January 18, 2010

Happy New Year 2010, Goodbye and Good Riddance to 2009!!  I am sure we are all thankful that 2009 is over, one of the most tumultuous times ever in commercial real estate.

As I take the position of President, I wanted to take a minute to thank Dave Mudge, immediate past president, for his leadership and his guidance over the last two years. He has not only brought us forward as a chapter, but has helped me considerably to be ready to take on the role. I want to also especially thank our sponsors, those that continue to support us and those new sponsors coming on board this year. Our sponsors are critical to our success as a chapter and our day-to-day operations.  The executive committee is committed to enhancing the payback to you for your investment in us.

I have set three major goals for the Chapter in 2010. First, to continue Dave’s goal of a viable website. Redesigning and updating was a major priority over the  last two years for the chapter, the new priority however  is to get our members and sponsors to use it!  Beginning next month we will be directing and communicating to you though the website.   For example you will RSVP to our meetings through the website with user-friendly instructions.   We plan to include sponsor information, speaker notes and leave behinds, and ultimately storage of Chapter records.

Second, due to a significant drop of sponsorship in 2009, we become more proactive in obtaining adequate sponsorship in 2010.  We have been able to attract some new and notable sponsors for 2010, and we will continue to reach out to potential sponsors throughout the year.  Sponsors are a very important to the chapter and they partner with us to get some benefit or take away, so please make an effort to meet them by attending chapter functions. 

Finally, we will be looking to have a joint chapter event with the LA Chapter.  We are in early discussions now, and have are eyes on an event date early 2011.  No other geographical area is so vast and  closely connected  like the  LA, Orange County ands Inland Empire markets.  We believe it would be beneficial our chapters and sponsors to network with  the brokers that we work with on daily basis but do not have an opportunity meet as group regularly.

Chapter  dinner meetings are held  the third Thursday of every month  excluding  April and October (national conferences), June, July, August, and December. We will have our Angel event again this summer and will hold joint chapter functions.

2010 will be an exciting year for the Inland Empire & Orange County Chapter, while the market maybe a little slower than we are used to, you can always expect to have fun, network, develop and maintain relationships by taking part in Chapter functions.  I look forward to seeing everyone at an SIOR event this year.

Walt