Second Annual Alabama Real Estate Conference Set for Jan. 23 at UA Conference Center

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The second annual Alabama Real Estate Conference will once again offer a lineup of topics sure to pique the interest of anyone in the real estate business.

The conference is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 23 in Sellers Auditorium at the Bryant Conference Center at The University of Alabama. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m.

“Last year’s inaugural conference was very well attended, and we expect this year’s to be equally popular,” said Dr. Leonard Zumpano, executive director of the Alabama Real Estate Research and Education Center at UA, which hosts and organizes the conference. This conference began as a way for Leadership Council members to meet with leaders in the industry and discuss trends taking place across the state.

“With the economy softening and residential construction slowing, all of us connected with the real estate industry need to be acutely aware of trends and alternatives,” Zumpano said. “I think this conference will provide very useful information to those in the industry.”

Following the welcome by Dr. J. Barry Mason, dean of the Culverhouse College of Commerce and Business Administration at UA, Joe Talentino, vice president of development for EBSCO Properties, will discuss retail trends and the changes taking place in the market.

Leslie Marks from the National Association of Home Builders, will present housing trends of senior citizens. Meade Whitaker Jr., an attorney and partner at Bradley, Arant, Rose and White LLP of Birmingham, will provide a legal and regulatory update.

Dr. Pete Conroy, chair of the Alabama Commission of Environmental Issues, will discuss smart growth, a way to manage and direct growth in a way that minimizes damage to the environment, reduces “sprawl” and builds livable towns and cities. Robert Schonefeld, CEO of Bridger Commercial Funding, LLC, will present commercial financing alternatives.

Dr. David Berson, vice president and chief economist for Fannie Mae, will give the luncheon address. Berson will present the 2002 state and national economic forecast.

Those interested in attending can get a registration form by calling the Center at 205/348-4117. Registration forms can also be downloaded from the Center’s web site at www.arerec.cba.ua.edu. Cost for the conference is $65 per person which includes lunch.

The Alabama Real Estate Research and Education Center is part of The University of Alabama’s Culverhouse College of Commerce and Business Administration, founded in 1919. The business school has been recognized repeatedly for offering high-quality, cost-effective education.