Headquarter Highlights - Fall 2020 Edition of Chapter News
SIOR Canada Central Chapter Fundraises with Laughs for Front-Line Workers
Offering not only an opportunity to connect and enjoy lighthearted entertainment, but a chance to support a charitable organization, the SIOR Canada Central Chapter hosted a Virtual Networking Break and Comedy Night. Three world-renowned and hilarious comedians—Peter White, Dylan Gott, and Pat MacDonald —entertained SIOR members and sponsors, as well as COVID-19 front-line workers who were invited to attend free of charge. The event raised over $1,000 in donations for Food Banks Canada.
Economist Mark Vitner Shares Economic Outlook and Impact of COVID-19 with SIOR Carolinas Chapter
With over 75 SIOR Carolinas Chapter members and sponsors in attendance, Mark Vitner, managing director and senior economist with Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, presented on the state of the economy and the impacts of COVID-19. Vitner delivered a positive outlook with some underlying uncertainties due to COVID-19. The session was well received and to any who were unable to attend, reach out to Leslie Hartley at lhartley@siorcarolinas.com for a recording.
SIOR Chicago Chapter Hosts Tillman in Joint Seminar
As our world continues fighting a pandemic that’s left many feeling a sense of loss, strong leadership is a must. Col. Mark Tillman, former pilot and commander of Air Force One (2001-2009), holds years of knowledge and experience on what it means to lead during a crisis. While speaking at a virtual event co-hosted by the SIOR Chicago Chapter and AIRE, he recounted his extraordinary experience of flying Air Force One on September 11, 2001, and of working closely with former United States President George W. Bush throughout his time in office. At a time when the industry and our communities are seeking leadership, Col. Tillman's presentation provided valuable lessons on being an adaptable and prepared leader.
SIOR Inland Empire & Orange County Chapter Supports Frontline Workers #SIORGivesBack
(L to R) Walt Arrington, SIOR and Scott Sanders, SIOR with frontline workers 
(L to R) Justin Null; Larry Null, SIOR; and Joey Sugar, SIOR with frontline workers. 
(L to R) Rick John, SIOR, and Chapter president, Mike Vernick, SIOR, with frontline workers After witnessing the toll that the pandemic has placed on frontline healthcare workers, the SIOR Inland Empire & Orange County Chapter set out to do something that shows their gratitude for local medical professionals and staff. Chapter board members provided 85 boxed lunches to frontline heroes at the UCI Medical Center in Orange, Calif., as well as Hoag Urgent Care facilities in both Newport Beach, Calif. and Irvine, Calif.
SIOR Michigan Chapter Hears from Experts on the Evolution of Office Post-COVID
Indicators were clear. In terms of commercial real estate, the office space—much more so than industrial—was going to take a hit with COVID-19. Hoping to gain insight into what the sector might look like post-pandemic, the SIOR Michigan Chapter invited architecture and design firm, Progressive AE, to educate members on possible changes in an interactive format. Thirty-four attendees from the Chapter and beyond joined the webinar. Some key results from polling the audience: Most attendees (40%) believed offices would decrease square footage—but almost 64% believed clients would go back to work as soon as allowed.
VIP Structures Presents to the SIOR Upstate New York Chapter
As part of their virtual Spring meeting, the SIOR Upstate New York Chapter invited integrated design-build firm, VIP Structures, to discuss the company’s recent Cryomech Inc. development project in Syracuse, N.Y. VIP Structures’ technologies and processes enabled the company to provide Cryomech, Inc. with a streamlined project in an expedited timeframe. The event was attended by over 20 members of the Chapter, as well SIOR Northeast Regional Director, Garry Holmes, SIOR.
| In light of global quarantines, many of our amazing chapters hosted virtual events to encourage networking and connections during a time when it was needed most. We wanted to give a shout-out to say thank you to some of the ones who went above and beyond to continue the SIOR mission! |
Beginning in April, the SIOR Connecticut / Western Massachusetts Chapter has held virtual meetings and heard from local experts and sponsors on topics ranging from banking & loans for clients, to the challenges of conducting environmental assessments, to repurposing old buildings for new uses, and more. These regular Zoom webinars have been a favorite of Chapter members as well as sponsors. |
To continue member engagement, the SIOR European Regional Chapter held a series of regularly scheduled webinars featuring guest speakers and members on a range of industry topics. To date, over 150 SIOR members from countries including Austria, Belgium, Brazil, France, Germany, India, Italy, Ireland, Israel, Nigeria, Russia, the United Arab Emirates, the UK, and the USA have participated. |
After the pandemic took hold, the SIOR Northern California Chapter board discussed ways of staying in touch with members. Chapter President, Greg Shutt, SIOR, sent an email to members letting them know of the SIOR CARE program and the Chapter blog which includes other member resources. The Chapter board also sent an SIOR face mask and custom-label cabernet from Wente Vineyards, with a letter from Shutt and a note from Karl Wente. |
Throughout the pandemic, the SIOR Philadelphia Chapter provided a variety of content to members, including a webinar on Downstream Manufacturing & Excess Property Opportunities with Langan Engineering and Baker Tilly. The Chapter then partnered with the Suburban West Realtors Association for a webinar on the Philadelphia Region’s Economy and Office Market, featuring CoStar. For some much-needed revelry and banter, the Chapter hosted a members-only happy hour, with SIOR Global President Mark Duclos, SIOR, joining the fun. |
Thirty-five members from across the SIOR West Region and SIOR Global CEO, Tom McCormick, SIOR, joined Regional Director, Rob Martensen, SIOR, on Zoom to network with peers from California, Arizona, and Nevada. Attendees were randomly broken into small groups of 4-5 to ensure easy discussion. |