The Board of Directors for the Southern California Chapter of CRS met today in Hawthorne (the day before our final membership meeting of 2008) for strategic planning for 2009.

The purpose of this meeting was to review the Chapter accomplishments for 2008, our financial status, introduce new board members, and discuss the goals and strategy for 2009 which includes CRS 2-day classes, membership meetings and speakers, the 2009 budget, learning opportunities, and other issues relevant to the Chapter and its membership.

Our key focus is on continuing to provide opportunities and tools for our CRS Chapter members to grow their businesses and, in particular, cope with the challenging market we find ourselves in, especially with respect to dealing with REOs and short sales, and provide the best possible services for their clients.

The REO classes have been well received, with sold-out attendance, and more are planned for 2009, along with other 1-day learning opportunities, in addition to sponsoring  the 2-day classes that are required for the designation.

At our membership meeting tomorrow you will learn more about the coming year and what we have planned to help you grow your business and continue to differentiate yourselves as the "best of the best." We feel very strongly that having the CRS designation provides a distinct advantage over the competition, and CRS agents have a reputation for being the best. And being a member of the Chapter also affords great opportunities for sharing referrals.

We are proud to have several Platinum sponsors who help us in many ways to promote our Chapter and its mission. We look forward to their continued sponsorship and opportunities to work with them, and hope YOU will supprt them in their business as well.

Bank of America

Hallmark Escrow

Express Copy

Coast Cities Escrow

Old Republic Home Protection

Here are a few photos from our meeting today. We look forward to a very exciting 2009 and a terrific opportunity to showcase our Southern California Chapter members at the National Association of REALTORS (NAR) and CRS meetings in San Diego next November 2009. Stay tuned for more information about the events we are planning for the convention.

Networking Meeting

Sponsored by the Southern California CRS Chapter

Steven Spile teaches “Top Ten Legal Issues in Today’s Market”

focusing on short sales and foreclosures

Friday, November 21, 2008 ~ 8:30am

Join us for a Special Discussion and Update on how membership in the Southern California CRS Chapter can be the “Point of Difference” that makes you money!

THIS MEETING IS OPEN TO ALL . COME LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CRS DESIGNATION AND OUR CHAPTER

We will welcome the 2009 Southern California

CRS Chapter Executive Board:

Deborah Kniss, President         Marlene Bridges, President-Elect

Debbie Browne, Treasurer                Richard Lombari, Jeff Dowler, Secretary

The SoCal CRS Board will be installed by Marylea Todd, CRS, GRI and

2007 Medallion Award Winner and National CRS Director. 

Marylea will also provide a current National CRS update.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE IN THE CALENDAR AND EVENTS SECTION  FOR A DOWNLOADABLE REGISTRATION FORM

Location:  Ayres Hotel, 14400 Hindry Avenue, Hawthorne/Manhattan Beach, CA 90250     (310) 536-0400       Call for overnight room reservations.

 Cost:  Early bird price SoCal CRS Members $35.00 & non-member $45.00.   After November 14th —SoCal CRS Members $45.00 & non-members $55.00.  Speaker and lunch included.

 No refunds will be given.

 Class Admittance Policy on all Southern California CRS Sponsored Classes and Meetings:

Your confirmation will be emailed and serves as your receipt.  Without record of your payment, attendee will be required to pay with either check or credit card on the day of the event prior to admittance to the class/meeting.  If payment is later verified, attendee will receive a refund.  No unpaid guests will be admitted.