IAMC INSIDER

s IAMC celebrates its fifth anniversary, it is easy to concentrate on accomplishments of the past. However, IAMC is not merely about what we have done; we are about continuing accomplishments. Forward thinking and commitment got us to this point and will continue to propel us well into the future.

   The obvious thing one notices at any of our events is the level of energy, commitment and excitement. It would be perfectly understandable for this unique level of energy to begin waning after five years – after all, we are no longer new. But this is far from the case. IAMC has not only weathered the test of time, but continues to grow and flourish – a testament that individual members and their companies recognize the value of membership. Our members openly display a passion about what they have created and become part of here at IAMC. This was quite evident at the 2007 Fall Professional Forum held in St. Louis in October.

   Attendance at the Forum continues to be high. The programs were timely and relevant on all levels, professional and personal, from exploring issues surrounding the balance of labor, location and logistics to developing strategies necessary to ensure that our companies will flourish in the midst of business pressures applied in the United States and abroad. We all have a common goal of guiding our organizations to success.

   It was also quite evident that IAMC members show an unwavering sense of responsibility for their organizations and clients, not only for those matters fiduciary in nature, but for the corporate real estate profession as a whole.

Corporate and Community is a two-way street, one we are crossing all the time. Working in cooperation with communities, our organizations can help ensure that specific labor skills and knowledge will be available to meet the ever-changing needs of all parties. Innovative educational programs in high schools and universities and on-the-job training programs have been developed and applied to keep our industries competitive in the global economy.

   It is all about doing the right thing all around. IAMC helps its members cultivate insights into issues, develop tools to deal with them and apply a level of passion to lead the charge in making a difference. After all, most often the corporate real estate executive or his or her service provider becomes the face of the company to the communities in which it operates. That fact alone requires us to do the right thing all the time, both professionally and personally.

Peter Garra

IAMC Chair