October 23rd, members from both chapters (Hartford and Fairfield/Westchester) will gather at The Great River Golf Club in Milford for the REFA Gala. Entertainment this year will be Jake Johannsen, a comedian who has appeared on David Letterman's show more than any other comedian. Invitations have been mailed to all REFA members. The Club is a great venue to host this networking event, with heated outside seating under a tent. Register early.
Membership renewal forms will be mailed in early October to all paid 2008 members. This is a great time to join the Association if you are not presently a member. Your 2009 dues will cover the remaining months of 2008 and all of 2009. Visit the REFA web site (www.refact.org) to download a membership application.

The Association presently has over 600 members from all sectors of the commercial real estate industry. Companies not already a sponsor should sign up now to become a 2009 Sponsor. This is a great way to showcase your company. A sponsorship form can be found on the REFA web site (www.refact.org).