Commercial Investment Real Estate November/December 2017 | Page 4

PRESIDENT’S D ESK Global Force ocial media, the internet, and progressively advancing technology platforms are weaving tighter connections among commercial real estate professionals world- wide. As the CCIM Institute expands its global reach, the prospective clients for CCIMs have grown exponentially. During the past year, I have cultivated more international relationships with multiple global partners through travel to Russia, South Korea, Mexico, Canada, Taiwan, and China. For these countries, the Institute has a long history of educating its local commercial real estate professionals, establishing a common industry language, and enhancing their expertise. More international designees also build the CCIM referral network, providing more cross-border transactions for our members in North America. This fall’s CCIM Global Conference in Toronto was the place to share and discuss ideas that are shaping the future of the indus- try worldwide. Editor-in-chief of Forbes Media, Steve Forbes, headed up a stellar roster of top thought leaders outside and inside the commercial real estate profession. These leaders included Mike Reagan of RE/MAX Commercial, Jay Olshonsky at NAI Global, and Julia Davis at WeWork. At the concurrent business meetings in Toronto, CCIM chapter and national leaders pinned 166 new designees, bringing this year’s total to more than 400. Throughout 2017, the Institute has been helping U.S. veterans find successful second careers through its partnership with the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, providing CCIM desig- nation training funded through the GI Bill. After serving our country so faithfully, vets need a helping hand to return to civil- ian life, and we are proud to be an integral part of this effort. During 2017, I have been honored to build more brand rec- ognition for CCIMs, to enhance our international partnerships, and to improve CCIM training and technology for our members. Thank you for giving me this phenomenal opportunity. S Life with The Pin CCIM Institute provides its members with the most sophisticated knowledge, technology, and operational platform to power their business. CCIM Membership Benefits: Lifelong Learning Free and discounted courses covering crowdfunding, big data, and more. STDB The industry’s best digital toolkit for market analysis. FindaCCIM.com and CCIM Connect An exclusive global network for business and industry intelligence. Commercial Investment Real Estate Magazine The award-winning publication that covers market trends and innovations. Affinity Provider Program Exclusive discounts on travel, tech tools, printing, and more. DealShare A database of listings not found anywhere else. Robin L. Webb, CCIM 2017 CCIM Institute President [email protected] 2 November | December 2017 Experience life with the pin. Visit www.ccim.com/benefits COMMERCIAL INVESTMENT REAL ESTATE