IAMC INSIDER

n March, the IAMC Board of Directors began reviewing its strategic plan. The question was raised, “What do we want to be when we grow up?” This question is typically asked during adolescence, not during infancy or maturity. IAMC is now, clearly, entering its adolescence. With this, the fifth year of the organization, a brief review of where we have been, where we are and where we are going is in order.

   The need existed for an organization focused on the industrial sector of corporate real estate. A series of informal phone calls quickly evolved into a series of conference calls dedicated to establishing the organization. An organizational charter, bylaws, financing, and management were “cussed and discussed.” Committees were formed, a program developed, memberships solicited, and the location of the first Professional Forum was chosen – Savannah, Georgia. There, the first formal board meeting was held, officers were elected and the “dirty dozen” (IAMC’s founders) became part of IAMC lore.

   During these initial three years, meetings could be chaotic, agendas were full, debates always tiring, and long- range planning was the time between the current meeting and the next conference call. To resolve these issues IAMC was indeed fortunate to have committee members, committee chairs, board members, and executive committees that were energetic, influential and dedicated. Providing vital administrative support and counsel was the ownership and staff of Conway Data. Start- up problems were resolved and the organization got its footing. Providing vision and leadership through these formative years were the first three chairmen: Jack Brophy, Bob Zane and Charles McSwain.

   The formative years are now behind us. IAMC’s corporate active membership includes 56 companies in the Fortune 500. Eight of those 56 companies are represented in IAMC by multiple members.

Our associate members from the economic development sector represent 35 of the 50 states and one Canadian province. The balance of our associate membership represents the cream of the crop among real estate service providers, including another dozen Fortune 500 firms.

   The IAMC Regions continue their steady growth. Educational opportunities through the Forums and the Board Certificate in Industrial Real Estate program are cutting edge. Our membership routinely meets with university students and faculty to discuss in open forums issues related to business and in particular to the profession of corporate real estate. The Surplus Property Clearinghouse, specifically designed to complement, not compete with, the marketing efforts of our service providers, is now on the Web. The organization’s financial health is solid.

   The future for IAMC looks bright. Our leadership core is solid, and IAMC continues to develop future leaders through its Leadership Development Program, committee and board assignments. The Regions will continue to grow in size and stature. Increased utilization of Webcasts by our Regions will offset constraints on travel budgets and time. We will continue to reach out to educational institutions as ambassadors of the corporate real estate profession.

   Finally, having future Professional Forums scheduled well in advance (through spring 2010) tells our membership and the industry as a whole, “IAMC will be here, please join us.”

Scott Reed IAMC Chair