The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) of Suburban Chicago held their annual Holiday & Awards Lunch on December 6 at Carlisle Banquets in Lombard. The event included award announcements, recognition, and networking. During the event, the announcement of the Member, Associate, Engineer, and Developing Leader of the Year Awards took place. In addition, the recipient of the very first Lifetime Achievement Award was honored at the lunch. 

BOMA/Suburban Chicago’s MEMBER OF THE YEAR is Chris Wilimitis, LEED AP, General Manager, JLL. Chris has been an active member of BOMA for close to 10 years and attends events and programs regularly. As the Secretary-Treasurer on BOMA/Suburban Chicago’s Board of Directors, he has taken a leading role in shaping the financial plan for the organization to ensure future success. He also serves on the Executive and Finance Committees and encourages others’ involvement in BOMA. He also shares his insight and knowledge as a mentor through BOMA’s mentorship program.  Pictured with Chris is the 2013 winner, Suzanne Boryscka, RPA, Lincoln Property Company. 

BOMA/Suburban Chicago’s ASSOCIATE MEMBER OF THE YEAR is Elizabeth Schuttler, of Victor Construction Co., Inc. Upon joining BOMA, Elizabeth quickly joined the Trade Show Committee and the Day at the Races Task Force, where she is still serving. She not only helps plan those two events, but actively participates in them, ensuring their success. She has exhibited commitment to BOMA and is always working to strengthen the organization. She attends many BOMA events and encourages others to attend as well. She is always supportive and her integrity, friendliness, and business sense shine through. She even finds time to volunteer in the community. Presenting the award to Elizabeth is the 2016 winner, Andy Murray, Wild Goose Chase, Inc.—Canine Detection & Inspection Services, LLC.

BOMA/Suburban Chicago’s ENGINEER OF THE YEAR is Dan Riley, LEED GA, SMT, SMA, Building Engineer for Millbrook Properties at 5215 Old Orchard Road in Skokie. Dan regularly attends BOMA Engineers education programs as well as other training opportunities. He was a key team member who helped his building win two TOBY Awards in the last five years. He has successfully led numerous projects, many involving energy savings measures, including one in particular which resulted in energy savings of 229,000 kWh/yr. He regularly checks on the status of his building from home and has even stayed overnight in a nearby hotel to ensure there are no problems in extreme weather conditions. Dan is pictured, left, with the 2013 winner, Rick Barnett, Director of Engineering, Millbrook Properties.

BOMA/Suburban Chicago’s DEVELOPING LEADER OF THE YEAR is Lindy Schrik, LEED AP, of JLL. Lindy has demonstrated excellent leadership throughout the events and initiatives of the Developing Leaders Shared Interest Group. As the chair of this group, she has excelled in encouraging all of the group’s members to contribute, volunteer, and take on a role. Her ultimate goal is to further the Developing Leaders Group and assist BOMA as an association to succeed. In addition, Lindy gives a lot of her personal time to volunteer to help those less fortunate through initiatives made available by BOMA and outside in the community. Lindy is pictured with 2016 winner, Dan Flores, LEED AP, Atomatic Mechanical Services.

BOMA/Suburban Chicago’s very first recipient of the LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD is Bruce Church, President/CEO of Balanced Environments, Inc. and Hard Surface Solutions, Inc. Bruce was involved in the very early days of BOMA, having been a member for over 30 years. Due to his focus and commitment, he helped create and make BOMA/Suburban Chicago what it is today. He has built long-lasting professional and personal relationships throughout the association and has always been a constant supporter of BOMA. He has served on various panels and committees, including years on the Membership Committee. As part of that committee, he initiated a mentoring plan to help new members learn about the association. He is dedicated to creating the perfect working relationship with his clients and always operates with absolute professionalism. Presenting the award is BOMA/Suburban Chicago President Jen Sweeney, Millbrook Properties.

BOMA/Suburban Chicago announces the winners of the 2018 Local TOBY (The Outstanding Building of the Year) Award competition. The TOBY Awards honor the best of the best in commercial buildings. Building management teams were first announced at BOMA’s Holiday & Awards Lunch on Wednesday, December 6, which was held at Carlisle Banquets in Lombard.

Through the prestigious TOBY Award program, BOMAs around the world recognize properties that exemplify outstanding quality and management practices. The TOBY Award is not a beauty contest, but a management award. Winning the TOBY Award not only sets a building apart from others, but it is a true testament to the commitment, hard work, and dedication of the property management teams. BOMA/Suburban Chicago is proud to announce four local winners this year. These properties were selected for the effectiveness of their overall management in 11 categories. Judges thoroughly examined the entrants’ buildings by conducting a detailed property inspection and thoroughly reviewed their online entry portfolios, which included in-depth descriptions about their community impact, tenant relations, energy conservation, emergency preparedness procedures, and much more.

The 2018 Local TOBY Award winners from BOMA/Suburban Chicago are:

In the Suburban Office Park – Mid-Rise Category, the winner is:
Arboretum Lakes in Lisle
Managed by Millbrook Properties

Front row - left to right: Stacey Delgado, Tenant Service Coordinator; Karen Boyd, Assistant General Manager; Mary Rakowski, Property Administrator; Dan Ryan, General Manager Back row - left to right: Tim Julien, Building Engineer; Javier Rosado, Building Engineer; Rick Barnett, Director of Engineering; Keith Wilburn, Assistant Chief Engineer; Brian Bueschel, Building Engineer

In the 100,000 to 249,999 Sqaure Feet Category, the winner is:
Edens in Northbrook
Managed by NAI Hiffman

left to right: Rudy Ricardo, Building Engineer; Elizabeth O’Connor, Property Manager; Isaac Martinez, Day Porter; Lynn Zbierski; Property Assistant

In the Suburban Office Park Low-Rise Category, the winner is:
Naperville Woods Office Center in Naperville
Managed by NAI Hiffman

left to right: John Willis, Building Engineer; Tom Murphy, Vice President/General Manager; Jennifer Lewand, Assistant Property Manager; Julie Lee, Senior Property Manager; Scott Wilson, Chief Engineer; Ed Justic, Building Engineer

In the 250,000 to 499,999 Square Feet Category, the winner is:
Windy Point II, in Schaumburg
Managed by Piedmont Office Realty Trust

left to right: David Badame, Building Engineer; Wayne Tyler, Security Supervisor; Shivani Desai, Customer Service Coordinator; Doug Ahlgrim, Chief Building Engineer; Christopher Schmitt, Property Manager

These properties are now eligible to advance to the Regional level of the TOBY Award Competition. Regional winners will be announced in April 2018 and will advance to the International level. International winners will be announced live on June 26, 2018 at the TOBY Banquet during BOMA International’s 2018 Conference & EXPO in San Antonio, TX.

It is through your generosity that we are able to provide the quality service, education, and networking activities that keep our members coming back to BOMA. This year, we are again offering you an opportunity to become more than just a sponsor, to "partner" with us for continued success. 

Raise your Sponsorship to a Partnership in 2018 to...

• increase your visibility and strengthen your company's image in the marketplace.
• take a step toward new, stronger relationships.
• provide more flexibility in your budgeting process. 
• better utilize your marketing dollars. 
• help to provide services and opportunities to BOMA members otherwise not available. 

Partnerships Available:

• Platinum Partner - $10,000 
• • Platinum Partner receives $7,500 in sponsorship opportunities
• Gold Partner - $7,500 
• • Gold Partners receive $5,000 in sponsorship opportunities
• Silver Partner - $5,000 
• • Silver Partners receive $3,000 in sponsorship opportunities 

Partners Get Sponsorship Opportunities First

Partners get their first choice of sponsorship opportunities for different BOMA events throughout the year before any other Associate member. Be the first to decide where your sponsorship dollars are going and choose the events that you know will give you the biggest ROI. 

The Developing Leaders Shared Interest Group is excited to bring back its Mentorship Program for the second year to provide the opportunity for BOMA/Suburban Chicago members to forge long-lasting professional relationships:

• Mentees will have the opportunity to gain a deeper knowledge of the real estate industry from an experienced, well-rounded professional.
• Mentors will be available to provide professional advice and guidance in an effort to assist the Mentee's success in the real estate industry.

Mentors and Mentees will commit to a term of one calendar year, with a minimum of 6 meetings per year - at least 4 of which will be in person. 

Download the Mentorship Application Packet for additional program information. We encourage you to also share this information with your team! 

HOW TO APPLY:

If you are interested in becoming a MENTEE, please submit your completed application to Barb Turbett. 

If you are interested in becoming a MENTOR, please email Barb Turbett and a member of the Developing Leaders group will follow-up with you. 

The deadline to apply is December 1, 2017. Spaces are limited. 

This year's BOMA/Suburban Chicago Holiday & Awards Lunch will be at The Carlisle in Lombard on Wednesday, December 6. We will again be putting together Holiday Gift Bags for our members and their guests. You are invited to participate by providing us with enough gift items to fill 300 gift bags. These items can be as simple as pens, candies or ornaments, or as elaborate as your imagination and budget allow. Each item should have your company imprint or a label or business card attached. Associate Members will receive a participation point for 2018 when contributing items for the gift bag! 

Don't have 300 of all the same item? That's okay; you can mix and match two or three different items. For example, you could contribute 200 notepads and 100 pens or 100 key chains, 100 pens, and 100 hand sanitizers. You probably already have these items in inventory, why not share them with other BOMA members and gain company recognition at the same time? 

All gift items must be received in the BOMA/Suburban Chicago office no later than Monday, November 20. Items will not be accepted on the day of the Holiday Lunch.

The Holiday Lunch is a very special year-end event. We recognize our members of the year, as well as spend time with old and new BOMA friends. Should you have any questions, please call the BOMA Office at 847.995.0970.

Please note that BOMA/Suburban Chicago staff members have received emails and text messages from an individual pretending to be BOMA Executive Director Michael Mulcrone. If you receive a similar message asking for your personal information, please do not respond, delete the message, and block the sender if possible. Feel free to contact our office at 847.995.0970 with any questions you may have.  

JOIN NOW! And receive up to 15 months of membership for the price of 12! 

We Invite Property Managers to be part of BOMA/Suburban Chicago’s Engaged Member Community! Members of BOMA/Suburban Chicago know that BOMA membership is vital to their success and provides valuable solutions, training, support, and industry connections. 

BOMA/Suburban Membership Offers You:

• Educational Opportunities
  
• Industry information for commercial, medical office, and industrial buildings
  
• Programs and seminars on important issues and topics
• Exclusive members-only content and resources
• Professional development
• Networking opportunities
• Resources on relevant topics of the commercial real estate industry
• Member recognition and benchmarking information
• Exclusive membership rebates and discounts

Learn more about the benefits of BOMA membership with this informational flyer as NOW is the time to join - if you join for 2018, you will receive the remaining months of 2017 for FREE! Offer valid now through December 31, 2017.

For more information, contact Linda Hallberg at LindaH@BomaSuburbanChicago.com.

NEWS RELEASE

Schaumburg, October 10, 2017.  In the fall of 2014, Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Rauner announced his fiscal plan which included a proposal to eliminate the Illinois sales tax exemption for up to 32 professional and business services. Since his announced plans, the idea to expand the sales tax base floated around the State Capitol as an option to help close the looming budget deficient that was to occur after the 2011 temporary income tax increase expired at the end of 2014.

Fast forward to the Spring of 2017, after a nearly two-year long budget stalemate, the idea received renewed attention after Governor Rauner reaffirmed his interest in expanding the sales tax base in his 2017 budget address. Shortly after the budget address, the Senate began working behind the scenes on a comprehensive budget and revenue package that included, among many items, a fairly comprehensive expansion of the sales tax base.

In mid-March, as discussions continued, a list of eight service categories emerged that would have imposed a 6.25% excise tax under the Senate’s proposal: use of storage space, including parking garages and boat docks; repairs and maintenance of personal property, such as cars; landscaping services such as sprinkler installation and snow removal; dry-cleaning; cable TV, satellite and digital streaming services; pest control; use of a private detective or installation of a home security system; and personal care, ranging from tanning to tattooing but not including hairstyling.

Once the list of services became public, BOMA/Suburban Chicago, through its legislative team in Springfield, began communicating to lawmakers about the impact the proposed sales tax expansion would have on BOMA/Suburban Chicago members. The team also worked behind the scenes to remove services the BOMA/Suburban Chicago Government Affairs Committee deemed most impactful to its members from the proposal, including landscaping services, private security, and snow removal services.

After months of successful lobbying, and in partnership with other industry-related organizations, the services BOMA/Suburban Chicago were most concerned with were removed, ultimately, resulting in the House budgeteers scrapping the entire sales tax expansion provision and saving potential increase costs of 3-5 cents per square foot on commercial buildings.

Do you want to do your part to help victims of Hurricane Harvey, but aren't quite sure how? Well, Tovar Snow Professionals is making it super easy for you and your buildings to get involved. They have graciously offered up their fleet to collect items from buildings who participate in organizing a collection drive. 

All items will be donated to World Vision, a global Christian humanitarian organization, who will provide the much-needed supplies to families in Houston who are still struggling due to the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey. 

Recommended items to collect include: 

• Disposable Diapers
• Flashlights
• Soap
• Batteries
• Lanterns
• Canned Goods
• Formula
• Children's socks and underwear
• Infant toys (must be smaller than a shoebox)

BOMA/Suburban Chicago in conjunction with BOMA/Chicago is considering holding a joint BOMI International instructor training workshop - FREE OF CHARGE in early 2018.

Share your talents and develop a working relationship with BOMA/Suburban Chicago by becoming one of our instructors. We are seeking to increase the size of our instructor's pool in anticipation of more frequent education programs and training. We are proud to have a full professional development schedule for 2018! However, this schedule presents a "good" problem to have - we are in need of instructors for the following: Budgeting and Accounting, Law & Risk Management, The Design, Operation, and Maintenance of Building Systems, Part II and Foundations of Real Estate Management.

Please reach out to Barb Turbett if interested in teaching - we would appreciate your involvement!