Exploring the Balkans with the SIOR European Regional Chapter
The SIOR European Regional Chapter’s “Mind Your Own Business” events have become the gold standard for business generation and market insight events in Europe. Taking place in different locations across Europe, and with a focus on understanding the host city markets, they are planned on the ground by local volunteer members and are often paired with networking leisure events and tours. Recently in Ljubljana, Slovenia, Maja Lavrič, SIOR, and Masa Zlajpah Pus, SIOR, put together an exciting program of speakers covering the office, industrial and retail markets of Slovenia, Croatia, and Serbia: Ivo Boscarol of Pipistrel Aircraft and entrepreneur Janko Jenko spoke of courageous entrepreneurs with unwavering determination and innovative spirit that are reshaping industries; Dr. Milan Krajnc discussed the importance of adaptability, flexibility and effective communication in leadership roles; and Damjan Blagojevic highlighted the many merits of LinkedIn.
Inspiring Stories Take Center Stage at the SIOR Greater Los Angeles Chapter Spring Dinner Event
L to R: SIOR Greater Los Angeles Chapter President Jeff Puffer, SIOR, and Vice President Jeff Coburn, SIOR
As a proud supporter of Nicks Kids, the SIOR Greater Los Angeles Chapter donated $20,000 to FLAG (Foundation for Learning, Athletics, and Growth) over the past year, directly benefiting the organization. Three inspirational teens who graduated from the program were invited to attend the chapter’s Spring Dinner at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., and captivated the audience of over 60 attendees with their stories. Founder LAPD Senior Officer, Jeff Joyce, highlighted the organization’s efforts in empowering kids from Watts, Calif., through sports and fostering a bright future. Nicks Kids provides safe soccer opportunities for underprivileged kids in Nickerson Gardens, a public housing complex in Los Angeles.
SIOR Inland Empire and Orange County Chapter Takes a Hands-On Approach to Help End Hunger in Orange County, California
SIOR Inland Empire & Orange County Chapter leadership volunteered at Harvest Solutions Farm, assisting in their mission to end hunger in Orange County by planting, harvesting, weeding, and maintaining the farm’s fields in Irvine, Calif. Founded in 2021 as a partnership between Second Harvest, the University of Southern California South Coast Research & Extension Center, and Solutions for Urban Agriculture, the farm is an integral part of the county’s nutrition strategy and provides 50,000-60,000 pounds of fresh produce every week for those in need. In addition to the in-person support, the chapter also donated $500 to the organization.
SIOR Inland Empire and Orange County Chapter Puts a New Spin on Market Update Event
The SIOR Inland Empire and Orange County Chapter started a new tradition by opening their annual market update and scholarship event at the Water Grill in Costa Mesa, Calif., by recognizing recent new member and sponsor joint transaction highlights. Regional updates followed, with Tim Pimentel, SIOR, and Mike Vernick, SIOR, presenting on industrial markets, with Thomas Pierik, SIOR, and Gary McArdell, SIOR, discussing the office sector. Closing out the evening, scholarships in the amount of $2,000 each were presented to Joseph Aranda and Sarah Stenzel of California State University, Fullerton, and Hannah Bergman of California Baptist University.
SIOR San Diego Hosts CBRE Senior Economic Advisor Spencer Levy
The opportunity to hear from Spencer Levy, Global Client Strategist and Senior Economic Advisor, at the CBRE offices in La Jolla, Calif. drew an audience of 50 attendees from the SIOR San Diego Chapter in May. Levy forecasted a mild recission in 2023, with inflation continuing to ease through the year. He also shared a bold prediction that interest rates are anticipated to decrease.
SIOR Wisconsin Chapter Golfs for a Good Cause
L to R: Kyle Fink; Brian Reilley; Trent Poole; and Jim Larkin, SIOR
Over 120 attendees from Wisconsin Chapters of SIOR and CCIM spent a beautiful day in June at The Legend at Merrill Hills in Waukesha, Wis. to raise scholarship funds for the benefit of both organizations, with SIOR vice president Mike Ohmes, SIOR, and teen gold pro Tyson Sparks challenging golfers in a friendly driving competition. In total, the golfers raised nearly $2,000, with scholarships awarded to two students enrolled in real estate programs at UW-Whitewater and UW-Milwaukee, respectively.