The stars are shining for the Boston chapter of IREM

On behalf of the Institute of Real Estate Management's (IREM) Boston Metropolitan Chapter #4, I am pleased to announce that our chapter has received the highest honor in IREM's Chapter Star Recognition Program for 2008 by being awarded the coveted Five Star Status. IREM's Chapter Star Recognition Program recognizes IREM chapters for providing valuable member services and programs. The program awards points for specific activities based on criteria that define effective, successful chapters; some activities are required, others are elective. Then, based on total points earned, chapters can achieve One, Two, Three, Four, or Five Star Status. The Boston Metropolitan Chapter No. 4 was recognized for a variety of initiatives it undertook in 2008, including: * Sponsoring IREM Education * Supporting the IREM Foundation and Toy for Tots * Participating in the New England Building Facility Management Show * Co-sponsoring Going Green, OSHA Training and Energy Conservation Seminars * Providing leadership training in support of the chapter's and industry-wide goals. The Boston Metropolitan Chapter No. 4, serving Mass., Maine, Vermont and N.H., was founded in 1938. The growth of the chapter over the past 70 years has paralleled the expansion of the real estate industry and the property management profession. Over the years, the chapter has nurtured and promoted the founding and forming of three chapters. These are: Chapter #51 - serving the state of Conn.; Chapter #88 - serving the state of R.I.; and as a result of these newly formed chapters, the chapter identification was changed in 1977 to Boston Metropolitan Chapter #4. During 1987 and 1988, the Boston Chapter actively pursued and promoted the Alpha Committee comprising chapter members from the states of Me., N.H. and Vt. The Boston Chapter has maintained continued interest in the progress of these chapters by holding joint meetings, sponsorship of regional meetings, and avoiding educational conflicts. Since the chapter's founding, the Chapter has grown steadily and continuously in spite of the loss of membership to the founding of the new chapters. The growth of the chapter has progressed over the years due to intensive committee service; cooperative and strong liaison with related professional groups; with government agencies; and strong involvement in the community. This has indeed spelled out the formula for success and continued membership expansion. The chapter has established Distinguished Service Awards, which serve to honor prominent individuals in the community and profession. It has established a CPM of the Year, ARM of the Year,   Canidate of the Year, Student of the Year, Associate member of the Years and Friend of IREM of the Year Awards, for which nominations are solicited by the general membership. In addition, a Special Recognition Award is also given at the discretion of the Past President's Committee. IREM has been the source for education, resources, information, and membership for real estate management professionals for more than 75 years. An affiliate of the National Association of Realtors, IREM is the only professional real estate management association serving both the multi-family and commercial real estate sectors. With 80 U.S. chapters, 10 international chapters, and several other partnerships around the globe, IREM is an international organization that also serves as an advocate on issues affecting the real estate management industry. Membership includes more than 18,000 individual members and 515 corporate members. IREM promotes ethical real estate management practices through its credentialed membership programs, including the Certified Property Manager (CPM) designation, the Accredited Residential Manager (ARM) certification, the Accredited Commercial Manager (ACoM) certification, and the Accredited Management Organization® (AMO) accreditation. These credentials certify competence and professionalism for those engaged in real estate management. In addition, IREM offers Associate, Student, and Academic memberships. Collectively, IREM CPM Members in the United States manage over $1.5 trillion in real estate assets, including 8.4 million residential units and 8.4 billion net s/f of commercial space. To learn more visit www.irem.org. Kathleen Franco is the 2009 president of the Boston Chapter of IREM, Quincy, Mass.