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4 C E L E B R AT I N G 3 5 Y E A R S O F R E S P O N S I B L E D E V E LO P M E N T and development] industry," says recently- retired board member Brian Curley of CHA Architecture. This superior level of engage- ment ensures a relevant and responsive place for industry professionals to collaborate and develop the best future for their industry. Membership Matters When interviewed for MEREDA's twenty-fi h anniversary, founding MEREDA member Joseph Boulos noted that "no organization lasts 25 years unless it is effective in repre- senting the interests of its members." With another ten years added to its timeline, MEREDA continues to prove the validity of Boulos' remark. Well-established organizations frequently face the problem of perennial presences. Although long-standing members certainly lend wisdom and expertise to any situa- tion, organizations need fresh talent, ideas, and energy to evolve with changing times. MEREDA represents and responds to gen- erations of professionals with an open and evolving volunteer structure offering diverse opportunities to its members. Current members are always recruiting peer volunteers to bring new blood into the MEREDA body. Apart from the time com- mitment required by any volunteer capacity, it's not a hard sell. "[MEREDA Members] are the kind of people I admire and want to be around," Brian Curley offers in sum- mary. Admiration aside, these professionals frequently compete for business in Maine; however, under the MEREDA umbrella, they find themselves united in collaboration to develop the best future for their industry. Volunteers donate their time and talents on any one of MEREDA's dedicated com- mittees and groups. Certain groups, such as DevelopME are designed to introduce new faces and groom them for future MEREDA involvement and leadership within the organi- zation and industry. Tried and true members may join the Board and take on more of a leadership role, while opportunities abound for members seeking to become involved in committees, events, and conferences. Like any strong and evolving team, veteran members offer mentorship to the rookies. MEREDA's current President, Gary Vogel of Drummond Woodsum, recalls the precise moment in 1988 that he decided to become actively involved with MEREDA. As a young real estate lawyer in Portland, Vogel, like many other Maine lawyers, was shocked when the Maine Supreme Court ruled that Promoting Fair, Responsible Development P R OJ E C T A N D I M A G E B Y S C OT T S I M O N S A N D L E D G E W O O D C O N S T R U C T I O N T he year is 1985. Larry Bird and the Boston Celtics compete in the NBA fi- nals, President Ronald Reagan visits the city of Bitburg in West Germany, Tears for Fears tops the Billboard Charts, and the Maine Real Estate & Development Association (MEREDA) forms in Portland, Maine at the Cumberland Club. In the thirty-five years that have elapsed, time has worked its magic: the Number 33 has been retired at the Garden, West and East Germany are reunited as one state, Tears for Fears has been replaced by Lizzo, but MEREDA has never wavered in its mission to promote fair and responsible development throughout Maine. MEREDA's success in its mission relies on a three-fold approach: exceptional member volunteerism and participation, tireless advocacy work by a dedicated Public Policy Committee, and a calendar brimming with cutting-edge conferences and seminars. "MEREDA is super-engaged with all of the current issues that are driving the [real estate Monument Square ca. 1960 Monument Square ca. 2010, featuring the new Portland Public Library