The commercial real estate industry has come a long way in just a few
years. Gone are the days when brokers kept their trade secrets under wraps,
preferring not to discuss their business operations and strategies, much less
their listings. Today the industry thrives on the collaborations that have
evolved as a result of technological advances, a global economy, and the
expansion of professional organizations such as the CCIM Institute. The
relationships the institute has forged with its peer groups, including the
Institute of Real Estate Management, the Appraisal Institute, and the Society
of Industrial and Office Realtors - just to name a few - allow our members to
expand their professional networks and cement the foundation for new business
opportunities.
A perfect example is the CCIM & IREM Success
Series 2006, a joint symposium for professionals of both organizations, which
takes place Oct. 20-21 in Tampa, Fla. After a successful joint conference a few
years ago, leaders of both organizations realized the value of bringing our
members together in one location and providing a forum for them to share their
knowledge, network, and gain insights on the most current industry trends.
The
conference tagline, "Real Estate Professionals, Issues and
Solutions," offers a glimpse into the content of this industry-leading
event. The two groups plan to offer similar cooperative events in 2007 and 2008
and build on the framework we establish in Tampa. Watch for more details on
this program in the coming months and mark your calendar for this important event.
The institute also has initiated programs with other groups that add
value to each organization. For instance, both AI and SIOR have forged
relationships with the CCIM Institute to allow their members to become members
of our organization and to have access to STDBOnline and similar products and
services. The institute also collaborates with the International Council of
Shopping Centers' University of Shopping Centers educational program for retail
real estate professionals. Other initiatives include meetings with the Realtors
Commercial Alliance and the Building Owners and Managers Association
International to discuss ways we might work together in the future.By joining forces with our colleagues in the industry we can improve our
business and expand our knowledge. As the institute continues to explore new
ways to collaborate with other organizations, I encourage you to attend these
valuable meetings and events. I hope to see you in Tampa.