As 2021 begins, I can’t help but look back at the strange and unusual year that was 2020. Reflecting on the challenges that COVID and the politically charged atmosphere brought to us all, I am especially proud of how the SIOR Foundation rose to meet those challenges at every turn. We made the necessary “pivots” to support SIOR, CRE partners, and SIOR members as they navigated the “new normal” of virtual education and remote networking.
It was an honor to be able to bring Alan Mulally, former President and CEO of Ford Motor Company and Boeing Companies, to the virtual stage during the opening general session of CREate 360. It was enlightening to hear about how Mulally transformed Ford and Boeing and his insight on strategic leadership practices inspired all that had the privilege to hear him. We were also thrilled to be a part of the REEX Virtual Summer program, introducing the world of possibilities to be found in the CRE industry to over 150 underserved high school students from around the country.
Moving forward, the SIOR Foundation will once again support the Real Estate Executive Council’s summer program and continue our outreach to deserving and exceptional youth as they consider their future collegiate plans and career goals. The Foundation will also maintain its support of chapter and national programs that support SIORs and future SIORs on educational and professional journeys. We look forward to providing support for session speakers, regional conferences, and scholarship programs that all enhance the experience of being part of the great commercial real estate community!
I want to give a huge thank you to all who responded to the dedicated and hardworking SIOR Foundation trustees during our 2020 Phonathon. Thanks to your overwhelming support, we were able to raise over $220,000! Quite an accomplishment given these unusual times! If you have not yet paid your pledge, please make sure to send it in!
But we are not done! In order to reach our goal of over $300,000 in support of the commercial real estate industry, current and future brokers, the SIOR Foundation will be offering several more options for you to give back to the industry that has given so much to you. This Spring’s Foundation Giveaway to be held during SIOR’s virtual TransACT 360 will provide a free registration to the CREate 360 conference in Nashville, along with travel and hotel accommodations. Make sure to check your e-mail and social media accounts for more information on how you can participate as we get closer to the conference.
And as always, we are looking for dedicated members who would like to work with the SIOR Foundation on its Board of Trustees. If you are interested, please contact me or staff.
For more information about the SIOR Foundation and its programs, please visit our website at www.siorfoundation.org or contact Corrine Nowak, Foundation Director at cnowak@sior.com.
Sincerely,
Albert McNeel, SIOR
210.366.2222
amcneel@endurausa.com