Dear SIOR Members and Friends,

It is my honor to take over the reins of the SIOR Foundation from the esteemed Mr. Curtis. Chris’s term came with many challenges unheard of before and he guided the Foundation with a steady hand and calm voice. We cannot thank him enough for his leadership and continued support.

As I begin my term, I am mindful of all that the SIOR Foundation has accomplished over the last five years. Thanks to the careful stewardship of the SIOR Foundation Board of Trustees, the value of our corpus has nearly doubled, and the amount of donations given by SIOR members has continued to grow. Because of this, the level of support that the Foundation has been able to give to the commercial real estate community has also doubled over the last five years.

The Foundation is strong, thanks to supporters like Dave Schiller, SIOR, of Cushman & Wakefield Pyramid Brokerage Company of Buffalo. Dave generously sponsored our 2020 Great Escape Giveaway this fall and because of him, Norm Khoury, SIOR, will receive a $5,000 vacation voucher. Thank you so much, Dave!

The SIOR Foundation is committed to continue its increasing support of students, professionals, and SIOR Chapters. We will not let the current economic situations slow us down! In fact, our budget for this current fiscal year has nearly $300,000 earmarked to advance growth and diversity of the commercial real estate industry through scholarships, educational programming grants, research industry, and continued partnerships with the Real Estate Executive Council and the Goldie Initiative.

To reach our goals though, we need your help! The SIOR Foundation offers you the chance to give back to the industry that has given so much to you. Many of you have received calls from our Trustees during the 2020 Phonathon. If you have made a pledge, make sure to honor that commitment and make your payment. You can do so online through our website, or with the invoice that was e-mailed to you. Another way to support the Foundation is by adding a donation to your SIOR dues payment. This is voluntary but very much appreciated. 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