New England Women in Real Estate (NEWiRE) is celebrating its 30th year of promoting the advancement of women in commercial real estate. For three decades, NEWiRE has been an important force behind the increasing success of women in New England's real estate community.
In celebration of this milestone year, NEWiRE held a cocktail reception at The Exchange Conference Center with close to 200 in attendance, including 16 of NEWiRE's 24 past presidents. It was a night to revisit with friends and make new connections. During the evening four past presidents spoke, reflecting on NEWiRE during their presidency. Peter Meade, director of the Boston Redevelopment Authority, was the guest speaker.
Over the past three decades there have been many accomplishments by our members. As the economy has changed dramatically over the past 30 years, so has our organization.
1981-1991: The Early Years
NEWiRE started in 1981 when a developer (Ranne Warner) called a lender (Susan Winston Leff) and discussed a way to find a forum for women to network and provide professional development. These two women expanded the group to nine and set out on a mission. These nine visionary women seated around Rosalind Gorin's dining room table launched NEWiRE. There were three things they were looking for: women involved in commercial real estate, women who had three or more years or professional experience, and women who came from any of the disciplines necessary to "do a deal."
By August 1983, NEWIRE had 175 members and its first membership directory. A true accomplishment since this was a difficult time for commercial real estate, with interest rates hovering at about 18%! By 1987, on its fifth anniversary, NEWIRE claimed almost 300 members, and was clearly recognized for its excellence in speakers, programs, and seminars.
1991-2001: The Second Decade
As NEWiRE began its second decade, the economy was beginning its recovery, and it was a time of growth for the organization. Larger and more diverse than ever before, in 1995 NEWiRE affiliated with CREW Network, a national organization of women-led real estate professionals, expanding members' networking opportunities to nearly 5,000 members in 42 chapters. In 1996, the first annual Networking Award was announced, publicly honoring the networking achievements of members. In 1997, the first annual Charity Networking Golf Tournament for members and guests was held. NEWiRE ended the decade with the horrifying tragedy of September 11th and the loss of member Heather Smith. NEWiRE helped to establish the Heather Smith Memorial Fund to honor her memory.
2001-2011: NEWiRE Today
Despite the uncertain and changing economic environment during the last decade, NEWiRE continued to maintain its membership and deliver high caliber programs and networking opportunities for its members. In October 2001, NEWiRE hosted the CREW Network national convention in Boston. In 2005, the first male member joined the organization. In May 2006, NEWiRE hosted a CREW regional conference in Boston and in October 2009, once again hosted the CREW Network Convention and Marketplace.
Today, more than 400 members strong, NEWiRE continues to provide a forum for networking and professional development to women in all real estate disciplines throughout the Greater Boston area. Please visit our website at www.newire.org for a complete listing of upcoming events and registration information.
Janet Pirrello is the 2011-2012 president of New England Women in Real Estate (NEWiRE), Boston, Mass.