AREW kicks off new season with networking and hot topics

Welcome to AREW's 2008-09 season! We are calling this season "The Next Generation of AREW," a theme that is both literal and figurative and addresses the forward thinking of our association. Literally, an entire new generation of real estate professionals have become successful in the industry since AREW's founding 30 years ago. Figuratively, the term reflects AREW's market positioning as a prominent, leading real estate association that is visionary, innovative and progressive, but also stylish, energetic and original. With those descriptions in mind, we are also addressing the two primary reasons why people join associations: to obtain a competitive edge through knowledge and education and to build relationships that build business. Our first two events will excel at both. We're kicking off the new season on Wednesday, September 24th with a night of hot networking at a hip and hot venue: Hudson Terrace, 621 West 46th St. Beginning at 6 p.m., attendees will be meeting, greeting and mingling al fresco at the rooftop lounge, an urban oasis that features magnificent views from glass-sided cabanas. It will be three hours of some of the best networking in the real estate business. Cost is $130 for AREW members and $175 for non-members. Our first luncheon will be held on October 7th with a behind-the-scenes look at the fall of, and life after, Bear Stearns & Co. Guest speaker for the program, titled "Lions, Tigers and Bear Markets" will be J. Christopher Hoeffel, managing director, JPMorgan Chase and president of the Commercial Mortgage Securities Association. Hoeffel is the former global co-head of Bear Stearn's Commercial Mortgage Department.  Hoeffel is responsible for global real estate credit in his role as managing director in the Structured Products Group at JPMorgan Chase, which acquired Bear Stearns in late spring of this year. Before taking over management of the Commercial Mortgage Department at Bear Stearns in 1995, Hoeffel was a member of the Real Estate Investment Banking group.     This program on an important, current topic will provide insight into the commercial mortgage market that affects every real estate discipline. It is AREW's intent to provide trenchant news that our members and guests cannot get elsewhere and use to their professional advantage. The luncheon, to be held at Club 101, 101 Park Ave. at 40th St., will be co-hosted with the Financial Women's Association. It begins with networking at 11:30 a.m. followed by the luncheon and program from 12:30 - 2 p.m. AREW members may attend this event at no cost. Cost for non-members is $130. This season, we're turning up the heat on our events, venues, networking opportunities and more. There's never been a better, or more important, time to join AREW as a member and/or sponsor. Sponsorships are available at the partnership ($7,500), associate ($5,000), friend ($2,500) and supporter ($1,000) levels. Membership is $575 and includes monthly luncheons, our members-only luncheon, breakfasts, reduced admission to special events and numerous opportunities to enhance your professional skills and business network. For more information about AREW and to register for events, log onto www.arew.org. Jennifer McCool is the 2008-09 AREW president and vice president development at Moynihan Station Venture, New York, N.Y.