The Wilder Source

One of the best pieces of advice I have received since starting work at BOMA-Atlanta came from our Executive Director Gabriel Eckert.  It was simple — as are most good ideas. The advice? Create a special folder in my email mailbox for those emails from others that have praised my accomplishments.

During my time at BOMA-Atlanta, I have won multiple small victories for my professional development and the benefit of BOMA-Atlanta. With those scores of victories, there will undoubtedly come defeats.  Leaning on these encouraging reminders helps me get back on my feet and get ready to face the world again.

Lately, BOMA-Atlanta and I have seen a lot of success.  I recently graduated from BOMA-Atlanta’s Property Management 201 course after graduating Property Management 101 earlier in the fall of 2010. BOMA-Atlanta was recently recognized by both the Georgia Society of Association Executives and the American Society of Association Executives as an example of success through increased member contact and association governance change.

When people ask, "What do you know about property management?" I can now say, "I know a little."

These accomplishments are important.  I see them as a reminder that both BOMA-Atlanta and I are moving forward.  Failures and setbacks always come, but sometimes you have to remind yourself that our journey does not end in failure unless we choose to give up.

The Atlanta commercial real estate industry has been in a tough slump in recent years.  There have been many set backs and low notes for everyone involved.  We are doing more with less and pushing our creative and strategic potentials all in an effort to survive.

However, even during these times, we have had many opportunities to celebrate.  In my tenure alone, I have seen our association set records in membership and event attendance.  In 2010, we received two proclamations from the Atlanta City Council and awards for the association’s volunteer efforts. We increased opportunities for education with forward-thinking courses and seminars in green and sustainable practices. Supporting those efforts is the new shared interest group, the Green Real Estate Network. Government Advocacy efforts also increased in 2010 with the implementation of a new grassroots advocacy software, VOTERVOICE. The new software was fully implemented in 2011 and is continuing to see legislative successes.

These accomplishments were all achieved under the direction of BOMA-Atlanta’s board of directors and with the guidance of committee leaders and members.  Most importantly, the support of association members is the real reason for the success at BOMA-Atlanta.

In 2011, we are continuing that success with new opportunities, awards and recognitions. Recently, the Georgia Department of Labor and several industry reports have made positive forecasts for the future of the Atlanta commercial real estate industry.  Many of you on the ground have seen companies starting to hire and your building occupancy rates rise.

With all this in mind, let’s stay positive in 2011. Stick together and support each other as we get back up to face the world.  Keep this on your rainy day.