Kicking off 2009, I want to say how honored and privileged I am to serve as the president of BOMA Boston. I look forward to working together with everyone to continue the tremendous success we have experienced over the past few years.
Having just returned from the BOMA Winter Meetings in Palm Springs, Calif., this update brings with it thoughts of warm weather to help thaw the Boston winter. At the Board of Governors gathering, BOMA Boston was recognized as one of three local chapters in our size category for their high level of participation in the annual Experience Exchange Report (EER). The EER is a tool that provides a medium for building owners and managers to share data related to the operation of properties in their local area. For those of you who may not be familiar with the EER, I encourage you to check out how the report can help you to more efficiently operate your building. For more information, check out the BOMA International website at www.boma.org.
In addition to the EER award, BOMA Boston was also highlighted for its membership growth. 2008 saw our chapter climb to 592 total members, making us the 6th largest BOMA at the international level. This is not only a positive commentary on the efforts of our Membership Committee and our first rate staff, but also reflects the underlying value that all returning and new members find in our association.
As each of us deals with the challenges in the current economy for our industry - declining rents, fewer tenants in the marketplace, frozen asset markets - I cannot think of a better time to use the warmth of BOMA Boston to help thaw this chilling business climate. Membership in BOMA has never been a greater value, and is the perfect tool to help you operate your properties most effectively in today's economy.
I can only begin to scratch the surface of everything BOMA offers, but consider this sample of all that is happening in 2009:
Education: 12 course offerings this year ranging from law and risk management to engineering.
In 2009 we introduce BOMA Foundations of Real Estate, a 5 module soup to nuts education program geared towards entry level professionals.
Monthly roundtables - presentations on timely topics from industry experts over lunch.
Networking: Our critically acclaimed Emerging Professionals program begins its 2nd season with a slate of cutting edge presentations followed by dynamic social opportunities.
I am pleased to announce that the BOMA Benefit, held on March 7th, at the Libery Hotel raised over $65,000 for local charities that are focused on housing. Over the last three years, BOMA Boston has generated close to a quarter million dollars for charities through this event.
On May 7th, at the office of Wilmer Hale, 60 State St., Boston, we will hold our annual Springfest with our Spring Market Update. We are thrilled to welcome Jim Costello of Torto Wheaton Research as our guest speaker. Costello 's timely and insightful comments on the current state of the commercial real estate market in Boston promise to be a can't miss event.
Emergency Preparedness: Updates on issues of concern that may affect your business.
Growing Green: Our Green Committee enters its 2nd year after presenting the first Earth Award to a Boston property in 2008. Look for Race to Reuse in 2009, along with educational opportunities in LEED.

Please join me in helping BOMA Boston continue its big momentum into 2009.

Richard Beal is the 2009 president of BOMA Boston.