CCIM update: Staying competitive in the year to come

Without question, times have been challenging for commercial real estate and the nation. One way to stay competitive is to stay informed. Here's how: the Fourth Quarter issue of the RERC/CCIM Investment Trends Quarterly. Reports on the nation's Top 48 markets during the July-to-September reporting period are now online, as are archived issues through 2007. This is one of the major member benefits of being a member of the CCIM Institute. Will 2009 be the Year You Earn the CCIM? Candidate members: Planning to sit for the Comprehensive Examination to earn the CCIM Designation in 2009? Brenda Garretson is the chapter's candidate guidance chairperson. Garretson can help you with guidance on submitting the Portfolio of Qualifying Experience and the dates for the three Comprehensive Examinations. CCIM Designees: Do You Have the Right Stuff? It is the final chance to apply for 2010 CCIM National committee appointment. Designees interested in serving on a CCIM National Committee in 2010 read on. CCIM Committee Volunteer Interest Forms are now being accepted through January 8, 2009. A list of all National Committees and their descriptions are located at www.CCIM.com. You will need to complete an interest form. You'll be required to log in with your User ID and password. The Interest Forms will be reviewed by Leadership and do not guarantee a position on a committee. If you have any questions, please contact Kelly at (312) 321.4475. The CCIM Institute Treasurer-Elect Applications The CCIM Institute Treasurer-Elect Applications are now being accepted through January 5. Treasurer-elect of the institute assists the treasurer with providing semi-annual financial reports to the board of directors and serves as vice chair of the budget committee. The treasurer-elect automatically succeeds to the office of treasurer and then to the position of immediate past treasurer. This position, when elected by the institute's board of directors, requires a three-year commitment. If elected, you will serve as treasurer-elect starting at the October 2009 meetings and as the 2010 institute treasurer. Candidates must meet the following requirements for consideration: * CCIM designee member in good standing * Complete background check (bondable-legal and financial) * Demonstrate operational experience of multi-million dollar budget, demonstrating appropriate skills, responsibilities, capabilities and outcomes * Agree to interview with the nominating committee * Preferred: Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). * Preferred: Member or past member of budget committee * Preferred: Knowledge of structure and staff of the CCIM Institute, Applications must be submitted by January 5, 2009, to the CCIM Institute. Please return by confidential fax to: Human Resources Department at (312) 373-8216. CCIM Scholarships for 2009 Are you interested in a CCIM Scholarship for CI 102, 103, or 104? Selection Criteria includes the following: * Recipient must have successfully completed CI 101 * Currently a Candidate Member of the CCIM Institute. * Have a need for financial assistance. * Demonstrate a commitment to a commercial real estate career. * Demonstrate active involvement as a dues paying member with the Upstate N.Y. CCIM chapter. Contact our scholarship chairperson Beverly Cain at (646) 258-9600. Joe Larkin, CCIM, CIPS, SIOR the 2009 education presidential liaison for the CCIM Institute, serves as 2008 vice president of the NYS CCIM Chapter and is on the Board of Directors of the CCIM Institute, Albany, N.Y.