It's hard to believe that the official start of summer is right around the corner and this year is almost halfway over already. With summer comes specific property challenges like maintaining cool indoor temperatures for tenants, caring for landscaping, keeping energy efficiencies, etc. You've heard the term "there's always something!" It seems like that phrase came right out of the property management handbook. All of us in the industry know that there is never a lack of things to take care of no matter what season and each with its own challenges. That's also why we love doing what we do since it keeps us on our toes and thinking through each challenge, gives us better experience.
Like all of the BOMA chapters worldwide, BOMA/Southern Connecticut is honored to have some of the best known allied members in the business within the organization. Through educational and informative meetings as well as many fun networking events throughout the year, BOMA principal, professional, and allied members build strong relationships. BOMA/SoCT is always looking for new individuals to join the group, whether you are a seasoned veteran or new to the industry. For those who are considering a career in some part of the industry, please check us out at www.bomasoct.com. We have an Emerging Leaders committee that is actively seeking new members and several other committees that help us become stronger as a group.
By the time you are reading this, BOMA/SoCT would have just held its annual golf outing which had to be rescheduled due to inclement weather. This always sold out event was held at Richter Golf Club in Danbury, CT on June 16. The day is obviously filled with a fun round of golf, dinner, many great giveaways/raffle prizes, and the awarding of two college scholarships to members' children. Scholarships are our way of giving back to our members and their families. As we all know that the cost of education keeps rising and even a little financial give back goes a long way.
Also in June, I will be attending the Every Building Conference & Expo which is being held in L.A. this year. This is BOMA International's annual summer conference which includes education sessions, renowned speakers, panel discussions, a 400 plus exhibitor trade show, and concludes with a TOBY (The Outstanding Buildings of the Year) Awards Banquet. These awards honor buildings and owners/managers/staff that have achieved excellence in their category nationally. Another still growing and ever evolving sector is the medical office building and healthcare facilities. For years now, this has been a conference all of its own due to the high demand and heavy attendance. With the continually evolving health care system, medical office has been, and is still, undergoing a transition in the real estate it occupies as well. Retail is also another more recently growing part of BOMA. While we as an industry of owners and managers touch on all types of real estate, retail, service, and entertainment sectors are being filtered into the office developments to create active and rich environments.
Other wonderful social networking events to come this year is our Bluefish Tournament and Summer Social. As any group of highly educated and experienced professionals knows, the industry would just not work the same without these fun events. They keep us all active, with each other staying in touch and discussing business and our personal lives. Getting to know your colleagues on this level is so important and vital when building true relationships.
BOMA Southern Connecticut Member benefits:
Networking * BOMI Education * Commercial Real Estate Updates * Industry Speakers * TOBY Awards * Business expansion * Regional members from Boston-D.C.

Victor DeCicco is the president of BOMA Southern Connecticut, and is with HB Nitkin Group, Greenwich, Conn.Victor DeCicco, The HB Nitkin Group