March 2007
The year has come and the year has gone. As I reflect on the past twelve months as President of “the most admired” Chapter in the organization, I am proud of what we’ve accomplished as an organization.
If you recall, I charged each of our committees with working towards the overarching goal of increasing member participation. Each committee made great strides towards this goal. Our Chapter finished the year with 309 members. Of those, 132 or 43% attended at least one event and several attended all events. Remember, our Chapter includes Oklahoma, Arkansas and most of Texas, excluding the Houston immediate area. 198 members reside in the D/FW Metroplex. Of those Metroplex members, 63% attended at least one event. We made 64% more contacts with members and nonmembers at luncheons, workshops and networking events. Susan Leinweaver and Jim Lob worked tirelessly to get new members to events and signed up. Our member results reflect their dedication.
My thanks and appreciation goes to everyone in the organization. First and foremost, as a result of the great programs put together by the Programs Committee, lead by Kimberly Burke and Chris Mach, we did see an increase in member participation and see new friendships made. The Inaugural Golf Outing held at Texas Star grew a record crowd of 128 duffers and everyone had a fantastic time. Lewis McElroy and Chris Mach, their Committee and all the volunteers put on an excellent and well-run event. I know I’m looking forward to a repeat performance on October 5th of this year when a Texas team wins the trophy back from Team Ardmore!
Chad Schieber hosted a panel of real estate industry executives discussing Corporate Real Estate: Future of the Workplace with Real Estate graduate students at SMU in October. There was a full house, especially when the meeting ended and reconvened at a favorite watering hole. Plans are to expand these student events with other local colleges and universities.
In December, so many of you graciously gave so our Chapter could make a generous contribution to the “We’ve Got Your Back” organization which provides financial aid and support to the families of our military. Laurie Ankarlo, co-founder of We’ve Got Your Back, shared many stories including personal ones of situations many of us are never faced with. We were all touched and reminded of the great sacrifice so many willingly make for our freedoms. Due to a family situation, Chad Hennings wasn’t able to join us in person but did send his well wishes in a video. Chad was gracious and eagerly autographed five footballs that were auctioned off. Overall, through your generous bidding and purchase of our Pledge of Allegiance bookmarks, we were able to donate more than $4,000 to We’ve Got Your Back. Thank you to Tim Shields and Greg Carter for hosting such a memorable event and to each of you who participated.
The January Networking program with CREW at Sambuca’s proved to be another great social event and opportunity for many to see long-time friends, colleagues and meet new professionals too. It was a great time to take a deep breath and relax from the hectic holiday season. I’m hoping we continue this event with CREW and maybe even invite members of one of our other sister organizations next year.
Vice President, David Beardsley held the annual Planning Retreat in February. He’s laid out the framework and goals for another super year. We’re also seeing new faces in other key leadership positions on the Board. I’m very excited that many of these volunteers will be bringing a new perspective and ideas to the organization – that’s code to say we’re seeing the next generation be more active and eager to keep the Chapter moving forward.
As I close the March Board meeting I’ll be handing the virtual gavel over to David. I want to thank the hospitality of Mohr Partners for allowing us to meet each month at their office. The Chapter continues to be in sound financial shape in large part to all the great Sponsors we had in 2006-2007. Ron Tate did an over the top performance getting Sponsor commitments early in our cycle. I especially want to thank our Learning Partners – CoSource, Legacy and Equis.
Nancy Davis worked untold hours developing a fresh, new, consistent look for all our publications and communications. We now look as professional as we are. Past-President Nancy Windham kept us on the straight and narrow and ensured our Board elections were SOX compliant. Treasurer David Dodd has kept us on track and informed through excellent financial reporting. He is turning the checkbook over to Tim Shields as our new treasurer. Jennifer Hatton will continue as Secretary and Chad Schieber moves up to President-Elect. I will continue on the Board as the Past President anxious to support them as necessary.
In closing, I ask that each of you continue to be active and involved in “the most admired” Chapter in the organization. I have developed so many dear friendships and professional relationships these last few years. In my opinion, it’s the people in this organization that will always make it “the most admired”. Thank you for that.
Vickie L. Berry
