We all know that predicting the weather is impossible. Even if we can't anticipate every weather related occurrence, we can still be prepared for a weather related situation, here's how:

Prepare for a natural disaster

• Sign up for severe weather alerts in your area.
• Program emergency numbers into your phone.
• Decide on a meeting place for your family to gather.
• Plan escape routes from your home and neighborhood. Remember, roads could be blocked in large-scale disasters – so have at least one alternate route.
• Be sure all adult and teenage family members know how to shut off gas, electric and water lines if there's a leak or electrical short. Keep the tools close by.
• Consider cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid training.
• Remember your pets. Bring dogs and cats inside during a catastrophe, and make sure they have ID tags.

Create an emergency kit

Having an emergency kit on hand may help you keep your family safe during a disaster. Keep emergency supplies in a large waterproof container near a door or in your garage, so you can grab it and find shelter quickly.

Good items for a disaster kit:

• A three-day supply of drinking water (one gallon per person, per day)
• Nonperishable food, such as canned fruit and protein bars
• Manual can opener
• Flashlights or portable lanterns, and extra batteries
• Dry clothing and blankets
• First aid kit, with waterproof matches
• A crank- or battery-powered radio
• Sanitation supplies: toilet paper, moist towelettes, soap, trash bags and disinfectant

Depending on your situation, a kit could also include:

• Baby food, bottles and diapers
• Pet food
• Prescription medications
• Extra eyeglasses or contact lens solution
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

Thanks to our Emergency Preparedness Committee for suggesting these announcements. 

GlenStar Asset Management, LLC is currently looking for someone to fulfill the roll of Assistant Property Manager at their Rolling Meadows facility.  The Assistant Property Manager will assist with the day-to-day bookkeeping, accounting, and finance of property operations. The ideal candidate should be skilled with accounting and bookkeeping functions, with a strong background in Excel, MRI and Kardin, have strong attention to detail and be able to juggle multiple tasks.

For further information, see the full job description or contact Cathi Carlson. 

A Day in the Life of a CRE Hero Video with our own Carlie Stogis; General Manager at JLL

To view the video in its entirety click here: 

This month we are conducting a beta test  of the CMCP - Certified manager of Commercial Properties . We are seeking the first 100 people to take the beta test and if they pass the exam they will receive a CMCP certification. To apply to take the test candidates will need to have:

• Four years of property management experience, or
• A two-year degree, plus two years of property management experience, or
• A four-year degree plus one year of property management experience
• 30 hours of education in commercial property management

There is no fee to take the beta test, but candidates are required to apply and submit documentation. Here are the required steps to apply for the CMCP beta-test exam:

1. To access the online application and other information, https://www2.bomi.org/CRECI or contact Commercial Real Estate Certification Institute (CRECI) Manager Michael Coleman, mcoleman@bomi.org.
2. Candidates are asked to indicate when and from where they received their degree (if applicable) and will need to request that a college transcript be sent to CRECI.
3. Candidates will also be asked to list industry work experience and employers, as well as list sources for at least 30 hours of continuing education. For the latter, certificates of completion or other proof of completion are required.
4. Once the application is approved, the candidate will need to schedule their exam at any Pearson Vue test center (CRECI site has more information on locations) and take the exam sometime between April 1 and April 20, 2019 (candidates will have two hours to complete the exam).

Exam candidates will receive information in advance to help them prepare for the exam. This will include details on various job competencies and skills that will be tested and the “works cited” list used to develop the exam questions. Candidates who pass the exam will receive the CMCP certification. Passing scores will not be known until after the beta test evaluation is complete, so candidates may not hear from CRECI until June or July.

As mentioned in previous issues of Weekly Connections, the Emerging Leaders Shared Interest Group has partnered with our 2019 charity, The Harbour, to bring our members a BOMA-exclusive, hands-on volunteer project! On Friday, May 3 our Emerging Leaders invite you to join them in their efforts to help renovate and refurnish one of The Harbour’s shelter sites, located in Des Plaines.

The project involves painting the site’s “Resource Room,” which is used for the young ladies to do their homework and apply to jobs. The project also includes the painting of additional bedrooms so the Emerging Leaders will need all hands on deck. Please take some time out of your busy schedules to give back for a great cause! Come for the whole day, half a day, or as much time as you can afford!  

Perhaps you can’t attend the Emerging Leaders Volunteer Project but would still like to contribute. That’s great! Here are some other ways to help.

These are photos of the Resource room and bedroom that need painting.

The Emerging Leaders have requested the following items:

• Paint
• Ladders/Step stools
• Paint brushes
• Paint rollers
• Painters tape
• Paint tray
• Drop cloths/plastic tarps
• Buckets
• Rags
• Paper Towels
• Garbage bags

By purchasing items on The Harbour’s Amazon Wish List, you can contribute to this project as well. Items marked as “Shelter Resource Room” will be used to furnish the room.

Please help BOMA/Suburban Chicago and the Emerging Leaders make this a successful volunteer effort!

Earth Day is a day where we show our love for the planet. This year the theme is "Protect our Species." Visit the website Earth Day to find out about how you can get involved and help Protect our Species.

BOMA International is currently accepting applicants for the BOMA Sustainability Scholarship.  This new scholarship, made possible with support from a grant provided by BOMA International Cornerstone Partner Yardi, will be awarded to five students or professionals studying or working within the sustainability field who share BOMA’s vision of energy efficiency and environmental stewardship.  It is intended to connect sustainability-minded individuals with the broad array of opportunities offered at BOMA International’s annual conference through the education sessions, networking opportunities and products and solutions featured on the trade show floor.

The scholarship will cover registration to the 2019 BOMA International Conference & Expo, as well as up $1,000 for associated costs, such as travel and lodging. There is no age or experience requirement for the scholarship, but applicants cannot have attended the BOMA International Conference & Expo previously.  Applicants do not need to be BOMA members. 

Applications are due April 15. To learn more information on how to apply, please click on this link:  Yardi BOMA Sustainability Scholarship.pdf

As you may be aware, BOMA/Suburban Chicago and its Government Affairs Committee have been monitoring a critical issue potentially affecting many of our members. In recent months, the Cook County Department of Revenue has been auditing private parking operators, related to a tax imposed on all parking lots and garage operations. Initially, the tax was intended for parking lot operators and valet services. However, the County expanded the scope of the ordinance and is now conducting audits on some suburban commercial office properties, including some of our members' buildings, leaving them with hefty bills for back taxes, interest, and penalties.

After extensive research, the Government Affairs Committee has concluded that a recent attempt by the County to reinterpret the parking lot tax and collect new revenue appears to be in violation of its own ordinance.

For more details regarding this ordinance, please read the Cook County Parking Lot and Garage Operations Tax Summary, provided by the Government Affairs Committee.

We are excited to announce our 2019 Charity, The Harbour!

The Harbour, Inc., located in Park Ridge, Illinois, is a non-profit organization and is licensed as a Child Welfare Agency in Illinois with authority to operate and supervise foster homes for youth. The Harbour serves North and Northwest Cook County area. The Harbour has served over 800 girls in their shelters since its inception in 1971. 

Their Mission is: The Harbour offers youth safety today and opportunities for a successful tomorrow.

Please help us support The Harbour clients by clicking on this link to visit their website and get involved or provide financial support.