The New Year is upon us and I'm excited about the many promising prospects in store for us in 2012. The #1 spot may have eluded the Steelers, but MFE (Multi-Family Executive Magazine) just listed Pittsburgh as the strongest multi-family market in the country with occupancy at year end of 97.8% and there is more to come!

I had the good fortune of recently attending the opening night of Madeleine Albright's "Read My Pins" exhibit which is now showing at the Carnegie Museum through March. The former Secretary of State (our country's first female Secretary of State) addressed a private cocktail session followed by a sold-out speaking engagement at the Carnegie Music Hall. It did not surprise me that her remarks were intelligent, witty, humorous and thought-provoking. What did surprise me was the statement that Ms. Albright famously coined and often uses: "There is a special place in Hell for women who do not support each other." As I drove home that evening, I thought how Madeleine Albright would be right at home in our midst. The members of our Chapter and all CREW Chapters are here to support each other, foster relationships and cultivate networking opportunities for business development. Self promotion is a part of this evolution and should come naturally along with praise for our hard earned achievements. Kaylyn Boca was promoted to Partner at Leech, Tishman this month and has proven herself to be a competent and experienced real estate attorney. Amy Hopkins recently passed her final surveyor's exam and has landed a new position with Morris Knowles & Associates. Accomplishments come in all sizes and shapes. Your accomplishments are worthy of our interest and our Chapter seeks to open doors for its members. Chris Andreyo, our Communications Director and Kathryn Petrie, our Chapter Administrator are available to help leverage your achievements by proudly sharing your talents with one of the region's best networks! Don't limit your attributes to the Pittsburgh market; be sure to submit your profile to CREWbiz and take advantage of a strong national network of 8,000 real estate professionals in 74 markets. Make 2012 the year of your "shout-out" and amaze yourself with the support system and media connections available to you through the value of your CREW membership.

Kris Volpatti
CREW Pittsburgh - President