IREM chapter 58 attends 2008 Leadership and Legislative Summit

From April 13 to April 16, chapter president Nicholas Harris (Regional Facilities Management) and IREM administrative executive Nanette Stubbe, were joined by Steven Savoca (Konar Properties) and Robert Miller (Belmont Management Co.) as representatives of chapter 58, to attend the 2008 IREM Leadership and Legislative Summit. The summit started with the opening session and annual awards presentation at the J. W. Marriott Hotel. The opening session began with the "State of IREM" address by president Regina Mullins, CPM, who spoke about recent accomplishments and new initiatives for the coming year. The awards presentation honored outstanding members and chapters for their exceptional achievement. Chapter 58 was awarded a Four Star status for IREM chapters, recognizing the chapter's level of activity and participation in bringing value to its members through meaningful member experiences. The event finished with a hospitality reception, where chapter 58 attendees met with other NYS attendees from the Staten Island and Albany chapters. Harris, Stubbe, Miller and Savoca concluded the day with the rest of Region 2's participants with a dinner at Fogo de Chao, a Brazilian steakhouse. Monday was full of leadership events such as the Chapter Leadership Forum and various industry and Institute roundtable discussions. Region 2 attendees gathered in the late afternoon to share thoughts on the newest IREM initiatives and to exchange ideas on chapter leadership. On Tuesday, the day began with the Governing Council Session. Highlights of the meeting were: * The launch of a new joint Fair Housing Course with the National Apartment Association Education Institute. * A new partnering agreement with the U.S. Green Buildings Council regarding green and sustainable management. * A report on the IREM Foundation. * IREM's Commitment to be a Career Partner to industry members. * IREM's statement on legislative policy on energy emissions trading, the encouragement of energy efficiency improvements and assistance in paying for those upgrades. * The 2009 regional vice presidents were elected, with Jessee Holland, CPM of Sunrise Management, and current president of chapter 92, elected as region 2's incoming regional vice president. * Approval of two new Canadian IREM chapters: IREM London chapter 113 and IREM Manitoba chapter 114. Governing council was followed by keynote speaker, Steve Roberts, journalist and political analyst, who shared his view on the American political landscape, the current nominee race and possible campaign outcomes. The day finished with the Capital Hill Visit Orientation and Federal Issues Briefing where several issues relating to commercial real estate were discussed and participants were prepared for their Capitol Hill meetings on Wednesday. The four representatives concluded the conference by spending Wednesday morning at Capital Hill to meet with staff from the offices of senator Hillary Clinton and senator Charles Schumer to discuss and lobby commercial real estate issues such as energy efficiency improvements, natural disaster insurance, leasehold improvements, and capital gain/depreciation recapture. IREM chapter 58 covers a 23 county area, from Syracuse westward, in the upstate area. Their membership includes 66 active CPM members and 120 active ARM members. Thirteen property management firms hold the AMO designation within their chapter area.