Commercial Real Estate Associations: Something for Everyone

  

Susan Hill

  ATLANTA, GA (July 8, 2013) – With the diversity of associations available to those in commercial real estate, there truly is an organization for everyone in the industry—from brokers to architects.

This was apparent from the guests on the most recent episode of the “Commercial Real Estate Show.” Host Michael Bull spoke with national leaders of five of the top commercial real estate associations in the United States about the organizations’ memberships, benefits and industry goals.

Elizabeth Machen

The industry’s top associations have many of the same objectives: education of members, advocacy for members’ interests, development of leadership skills and networking opportunities.

Elizabeth Machen, president of the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM), emphasized thestrides her organization is making to better its educational offerings, and not just for its 18,500 members.

“We’re really excited to reach out to everyone in the industry, not just the IREM members, to provide them with education,” she said. IREM’s website hosts information in an easy-to-search format, and it also works with corporations to develop their internal education programs.

Terry Smith

A number of the organizations featured on the episode were proud of the efforts they’ve made to expand internationally, creating a truly global network for their members.

Terry Smith, president of the Society of Industrial and Office Realtors (SIOR), said the organization’s 3,000 members now span across 38 countries.

By having representation in so many areas, SIOR members have contacts they can direct clients to in all kinds of markets.

Thomas Bisacquino

 “SIOR is so much more than a network,” he said. “It is really a relationship-driven organization.”

A benefit of most organizations is that members can call on each other for business.

  

“NAIOP members do business with NAIOP members,” said Thomas Bisacquino, NAIOP’s president and CEO. NAIOP has members in all aspects of commercial real estate.

Susan Hill, senior managing director at Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) Network, reiterated that point.

Richard Greninger

 “We like to say we can get a deal done from start to finish with all of our members sitting at a table,” she said of the organization’s 8,000 members, which comprise both men and women committed to advancing the success of women in commercial real estate.

Although networking is a big benefit for all the associations featured in the episode, organizations like Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International also take seriously their missions to advance the interests of the entire industry.

BOMA represents members’ interests on Capitol Hill and at state and local levels. It’s working closely with lawmakers on tax reform right now, according to chair and CEO Richard Greninger.

Michael Bull

With all the advantages offered by associations, Bisacquino stressed the importance of getting involved.

 “If you’re going to invest in a membership in any organization, your best ROI is when you get involved,” he told Bull.

  

The entire “Associations that Matter” episode is available for download at www.CREshow.com. The next “Commercial Real Estate Show” will be available July 10 and will provide an in-depth update on the student housing market.

  For a complete copy of the company’s news release, please contact:

Stephen Ursery

The Wilbert Group

E-mail: sursery@thewilbertgroup.com

Please note new office number: (404) 549-7150

Cell: (404) 405-2354

www.thewilbertgroup.com