Professional Report - 4th Quarter 2011

it was a tough economic year, and just being able to travel the country and speak at different chapters was very rewarding.”

Roger P. Nordblum Reflects

Roger P. Nordblum, SIOR (Retired), CRE, 1977 SIOR President, was kind enough to sit down with us and have a conversation about his fond memories of SIOR.

On the benefits of being an SIOR:

“…the friendships that developed over the years. That was the number one benefit of being involved with SIOR. I have made friendships from SIOR that have lasted for over 40 years.”

On the SIR Conventions:

“The fall convention was the biggest, and it coincided with the NAR convention. The winter conventions were much smaller…but was usually held in a warmer climate. And the Spring convention was more like the fall, minus NAR. During my term, coincidentally, we voted to terminate the winter convention.”

On how SIR impacted business:

“When I would pitch business and a client saw that I had SIR on my card, it absolutely helped me get an account. We had good recognition—mainly because we had a lot of publicity. Speaking at chapters around the country gave SIR a lot of visibility. The press would always be there, and always write something up about the organization. We also conducted a number of analytical surveys for local and federal government on developing certain areas around the country, to gain publicity.”

On the issues he faced as an SIR:

“The big problem we had during our time was the initiation of the Clean Air Act, the environmental act. It was seen as inhibiting industrial development, and we felt very threatened by these new regulations.”

SIORs 1978 Spring Gala Dinner honoring Past President (1977)
Roger P. Nordblum. Shown in this picture from left to right:
Hugh J. Zimmer, SIOR (ret.), CRE, (1979 President); Robert P.
Boblett (1978 President); Mr. Nordblum; and Lester E. Lehman,
Jr., SIOR (Ret.) (1980 President)

Members gather during the 2011 SIOR Fall World Conference
Closing General Session in Chicago

On the future of SIOR:

“Back in my day, SIR was recognizable across the country and an indicator that you were among the best of the best. I would like to see SIOR go after the best guys in each market. The goal should not be about increasing the organization’s size, or doing anything to impact the friendships and comradery. Just target the best guys, and bring them into the organization.”

SIOR Today

From our humble beginnings, SIOR has grown in membership, influence, and international prowess. We are now considered the leading office and industrial real estate brokerage association with more than 3,000 members in more than 630 cities in 29 countries. As always, SIOR represents today’s most knowledgeable, experienced, and successful commercial real estate brokerage specialists. Real estate professionals who have earned the SIOR designation are recognized by corporate real estate executives, commercial real estate brokers, agents, lenders, and other real estate professionals as the most capable and experienced brokerage practitioners in any market.

SIOR Tomorrow

Looking ahead, the priorities of SIOR remain focused in delivering the highest possible value in services back to its membership, and maintaining its gold standard of excellence. Evidence to this commitment can be found in SIOR’s organizational initiatives, focusing on digital communications, education, international expansion, membership retention and recruitment.

New organizational initiatives, such as the launching of the new SIOR website, the development of mobile and online applications, improved educational sessions and the work of SIOR’s Global Expansion Task Force to bring the SIOR (and its networking benefits) to overseas firms and practitioners, will play a big part in making the coming years a truly exciting time.

The society has grown in recognition, stature, and importance. But throughout this expansion, we have not forgotten the core standards of knowledge, integrity, quality, and professionalism— the standards which set Society members apart. Because of this, SIOR continues to be, and will remain, the preeminent organization of industrial and office real estate professionals for generations to come.