2007 Presidential Address - Lois Manning

As president of the Greater Harlem Real Estate Board, it is my honor to wish you a happy, holy and prosperous New Year. As we begin this new year, I reflected on all of our achievements during the past year. I am thankful to all those who worked steadfastly with me to ensure that we succeeded in achieving so many of our goals.

At the beginning of 2006, I set three goals that I wanted to realize during my current tenure as president. Starting with the third goal of increasing membership, I am happy to say that we have made great strides. Through the diligent and committed efforts of Ms. Carol Griffin, our membership has grown considerably. I would like to take this opportunity to personally welcome all our new members. I am looking forward to working closely with you to continue to increase our membership so that we can expand our efforts to serve our community.

As I mention membership, I would like to honor one of our founding members and a current Member Emeritus, Ms. Emily Ricks. Emily celebrated her 101st birthday last year. Emily passionately believes in the value of educating our youth in real estate. Throughout her career in real estate she mentored people, was available whenever many of us needed advice and encouragement and was highly respected in her profession. Last year, in Emily's honor, the Greater Harlem Real Estate Board awarded scholarships of $1000 each to three aspiring realtists who were among the high school and college students who attended our informative Real Estate Awareness Day. Thank you, Emily, for the shining example you have shown us.

The first goal of having a permanent home for the board will be realized in the near future with our upcoming move. We have secured a permanent home for the Greater Harlem Real Estate Board at 2313 Adam Clayton Powell Jr, Blvd. Our new, permanent home will enhance our ability to impact our community and serve our members by providing continuity. No matter who is serving on the Board of Directors, members and the community-at-large will now know exactly where to go for the most current, informative realtist service and support.

We continue to work on our second goal of developing real property in the Harlem and surrounding communities. Our Real Estate Awareness Day and Home Buyers' Fair and Expo were smashing successes and represent first steps in achieving this mission. GHREB served over 10,000 visitors at our 2006 Home Buyers' Fair and Expo, many of whom also attended the seminars given by GHREB members and other community professionals. NAREB's national president, Mr. Clifford Turner, gave the keynote address at the luncheon during the Expo, inspiring those who heard his message of the importance of commitment towards achieving one's goals. If this area is one that is of interest to you, come join our efforts. We welcome new members who bring vitality and enthusiasm to support our mission in this important area.

I would like to thank the Executive Board, the Board of Directors and those members who have worked closely with me during the last year. We have done a lot and we worked hard to accomplish what we did. This year our tasks are even greater. In addition to all that we have planned for our Board this year, the National Association of Real Estate Brokers, our parent organization, is coming to New York City for their national convention in August. We at GHREB, along with the other boards in our region, will be hosting NAREB and our sister organizations throughout the country. It will be a very busy and challenging year for us, but with your help, I know that we can meet all our challenges head on.

I want to especially thank Mr. Lloyd Williams and the Harlem Chamber of Commerce, not only for the commitment they so amply demonstrate in working with our board, but also for their friendship and encouragement. To Carol Bellamy, Ivy D. Forde, Carole Griffin, Horace Henry and Kenneth Morrison who were my pillars during the year - THANK YOU.

To my best friend, love, and husband, who I have frustrated through the year, but who still encourages and loves me - THANK YOU. To my children and grandchildren who put up with me - THANK YOU.

I look forward to a fruitful and working relationship with you all. My prayer for you this year is that you are blessed with all of God's richest blessings. Thank you.