REAP holds kick-off event for 2013 class at ICSC office

The Real Estate Associate Program (REAP) hosted a kick-off event for the incoming class of 2013 at the International Council of Shopping Centers office in the McGraw-Hill Building on Tuesday, March 5. Hosted by Gregg McCort, REAP executive director and president, the event welcomed the 2013 class of professionals to a 13-week, 26-class horizontal education program. The program promotes diversity in commercial real estate by providing minority professionals with classes covering a variety of disciplines within the major real estate models, from financial analysis, to investment sales and property management. At the event, members of the incoming class heard alumni working in all facets of the industry share their experiences before attending a cocktail reception and networking hour. REAP was originally founded in 1997 by Mike Bush in Washington, D.C. and has since expanded to operate in seven cities with major markets. The program serves as a bridge between minority professionals and commercial real estate companies looking for talent. Over 80 REAP Associates now work for leading firms in the industry, from Los Angeles to New York. Many of the market's most prominent companies sponsor REAP, bringing in industry leaders to teach financial analysis, market analysis, brokerage, asset management, leasing and development. Instructors include experts from the International Council of Shopping Centers, Building Owners and Managers Association, the Apartment and Office Building Association, the Urban Land Institute, NAIOP and the National Multi Housing Council. Sponsors of the program also include Walmart, McDonald's, American Express, Simon Malls, Gap, Inc., Sperry Van Ness and Platinum Maintenance. About the Real Estate Associate Program: The Real Estate Associate Program (REAP) is an industry-backed, market-driven program that serves as a bridge between talented minority professionals and commercial real estate companies looking for talent. REAP exists because the commercial real estate industry's professional ranks are less than 1% minority at management levels—less than 1,000 people of color in an industry with over 125,000 professionals. During its short existence, REAP has increased that minority cohort by 10%—by spotlighting a talent pool that was always there, but previously unacknowledged. For further information on the Real Estate Associate Program, visit their website at www.projectreap.org.