Maryland Chapter 16 held its annual Candidates' Luncheon on June 17, 2009 at McCormick & Schmick’s at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. This year, we were fortunate to have CPM Candidates as well as several potential CPM Candidates, including ARM Members, Associate Members and others involved in the real estate industry in attendance. Our Chapter President's efforts at a local trade show generated much interest from individuals who were not previously familiar with IREM. We were also happy to see many CPM Candidates that we haven’t been in touch with lately. We continue this annual tradition in an effort to raise awareness about the IREM organization, Maryland Chapter 16 and the many benefits of becoming a CPM Member.
The event began with a presentation by Amy Borgerding, CPM, President-Elect and Membership Chair, who provided the group with an overview of the CPM designation and program requirements (see photo at left). The presentation provided a clear path for Candidates and potential Candidates to guide them through the program to achieve this prestigious designation. Each Candidate was given a copy of his or her current Candidate Status Report showing their requirements completed to-date. Potential Candidates were given a CPM Application packet, information about the CPM program and information about IREM.
Steve Antonsen, CPM, Chapter President, followed with a presentation about IREM benefits, and the many services IREM offers to its members. Steve also spoke about his experience at the 2009 Capitol Hill Day, which occurred as a part of the IREM Leadership & Legislative Summit held in Washington, DC in April.
We were fortunate again this year to have a presentation by Len Frenkil, CPM, recipient of the Lloyd D. Hanford Sr. Distinguished Faculty Award, and Past President of Maryland Chapter 16. Len’s presentation included an overview of the electronic MPSA (Management Plan Skills Assessment). The new and improved MPSA utilizes laptops for entering each portion of the management plan, and Len provided great information about what to expect as well as how to get prepared to be successful in completing this important requirement. 
Leanne Laub, CPM, Education Co-Chair, and Janet Simmons, CPM Candidate, ARM, Community Outreach Chair, shared their experiences with the electronic MPSA and provided tips on how to complete the requirements of the CPM designation.
The meeting included ample time for questions and networking with other Candidates and Chapter leaders. A special event also occurred during the program: Steve Antonsen presented Leanne Laub with her CPM pin and certificate (see photo at right). The event was a great success!
Amy Borgerding, CPM®
presidentelect@irem16.org
