As I reflect on my time as your 2019 SIOR Global President, I find myself increasingly more grateful for the totality of the experiences that come from being a member.
Being a part of SIOR is truly so much more than just a means to a heightened career path—though we hope and expect that it will be empowering in that way, as well. Instead, we see the value in our interactions as a transformative event, carrying its impact into our industry knowledge, business, and friendships.
Since having the unique honor of serving in this role, I have endeavored to be a highly visible and vocal brand ambassador for this extraordinary organization. Throughout my related travels, I have been fortunate to engage in meaningful ways with our members and alliance partners from around the world. It has been in these moments that I have witnessed firsthand the unfailing expertise, professionalism, and kindness of our members.
Today, we are in the early stages of an ambitious strategic plan that will ensure SIOR's relevance for years to come. I am proud to say our financial condition has never been stronger and the retention of our existing members has never been higher. We are also seeing a dramatic increase in new member applicants, especially in our newest category: Member Associates. This group represents the next generation of the best of the best in commercial real estate, and I remain excited about the state of SIOR and our industry with such a great talent pool.
Worldwide, we continue to make great strides in SIOR’s global strength—our international membership now extends across 36 countries. In March I had the privilege of attending MIPIM in Cannes, France with our international members and 20,000 other commercial real estate experts. I cannot begin to express how impactful it was, networking with industry professionals from around the world and sharing where we as an organization, and an industry, are headed.
Messaging our bright future includes reminding people that we are much more than an elite group of real estate professionals. Thankfully business and philanthropy for SIOR remain intertwined. On May 8, we celebrated the 3rd Annual SIOR Service Day, in which Chapters and members from around the world volunteered their time for the greater good of their communities. SIOR further demonstrated this service-focused mentality through our support of the NEXUS Summer Program at Cornell University. During the program, a group of gifted and talented college-bound teens were introduced to the vast opportunities of commercial real estate as some of our own members coached and mentored them. Our involvement with these types of impactful events will only increase.
Looking ahead, our industry is transforming at a rapid pace. Success will be largely based on finding that balance between old and new, boldly transforming, while also preserving, the qualities that previously determined existing achievement. I have every confidence this perspective will remain a critical part of SIOR's culture as we help lead our profession forward.
In closing, none of our recent growth would be possible without the dedication of so many volunteer leaders at both a local and global level. My heartfelt thanks to our exceptionally talented Board of Directors who generously give so much of their time and passion. Also, to our dedicated team of staff members in Washington, D.C. who work tirelessly to elevate SIOR.
I also want to personally congratulate and welcome Mark Duclos to the role of Global President. It’s clear he will most certainly take us into an even greater future. I am elated to watch his journey and to serve alongside him for another year as the Immediate Past President.
Working with and for all of you has been the highlight of my career and I am infinitely grateful for all of your trust and support.
Sincerely,
Robert Thornburgh, SIOR
SIOR President
robert.thornburgh@kidder.com