The 5 Best CRE Organizations To Be Involved With

Enriching a commercial real estate professional outside of work with networking and personal development leads to success in a long-term career. As we discussed in our previous blog post about the importance of getting involved, networking is a fulfilling way to build your connections and your resume. Below, we have the 5 best CRE organizations to be involved with (in no particular order):

1. CCIM 
An organization with a legacy in the industry, CCIM is a leader in commercial real estate education and services. A CCIM designation is recognized in the industry workplace and lends a competitive advantage. A CCIM is a commercial real estate professional who is:

• Knowledgeable in theory and application.
• Equipped with industry-leading technology.
• Connected to a global membership network.
• Ethical and committed to upholding the prestige of the CCIM designation.
• Equipped with the latest news and information.
• Dedicated to serving clients.

2. BOMA (Building Owners and Manufacturer's Association International) 

BOMA offers a wealth of education and resources and becoming a member allows access to research and articles that will give a leg-up on the commercial real estate industry. They also host many quality events and conferences all over the country that offer great opportunities to attend or have a trade show booth. 

3. IREM (Institute of Real Estate Management) 

IREM focuses ethical business practices, maximizing the value of investment real estate and promoting superior management through education and information sharing for real estate managers. This is an organization that a Block Real Estate Services employee, Anne Lemon, is very involved with. Learn how getting involved helped elevate her CRE career. 

4. Join a Local Development Organization

Join a local development organization (or several) to enrich your local network of other commercial real estate professionals and partners of the industry. In Kansas City, good examples of these kinds of organizations are: 

• The KC Downtowners
• The KC Urban Core Group 
• The Kansas City Area Development Council 

5. SIOR (Society of Industrial and Office Realtors) 

Considered a very prestigious designation, the SIOR title takes classes and challenges to gain this recognition. Reserved for high performance professionals, only 2,800 practitioners hold the title worldwide. Every year, Block Real Estate Services looks forward to participating in the Kansas City SIOR Chapter's Development Day. Development Day is the one night a year when everyone involved in Kansas City commercial real estate gathers in one room. It’s networking, it’s highlighting new projects, it’s remembering why we love this industry.

Getting involved with these organizations at the local or national level will be sure to lend quality connections and educational resources that will lead to success in a CRE career.