Professional development, staying motivated & volunteering

My life is a journey in which I never imagined I would become a publisher. Let alone for the commercial real estate and A/E/C Industry at New England Real Estate Journal. I do not have a degree because unfortunately I never attended college. Life, hard work, opportunity and the people I have met along the way who have taken a chance on me and taught me the skills I have developed to get this far. IFMA members are a diverse circle of new people I have met who as an association have helped me grow in my new profession. We all have one common goal, simply to succeed. Success to me is the ability to develop and sometimes to re-redevelop and grow in my field. In order to grow I must be willing to learn. It is vital for me to get out and attend events and lectures in order to learn and network with the industry professionals. By doing so I am learning from the experts. So stay motivated, get out of the office and attend or volunteer for an IFMA event, lecture or fundraiser. IFMA Boston understands that Professional Development is paramount to its members. The majority of their professional development programming is free to members and a small nominal fee for non-members to assure that the greatest majority of the community has access. Our 1st lecture of the fall is September 17, the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts tour (BCBSMA). Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts is a community-focused, tax-paying, not-for-profit health plan recognized as one of the nation's best for member satisfaction and quality. With their upcoming lease renewal at the landmark center pending, BCBSMA was ready to consider moving to a new headquarters that would acknowledge changes in the workplace, and their work force, that have occurred in the last few decades. For the project, the organization developed a set of guiding principles that promoted collaboration, innovation, health & wellness and sustainability. BCBSMA evaluated a number of sites, both within Boston and the suburbs. The decision to relocate to 101 Huntington Ave. in the Prudential Center complex was due to its proximity to public transportation, and the opportunity to design a modern, light filled efficient work space. Join us to hear how the members of the BCBSMA real estate incorporated these guiding principles into their new headquarters and delivered a best-in-class workplace to their associates. BCBSMA Panel Members: * Don DiPanfilo, vice president, corporate real estate and administrative services; * Larry Healey, director, real estate strategy and planning; and * Jay Rivera, director, real estate & design. People may help or inspire you in a way you never expected. Learn from everyone who crosses your path in life. Take and enjoy the opportunities that come your way. You may even be the inspiration to someone else! The PR/marketing & community project members of IFMA are volunteering at the refueling station for the Jimmy Fund Walk, September 27. I can't be everywhere but I can certainly give up one Sunday morning for a benefit close to my heart. I lost my brother 3 years ago to cancer after an 8 year fight. He was only 45. We all know someone affected by this disease, a family member, co-worker or friend. One Sunday morning can change your life and the lives of others. Annie McEvoy is an associate publisher at the New England Real Estate Journal, Norwell, Mass.