One of the benefits of my involvement with the Executive Committee of the North Carolina Chapter of the Appraisal Institute has been getting to know other members on a deeper level both personally as well as professionally. I was quite surprised when visiting at Carol Fortenberry's home, as part of an Executive Committee Retreat, following the Chapter meeting and seminar at the Ballantyne Resort. Looking at some memorabilia at her house I noticed something indicating it was from her Grandmother Ritch. Ritch is a family name from my Father's side and I believe that my Great-Great Grandfather and of course his wife were Ritchs'. This is not a common name so I asked where her Grandmother was from (not proper English but perfect when you are from Cabarrus, Stanly, or Anson County). We have not been able to trace a common ancestor, but I am proud to call Carol, Cuz, whether we are actually related or not. In addition, we share another bond, that is as members of the Appraisal Institute. We need to always keep in mind that as members of the Appraisal Institute our individual actions affects everyone who shares that same "name". It is imperative that we honor our "inheritance" by equaling and raising the standard that we have been handed. I firmly believe that we can do no more to repay the "debt" we owe to our elder, retired, and deceased members than to provide professional services that would make them proud to say they share the same linage as members of the Appraisal Institute. From my perspective as a user of appraisal services, there has not been a time that demands the level of quality as is necessary today. Value has always been and always will be an integral part of lending. Being provided with a reasonable and well supported market value is extremely important in assessing overall lending risk. To those of you who are not sure if a designation is worth the trouble, I can say that when appraisal services are needed in new areas, I will always check for appraisers who have the training, education, and experience required to be designated as an MAI or SRA by the Appraisal Institute. Designations clearly open doors. In 2009, I hope to continue to provide leadership equivalent to those I have served with in the past. A continuing mission of the NCAI is to provide tools that, at a minimum sustain the level of expertise of appraisers and hopefully enhances training and expertise of valuation professionals of Chapter Members as well as non Chapter Members. Your help in recommending topics of interest is necessary to provide timely educational training. Please let Chapter Officers, Board Members, or our Executive Director know what you need. This organization is run by its members. We need your help in providing direction for the chapter as well as assisting in development of appraisers who are seeking to attain the level of education, training, and experience necessary to be designated members. If contacted to serve the Chapter, please carefully consider the request. I can say that my experience has been both personally and professionally rewarding. This year is going to be a challenge financially for members and the Chapter as well. We need your support in taking advantage of the educational offerings provided by the Chapter to fulfill your State and AI continuing education requirements. Please take the time to contact members of the Executive Committee and let us know your needs and ideas. I look forward to serving you this year. I know with your help we can individually and collectively meet the challenges we face and emerge stronger. Thank you in advance for your help. Bill Murr, SRA, 2009 NCAI Chapter President