Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW-Miami) has announced the launch of Membership Matters, a regional awareness and education campaign aimed at encouraging commercial real estate professionals to get involved in their industry community and renew their focus on building professional relationships in the year ahead.
The Membership Matters campaign was announced in conjunction with the election of CREW-Miami’s 2011 Board of Directors. The new leadership is comprised of some of the commercial real estate industry’s leading executives:
- President: Lyan Fernandez of TotalBank
- President-Elect: Maria Juncadella of Fairchild Partners
- Secretary: Tanya Acosta of Bank of America
- Treasurer: Sonia Cabello of CDC Builders
- Legal Counsel: Karyl Argamasilla of Bilzin Sumberg Baena & Price
- Director of Member Services: Gail Ackermann of Paradigm Interiors
- Director of Programs: Danet Linares of Blanca Commercial Real Estate
- Director of Communications: Margaret Nee of Pointe Group Advisors
- Director of Community Affairs: Diane Fass of Turner Construction
- Director of Sponsorship: Gipsy Alonso-Smith of Workplace Resource
- Director of Membership & Hospitality: Gayle Bainbridge of Global Risk
- Immediate Past President: Suzanne Amaducci-Adams of Bilzin Sumberg Baena & Price
While 2010 saw only tepid recovery in the commercial real estate industry, and the new year is likely to bring continued challenges, the recession has shown that opportunities remain for those who are creative, talented, and resourceful, according to Fernandez.
“The time is now for industry professionals to engage one another and get involved in the business community and associations to cultivate and build their relationships to be ready as business comes back,” says Fernandez. “People want to do business with those they know and trust can get the job done. While getting a business card and following up is a step in the right direction, showing your peers how you work – through participation in committees, boards, etc. – is the most effective way to gain respect, and in turn, see the fruits of your labor pay off with more business referrals.”
This past year, CREW-Miami noted that attendance at the organization’s luncheons remained strong, while male participation more than doubled, indicating that professionals recognized the importance of staying connected.
“With commercial real estate increasingly becoming a relationship-driven industry, indirect contacts and personal relationships are more and more the key to paving a path to success,” says Fernandez. “Whether it’s an exchange of industry intelligence, making a new business connection, or becoming active in online networking groups, getting involved and taking leadership in professional organizations like CREW-Miami can go a long way towards bringing the deal to your door.”