Editor's statement.

THE COUNSELORS OF REAL ESTATE'S 2006 STRATEGIC PLAN CHARTS THE future of our organization. Though all committees are using the plan as a guide, Real Estate Issues is at the forefront in implementing it. By its very nature, REI creates an opportunity for members to participate on the editorial board, and provides a mechanism for CREs and other leading real estate practitioners and academics to share their expertise.

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Building on its established reputation as a leading real estate publication, today's REI is a blend of feature articles, perspective columns and resource reviews. I strongly encourage all readers to consider contributing to the journal. Share your research findings, project case studies and professional experience in feature articles; offer your opinion or vision for the future in perspective columns; or tell your colleagues about useful books, Web sites and other tools in resource reviews.

This issue of REI showcases the wide range of topics that affect the practice of real estate counseling. From taxation issues to case law, from economic forecasts to international development, the journal and its contributors are at the forefront of emerging trends and best practices. Meanwhile, REI has embraced the goals of the 2006 strategic plan by expanding the REI Editorial Board in number as well as diversity. The board draws from a broad member profile--and includes among its members some of the top names in the field.

Together, the editorial board and CRE staff are launching initiatives that embody the 2006 strategic plan, such as:

* Transcribing presentations from CRE meetings to demonstrate the high quality of presentations at CRE educational functions and disseminate knowledge conveyed at meetings to a larger audience. This issue includes an excerpt of the presentation that William Ramseyer, CRE, delivered at the 2006 Midyear Meetings in Charleston, S.C.

* Improving Web-based access to information published in REI to strengthen communications, build interaction with relevant professional organizations and promote awareness of member expertise. A searchable index of articles already is available through the CRE Web site at www.cre.org/publications/rei.cfm (click on "Articles and abstracts"), and board and staff members are investigating new ways to make this resource even more meaningful.

These achievements cannot be accomplished without staff to implement our plans. I am pleased to announce that Marcie Valerio has joined the CRE staff as the new managing editor of Real Estate Issues. She comes to The Counselors from The Sherwood Group, an association management firm, where she led the communications and marketing initiatives for two international technology associations. Before her association work, Marcie was a journalist for two daily newspapers in Florida. She brings extensive knowledge and energy to the position. The editorial board and I look forward to working with her.

MAURA M. COCHRAN, CRE

EDITOR IN CHIEF

BY MAURA M. COCHRAN, CRE

RELATED ARTICLE: The Counselors of Real Estate Strategic Plan

Adopted April 2006

MISSION

To be the forum for leaders in real estate.

GOALS

1. Create

To provide a platform for professional relationships, insight and access to diverse experience.

2. Participate

Through active participation, contribution and camaraderie, members enhance the benefits of a diverse professional community.

3. Communicate

To communicate within the membership and marketplace that our members are the preeminent source of real estate knowledge and advice.