Karen Goforth, MAI
2010 Chapter President
goforthmai@tampabay.rr.com

Greetings and well wishes for the New Year! Personally and professionally I'm excited about the start of not only a new year, but a new decade. The ushering in of the new decade is the perfect time to reflect and plan for the continued success of the West Coast Florida Chapter, the Appraisal Institute (AI), and the appraisal profession. As your 2010 Chapter President, I am fortunate and honored to be flanked with a strong core of officers and chapter leaders who are visionaries that can lead our chapter into the new era.

The Chapter has an exciting and busy year planned for 2010 from educational offerings to a variety of networking opportunities. I encourage each of you to take advantage of these activities. The chapter is only as strong as its membership and we need your support to remain viable and relevant in the industry. It is imperative that our members take AI educational offerings. The money generated through education offerings funds committees such as government relations, which provides a voice for appraisers on Capitol Hill and in the State Legislature. Please look over the 2010 educational schedule and enroll for classes today. The chapter offers an early registration discount for class enrollments prior to 35 days in advance.

At the present time, House Bill (HB) 303 is making its way to Tallahassee. HB 303 addresses the need for state legislation of Appraisal Management Companies (AMCs). AMCs are not currently regulated in the state of Florida. Legislation similar to HR 303 has been enacted in six states to date. It is likely that 20 states will consider similar legislation during their 2010 sessions. The Appraisal Institute has been a frontrunner in the pursuit and passage of this type of legislation. If you are not a member of AI, I encourage you to join our organization. Collectively, we have the talent and resources to come up with pro-active and effective solutions for the appraisal industry.

Our first chapter meeting will be held on February 25, 2010 at the Rusty Pelican Restaurant in Tampa.  R.Wayne Pugh, MAI,  a past president for the Appraisal Institute, and Lou Plasencia of The Plasencia Group, Inc. will be our guest speakers. Wayne will provide a brief update on our national AI efforts and also preside over the installation of the 2010 officers and leaders. Lou Plasencia, a well-known hotel specialists and broker, will provide an overview of hotel and tourism trends and their anticipated impact on the West Coast Florida economy.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve as the West Coast Florida Chapter's 2010 President. I feel fortunate to be part of the greatest AI Chapter in the country. Feel free to contact me with any questions, ideas, or concerns. I look forward to seeing you at the next meeting and other events throughout the year.