Welcome from the President - January 2007

By Thomas J. Caputi, SRA

As a member of the latter stage of the baby boom I have discovered a greater appreciation of the inevitable forward march of time.  This new and continuing appreciation is in part fueled by the fact that many of the initial boomers are now entering their retirement years.  I believe it is natural to step back and reflect on your personal and professional goals as this generational shift unfolds.

I believe that I, like most of you, have a general framework and plan for professional and long term goals.  I have watched with great interest as our organization, the Appraisal Institute, has begun the execution of several of its restated long term plans.  The AI has remained the pre-eminent professional real estate appraisal organization.  It has increased its members' visibility, re-organized its extensive educational offerings, and has maintained its leadership of professionalism and skills in our field.

Continuing that strong direction at the state level is first and foremost the goal of the fine board of directors voted into their positions by our membership and me.  With the new AQB standards on the immediate horizon the AI has tailored significant educational offerings that should put our educational offerings back to the top spot in the continuing education hierarchy.

This is also a great time for potential members to review their professional goals and consider joining the best real estate appraisal organization in the world.  It also a time for former members, including those who have moved on to other professions, to consider us again.  We have room for those who have interest in us.

Lastly, and equally important, is expanding our persona of premier education and professionalism to showcase our camaraderie and social side.  This is especially important given that this is the Appraisal Institute's 75th anniversary.  At the national level a gala is being planned for Las Vegas this summer.  We must also bring some of this fun home.  We have some great meetings and events planned for this year.  We kick it off with a joint meeting with the ASA and the ASFMRA featuring our favorite economic prognosticator Dr. Deak, professor of economics, Fairfield University.

If you are already a member we have a great year planned.  If you haven't checked us out lately now is an excellent time to take a look.  Premier education, enlightening meetings, and family friendly social events - that sounds like a winner to me. Telephone: FAX: Email:

Mr. Thomas J. Caputi, SRA, Property Appraiser
Township of West Hartford
50 S. Main Street
West Hartford, CT  06107
Telephone:  (860) 561-7418
Office FAX:  (860) 561-7410
email:  tomc@westhartford.org

Chapter Office:
Jacqueline B. Cswerko, Executive Director
CONNECTICUT CHAPTER OF THE APPRAISAL INSTITUTE
P.O. Box 509
Torrington, CT  06790-0509
Telephone:   (860) 482-9992
Office FAX: (860) 482-8342
email:  aict@earthlink.net

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