We now have an experienced full-time person on national staff who is dedicated solely to public relations efforts and who works with other staff as well as outside professional agencies in these efforts. In addition we reached an incalculable number of radio listeners by placing a core group of residential members in the media spotlight. An education network has been developed to include regional education liaisons to help promote all education offerings, monitor availability and costs and respond to local concerns. The Center for Advanced Real Estate Analysis has been formed, and is in the process of developing a residential program geared to higher level, active model learning. Four new residential seminars were added last year, and four more are being premiered in 1999.
Every educational offering is developed to meet approval for state licensing requirements.
We're looking at providing primary education modules to chapters to present qualifying education, using local instructors. Chapters will then be able to reach out and be the first contact with many beginning appraisers. A team is looking into how we can help members better deal with AMCs, including whether we should be part of one ourselves. The residential database initiative, which is bringing much good press and recognition to the Appraisal Institute, will roll out a program this fall to educate appraisers interested in participating about the procedures and benefits. The database joint venture is working proactively with the Appraisal Standards Board and state appraisal boards to ensure that participating appraisers are in full compliance with applicable rules and regulations.