Letter from the AIRE President

AIRE: A quick look back then focusing forward

I consider it a true honor to compose the annual membership letter as AIRE’s 2012 President. One need only look at the left margin of our organizational letterhead, much like I did when I started in the business, to recognize many respected names and the distinguished list of individuals who have led our group in previous years. They collectively formed the heritage and spirit of AIRE’s collaboration and ethical treatment of others, which have become part of our founding principles. A sincere thank you to our immediate Past President, Corey Chase, for the strong and steady leadership he and his board provided bringing us through what is hopefully the brightening tail end of one of the most difficult economies our industry has endured. When you see Corey, Matt Rogatz or Jane Robins, the three most recent Past Presidents, thank them personally. They truly gave everything they had in executing their charge during troubling times.

AIRE achieved several key accomplishments over the past year and we should all be proud. We learned much about what was really important to us, as is often the case, in lean or challenging times. Despite the economy our four major events were successful by any measure:

• a vibrant Trade Show and venue change going back to our industrial roots
• a continued industry leading (and technology driven) Virtual Market Tour
• The Annual Golf Outing moved to a fresh new course & format (North in 2012?)
• Our always-wonderful Holiday Party at Park Ridge CC -an annual celebration

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the herculean task completed by our Standards committee in reviewing and updating the By-Laws. It was a much needed evaluation and I can attest that they looked at every single word. In addition, we had relevant, well-attended luncheon topics. Lastly, our charitable giving continued throughout 2011 with expansion of the AIRE Cares, Toys-for-Tots, and annual Thanks for Giving drives.

We have an exciting year ahead and I am confident reporting to you that the organization is strong and financially stable. Our members enjoy a uniquely collaborative, mutually respectful camaraderie unique to our market. Our business is rebounding, and people are genuinely starting to have fun again. The AIRE calendar has seven engaging lunch programs, which will be circulated in the coming weeks.

I have one major focus for us going forward. Everything I ask our Board and Committee members to accomplish will be singularly focused on increasing value to you, as an AIRE member, and your business. We are revamping our email, website and information systems to be even more productive. We are encouraging education and diversity in our leadership group. Our hard work, perseverance and dedication to this unified goal will be rewarded this year. Should you have any questions or ideas on how I can help, do not hesitate to contact me at (847) 706-4992 or by email john.gledhill@cbre.com. I remain enthusiastic for 2012 and look forward to returning your trust and earning the right to be included on the honored list shown just to the left.

John Gledhill
2012 AIRE President