IAMC INSIDER

   Taking a concept from a “back- of- the- envelope” idea to a “living and breathing” organizational group is no small task. But that is exactly what has been accomplished in a mere four years thanks to the tremendous contributions of IAMC past Chairs Jack Brophy, Bob Zane and Charles McSwain. It is with no small amount of humility and a great deal of pride in what IAMC has become that I assume the role of chair.

   It was evident at the recent Fall Professional Forum in Williamsburg, Va., that we have assembled a marvelous team. This team is composed of a great group of very knowledgeable, very talented people serving in executive roles, on the board of directors, in committee chairs, on committees, in our support staff at Conway Data and throughout our membership. It is the contributions of all these people combined that have made, and will continue to make, this organization successful.

   How do we know? One question I keep asking is “Are you getting your money’s worth?” I ask this question of our membership, both actives and associates, and our sponsors. The overwhelming answer is “yes.” That doesn’t mean we can be complacent, but it is a good starting point as we strive to keep representing the best that there is in the corporate real estate community.

   Our new Board Certification in Industrial Real Estate (BCIR) program, which made its debut in Williamsburg, is a perfect example of both our teamwork and our values. The result of the Education and Research Committee’s tireless work, the BCIR’s “best of the best” approach covers areas from contracts to project management, business law to finance. BCIR will provide recognition not only to those individuals achieving certification, but also to the organization itself, through the program’s rigorous coursework and thesis. It provides a profound opportunity to the membership at large to continue the educational process that is so central to IAMC’s mission.

   Leadership is central to that mission as well. From the thought provoking leadership of our program development, to the education and research efforts, from leadership development to our marketing and membership committees, leadership is one of our core values. The second- generation leaders, myself included, and the membership as a whole benefit from this core value and the new ideas it will spawn.

   I look forward to the coming year and the challenges it will bring. I look forward to engaging in a dialogue with all of you, both as your peer and as IAMC chair. I look forward to working with the many leaders within this great organization.

   Are you interested in greater involvement within the organization, in cultivating your network, in honing your leadership skills? I encourage you to take advantage of the many opportunities available to you through IAMC. As real estate and development professionals know all too well, when an opportunity presents itself, the first step is to say “yes.”

Scott Reed IAMC Chair