The New England chapters of CoreNet and CRE held their second joint event on September 16 at National Grid at 40 Sylvan Rd., Waltham, Mass. Over 50 attendees from CoreNet and CRE were at this event. The topic was "National Grid: The Power of Action." The event included how the new office building designed and the architecture as well as the energy-savings. The speakers included Francis Boucher, senior energy engineer, National Grid; Meredith Elbaum, director of sustainable design, Sasaki Associates; and Anthony Warren, senior vice-president, Jones Lang LaSalle. National Grid has stated that it is committed to being a leader in energy efficiency. To that end, the organization has substantial resources to help its customers take measures to protect the environment. The National Grid team during this event reported on the energy savings programs and incentives it offers and illustrated how green strategies have been incorporated into their recently-completed office project. As a leader in their industry, National Grid was aggressive in the design of its facility to demonstrate efficiency in terms of space, energy and other natural resources.
CoreNet and CRE chapters also teamed up on Oct. 21 event in Providence to tour the Blue Cross & Blue Shield facility.
Additionally, the CRE chapter board met Sept. 22nd to review the 2009 year and plan 2010. The chapter has held five events during 2009 with three more events for the remainder of the year (2 events with CoreNet and the Dec. 16th holiday reception). From a budgetary standpoint, chapter members have received back in value more than the chapter dues that have been paid. More plans for the 2010 will continue to support "added-value". The chapter events for chapter dues-paying members have been complimentary to date and have included multiple networking and relevant programming. The January event with the Federal Reserve economist, then events with CoreNet and the Appraisal Institute chapters will continue in 2010. The officers are planning an October and November event with CoreNet and then a guest speaker for Jan. 2010.
CRE National has also added some resources for the chapter including the CRE chapter Consulting Corps benefits and the new Counselors in the Classroom that benefits a potential CRE student. The Counselors in the Classroom is headed by Marc Louargand, PhD who worked this summer to create an initiative designed to heighten awareness of CRE and its members in the minds of students and young professionals in the property world. The program will quantify the existing presence of Counselors in college classrooms and promote more involvement by Counselors in mentoring the next generation of industry leaders. A successful program will create a cadre of real estate professionals who will aspire to become a CRE.
Robert Nahigian, FRICS, SIOR, CRE is principal of Auburndale Realty Co., Newton, Mass.