2013 has been flying by and Southern Connecticut BOMA has been keeping up the pace by providing a variety of programs both social and educational in nature. As always we would love suggestions from our membership on programs or events that you would like us to consider. We always want to provide our membership with programs that affect the real estate management business as well as providing information on new trends in the field. During 2013 we started the year with our Annual State of the Market program which is always well received. It sets the stage and assists us to know what we can anticipate from the market for the coming year. We then were lucky enough to have Bob McClure from BOMA International visit Southern Connecticut BOMA to provide information on what BOMA International does for us as well as how we can leverage their skills to assist with any advocacy issues we may have in Connecticut. During April we had a very informative program on car charging stations and included valuable information for our members looking to possibly add these stations at their buildings. It reviewed the pros and cons, as well as what considerations needed to be taken into account when installing these units. As the spring weather kicked off, our allied members held an appreciation celebration for the principal members allowing everyone to interact and learn more about the allied members services in a relaxed atmosphere. The annual golf tournament was held at Great River Country Club and was very well attended. We then had a competitive softball challenge against Westchester BOMA and although the weather was not great (and we did not win), there was a lot of good networking that took place. During the 2nd half of 2013 we have some of our most important events (TOBY Awards Dinner, Holiday Social ,as well as a few more educational programs to close out the year). As president it was my privilege to represent Southern Connecticut BOMA by attending the Winter Business Meeting in Hawaii, the BOMA MAC Conference in Baltimore and the Summer Convention and Trade Show in San Diego. These meetings are most beneficial since you get to attend amazing educational program as well as network with other BOMA worldwide members. It is really interesting to hear how our colleagues worldwide handle the same issues regarding facility management and real estate. During the educational programs I have learned how to not only run my facilities more efficiently, but also have learned how to deal with issues not only related to real estate but also related to personal relationships and dealing with vendors and colleagues alike. The trade show in San Diego was one of the best I have ever attended. There were many new environmentally friendly products and services on display as well as vendors with great facility management tools which can now be accessed remotely. I would encourage everyone to make time to attend one of these conventions - the business relationships and information you receive from colleagues and vendors is amazing. Speaking of that, next year the BOMA MAC conference is being held in Boston and it would be great if we could get members to support our neighbors to the north by attending this event. The BOMA MAC is, I think, one of the best events to attend since you get to meet all your colleagues in our local region and gives you great exposure to how BOMA International interacts with the locals. I cannot forget to thank our amazing sponsors since without their ongoing support for Southern Connecticut BOMA many of the programs and events we offer would not be possible. We truly appreciate their unwavering dedication to BOMA and if you wish to sponsor a program or become a sponsor at any level please contact Sharon Moran to ensure you are recognized at all our events throughout the year. Debbie Korf, president of Southern Connecticut BOMA, is with Cartus, Danbury, Conn.