The grass is getting a little greener. Crocuses are starting to peek out from the earth. Backyard bird feeders are welcoming back old friends. And happily, our thermometers are gradually beginning to rise. That must mean that the deep freeze is nearly over and Spring is about to spring upon us! I can only speak for myself, but I know a sense of ease will soon wash over me as I start to shake the shackles of cabin fever for the year.
And along with spring, we have another great year of Chapter meetings and gatherings to look forward to. We've already started the year off with some new meetings that have been extremely well received. Heading the Events Committee this year is Richard Escalante, CPM and Maria Smith, ARM. Richard brings a good deal of experience with him as the Director of Business Development with the Baltimore Development Committee. Maria brings her experience in the Residential world to help us present topics to our members that have relevance to all.
Richard has already used his connections to obtain a behind the scenes tour of the Montgomery Business Park and a meeting run by local developer, Sam Himmelrich. A great time was had by all, with even a few members reminiscing about the days when they were employees of Montgomery Ward and worked in the building before it was rehabilitated.
Just last week, we all attended a meeting conducted by two representatives of the Emergency Management team of Howard County. We learned about how local services respond in the event of an emergency, and then got to take a very cool tour of the Emergency vehicle where they showed us their GPS capabilities, communications capabilities, and other systems utilized in responding to and coordinating efforts on a county level. And many thanks to everyone who contributed food to the food drive organized by Janet Simmons, our Community Outreach Committee Chair.
Next month we once again venture to The Rusty Scupper where we will welcome IREM National President, Pam Monroe. I can't speak highly enough of Pam. I first heard Pam speak at my very first IREM Regional meeting in Pittsburgh, three years ago. Pam addressed all the incoming officers at the time about what IREM has to offer each and every one of us. To say she was inspiring would be an understatement. To this day, I credit Pam and her predecessor, Reggie Mullens, with instilling in me the sense of excitement and committment to this organization that I have. I hope everyone has chance to come out to the Rusty Scupper on the 8th of April.
While the country has welcomed a new administration, so too has Chapter 16. Some are familiar faces, but more exciting is all of the new faces! New faces that represent a fresh crop of ideas to continue to expand upon the strides we have already made. I would like to take a moment and introduce them to you.
Amy Borgerding, CPM; President-Elect. Amy is currently employed as a General Manager with Behringer Harvard and has been involved extensively with our chapter since earning her pin. She has served as Membership Chair and most recently as Secretary/Treasurer.
Rob Shovan, CPM; Secretary/Treasurer. Rob is a Senior Property Manager with Struever Brothers, Eccles, & Rouse managing the exciting Harbor East venue in Downtown Baltimore. This is Rob's first year serving with the chapter and is already contributing a great deal to our success.
Billy Krone, CPM; Director. Billy's involvement in our chapter is invaluable as the chair of our Friends Committee and has agreed to serve once again on the Executive Council. Billy was also Chapter President in 2000 and has been actively involved for many years, including years of service on IREM's Governing Council.
Dave Thomas, CPM; Director. What can we say about Dave? His involvement in our chapter is steadfast and reliable. He has served as Chapter President in 1993 and has headed our enormously successful Annual Golf Tournament for 17 years. Dave's experience and wisdom is a valuable asset to the Executive Committee.
Janet Simmons, ARM, CPM Candidate; Director. Many of you know Janet as the pinch hitter for Mertie when she is unable to attend our events and register you in. But she is so much more than that! Janet is also our ARM Liaison, processing all of the ARM applicant paperwork for the chapter. In addition this year, Janet is heading our newly formed Community Outreach Committee. Janet is also the winner of last year's CPM Candidate of the Year award. She is employed by Forest City Residential Management.
Leanne Laub, CPM Candidate; Director. Leanne agreed to come on board as a director at our Regional Leadership conference in Annapolis last year. She also serves as a representative of the very succesful Region 3 Education Committee as a co-chair with Chapter 16. Leanne recently completed all of her requirements to become a CPM. We are just waiting on the paperwork for her! When you see her in April, be sure to congratulate her. Leanne is employed by CB Richard Ellis.
Clif Bond, CPM Candidate; Director. Clif joins us this year also as a result of his attendance at the Regional Leadership conference held in Annapolis. Clif also agreed to head up our Public Relations committee. His efforts got us press last year in the Baltimore Business Journal! Clif also works for CB Richard Ellis.
Maria Smith, ARM; Director. Maria joins us this year as an additional voice for our many ARM members. Maria also works with Richard Escalante on our Programs Committee. She will provide input in the scheduling process so we make sure our ARM Members' interests are being represented as we put together our programs. Maria is employed by The Metropolitan of Baltimore, an Allen & Rocks property.
We all look forward to our continued service to the chapter this year. And as a reminder, we are always looking for volunteers throughout the year. Shoot me an email if you would like to help out. Thanks!
Steve Antonsen, CPM® president@irem16.org
