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. 

BOMA has earned an award from Constant Contact, our e-blast and e-news Campaign Provider, for being an All Star Community!

Hold a blood drive now through August 31. We challenge Regular and Associate members to hold a friendly competition for the most units collected during the given time period. Prizes will be awarded to the member that is able to collect the most donations, between now and August 31.

All donations must be collected between January 1, 2019 and August 31, 2019 and reported to the BOMA office by Monday, September 9.  The winner will be announced at the September Members Lunch.

Members should report the total number of units collected from the blood drive to Susan Pearson. Results can be reported any time during the contest. 

The Red Cross has some helpful tips for running a successful blood drive in this pamphlet.

ASSET MANAGEMENT
Lease Analysis, Valuation, Negotiation, and Approval
April 17 & 18, 2019
8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Don't miss this nine-module, two-day course, which is targeted for commercial real estate property managers with a minimum of 3-5 years of experience. This interactive course: 

• Focuses on asset management of investment properties, i.e. commercial real estate that is owned and operated solely as an investment for its owner.
• Is designed to help property managers better understand the function of the asset manager in order to be more valuable to the entire commercial team, from owner on down.
• Will help participants understand how different types of investors analyze an asset and make decisions.
• Examines the most efficient ways to work on the leasing process with the property management team, brokerage team, architects, engineers, designers, consultants, government regulators and inspectors, mortgage servicing team, and tenants.
• Provides course participants the opportunity to participate in a case study regarding the leasing process, serving the role of either the tenant or landlord in a mock lease negotiation, followed by group discussions and sharing team results.

See our Event Calendar for more information. 

Register Now! 

For the safety of both members and staff, the BOMA/Suburban Chicago Office will be closed on Wednesday, January 30, due to the extreme cold temperatures and wind chill warning in effect throughout the Chicagoland area. 

If you must venture outdoors in the cold, please exercise extreme caution. The dangerously cold winds could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as five minutes. In addition, the gusty winds will result in blowing snow throughout the afternoon and evening, which could result in reduced visibility and hazardous travel. 

As the new year begins, BOMA/Suburban Chicago's 2019 Board of Directors took their place on January 1, 2019. They look forward to leading the association to continued success over the next year. Congratulations to the newly elected and returning Board members. 

Officers:  

President Catherine Carlson, RPA GlenStar Asset Managment, LLC	Vice President Christopher J. Wilimitis, LEED AP JLL
Secretary-Treasurer Kimberly DeFily, RPA American Landmark Properties	Immediate Past President Jennifer Sweeney Millbrook Properties

Directors: 

Maggie Amaya, RPA, FMA JLL	Suzanne Boryscka, RPA Lincoln Property Company
Daniel J. Flores, LEED AP Atomatic Mechanical Services, Inc.	Kita Harris, MBA, RPA Colliers International
Eric Hartmann Tovar Snow Professionals

The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) of Suburban Chicago held their annual Holiday & Awards Lunch on December 5 at Carlisle Banquets in Lombard. The event included award announcements, recognition, and networking. During the event, the announcement of the Member, Associate, Engineer, and Emerging Leader of the Year Awards took place. The Lifetime Achievement Award was also presented at the lunch.

BOMA/Suburban Chicago’s MEMBER OF THE YEAR is David Narey, CPM, VP Property Management, Irgens. David was appointed the Chair of BOMA/Suburban Chicago’s Medical Office Building Committee over four years ago. Since then, he has continuously worked toward furthering the committee’s mission to provide valuable education and networking opportunities in the Medical Office Building market segment. His dedication and vision led to the creation of the committee’s annual MOB Symposium, starting in 2016. With David’s leadership, the committee was able to forge a partnership with another association, allowing for a more comprehensive and successful event. Pictured with David is the 2016 winner, Suzanne Boryscka, RPA, Lincoln Property Company.

BOMA/Suburban Chicago’s ASSOCIATE MEMBER OF THE YEAR is Tom Frye, MBA, Senior Director, Suburban Chicago, of Harvard Maintenance, Inc. Tom has been involved in BOMA for a number of years and is always willing to assist other members, help people get involved, and help grow the association. He is a long-time member of the Emerging Leaders Shared Interest Group and assisted in implementing BOMA’s first ever Mentorship Program. Tom has also been instrumental in assisting the Board of Directors with special projects related to the Strategic Plan. As the Chair of the Membership Committee, Tom leads with enthusiasm and dedication. In addition, he played a pivotal role in creating BOMA’s new Individual Industrial Membership, which was designed to better meet the needs of the industrial market segment. Presenting the award to Tom is the 2017 winner, Elizabeth Schuttler, Victor Construction, Co., Inc.

BOMA/Suburban Chicago’s ENGINEER OF THE YEAR is Tom Noonan, Chief Engineer at Highland Pointe in Lombard, managed by Millbrook Properties. Tom makes it a point to get involved in BOMA. As a member of the Engineers Committee, he supports their efforts by planning the educational BOMA Engineers Lunches. Tom also volunteered on the Golf Committee and served as a TOBY Award judge. He is eager to learn and brings fresh ideas back to his property. In addition, Tom has overseen many successful projects at his building, including elevator modernization and retrofitting twenty air handler units. He is also a great mentor to his team. Tom is pictured, right, with the 2017 winner, Dan Riley, LEED GA, SMT, SMA, Millbrook Properties.

BOMA/Suburban Chicago’s EMERGING LEADER OF THE YEAR is Carlie Stogis, General Manager of JLL. Carlie is an active BOMA/Suburban Chicago member, attending many events and programs throughout the year. As an Emerging Leader, she has shown her leadership skills in her work on the Industrial Committee, where she currently serves as Chair. In addition, she has taken the initiative to present a course two years in a row at the BOMA International Conferences. Carlie is also involved in the BOMA International Industrial Committee, allowing her to expand her knowledge and experience in BOMA and the industry. She also encourages her fellow staff members and others in the industry, including non-members, to attend BOMA events. Carlie is pictured with 2016 winner, Dan Flores, LEED AP, Atomatic Mechanical Services.

BOMA/Suburban Chicago’s LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD recipient is Kimberly A. DeFily, RPA , Portfolio Manager of American Landmark Properties. Having been a member of BOMA for over 20 years, Kim has demonstrated her commitment to the association in many ways. She currently serves on the Board of Directors, is an active member for the Emergency Preparedness and Program Committees, and participates in the Mentorship Program. Kim has also served as Regional TOBY Award judge and she continues to share her knowledge with others by teaching BOMA’s Foundations of Real Estate Management and BOMI designation courses. Not only is Kim very involved in BOMA, she encourages others to participate and succeed. She continues to exhibit strong leadership and consistently aims to further BOMA initiatives. Kim is a true advocate for BOMA. Presenting the award is BOMA/Suburban Chicago President Jen Sweeney, Millbrook Properties, left.

This year's BOMA/Suburban Chicago Holiday Lunch will be at The Carlisle in Lombard on Wednesday, December 5. 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 2019 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 Tuesday, November 27. 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.