The 2012 January Luncheon and first-ever Participation Fair was a huge success with more than 300 in attendance for the Jan. 11 event. At the Participation Fair, attendees learned about BOMA-Atlanta's 11 committees and four shared interest groups (SIGs). With registration for committees and SIGs on site, many chose to increase the value of their membership and participation with BOMA by signing up with committees and SIGs that fit their interest and abilities.

The January Luncheon featured a state of the association address from BOMA-Atlanta Executive Director Gabriel Eckert, the installation of the 2012 Board of Directors, and the passing of the gavel to 2012 BOMA-Atlanta President Judi Sponsel, RPA, with Behringer Harvard. Sponsel announced the strategic priorities for 2012, which included the transition to BOMA Georgia and celebrating the association's centennial. The luncheon also recognized 2011 graduates of BOMA-Atlanta educational courses. To see photos from this event, visit the BOMA-Atlanta Facebook page.

This year's TOBY and Association Awards Banquet presented by Security Forces Incorporated will be held at the Atlanta Biltmore on Feb. 8 from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. See your colleagues recognized for their accomplishments and learn what it takes to manage an award-winning building. Go to the BOMA-Atlanta website to register.

Also, nominations continue to be accepted for the 2011 Association Awards. To learn more about Association Awards categories and how to nominate someone, visit www.boma-atlanta.org/involved/assc-awards.asp.

BOMA-Atlanta has partnered with the Associated Builders and Contractors Georgia Chapter to offer two educational sustainability courses in February. The Certified Sustainability Manager Course

provides an overview of the concepts, terms and organizations that are part of corporate, federal and organizational sustainability. The Professional Commercial Energy Manager Course explores energy-saving opportunities in HVAC and refrigeration system upgrades, building envelope improvements and lighting retrofits. Click on the links above to get registered for these courses!

The 2012 GREEN Real Estate Summit (GRES) will be held at the Georgia Tech Global Learning Center in Atlanta on March 8 and 9.

Members are encouraged to register before March 2 to avoid the late fee. The event will bring together property managers, facility managers, building engineers and members of the allied industry to learn about sustainability. Specifically, the event will focus on sustainable operations and maintenance of existing buildings. This year's summit is not only affordable, but features several different registration options that are convenient to your schedule. Attend one half-day session for as little as $49, or go ahead and bundle both days for only $159. Both days will feature the GREEN Showcase, where vendors will exhibit products and services that can assist in the sustainable operations and maintenance of existing buildings. You have the option of registering for one or both of these exciting days while space exists.

The GRES website includes a Summit schedule, speaker information, registration information, cost to attend and much more. The site is regularly updated, so be sure to check back often. Visit www.greenrealestatesummit.org TODAY!

BOMA-Atlanta has joined with the Henry County Chamber of Commerce Small Business Council to co-host the January Henry County Business Boosters Lunch on Jan. 19, 2012 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. The topic for this event is Business Development Success on the Southside: The Rest of the Story. A panel of experts will discuss South Metro Atlanta's exciting development opportunities and news. Panelists include:

To learn more about this seminar and to register, call Phyllis Reeves with the Henry County Chamber of Commerce at (770) 957-5786 or email preeves@henrycounty.com.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2012, BOMA-Atlanta is reducing its price to post jobs on the BOMA-Atlanta Job Bank by 30 percent! Recruiting the talent you need is easy, and now more affordable than ever! If you are looking for a job, positions have already been listed on the job board. To see these available jobs, or to consider posting your company's available positions, visit the BOMA-Atlanta Job Bank today!

The Department of Energy's (DOE) Pacific Northwest National Lab (PNNL) is currently accepting applications for an HVAC controls demonstration project that can save properties a significant amount of money on energy bills. Specifically, the DOE is offering to cover the cost of an advanced HVAC controller valued at $2,000-$5,000. The only cost to the winning building is installation, estimated at $500-$1000. The winner keeps the technology and reaps the energy savings benefits - potentially saving thousands more. Those interested in this opportunity should send an email to Srinivas.Katipamula@pnnl.gov by Friday, Jan. 20. Include a description of why you think you should be selected.

BOMA-Atlanta's magazine, Insight, the Commercial Real Estate Journal, is now accepting member announcements for issue one's member news section. This section highlights various news about BOMA members. The magazine's editorial board invites members to submit these potential news stories for review and possible publication. These stories can include job promotions, professional milestones, awards, baby announcements and other news that recognizes the accomplishments of professionals in the commercial real estate industry.

Submit your newsworthy item, along with any pictures, to Insight Managing Editor Erin Hall by emailing ehall@boma-atlanta.org

or by calling (404) 475-9980. The editor will be accepting news as space allows, and news space is first come first serve. Submitting member news does not guarantee news placement. News that doesn't make issue one may be used in a subsequent issue.

BOMA-Atlanta invites you to join the Government Affairs Committee for the 2012 BOMA Day at the Capitol on Feb. 22 at the Georgia State Capitol Building from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. This annual event allows BOMA-Atlanta members to interact informally with elected officials, capitol staffers and others involved in state politics. The 2011 BOMA Day at the Capitol featured visits from several Georgia legislators, including a visit from Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle. 2012 is shaping up to be a big legislative and election year. Come join us as we represent the views of the commercial real estate industry to our elected officials. If you would like to participate in BOMA Day at the Capitol, or have questions, contact BOMA-Atlanta Director of Communications and Marketing Erin Hall by email at ehall@boma-atlanta.org or by phone at (404) 475-9980. We look forward to seeing you there!

Are you in need of products or services for your portfolio? BOMA-Atlanta has an online Buyer's Guide featuring more than 70 categories of products and services available to you. Search by postal code, or look for specific companies and organizations with the products and services you require. Visit BOMA-Atlanta's online Buyer's Guide today!

Remember to register to participate in BOMA-Atlanta shared interest groups and committees in 2012. Joining a SIG or committee is a great way to further your professional education and volunteer within Atlanta's premier commercial real estate association. If you were a member of a 2011 committee or SIG you must re-register for 2012. Join a committee or SIG today!