RELA started 15 years ago with a small group of friends in the real estate finance business who were seeking to learn from each other, to share ideas, to catch up on where people have moved to, and to discuss trends and changes in our dynamic industry.  These are still the key reasons why RELA exists.  This focus continues to be relevant — we now boast almost 300 members who are active in all corners of the real estate finance business.

 

Each past president has brought a spirit of inclusiveness, openness, and friendliness to his and her leadership.  Each has helped members to become part of and add to the RELA network.  And each of our sponsors has brought the same positive attitude, helping us to sort through the complex technical and legal issues facing real estate finance professionals.  With the support of a great team of officers, I am building on this tradition.

As RELA continues to offer our wide array of activities, including breakfast meetings, golf outings, educational seminars, and networking events, we are delighted to announce the establishment in 2006 of our RELA Chicago Chapter.  Please share the news with all your Chicago lender contacts!

 

RELA exists because of each individual member’s willingness to volunteer time and talents to keep us organized and to reach out to the lending community.  I can’t thank enough my colleagues who have agreed to join RELA as officers and to organize our program for the coming year.  I look forward to meeting all our members and friends at the upcoming RELA events.

John Gunther-Mohr


President, 2006-08