TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - The third annual Alabama Real Estate Conference at The University of Alabama 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. 15 in Sellers Auditorium at the Bryant Conference Center on the UA campus. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m.

“Last year's conference was very well attended, and we expect this year’s to be equally popular,” said Dr. Leonard Zumpano, executive director of UA’s Alabama Real Estate Research and Education Center, which hosts and organizes the conference. This conference began as a way for AREREC’s 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, interim president of The University of Alabama, Meade Whitaker Jr., an attorney and partner at Bradley, Arant, Rose and White LLP of Birmingham, will provide a legal and regulatory update. Melinda Ballard, president of Policyholders of America, and Greg Long, president and CEO of IAQ Consulting Services Inc., will present information on toxic mold.

Ballard was recently awarded damages against Farmers Insurance for its handling of a mold claim on her home. Long offers commercial and residential services including cleaning, decontamination and restoration.

Retail site selection practices will be discussed by Andy Hofheimer, vice president of Regency Centers which represents retail stores such as SteinMart, Shoe Carnival, and Books-A-Million.

Bob Burkett, real estate manager for Publix Super Markets Inc., and Duke Sullivan, the southeast coordinator for Home Depot, will also be there to share their retail site selection practices.

Frank Nothaft, chief economist for Freddie Mac, will give the luncheon address. Nothaft will present the 2003 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 $75 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.