“If you have an important point to make, don't try to be subtle or clever. Use a pile-driver. Hit the point once. Then come back and hit it again. Then hit it a third time - a tremendous whack!” – Winston Churchill
As the end of the year approaches and I pen my last president’s message for NAIOP SoCal, Churchill’s words inspired me to write an open letter to our corporate sponsors.
Thank you 2009 Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze sponsors of NAIOP SoCal. You are the financial engine that allows this organization to host networking events, deliver educational opportunities, and pursue legislative advocacy on behalf of the commercial real estate industry.
Because of your financial support, your company and the entire industry benefitted from revised tax/impact/water regulations and fees in 2009…check out the Legislative section of the website (www.naiopsocal.org) and you’ll learn the details and activities underway.
Because of your financial support:
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15 NAIOP-U programs were delivered this year and approximately 600 people learned the latest information about a variety of topics…many of those beneficiaries are your employees;
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35 new students enrolled in the award-winning YPG program and will soon join the 140 alums in an ongoing educational journey within an incredibly strong network…many of these YPG’ers are your employees;
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a new fellowship was created this year in conjunction with the UCI Center for Real Estate to support graduate-level studies for a commercial real estate professional; and
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the Leading Ideas Symposium was another successful idea exchange for CEO’s of Platinum level sponsors.
Lastly, because of your financial support, both larger (Night at the Fights, Fall Forum, etc) and smaller (March Madness, member mixers, etc) networking events were offered and ultimately attended by over 2,800 people this year.
Thank you again for your commitment and dedication to NAIOP SoCal.
Churchill offered sage advice during trying times almost 70 years ago…the words still resonate today…”It is no use saying 'we are doing our best.' You have got to succeed in doing what is necessary.” Both of us – your company and the SoCal Chapter – operate in the same market environment. As a result, we understand the current financial and business situation. Please know that we have been doing ‘what is necessary’ to operate the organization in a financially prudent manner while continuing to offer all the primary sponsor and member benefits.
In closing, thank you, Sponsors, for making 2009 a successful year within NAIOP SoCal! And as you look at the organizations your company will support in 2010, reflect on Churchill’s imperative about ‘doing what’s necessary’ – not just ‘doing our best.’ Acknowledging my bias, doing what’s necessary includes maintaining or increasing your sponsorship level in 2010 so that NAIOP can represent you in the split roll tax and carried interest battles underway, so your employees grow their knowledge about the issues of the day, and so your whole team can build their relationships and network…the ever-present fundamental key to success in our industry.
With gratitude and appreciation, Tom
