News from the Chicago Chapter

Goals for 2021 Are to Reconnect, Re-Engage and Re-Invigorate IREM Chicago Members

By Steve Schimmel, CPM®
IREM Chicago 2021 President

In late July, I and IREM Chicago Administrator Teri Lind participated in the Chapter Management Bootcamp, an online training program offered by IREM. The focus of the event was to learn about new tools and resources, gain insight into team-building practices, and explore strategies on how to best engage volunteer leadership and administrative staff.

As I prepare to take on the role of 2021 President of IREM Chicago, the knowledge gained during the Bootcamp certainly will prove valuable given the uncertainties we as an organization of commercial real estate property managers and as a society face in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

For the past three years, I have served the Chapter on the Executive Council and was active on committees and participated in many activities.  In 2011, I earned the Certified Property Manager certification, an achievement that helped solidify my commitment to the profession, to my company, and to myself.

One thing I learned from my volunteer work – as well as in my role as President of McLennan Property Management AMO® and McLennan Commercial Properties – is the need to set realistic and reasonable goals.

With 2021 on the horizon, here are three goals to help guide IREM Chicago in the year ahead.

1. Provide members with the resources, tools, and support to help return to a “new normal” on behalf of themselves, their team, and the assets they are charged with managing.
2. Schedule presentations and webinars featuring speakers and topics that focus on the value of personal growth.
3. Host more frequent in-person events across the metropolitan area; these social and educational events would be geared to smaller crowds.

These goals can be summarized in this phrase, which we can employ as a theme for next year:  Reconnect, Re-Engage and Re-Invigorate.

Without question, the pandemic has changed our world and the way we live, work, and conduct business.  As we approach next year, IREM Chicago – the leadership team, the staff, and the membership -- is poised and ready to grow and adapt to take on the challenges ahead.

I look forward to serving as your President in 2021.