Article by Alison Ng
Photo credit Xue Liang
On Friday, December 19, the Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA) NY Metro Chapter celebrated the end of the year with food, drinks, and the installation of the new Board of Directors. The Installation Holiday Party was held in the lush ambiance of the Japan Society located in Manhattan.
AREAA, a nonprofit trade organization dedicated to promoting real estate opportunities for Asian Americans, is comprised of a diverse group of professionals in real estate, mortgage and other housing-related careers. With over 14,000 members in 34 chapters in the United States, AREAA is also gaining support and recognition in Canada.
The night began with warm smiles and laughter as members reconnected and caught-up. Although a cocktail reception followed, the highlight of the night was the inauguration of 12 members stepping into leadership positions as the new Board of Directors for AREAA’s NY Metro Chapter.
GieFaan Kim (Keller Williams) moderated the event and introduced the Board, which consisted of: President Cassandra Cho; First Vice President Tanya Reu; Second Vice President Jonathan Lee; Secretary John Pan; and Treasurer Joanne Chiu. The other Board Members include Bruce Feffer (Eaton and Van Wrinkle, LLP); Arthur Hung (Sothebys International Realty); Julie Kang (Keller Williams); Angie Lee (MCS Mortgage Bankers); Bruce Nohe (Bank of America); Judy Sahagian (Douglas Elliman); and Franciscca Tayag (FMT International Properties).
Ms. Cho, the new President and the event coordinator for the party, was excited for the night. While the Board was elected in October, the chapter decided to wait for the installation in order to combine it with the holiday party. “We wanted it to become a celebration of two things,” Ms. Cho stated. “By capping off the end of the year, celebrating with our members, and also inducting the new board.”
Next year, the board hopes to increase the value of membership. Ms. Cho was excited to announce that the NY Metro chapter has many events planned for 2015, such as celebrating the Lunar New Year in February and having member family events in the summer. In January, the chapter will kick off the New Year by having an EB-5 Seminar with guest speaker Governor Patterson. Their goal is to better inform the real estate industry, as well as consumers, about EB-5 programs and how they work since there is a lot of misinformation about it.
After Ms. Cho announced their events and the Board thanked the crowed, pictures were taken and even more cheer filled the room. Attendees spent the rest of the night eating, drinking, and mingling, ending the year with smiles and excitement for the year to come.
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