Interested in taking a more active role in the chapter? Call Doug Baxter ((415) 377-0444) or email him at dbaxter@hobartappraisals.com and see if there is room left at our annual NorCal Leadership Retreat!

WHERE: Orinda Country Club

http://www.orindacc.org/html/directions.html

(check in with the receptionist and ask for the ASA room)

WHEN: 9am-4pm Friday, August 28, 2009

ATTIRE: Business Casual (no jeans)

Lunch will be available on site.

Sharon Jenks with The Jenks Group will be helping to facilitate the meeting where we will plan and discuss programs, goals and issues for 2009-2010. The Agenda for the retreat is posted here.

September 10 Program Meeting

Our program will be “Connecting with Clients Online”. Unless you are already employing all the latest marketing opportunities available via the Internet, or are just too busy to take on any additional work, you will benefit directly from this program—no matter what your discipline or specialty. Please RSVP now to ensure your place for this valuable program! Details below:

Connect With Your Clients Online – Web, Social Networking and Email Marketing

A staggering array of possibilities for finding and connecting with clients is available through the web. With free or low-cost services from ISP's, Google, Facebook, Twitter and email newsletter providers, gaining an online audience has never been easier. Anca Mosoiu owner of Tech Liminal will provide an overview of available tools, along with their benefits and some cautionary tales.

Some of the topics she will cover

- How to start and get your web site running.

- Establishing and maintaining your brand online through a web site

- Finding your clients through social networking tools like LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter

- Effective communication through email newsletters

Anca Mosoiu, owner of Tech Liminal (http://www.techliminal.com) has been working in the Internet Industry for 10 years as a web developer and information architect. She has developed sites for large international brands, nonprofits, and individuals. Her company Tech Liminal is a Technology Hotspot and Salon dedicated to enabling people and businesses to take advantage of available software and services to reach personal and business goals.

Thursday, September 10

6:30 pm (mixer) 7:00 (dinner)

Board Meeting 5:30 all members are welcome to attend

Place: L’Olivier Restaurant, 465 Davis Court, San Francisco in the Club Room. (415-981-7824) The restaurant is easily accessible via BART (Embarcadero Station) and $5 valet parking is available.

NOTE: The dinner is being partly subsidized by the chapter, so the cost is a low $37. RSVP NOW please to Secretary Jack Young at jack@norcalvaluation.com and let him know you are coming. Do not reply to the Newsletter address—Jack is the one who needs to know!

Candidates’ Night

By Nancy Stacy

We again had capacity attendance annual Candidates’ Night dinner program. L’Olivier went all-out for the dinner, serving us a choice of several delectable dinners, and the “good china” and flowers on the tables.

We were fortunate to have not only our new Region 5 Governor, Greg Ansel, ASA in attendance, but also our new International President, Mike Evans, ASA. (Proudly, they are both NorCal Chapter members.) Both gave us informative presentations on current ASA issues.

Chapter President Robin Erdmann surprised the Board of Directors members with Certificates of Appreciation. And I was very touched to be awarded a “Member of the Year” plaque!

There followed a very informative program, organized by Carole Richbourg, where a representative of each Discipline offered valuable tips on how to take the Advancement step from Candidate to Accredited Member in stride. Thank you Carole, for all your work in organizing an excellent event for the chapter!

See photos at the end of the newsletter, and get the complete album of the photos from the event here.

Region 5 Governor’s Message

By Greg Ansel

Welcome to my first correspondence as your Region 5 Governor. My first official business was to attend the Board of Governors (“BOG”) meeting at the Orlando ASA International Conference. In addition to the BOG meeting I also attended all afternoon discipline committee meetings to learn the strengths, issues and concerns of each discipline. While many topics were covered, I believe the following were the most commonly discussed across all disciplines:

· Unification/Merger/Alliances with other organizations

· ASA International Finances

· Chapter Dues

Unification/Merger/Alliances – at a conceptual level many believe the ASA should be a leader in creating valuation standards, however, many believe the ASA cannot do this alone as we need a larger critical mass. Many believe time is of the essence so that we remain a leader in the profession and other organizations do not overtake our leadership position. There were several presentations regarding different organizations and structures including two task forces regarding unification with RICS (i.e. merger) and a CICBV umbrella organization. I recommend each of you research the proposals (each chapter president has the task force memos) and let your voices be heard. Follow links to read task force reports.

ASA International Finances – Despite some rumors (please contact me or your chapter president if you hear any rumors so that false rumors are not perpetuated), ASA International’s finances are strong. FY 2009 operated at a profit and net assets are positive. The economic downturn did impact our finances with lower revenue and earnings than in FY 2008, but overall the financial position appears strong. I was appointed by the BOG to be one of two BOG to be on the finance committee so I will continue to familiarize myself with ASA’s finances.

Chapter Dues – historically HQ collects all dues and then has pays each chapter $25 per chapter member. The BOG voted to reduce the amount paid to each chapter to $15 per chapter member. This was not done due to poor ASA finances but rather to reflect a better allocation of all the support, services and resources HQ provides for each chapter.

Finally, I would like to recognize those from our chapter that received awards at the Orlando International Conference Town Hall Meeting. The San Francisco/Bay Area Chapter received Best Chapter Newsletter. Mr. Jeffrey Wright of Phoenix and Mr. Vern Blair of Vancouver, British Columbia were both elected Fellows of ASA (FASA). Congratulations to all.

Upcoming Events

CA State Bar Association Annual Meeting, San Diego

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS
82nd State Bar Annual Meeting in San Diego

Randall Blaesi, ASA is coordinating volunteers to help at the ASA State Bar Exhibit Booth. The exhibit booth needs volunteers for the following dates:

Thursday, September 10, 2009, 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm (Opening Night Reception)

Friday, September 11, 2009, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm

Saturday, September 12, 2009, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm

For more information on volunteering, please contact Randall Blaesi at rblaesi@sbcglobal.net or Cell 619-804-0434

Volunteers may earn CE credit for representing ASA.

San Diego is a great venue, and the State Bar venue at the Grand Hyatt hotel is very close to Seaport Village, Gas Lamp district, USS Midway, other waterfront venues, downtown and many other attractions. I would like to see strong support and visual presence from NorCal. After all, we are promoting all of ASA and all of Calif. You get a lot of No. Cal. Attorneys, judges, arbitrators-mediators, paralegals and other specialists attending the State Bar when it is in So Cal. Statewide participation in the annual state bar event is not new, and has been beneficial to ASA and the volunteers themselves.

Ray Mattison (707) 575-0200

Two ASA Seminars in San Francisco

USPAP 15-Hr Course October 3-4, 2009

Expert Witness Seminar October 8, 2009

Before and after the 6th International Conference on the Valuation of Plant Machinery and Equipment

15-Hour National USPAP Course

Saturday and Sunday, October 3-4, 8:00 – 5:30

San Francisco Marriott, Fisherman’s Wharf

Sponsored by ASA NorCal Chapter

The Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) are the generally accepted standards for professional appraisal practice in North America. USPAP contains standards for all appraisal disciplines. USPAP compliance is required for appraisers in Federally regulated transactions, State appraiser certification and licensing boards; Federal, state and local agencies; appraisal services; and professional appraisal associations.

The Appraisal Foundation requires appraisers to take a 15-hour course on USPAP for their continuing education. ASA’s two-day course, which includes lectures, materials and an exam, enables students to meet these requirements. This fast-paced course is intended for appraisers of all disciplines and will:

· Give you an in-depth knowledge of and appreciation for USPAP

· Expose you to the concepts discussed in all 10 USPAP standards, regardless of your appraisal discipline

· Give you a practical understanding of the application of USPAP concepts to your own appraisal practice

· Teach you how to conduct your appraisal practice in a professional and ethical manner

· Earn you 15 hours continuing professional education credit

About the instructor: Roger Durkin, J.D., M.S., ASA

Roger is a highly entertaining teacher, and has a 98% pass rate for the USPAP course.

Durkin holds designations in 5 appraisal disciplines, and his appraisal practice encompasses the valuation of a wide range of property including real property, personal property.

Roger has been providing appraisals for 35 years for decedent estates, charitable donation, gift tax, probate, environmental and general civil litigation. His clients include attorneys, the FBI, USSS, U.S. Customs, IRS, Postal Inspection Service, and the Federal Marshals’ Service.

What will I take home? A current USPAP manual for use in your own work setting

Are CEUs available? A continuing education certificate will be forwarded following the course, verifying your hours of attendance and exam results

Who should attend? ASA members; appraisers; realtors; loan officers; attorneys; bankers; CPAs; anyone involved in the appraising profession, regardless of area of work

Completion of this USPAP program is a requirement to become an ASA Candidate member. Designated members who take the course and pass the exam will receive 15 hours of reaccreditation credit. Appraisers who have recently completed a 15-hour course through another state-approved program are not required to take the ASA course.

“Appraiser as Expert Witness”

Thursday, October 8, 2009 (8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.)

Location: San Francisco Marriott, Fisherman’s Wharf

Sponsored by ASA NorCal Chapter

After the 6th International Conference on the Valuation of Plant Machinery and Equipment

Roger Durkin, J.D., M.S., ASA, and Robert Podwalny, FASA, will offer a multidisciplinary seminar on “The Appraiser as Expert Witness”

Prepare for when you're in the hot seat! Boost your confidence by learning the basics of the legal system, rules of evidence, the role of the expert witness, direct- and cross-examination tactics, the psychology of persuasion, and courtroom conduct—from dress to communication and body language.

You will learn:

Pre-engagement considerations
Interaction between expert and attorney
Discovery/investigation
Preparation of the expert's report
Critique of opposing expert's report
Trial preparation
Qualification as an expert
Conduct at trial
Do's and don'ts while on the witness stand
Early member registration fee: $225 includes textbook (pictured)

About the instructors: Roger Durkin, J.D., M.S., ASA operates Durkin Law, PC with two other attorneys and Durkin Valuation Consultants in Boston. His appraisal practice encompasses the valuation of a wide range of property including real property, personal property, and business valuation all backed by expert witness support.

Durkin holds 5 appraisal designations from ASA. His educational background includes a Master’s in valuation and Juris Doctorate. He has published four text books: Narrative Appraisal Report Writing, Marketing Appraisal Services, Personal Property Theory and Practice, and the text for this seminar, The Appraiser as Expert Witness. (See USPAP info above for more about Roger Durkin)

Robert Podwalny, FASA, is a court designated expert witness by the Oakland Superior Court and the Administrative Board in Maryland, and course developer and senior instructor of ASA Machinery and Equipment Principles of Valuation. He has taught valuation courses throughout the United States as well as in Mexico, Romania, Slovenia, Canada, Russia, Kazakhstan and China. Bob developed and taught courses for the World Bank Economic Development Program. He is a frequent author of articles on valuation and a speaker at numerous conferences and meetings.

What will I take home? A copy of Durkin’s textbook, The Appraisal as Expert Witness

Is reaccreditation credit available? A uniform reaccreditation credit certificate will be awarded, verifying 8 hours of attendance

Who should attend? Appraisers; realtors; loan officers; attorneys; bankers; CPAs; anyone involved in the appraising profession, regardless of area of work.

USPAP &/or Expert Witness Registration

Mr. Ms. Mrs. Dr. __________________________________________________

Full name

Address _________________________________________________________________

City____________________ State/Prov __________________ ZIP/Postal ____________

Country_________________ Email____________________________________

Appraisal discipline: BV G&J MTS PP RPARM

Check here if you are a Real Property appraiser taking the course for certification

Membership

ASA AAA AI AFSMRA NAIFA RICS ASA Member ID #__________ (for course credit)

Designation: FASA ASA AM Candidate Associate Applicant ___________

(Member rate applies to members of above organizations. Register for one course or both.)

USPAP Course Includes USPAP manual ($50 value)	Tuition	Early-Bird (Paid before Sept 1)	#	Price (enter )
Regular	$375	$350
Member (see above)	$350	$325
Appraiser as Expert Witness Includes The Appraiser as Expert Witness ($35 value)
Regular	$275	$250
Member (see above)	$250	$225
Combo – Both Events
Regular	$650	$600
Member (see above)	$600	$550
		Total		$

There are four easy ways to register for this offering:

EMAIL: ASA.NorCal@gmail.com (preferred)

MAIL: Seminar Registration, c/o Nancy Stacy, 10 Northcreek Place, Walnut Creek, CA 94598

FAX: (925) 939-4567

PHONE: (925) 939-4367 Pacific Time (Nancy Stacy)

Payment: All fees must be paid in U.S. funds drawn on U.S. banks. Please √ payment method:

Check enclosed (payable to ASA NorCal)

Pay to ASA.NorCal@gmail.com

VISA MasterCard American Express:

Credit card # _____________________ Exp. date _________ Security Code_______

Cardholder _________________________________________

(As name appears on card)

Signature________________________________

Hotel Reservations:

Marriott Fisherman’s Wharf

1250 Columbus Avenue

San Francisco, CA 94133 USA

Reservations: 800-525-0956

Mention “ASA Conference”

Online: www.marriott.com/sfofw

Rates & Reservation Codes:

Single/Double $199 + tax

Phone code ASAA-$199

Online code ASAASAA

Triple/Quad $219 + tax

Phone code ASAB-$219

Online code ASAASAB

Events Calendar

AUG 2009

28^th – (Fri) NorCal Leadership Retreat

SEPT 2009

10^th (Thur) Chapter Meeting

OCTOBER 2009

3-4^th All-discipline 15-hr USPAP, SF Fisherman’s Wharf

4-7 MTS International Conference at Fisherman's Wharf, SF

8^th Expert Witness Seminar, SF Fisherman’s Wharf

8^th (Thur) Chapter Meeting

NOVEMBER 2009

12^th (Thur) Chapter Meeting

DECEMBER 2009

10^th (Thur) Chapter Meeting

JANUARY

14^TH Chapter Meeting

FEBRUARY

11^th Chapter Meeting

MARCH 2010

11-14 MTS 208, Marine Vessel Survey - SF

11^th Chapter Meeting

NorCal Officers & Directors

L to R: Bob Lentz, VP, Gil Mitchell, Treasurer Robin Erdmann, Past President, Jim Brown, Past Region 5 Governor; Will Schnitzer, former President Doug Baxter, President

L to R: Gil Mitchell, Treasurer, Doug Schnitzer, RP; Nancy Stacy, G&; Robin Erdmann, Past President; Doug Baxter, President; Roger Rapport, PP, Bob Lentz, Vice-President

Chapter Officers

Chapter President Douglas S. Baxter (PP)

Chapter Vice President Robert P. Lentz III, ASA (BV)

Chapter Secretary Jack Young, (PP)

Chapter Treasurer Gil Mitchell, ASA (MTS)

Chapter Past Chair Robin J. Erdmann, ASA (RP)

Chapter Discipline Directors are currently being appointed by the incoming Chapter President.

Anyone interested in being an active participant in the chapter should contact Doug Baxter at DBaxter@hobartappraisals.com