New CIBS president discusses objectives for 2009

Honored...grateful...excited! These are just a few of my feelings about my first message and the beginning of my two year term as president of the Commercial Industrial Brokers Society of Long Island (CIBS), "the authoritative voice for commercial real estate on Long Island." OK, enough already with the emotion - now let's get down to business. First and most importantly, let me recognize the fabulous work of my predecessor, Raymond Ruiz, a senior vice president with CBRE. Ruiz served as president of CIBS for the past two years and his outstanding dedication and leadership contributed to the organization's growth and huge success. As well, I have personally benefited from his vast knowledge and general professionalism. I am grateful to him and I look forward to his continuing valuable contributions, as Ruiz will remain on the board as chairperson of our advisory committee. Secondly, let's focus on the (gulp) economy. Hey, no problem...listen up and stop reading the newspapers, listening to TV and radio "hype" and waiting for the next shoe to drop! The press often thrives on sensationalism and too many of us get wrapped up in it! Frankly, that's simply wasted energy. Focus on the positives that exist and surround each and every one of us every single day! Of course, difficult economic times bring challenges, but with challenges come loads of opportunities. Stay focused! Develop a game plan for success and stick to it! The commercial real estate market is just that - a "market" - and markets are dynamic and subject to "constant change." Stay focused, pay attention and keep your eye on the ball as changes materialize. Opportunities will surround you each and every day. Next, allow me to share with you some of my views and a small sampling of my objectives for the CIBS organization, which I will look to achieve during my term as president: 1. To raise the awareness of CIBS in the general business community, continuing the valuable efforts that has already been set in place, 2. To become a driving force as "the leader for active business development and retention," which is much needed on Long Island 3. To ensure that the highest level of professionalism and ethics is maintained in the commercial real estate industry, during a most challenging economic climate 4. To continue to align our group of professionals with partners, who are "strategically worthy" industry, charity, governmental and academic leaders 5. To get our younger members integrally involved and invite their active participation to help guide the way to our industry's future. Understand that I cannot do any of this alone and I will look for your help. We have a wonderful organization and an incredibly talented board of directors. Together we will succeed and lead the charge for commercial real estate on Long Island. During my term as president, I look forward to working with you, with our board members and past leaders, with our membership, with our staff, with our partners and allies, and our locally elected and appointed officials, in order to allow me to provide the most beneficial service to our great organization. I will pledge to represent us all in the best possible manner, to advance our cause, and to continue to improve upon all that has been achieved to date. Lastly, I want to wish all of your readers much health & prosperity in this, the last year of the millenium's first decade. And a reminder to keep an eye out for all those opportunities that the new year will (undoubtedly) bring! J.B. (Jeff) Schwartzberg, SIOR, is the 2009 president of CIBS and senior director for Sutton & Edwards, Inc., Lake Success, N.Y.