High energy as AREW kicks off new season.

AREW may be the longest-running industry association supporting and championing the professional growth of women in real estate, but it isn't one to rest on its laurels. As the number and power of women in real estate grow, so has the association risen to the challenge by embracing its leadership position in more aggressive ways.

Nowhere was AREW's ongoing vitality more apparent than at the association's recent traditional season kickoff event, its Fall Networking Cocktail Reception.

Held at Scandinavia House on Park Avenue with catering by Aquavit, the event gathered more than 200 real estate industry professionals for two hours of topnotch networking.

"I attend AREW receptions and luncheons because I need to use my time wisely and selectively," says Catherine Silverman, director of marketing and sales, DKS Construction. "AREW has had a facelift and you can feel a new energy."

"AREW has great networking events and I enjoy coming to them," comments Joan McNulty, vice president, Commercial Markets Group, Citibank, N.A. "It allows me to reconnect with existing members and network with new members. The group's membership has grown more diversified creating greater business opportunities for all attending the events."

Unlike most associations which focus on one profession, be it finance, construction or building management, AREW's membership is comprised of the full spectrum of the industry which, in turn, provides the opportunity to meet professionals in noncompetitive fields and form contacts that lead to business.

The number of men attending AREW events may be one of the industry's best kept secrets.

As AREW's 2004-05 president Michele Medaglia, president ACC Construction Corporation, states, "When AREW started, there were virtually no women in top executive positions and AREW was about women helping women to make it in a male-dominated industry.

"Today, while AREW retains its sense of collegiality, we are also about the immense power of women in the industry who change the real estate landscape on a daily basis. More and more men are getting that message."

Ted Moudis, AIA, senior principal of Ted Moudis Associates and past and current AREW sponsor agrees with Medaglia.

"This is a great organization offering a tremendous opportunity to network with some of the industry's most influential executives--who happen to be women," says Moudis.

"AREW is not about networking with women. It's about networking with decision-making real estate professionals," observes David Bonifacic, PE, managing principal, WB Engineers-Consultants PLLC, an AREW sponsor.

In addition to great networking, others touch upon something unique found at AREW events--a sense of genuine supportiveness that is part of the organization's underlying philosophy.

"To me, AREW represents who the real power women are in the real estate industry," comments Nanci Sanders, regional publisher, Real Estate New York/REMedia Inc.

Excellence in programs combined with its exceptionally supportive environment in which to build skills and business are both keys to AREW's success and longevity.

Perhaps the final word on AREW's Fall Networking Cocktail Reception goes to Mike Baumann of GVA Worldwide, "Every AREW event I attend, no matter how many I bring, I always run out of business cards. This one was no exception."

Founded in 1978, AREW offers outstanding opportunities for career and business development via educational programs, networking events and seminars and supports community outreach through the AREW Charitable Fund.

For more information and membership application, log onto to www.arew.org, e-mail to info@ arew.org or call 212-599-6181.