Incoming President's Message
by Yolanda Harris, Janico Building Services
It is a great honor to serve as President of CREW Sacramento for 2012. As I begin my term as President, I reflect on how much our organization has accomplished over the years, since I joined in 1998. I would like to give my sincere thanks to the 2012 Board of Directors, Committee Chairs and Co-Chairs.
This past year, the 2011 Board went through a half-day workshop voicing wants and needs of the board and members at large. We were able to redefine our Core Vision & Beliefs and they were wonderfully articulated by an agency we hired to assist us in this process.
CREW Sacramento is a professional organization dedicated to elevating the perception of women in the commercial real estate industry. This is the essence of CREW Sacramento. So, if what we as members are doing in support of the organization furthers this fundamental vision, then we are moving in the right direction.
What can we do to further CREW Sacramento's vision? Fortunately, we do not have to blaze a new trail. Thirty years ago, a small group of savvy CREW women created a road map in the form of a strategic plan.
During our workshop, we defined the plan by developing two filters to keep in mind: "Does this help us achieve, professionally?" and, "Can we do this at a 10?" These two questions will be asked prior to any tactic we consider pursuing for the purpose of our goals: a) Elevating the perception of women in commercial real estate, and b) Becoming the premiere commercial real estate organization in the region.
A few key goals that were specifically targeted by the Board of Directors to focus on in 2012 are worth sharing.
1. Hot Topic Events are defined as any event where the topic will inspire a high level of engagement throughout our region. They may include building tours, industry-relevant speakers, our annual Golf Classic, CREW Awards Program and Wine Tour.
2. Member Mixers are events where networking is the focus. They are for members only, but each member may invite one non-member to attend. Attendees bring one interesting business topic with them to share with other attendees; events can take place at restaurants, bars, brown bag lunches, dine-arounds, etc.
3. Marketing: CREW Sacramento will use social media to communicate with our members to pinpoint Hot Topics. So, join us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.
So, where do I see us in a year? I see CREW stronger, bigger and more visible in the community with results of an increase in the number of female entrepreneurs and corporate executives in the commercial real estate industry joining and attending our events.
2012 will be an amazing year for CREW Sacramento! The Board of Directors, all the committees and I are dedicated to making 2012 a year of celebration as we bring in 30 years of success. I personally invite each of you to join us and take up this challenge by joining a committee and getting involved.
Let's make it a great year!
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