SIOR CANADA CENTRAL CHAPTER HONORS EXCELLENCE AT BROKER OF THE YEAR AWARDS
Over 250 guests from more than 50 brokerages gathered at Toronto’s Omni King Edward Hotel for SIOR Canada Central Chapter’s 2024 Broker of the Year Awards & President’s Dinner. The evening featured remarks from incoming Chapter President Luis Almeida, SIOR, and included guest Saadia Sheikh, SIOR Global President-Elect, and representatives from the event’s presenting sponsors. The awards celebrated outstanding contributions across the industry, including:
- Industrial Broker of the Year: Samantha Sukumar, CBRE
- Office Broker of the Year: Katya Shabanova, Cushman & Wakefield
- Young Professional of the Year: V. Bill Pavlopoulos, Colliers
- Board Recognition for Industry Leadership and Impact Award: Gord Cook, Colliers
The event also presented scholarships to Arzaan Gilani from Schulich School of Business, Anand Singh Kukreja from Ivey Business School, and Oleksandr Panchoshnyy Queen's University. Attendees celebrated leadership, innovation, and excellence in Southern Ontario's commercial real estate sector. This prestigious event underscored the incredible talent, leadership, and innovation within the commercial real estate sector in Southern Ontario.
MENTORSHIP AND EXCELLENCE SHINE DURING SIOR CHICAGO CHAPTER’S HOLIDAY LUNCHEON
The SIOR Chicago Chapter gathered at the Glen View Club in Golf, Ill., for its annual Holiday Luncheon, celebrating mentorship and industry excellence. Attended by over 60 members, sponsors, and guests, the event featured remarks from incoming chapter president Ryan Moen, SIOR. A highlight of the luncheon was the presentation of the 2024 Richard G. Levy Presidents Award to David Liebman, SIOR, founder and managing broker of PowerPlay Real Estate Partners. The award recognizes members who exemplify professionalism, ethics, and industry achievements. Liebman, a past chapter president and seasoned industry leader, expressed gratitude for the mentorship of the award’s namesake, Richard Levy, and shared his commitment to mentoring future SIOR professionals.
Picture (L to R): Rawly Lantz, SIOR; David Liebman, SIOR; Ryan Moen, SIOR; Bill Lussow, SIOR
SIOR EUROPEAN REGIONAL CHAPTER HOSTS BUSINESS EVENT AND FESTIVE DINNER IN BRUSSELS
The SIOR European Regional Chapter held its latest “Mind Your Own Business” (MYOB) series in Brussels, Belgium, welcoming 44 members and guests from 17 countries. Attendees engaged in dynamic networking opportunities, market updates, and thought-provoking discussions. Highlights included an exclusive Belgian market presentation by Ceusters, a guided tour of the transformed Tour & Taxis industrial site, and an insightful visit to the EU Parliament, where attendees interacted with MEP Johan Van Overtveldt. The event also featured the Next Gen Mentoring Project update, business speed dating, and a prestigious dinner at De Warande. As MYOB continues to grow since its inception in 2021, the chapter looks ahead to the next one in Lisbon on April 3-4, 2025.
Picture 3 (L to R):Michael Pain, SIOR; Chris Aquilina, SIOR; Matthew Leguen de Lacroix, SIOR; Bill Beauclerk, SIOR
SIOR GEORGIA CHAPTER HOSTS ANNUAL LEADERSHIP BREAKFAST
The SIOR Georgia Chapter welcomed over 350 members and guests to its Annual Leadership Breakfast, featuring Bruce Deel, founder and CEO of City of Refuge, as keynote speaker. Deel shared an inspiring message on accountability and fostering community well-being, highlighting the transformative work of City of Refuge in providing housing, healthcare, vocational training, and support for vulnerable populations. The chapter also supported Deel’s latest initiative, M.O.S.T. (Men Opposing Sex Trafficking), reaffirming its commitment to addressing critical local challenges. The event not only strengthened professional connections but also underscored the Chapter’s dedication to creating a lasting impact in Georgia communities.
Picture 1 (L to R): Sim Doughtie, SIOR; & Bruce Deel, founder and CEO of City of Refuge.
Picture 2 (L to R): Bryant Cornett, SIOR; Billy Snowden, SIOR; Rob Binion, SIOR; Tommy Watkins, SIOR; Roberta Moore; Eric Harris; Bruce Deel; Drew Addison, SIOR; Ted Schwartz, SIOR; & Aaron Barnard, SIOR
SIOR INDIANA CHAPTER CLOSES 2024 WITH FESTIVE HOLIDAY CELEBRATION
The SIOR Indiana Chapter hosted its year-end holiday celebration at Ocean Prime in Indianapolis, Ind., welcoming 45 attendees despite inclement weather. The evening honored the chapter’s 2024 sponsors and celebrated outgoing chapter president Todd Vannatta, SIOR, with a President Service Award for his six years of leadership. Incoming president Saimir Qalliu, SIOR, was introduced, marking a new chapter for the organization. SIOR Global Vice President Aaron Barnard, SIOR, delivered remarks, highlighting the chapter’s achievements and enthusiasm for a prosperous 2025.
Picture 1 (L to R): Aaron Barnard, SIOR; Rhonda Beiswanger; Yumi Goodman, SIOR; Kara Riggle, SIOR; & Neal Bowman, SIOR
Picture 2 (L to R): Aaron Barnard, SIOR; Todd Vannatta, SIOR
TOP CRE LEADERS SHINE AT SIOR INLAND EMPIRE & ORANGE COUNTY’S ANNUAL DEVELOPER FORUM
The SIOR Inland Empire & Orange County Chapter hosted its Annual Developer Forum at The Pacific Club in Newport Beach, Calif., bringing together over 60 members and sponsors. The evening featured networking, gourmet dining, and insightful presentations from industry leaders Kenneth Sheer of Covington Development Partners, Iddo Benzeevi of Highland Fairview, and Mackenzie Lynch of Prologis. The chapter also welcomed new members and guests, showcasing the strong community and knowledge-sharing culture that defines the community.
INDUSTRY LEADERS CELEBRATED AT SIOR WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA’S 71ST INDUSTRIALIST AWARDS
SIOR Western Pennsylvania Chapter held its 71st Annual Industrialist of the Year Awards Dinner at the Fairmont Hotel in Pittsburgh, with 160 attendees, including 20 SIOR members. Nish Vartanian, non-executive chairman of MSA, The Safety Company, was recognized for his contributions to the industry. The event also introduced the inaugural James White Award for Commercial Excellence, created to honor the legacy of the late Jim White. The first recipients, Keefe Ellis (posthumously) of Hanna Langholz Commercial Real Estate and Ralph Egerman of Colliers International, were celebrated for their lasting impact on the industry. To close the evening, SIOR Global Vice President Aaron Barnard, SIOR, spoke, further highlighting the event’s role in celebrating the strength and growth of the local real estate community.
Picture 1 (L to R): Kevin Riley, SIOR; & Nish Vartanian
Picture 2 (L to R): Scott DiGuglielmo, SIOR; Michael Downey, SIOR; Curt Starr, SIOR; Jeffrey Deitrick, SIOR; Robert Blackmore, SIOR; Patrick Sentner, SIOR; Matt Virgin, SIOR; Dana Grau, SIOR; Amy Broadhurst, SIOR; Gregg Broujos, SIOR; Mateo Villa, SIOR; Gary Wilson, SIOR; Michael Connor, SIOR; Aaron Barnard, SIOR; John Bilyak, SIOR; Nish Vartanian; Barry Layton, SIOR; Kevin Riley, SIOR