We hope everyone had a wonderful New Year. 2007 was a great year for the Real Estate Finance Association of Connecticut. REFA continues to be the association that everyone in the real estate industry wants to be a part of. 2008 promises to be another successful year and will start with a very busy January. The program committees from each chapter have been working very hard to develop value added programs for the members.
The Fairfield Westchester Chapter expects a large turnout at both of their January events. On Wednesday, January 9th, the Annual Members Only Holiday Social will take place. This event will be held at the Stamford Marriott, 243 Tresser Blvd., in Stamford from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. This networking opportunity is available to REFA members only. If you would like to attend, but are not a member, please contact Sharon Moran or Mary Yokose at the REFA executive office - 860-243-3977. A Lender's Panel is also being planned for late January so please watch your mail for additional program information.
The Hartford Chapter has their Members Only Holiday Social scheduled for Wednesday, January 23rd at Feng's Restaurant, Asylum Street in downtown Hartford. Feng's is one of the more popular new restaurants in Hartford, so don't miss your chance to attend. If you are not a member and would like to attend, please call Sharon Moran or Mary Yokose at the REFA executive office. In early February, Mike Riccio, Hartford Chapter president will facilitate the meeting and do a recap the of the National Mortgage Bankers Association meeting.

Real Estate Finance Association of Connecticut announces Charitable Contributions
The Real Estate Finance Association of Connecticut recently donated $6,000 to area charities. The Fairfield/Westchester Chapter was pleased to send a check for $1,500 to both the Connecticut Food Bank and the Food Bank for Westchester. The Hartford Chapter donated $3,000 to Journey Home, a charity to help the homeless in Hartford.
Steve Elbaum, president of REFA, said "Each of these charities works extremely hard during the holiday season and it is our pleasure as an association to make this donation."

Recent PowerPoint Presentations Added to REFA Web Site
The most recent programs in each chapter had very interesting PowerPoint presentations and the speakers have allowed REFA to include them on the REFA website.
Tony Pierson
Tony Pierson is a managing director from Cornerstone. He is in charge of Cornerstone's portfolio management team that manages the firm's separate accounts, core open-end and value-added portfolios. He spoke to the Fairfield/Westchester Chapter on Investment Properties and the Economy in 2008.
Mark McGovern
Mark McGovern, acting director of development services for Hartford spoke to the Hartford Chapter on A Renaissance in Progress - Hartford CBD.
Slides from both presentations can now be viewed at www.refact.org . Members, if you need the pass code to view these presentations, please email Sharon at [email protected]; or Mary at [email protected].

Looking to Supercharge Your Membership Benefits? Become a REFA Sponsor
Sponsorship benefits include recognition at REFA events, free passes to programs and a special invitation to one of our sponsor's dinner held each May in Stamford and Hartford. All 2008 sponsors automatically become REFA-CT Gala Sponsors which will provide even more visibility for your company. Our current sponsorship roster is listed on our website, www.refact.org. If you would like your company included as part of this list of leaders of the real estate finance community, please call Sharon or Mary at the REFA executive office, 860-243-3977.