About Metro East Real Estate Investors Association (MEREIA)
Metro East Real Estate Investors Association (MEREIA) is a community-driven organization dedicated to supporting real estate investors throughout the Metro East and Greater St. Louis area.
Founded to bring together individuals interested in real estate investing, MEREIA provides a platform for education, collaboration, and professional growth. Our mission is to help members discover and apply proven investing strategies, share knowledge, stay informed on market trends and legislation, and build long-term success through ethical and professional practices.
MEREIA also plays an active role in promoting legislation that supports real estate investors and opposing policies that negatively impact the industry.
Our Mission & Purpose
MEREIA is committed to advancing the success of real estate investors through three core principles:
Educate
Provide ongoing learning opportunities through meetings, guest speakers, and shared experiences.
Connect
Foster a strong network of investors, professionals, and service providers in the Metro East and St. Louis area.
Advocate
Support legislation & policies that benefit investors and promote responsible property ownership.
These guiding principles reflect our commitment to helping members grow their businesses while maintaining high standards of professionalism and integrity.
Code of Conduct & Ethics
The ownership and management of real estate is a highly regulated segment of the free enterprise system in the United States. As such, members of Metro East REIA are expected to operate with the highest level of professionalism and integrity.
MEREIA members are committed to expanding their knowledge of real estate investing and management while conducting business in a legal and ethical manner. All members are held to a higher standard of behavior, including but not limited to the following principles:
- Members will not intentionally misrepresent any material fact in their business dealings
- Members will stay informed on housing-related matters, including local, state, and federal laws
- Members will provide safe and sanitary housing
- Members will act as positive role models within the real estate investing and housing provider community
- Members will disclose all known information that could affect a property’s value or create hardship for a buyer
- Members will not market any property without legal control
- Members will seek professional guidance when needed
- Members will perform and encourage thorough due diligence in all business transactions
This code reflects MEREIA’s commitment to professionalism, ethical investing, and responsible housing practices within the Metro East and St. Louis communities.
Board Members
MEREIA is led by a dedicated board of experienced real estate investors and professionals who bring decades of industry knowledge and leadership to the organization.
Terry Cook
President
A licensed REALTOR® and home inspector, Terry brings over a decade of real estate investing experience with a diverse portfolio including single-family and multi-family properties.
Scott Miller
Vice President
Founder of SGM Realty, Scott combines real estate brokerage, property management, and financial planning expertise with a focus on operational excellence and long-term investment growth.
Will Clark
Treasurer
Julia Green
Secretary
Julia brings a diverse professional background and extensive experience in real estate investing, administration, and program development, including involvement with the Professional Housing Provider program.
Dan Appel
Board Member
Cynthia Shriver
Board Member
Bylaws
MEREIA operates as a not-for-profit organization governed by a formal set of bylaws that outline the structure, purpose, and operations of the association.
These bylaws define key areas such as:
- Membership eligibility and responsibilities
- Board governance and leadership structure
- Meeting schedules and procedures
- Organizational purpose and mission
The bylaws ensure transparency, consistency, and professionalism in how the organization operates and serves its members.
Our Community & History
MEREIA has a long-standing presence in the Metro East and St. Louis real estate investing community and was formerly known as the Metro-East Landlords Association. Over the years, the organization has grown into a trusted resource for landlords, investors, and industry professionals of all experience levels by providing valuable opportunities for education, networking, collaboration, and professional growth. Today, MEREIA continues to bring together individuals committed to building successful real estate businesses, sharing real-world knowledge, staying informed on industry changes, and supporting ethical investing practices throughout the Metro East and Greater St. Louis markets.