Dear NAIOP-MD members,
As we close out 2020, we wanted to send you a message of thanks and appreciation. Normally this time of year we would be gathering for our annual Holiday Luncheon but 2020 holds different plans. So many aspects of the commercial real estate industry have been impacted by COVID and will continue well into 2021.
We are grateful for the continued support of our Partners in Excellence and our individual members this year and are pleased to report that membership has remained steady with more than 400 members.
As your legislative champion, NAIOP Maryland has been advocating on behalf of the CRE industry in Annapolis with elected officials in the General Assembly, and in county governments. Tom Ballentine, Vice President for Policy and Government Relations, and the NAIOP-MD Legislative Committee, chaired by Tom Pilon of St. John Properties, continue to monitor activity and advocate for our industry and watch for legislation and regulations that would negatively impact the industry, such as the recent debate over energy efficiency. As we head into the most unique legislative session in Maryland’s history, rest assured that we will continue to fight for the industry’s interests.
COVID has presented significant challenges to our networking events where members usually come to strengthen relationships with industry professionals. We pivoted quickly to provide virtual events and webinars with experts, and we pressed to return to in-person events like the Fall Golf Outing and Oktoberfest at Inverness Brewing. We are excited about the upcoming virtual Awards of Excellence on December 18, where we will recognize the best in the industry. This sold-out event will be the opportunity to honor the winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award, Cathy Ward and to celebrate the accomplishments of and contributions of the Maryland CRE community.
We would like to welcome Karen Cherry of The Howard Hughes Corporation who is joining the NAIOP-MD Board of Directors this January. She will be a great contributor to our organization. We would also like to thank Taylor Fields of Knott Realty Group and Spencer Perry of BB&T now Truist for their service and leadership on our Board. Their terms end December 31.
NAIOP Maryland understands that our industry has the means and desire to better the communities that we invest in Maryland. This year alone, we made donations totaling $35,000 to organizations and charities making a difference. They are:
Baltimore Community Foundation – $5,000
City of Refuge Baltimore – $5,000
Feed Anne Arundel – $5,000
UMBC Foundation/Choice Jobs Foundation – $5,000
World Central Kitchen – $10,000
As we are in the midst of the holidays, we are pleased to announce another donation, this time to the Maryland Food Bank in the amount of $3,000. Our industry has an obligation to help wherever possible, and we are proud to have been able to support so many worthy efforts this year.
On behalf of the NAIOP-MD Board of Directors, I would like to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season. We’re eager to start 2021 and we anticipate a return to in-person events as soon as it is safe and viable. See you in the New Year!
Best,
James Lighthizer
NAIOP-MD President
Chesapeake Real Estate Group