News from the Chicago Chapter

Report From IREM 2017 Midwest Regional Meeting: Once Involved with IREM, If You Are Not a Leader, You Will Be!

By Angela Aeschliman, CPM®, President
Institute of Real Estate Management
Chicago Chapter 23

I am fortunate again to have been an attendee at another fantastic IREM conference. All members of the Chicago Chapter 23 Executive Council attended two very packed days June 6-8 in Minneapolis at the 2017 Midwest Regional Meetings.

The take away that resonated the most, centers on what past President Tony Smith said in his presentation: “If you are involved in IREM and are not in leadership within your company, you will be.” He went on to explain that by getting involved in education and continued involvement at the chapter level and beyond, you receive unparalleled leadership training.

As the conference continued, I kept coming back to his powerful statement. At this conference and many other IREM events locally, regionally or nationally, I have learned so much. Not only by the programs but by the connections, interactions and conversations with peers, vendors, IREM headquarters staff, regional leaders and members of the International Executive Leadership Council.

When in our daily professional careers do we have the opportunity to interact with a peer and bounce off an idea, address a problem or discuss a new tech gadget? When in our daily lives do we get the awesome opportunity to talk to executive leadership about the work they are doing cross borders with other countries to grow IREM and the education curriculum, education property managers in these countries value so highly as we do? Have you had the chance to get out on the dance floor with the most senior people in our profession and just be yourself? Did you know that the downtown Minneapolis market is exploding with developments, and that they recently opened roof top gardens; or that very few of their buildings have security, and they see that as an amenity, not a requirement? I find that fascinating!

There it is, without even knowing it, you have just learned one of the biggest leadership lessons -- involvement. What Tony Smith said is not only true but so very impactful to me. Put yourself out there, get involved, offer your time and expertise, ask questions and be heavily rewarded.