As we enter 2009, we are going to be welcoming in a new U.S. President, learning to adapt in an ever changing economy and as REALTORS® most likely looking over our business strategies and adapting them as needed. As REALTORS® this is nothing new. We are constantly adapting to market conditions, consumer needs and technologies. As your local Association, we are very aware of the changing times. We have gone from a record number of members just a few years back to finding ourselves dealing with a possible 15% to 20% loss in our membership. There have been reports from all over the country on drop in membership levels due to economic times. As an Association, your Board of Directors and staff are looking at this and diligently working to find areas that we can be more efficient and yet provide better services to our members. I feel that this is possible. There are areas that we have the opportunity to add services to our residential and commercial members, have a more member friendly website and newsletter, provide our members with updated directories in an electronic format and work on furthering our government affairs representation outside of Dane County.

I would like to thank out going 2008 President Paula Schmelzer for her leadership and the outstanding job she has done representing us all. She is a true asset to all of us and I am privileged to have worked with her over the past two years.

I am also very humbled and honored to have been selected by my peers to serve as your 2009 President of the REALTORS® Association of South Central Wisconsin. I am very encouraged by the depth of your 2009 Board. Let me assure you that this is a very energetic and active group of individuals.

Over the past year, I have had the opportunity to travel to Washington DC, Orlando and Chicago for NAR conferences. At each venue, I have been reassured on what great leadership and cooperation we have here in the State of Wisconsin, but more importantly here in our district of South Central Wisconsin. This is not by mistake. We have a very strong and involved membership and outstanding staff. Our Association Director John Deininger is top notch and his staff follows accordingly.

In closing, 2009 is going to present new challenges as well as on going ones. I have great faith that we are in good hands and our members have the tenacity and creativity to excel in these times.

Have a great year and I look forward to all that is to come. Please feel free to contact me at any time during the year, I am excited to serve you as your 2009 Association President.