Empowering the next generation

This month we focus on exciting developments happening in IREM’s chapters in Chicago and North Carolina. In IREM Chicago, scholarships are helping more chapter members gain key certifications. In IREM Western North Carolina, scholarships and networking opportunities are providing excellent career opportunities to the next generation of property managers.

Vass Education Fund in Chicago

In 2023, the Chicago Chapter took a significant step towards broadening access to education in property management, recognizing the pivotal role of knowledge empowerment in our industry. This effort, focused on enabling smaller companies to sponsor their employees for the ARM^® (Accredited Residential Manager^®) certification course, has become a cornerstone of our commitment to fostering talent at all professional levels. The initiative, fully supported by the Shari Vass Education Fund, has quickly proven to be a strong driver of our chapter’s efforts to foster growth and excellence in property management.

Shari Vass, CPM^® Emeritus, our esteemed past president in 2006, has always been a beacon of leadership and an advocate of education within our community. Her passion for elevating the standards of property management through continuous learning inspired the creation of the Shari Vass Education Fund. Honoring her vision, the scholarship was launched, aimed at breaking down the financial barriers that often prevent motivated professionals from seeking advancement opportunities.

The first year of this program was met with remarkable success. By providing access to the ARM certification course, the IREM Chicago Chapter has enabled individuals from smaller firms to gain invaluable knowledge and skills, setting them on a path to success that was previously out of reach. The certification is more than a credential; it represents a step up in professional growth and job performance enhancement, and it contributes to strengthening the property management industry as a whole.

The success of this program is not measured merely by the number of certifications awarded but by the ripple effect it creates across our industry. Each scholarship recipient brings back a wealth of knowledge to their company, elevating the standard of service and professionalism in our field. Moreover, this initiative has cultivated a sense of shared progress and community within our industry, underscoring the idea that when one of us grows, we all grow.

Encouraged by the success of 2023, we are committed to replenishing the Shari Vass Education Fund and continuing to offer these scholarships in 2024 and beyond. This ongoing commitment reflects our belief in the enduring value of education and our dedication to the professional development of our members. As we look to the future, we’re excited about the potential of this program to continue to change lives, enhance careers, and contribute to the vibrancy and success of our industry.

Everyone in the Chicago Chapter who has supported this initiative is not only honoring Shari Vass’s contributions but also paving the way for a more inclusive and prosperous future in property management. Here’s to building upon this success and empowering the next generation of property management professionals.

Education and networking in North Carolina

The IREM Western North Carolina Chapter is proud of its unwavering commitment to advancing excellence within the real estate profession. Through a steadfast focus on education, networking, and community engagement, the chapter is dedicated to nurturing the growth of its current membership and cultivating the leaders of tomorrow.

Education has always been a cornerstone of this chapter, and it continues to prioritize opportunities for members to expand their knowledge and expertise. The scholarship program exemplifies this commitment, providing invaluable support to deserving individuals like Tiffany Etheridge, CPM^®, ACoM^®. Tiffany’s journey from scholarship recipient to AcoM^® (Accredited Commercial Manager^®) to CPM^® (Certified Property Manager^®) is a testament to the transformative power of education. Her dedication and success serve as an inspiration as she now serves as an officer on the chapter’s board, driving the chapter forward with her vision and leadership. In addition, Auburn Morrow has been awarded the IREM Foundation’s Women in Leadership Scholarship, and Dina Biggs, ARM^®, is the recipient of the Donald M. Furbush, CPM^®, IREM Foundation Scholarship.

In addition to education, networking plays a vital role in the chapter’s mission. The chapter’s events and programs provide unparalleled opportunities for members to connect, collaborate, and forge meaningful relationships within the industry.

IREM Western North Carolina’s commitment to networking extends beyond its current membership to the next generation of real estate professionals. Through its Student Outreach Committee and engagement with UNC Charlotte’s real estate program, the chapter is actively engaging future leaders, offering them resources, support, guidance, and networking opportunities through IREM so they can thrive in their careers. Student Outreach chair and board member, Beau Patterson, CPM^®, ACoM^®, with New Forum, recently hired a student member and graduate of the program, Mitchell Watts, as an assistant property manager.

Community engagement is another pillar of the chapter’s ethos; giving back and making a positive impact in the communities the chapter serves are especially important. Volunteer initiatives and partnerships with local organizations contribute to the betterment of the region while fostering a spirit of camaraderie and collaboration among members.

Looking to the future, IREM Western North Carolina remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing excellence, empowering members, and shaping the next generation of leaders in real estate. The chapter will continue to elevate the standards of the property management profession, foster innovation, and create a legacy of success. It’s building a brighter future for the real estate industry in Western North Carolina and beyond.