1. business and industrial

Connections
2010
3rd Quarter Newsletter
CREW Pittsburgh: Advancing Your Success in Commercial Real Estate
Inside
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President’s Message
Upcoming Events
Events Review
A Message from the President
by Maureen G. Ford
News from Headquarters
New Member Spotlight
Member News
Inside Story
Board of Directors
Satchels of Caring Foundation
Notes for Success
Dear Members,
Well, we are three-quarters of the way through 2010. We trust that you
have found interest and opportunities in the various luncheon programs and
networking events that we have put together. Suggestions for future programs,
topics, and events are always welcome. Just contact either myself or the Program
or Events Directors with your suggestions.
But the year is not yet over. Still to come is our Commercial Real Estate Financial
Update,Wine Tasting, and a Lunch N’ Learn with member, Fran Colby, discussing commercial interior
design. All three events will be great chances to network and pick up new information to help in
your career. We encourage you to attend and bring a friend or client.
I hope that everyone is taking advantage of the ability to personalize your member page in the
CREW Biz section of CREW Network’s website. With so much business being conducted through
the Web and sites like Facebook and Twitter, this is yet another way to promote yourself and your
capabilities through a professional outlet. Plus, it is free with your membership.
Another occasion to promote yourself and your successes is our CREW Member News section in
the newsletter. Send our Communications Director information on awards you recently received,
projects or contracts you secured and if another CREW member was involved, boards you were
recently elected to, or any other bits of professional information you think our members should
know. It is an easy way to promote yourself and your business.
Continued on Page 9
2010 Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
CREW Network is a national
association of commercial real
estate women, established
in 1989, representing every
discipline in commercial real
estate. The CREW Network
is dedicated to furthering the
success of its members by
providing opportunities that
foster productive and supportive
relationships and enhance personal
and professional growth. The
CREW Network consists of 71
Chapters and 8,000 members
across the US and Canada.
Ground Water and Environmental
Professionals Since 1891
Connections
Upcoming Events*
October 26, 2010
Commercial Real Estate
Finance Update
Panel Discussion
Rivers Club, Downtown
November 9, 2010
Members Only
Lunch & Learn:
Commercial Interior Design
December 2, 2010
Annual Wine Tasting
Tusca, Southside Works
January, 2011 (TBA)
Members Only
Holiday Party
*All dates are preliminary and
subject to change. Please check our
web site and event announcements
for the latest information and
details as they become available.
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Upcoming Event Spotlight
CREW Pittsburgh’s October Lunch Program, Commercial Real Estate Finance Update:
Navigating the Road of Recovery, will take place on Tuesday, October 26th at the Rivers
Club, Downtown and feature a panel discussion lead by moderator Dan Puntil, Senior Vice President,
Grandbridge Real Estate Capital LLC.
Panelists will include: Michael Edelman, Freddie Mac; Christopher W. Meisner, CRI:
American United Life Insurance Company® (AUL); and Kris Volpatti, First Niagara Bank,
N.A. Join us for an informative discussion on today’s commercial real estate finance
landscape from leaders of regional and national lending platforms. REGISTER NOW!
CREW Pittsburgh Presents: Commercial Interior Design 2010. Learn “How a
commercial interior designer adds value to your real estate deals.” Join us for this complimentary
Lunch ‘N Learn event on November 9, 2010 at the offices of Babst, Calland, Clements
& Zomnir, downtown. The program will be presented by Fran Colby, ASID and Anne
Ditmanson, ASID of Colby Design LTD. REGISTER NOW for this members only event.
SAVE THE DATE for CREW Pittsburgh’s Annual Wine Tasting, which will take place on
Thursday, December 2nd at Tusca in Southside Works. Mark your calendar and plan to bring a friend
for great wine, great food, and a great networking opportunity!
Also note that the Satchel’s of Caring Foundation will again be bringing
fabulous prizes to raffle off at the Wine Tasting event. If anyone would like to
donate an item, please contact Leslie Waldron at leslie.waldron@spectracf.
com. The Foundation appreciates your donations, and because it is a 501(c)3,
all donations are tax deductible. Thank you in advance for your support!
Web sites
Events Review
CREW Pittsburgh
August Lunch Program: Craig Thomas, PNC Financial Services Group
www.crewpittsburgh.org
CREW Network
www.crewnetwork.org
Conventions/Meetings
Network Convention &
Marketplace 2010
October 20-23, 2010
San Francisco, CA
Winter Meeting 2011
February 10 – 11, 2011
Roosevelt Hotel
New Orleans, LA
Spring Meeting 2011
June 9 – 10, 2011
Caesars Palace
Las Vegas, NV
For registration and more
information visit
www.crewpittsburgh.org
by Christine Andreyo, PWC Property Solutions, LLC
PNC Financial Services Group Vice President and
Senior Economist, Craig Thomas, was the featured
speaker at the August 3rd luncheon. Thomas
performs regional economic forecasts and analysis
for the 13 states in which PNC provides services.
Thomas shared his optimistic views on the recovery
of the economy of the United States. He feels that
the economy as a whole is definitely moving in a
positive direction and is in top recovery. Thomas
expects an increase of 100,000 jobs in the private
sector within the next month.This is in comparison
with January 2009 when we were at an average loss
of 600,000 jobs per month.
Cynthia Kamin & Crag Thomas
In addition, he explained that the housing market
is also moving in an encouraging direction and is
the most useful commodity around. He anticipates
that 1.1 million new households will be built and
created by the end of this year.
Thomas also addressed the present growth of
retail services in the US. In 2008, the United States
averaged a 10% retail sales decline per month. Due
Continued on Page 3
Mimi Fersch, Rose Bauman, Krista Foster,
Debra Krumenacker, & Claudi Farmer
Events Review - Continued from Page 2
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direction of the economy, he anticipates retail sales to proceed on a steady
increase through the remainder of this year.
All of these factors are having a positive impact on counties, cities, and all states.
Allegheny County produced a striking rebound in migration. Even the “hard hit” state
of Florida has begun a modest recovery. Thomas explained that overall, household
and corporate balance sheets are improving.
Fran Colby, Linda Fisher, Michele Allerton,
Patricia Horvatich, & Jessica Shea
Thomas then proceeded to answer a few questions from the audience prior to giving
his closing remarks. He left his audience with a positive outlook on the economic
future of the United States.
CREW Pittsburgh’s 8th Annual Golf Classic by Fran Colby, Colby Design LTD
CREW Pittsburgh’s 8th Annual Golf Classic was held on Thursday, September 23rd at the Edgewood Country Club, Church Hill, PA. Fiftyone golfers and seventeen dinner guests enjoyed a wonderful day for golfing.
Two teams tied at 63 with the team of Ed Lantz, Bob Powderly, Royce Karp, and Steve
Mitincik taking first place with lower score on the back nine. Taking second place was
the team of John Clingan, Peter Yanref, Eric Kraemer, and Steve Whittingham.
Skill prizes were awarded for longest drive men, Rod Wilt; longest drive, women,
Angela Gillot; longest Putt, Kim Ford (7’-4”); and closest to the pin, Dave Shandefelt.
(13’-8”). The putting contest winner was Dan Puntil. Congratulations to all the
winners, and thank you to all who participated!
Angela Gillot, Bob Dezort, & Kelly Hoover
Many thanks to First Commonwealth Bank, the Happy Hour sponsor; CB Richard
Ellis, the lunch sponsor; and Burns & Scalo Real Estate Services Inc. and Integra
Realty Resources, the Snack and Beverage sponsors, for their generosity. With their
assistance, the profit for this year’s Golf Classic was nearly $8,000.
The day would not have been successful without a great team of CREW volunteers.
Event Director, Lisa Kelly, First National Bank, would like to extend a special thanks
to Event Co-Chair Martha Graham, Massaro Properties LLC, for all of her help with
planning the event. Megan Zillweger-Jones, Grandbridge Real Estate Capital, LLC did
a great job with the auction items along with Amy Hopkins, Pennoni Assoicates Inc.;
Ed Lantz, Penn Bridge Land and Abstract Co.; Linda Shaner, S&T Bank; and Maureen
Jordan, Cohen & Gigsby, who all helped make this golf outing a fun day.
Martha Graham, Kathryn Jolly, Linda Shaner, & Jill Stitley
Thank you to all the many other CREW volunteers that pitched in and helped with
this year’s Golf Classic. They were: Kristen Pleasants, Natalie Abel, Maureen Ford,
and Fran Colby.
The silent and Chinese auction raised $2,300.Thanks to everyone who generously donated. It was fun and exciting to hear who won each
item. There always seems to be one person that takes the most prizes; this year Ed Lantz was the big winner.
Maureen Ford, Martha Graham, & Lisa Kelly
Pat Connelly, Lori Moran, Dan Puntil, & Megan Zllweger-Jones
Continued on Page 10
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News from Headquarters
CREW Network Member Benefits
With membership renewals arriving next month, we thought it would be worthwhile to reflect upon the benefits and resources
that are available to you through CREW Network for free with your CREW Pittsburgh membership (for example, the CREWbiz
profile Maureen mentioned in her president’s message).
For additional information about the items outlined below, we encourage you to visit http://www.crewnetwork.org.
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Connections
*Indicates a previous member that has rejoined.
New Member Spotlight
Please take this opportunity to acquaint yourself with our newest members:
Abel, Natalie
Energy Savers, Inc.
VP Business Development
306 McKnight Park Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15237-6534
Work: 412/364-6468
Fax: 412/364-6503
[email protected]
Specialty: Consultant (Energy Svcs)
Lesczynski, Susan Broker of Record
Walnut Capital
5500 Walnut Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15232
Work: 412/537-9183
Fax: 412/202-2455
[email protected]
Specialty: Sales/Leasing
Danquist, Jennifer
Director, Business Development
Marco Contractors, Inc.
100 Commonwealth Dr
Warrendale, PA 15095
Work: 724/553-3823
Fax: 724/741-0335
[email protected]
Specialty: Construction
Lynn, Diana
Broker/Manager
One80 Real Estate Services LLC
2010 Kinvara Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15237
Work: 412/318-4139
Fax: 412/318-4241
[email protected]
Specialty: Sales
Foster, Krista*
VP Marketing & Business Dvpt
Mobili Office
125 W Station Sq Dr, Ste 203
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Work: 412/281-6090
Fax: 412/281-6038
[email protected]
Specialty: Interior Design
5
Volpatti, Kris*
First Niagara Bank
11 Stanwix Street, 16th Fl
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Work: 412/807-2934
Fax: 412/417-2092
[email protected]
Specialty: Finance
This Issue’s
Member News
Sponsored by:
Ground Water and Environmental
Professionals Since 1891
Jolley, Kathryn
Principal
DRS Architects, Inc.
One Gateway Center, 17th Fl
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Work: 412/391-4850
Fax: 412/391-4815
[email protected]
Specialty: Architecture
Hannon, Judy
Senior Vice President
TriState Capital Bank
301 Grant St Ste 2700
Pittsburgh, PA 15219-6414
Work: 412/304-0341
Fax: 412/ 304-0391
[email protected]
Specialty: Finance
Sommers, Patricia
Vice President
First Niagara Bank
11 Stanwix Street, 16th Fl
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Work: 412/952-0547
Fax: 412/807-2109
[email protected]
Specialty: Sales/Leasing
CREW Member News
CREW Member Rose Bauman, a sales consultant with Continental
Office Environments, is proud to announce the grand opening of
Office Furniture Closeouts, October 11th-15th at 700 E. Waterfront
Dr. in Homestead. The new facility will be open M-F from 8am-5pm
and feature both new and used office furniture at the lowest closeout
prices. Call 412/368-4114 to learn more.
Through her involvement with the local chapter of the National
Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), CREW Member
Maureen Sweeney, a partner with Blumling & Gusky, LLP, is helping
to coordinate the local NAWIC Annual BLOCK KIDS 2010 contest
on November 7th. During the event, which is open to all children
in grades 1-6, each child will have one hour to build a construction
industry related project with only 100 mega blocks and up to three of
the following: a rock, piece of string, piece of aluminum foil or a piece
of paper. The local winner’s project will be submitted to a regional
competition by March 2nd, and regional winners will later be judged
in a national competition on April 30, 2011. For more information
on contest applications or volunteer opportunities, please contact
Maureen at 412/227-2500 or [email protected].
CREW Quarterly Inside Story
Christine Andreyo, PWC Property Solutions, LLC
Compiled by Mary Guinee, Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc.
6
Describe your current position and company. I am one of three partners at the Pittsburgh-based
commercial real estate company, PWC Property Solutions, LLC. For the past couple of years, I have served as
acting facility manager for Keystone Summit Corporate Park in Warrendale, PA. The position covers a wide
field with a diverse range of responsibilities, which include strategic planning and day-to-day operations of the
premises. My main daily objective is to run the property in the most efficient, cost-effective manner, while
serving the best interests of the occupants and owners. My main duties include procurement and contract
management, as well as buildings and grounds security, and health and safety maintenance. But, we also perform
construction management on behalf of the tenants and owners.
What is an “ideal” lead for you? An ideal lead would come from a business or investor, who would give us
the opportunity to develop or construct a space conforming to their needs. It is especially rewarding when
we have the opportunity to assist a company that may be new to the Pittsburgh area, which ultimately results in an increase in the
workforce, benefitting the local economy.
How has your background prepared you for the position you now hold? My education and work experience have both aided
me in offering excellent service to our clients. My degree in legal studies has been most helpful in lease negotiations and enforcements,
while my environmental degree greatly assists with the operational aspects of my job. With the growing emphasis on LEED projects
and energy savings, a strong environmental background is almost mandatory. I have found that even with more than 10 years of facilities
experience, unprecedented challenges still arise daily.
Continued on Page 9
L. Roger Valente, The Junkmen,Vice President
Describe your current position and company. Our company is a professional junk removal service and
demolition company both for commercial and residential properties. We do both interior and exterior demolition
as well as cleaning out homes and buildings. The Junkmen was founded in 2008 and is located in Emsworth. PA.
I am a vice president with the firm which was founded by my wife Patricia. My day to day responsibilities are
public relations and estimating.
The company is a subsidiary of National Pool and Spa, Plumbing and Heating, a wholesale repair company that
is contracted out to home warranty companies. Our third company is Benchmark Property Management,
a company that is doing strictly service work for the oil and natural gas companies doing roadway work and
building gas drilling pads, impoundments, etc.
What is an “ideal” lead for you? An ideal lead is a commercial broker that is going to be renting out new space, and the owner or
the tenant wants everything inside removed or wants interior walls demolished to create more open space.
How has your background prepared you for the position you now hold?
needed some help 10 years ago after her business partner passed away.
I got involved in this business because my wife
Have you had a mentor? If so what did you learn from him/her? Yes, my mentor is William Cantassano, Jr., a former textile
exporter with whom I became friends with when I lived on Hilton Head 19 years ago. I literally learned how to become a business
man and to relate to people from various cultures. He worked in Lebanon and Gaza, and he got along with everyone – a truly great guy.
What do you like most about your position or your company? I enjoy working alongside my wife and my son- in-law and the
great employees at The Junkmen. I don’t play golf, and I don’t play tennis – they are boring. Work is fun for me.
What change(s) has your company made to respond to the changing marketplace? We started The Junkmen because our
primary business was tied directly to real estate sales, and when the real estate sales began a downward turn 2 years ago we needed
to adjust our business plan. We also wanted to limit our work so we weren’t so spread out over multiple states. Furthermore, our
Benchmark business expanded into oil and gas business given the recent uptick in the need for construction services.
How has the recession affected you? We are making the least amount of money we’ve made in the last 20 years, but we are having
a lot of fun doing it.
How has CREW been beneficial to you? Not yet. But I am hoping that the information in this interview will help to broadcast
our services and drum up some leads.
Satchels of Caring Foundation Update
Connections
CONGRATULATIONS to Heather Knuth!
2010 Board of Directors
President
Maureen Ford
412/980-0355
[email protected]
Past President
Megan Zillweger-Jones
Grandbridge Real Estate Capital LLC
412/391-3366
[email protected]
President Elect
Cynthia Kamin
CB Richard Ellis
412/394-9831
[email protected]
Treasurer
Michele Allerton
Integra Realty Resources
724/742-3321
[email protected]
Secretary
Maureen Jordan
Cohen & Grigsby, P.C.
412/297-4809
[email protected]
General Counsel/Program Director
Marcia Grimes Babst, Calland Clements & Zomnir
412/394-5418
[email protected]
7
The Satchels of Caring
Foundation is excited to
announce that one of our own
has been selected for the 2011
Women of Integrity award.
Sponsorship
Martha Graham
Massaro Properties LLC
412/963-2800
[email protected]
Membership
Debra Flinner
TriState Capital Bank
412/304-0345
[email protected]
Events
Lisa Kelly
First National Bank
412/359-2620
[email protected]
Communications
Fran Colby
Colby Design LTD
724/864-0814
[email protected]
The Women of Integrity award is presented by Pittsburgh
Professional Women, to four businesswomen in the Western
Pennsylvania region each year. Awardees are women of
distinction who have balanced career and civic responsibility
and who share their success by mentoring others and
supporting their communities.
Heather Knuth is a Principal and Co-Owner of Integrity
Design where she serves as Project Manager for all projects
involving interior design. And, as you are all aware, Heather’s
tireless effort, caring, insight, and motivation have been a
driving force behind the success of the Satchels of Caring
Foundation. Our accomplishments have included:
•
Community Action
Christi Neroni
Agency Assist Outsource Solutions LLC
412/480-5733
[email protected]
At the end of 2009, we distributed over 4,200 Satchels of
Caring into 8 counties in Pennsylvania, and the Program
continues to grow.
•
Chapter Administrator
Kara Uhrlen
CREW Pittsburgh
724/622-1143
[email protected]
Being recommended by Pittsburgh Cares, volunteer
employee groups from Carnegie Mellon, BNY Mellon,
and Alcoa attended community action sessions at
Centre City.
•
As result of attending the 2010 Komen Grantees
Workship, we are working on developing partnerships
with Adagio Health Inc., Hair Peace Charities, and St.
Peter’s Church in Butler County.
•
At the invitiation of Robert Morrris University, Heather
and Eileen Iorio attended the nonprofit lecture
“Activating Your Board.”
•
For the second year, we participated in Pittsburgh Day of
Giving, sponsored by Pittsburgh Foundation.
Back Row L to R: Martha Graham, Fran Colby, Lisa
Kelly, Marcia Grimes, Christi Neroni, Debra Flinner,
Cynthia Kamin, Maureen Jordan, and Michele Allerton;
Front Row L to R: Megan Zillweger-Jones & Maureen Ford
Heather is truly deserving of this recognition. She will
be accepting her award on December 1st from 1-3 pm
at the Pittsburgh Athletic Association in Oakland in front
of family, friends, and guests. Pittsburgh Professional
Women is a resource for business women in Western
PA that is designed to help women in business keep up to
date with the latest business tools and techniques. Visit
www.pittsburghprofessionalwomen.net for more information.
We are truly proud of Heather and all her accomplishments!
Volunteers Needed for Community Action Day
Anyone interested in joining us for a mentoring session on
Saturday, November 6th from 10am-1pm at Centre City
Tower, Suite 1180 with Komen and the Girl Scouts, please
contact us at 412/201-2664.
8
Notes for Success: Surveying 101
by Amy Hopkins, Pennoni Associates Inc.
On May 18th, CREW members met at the offices of Babst, Calland, Clements
& Zomnir, P.C. for a Lunch ‘N Learn session presented by Amy Hopkins, an
Associate Surveyor with Pennoni Associates in Monroeville. Following are the
highlights of the topics covered.
► What does a Professional Land Surveyor do, and what types of
products do they offer?
First of all, let’s determine whether you need the services of a Land Surveyor:
Amy Hopkins
►
CREW Members at Surveying 101 Lunch N’ Learn Presentation
►
►
►
Do you or your client own commercial property?
Do they want to subdivide or develop the property?
Do they need to secure a loan in order to purchase that property?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then you need the
services of a Land Surveyor.
If you, your firm, or your client plans to purchase commercial property, then you
need an ALTA/ACSM Land Title Survey. In order for a title insurance company to
insure title to real property, they, along with lenders and clients, rely on surveyors
to prepare a plat or map of the property. This plan depicts the property boundary
and its relationship to adjoining property, roads, and easements. The Surveyor
physically locates features on the ground and measures possible encroachments.
Exceptions to title are addressed and plotted or labeled on the plan to show the
title company how the specific easement or agreement affects or burdens the
property they are going to insure.
If you or your client plan to develop a piece of property, then you
will need an existing conditions plan in order to begin the design
process. This plan should, at the very least, show the property
boundary, total acreage, zoning restrictions, utilities, building
setbacks, improvements, and topography. You may not want to
develop all of the property and choose to subdivide in order to
sell a portion or develop at a later date. A Land Surveyor can
prepare the subdivision plan, meet with the township officials to
obtain approval on your behalf, and record the plan at the county
courthouse.
The Oil & Gas industry contracts surveyors to obtain their permits
through DEP (Department of Environmental Protection) for drilling.
The surveyor prepares the Well Location Plat needed to submit
with the permit application. Surveyors also prepare the Erosion &
Sedimentation Control Plans required for all drilling sites.
On a personal note, all home owners should have a survey of
their property. Whether you plan to add on to your home, sell,
or are having a property line dispute with your neighbor, you will
eventually need a boundary survey. The best time to have your
property surveyed is before you buy so you know exactly what
you are getting for your money.
A Professional Land Surveyor offers a variety of products which
support the Commercial Real Estate Industry from the start of
your project with an existing conditions plans, during your project
with construction stakeout services, to completion of the project
with a Land Title Survey for closing or an As-built survey for
township review.
Providing Engineering
Services Since 1966
COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE CONSULTING
 SURVEYING
 ENVIRONMENTAL
 CIVIL ENGINEERING
 LANDSCAPE
ARCHITECTURE
 MUNICIPAL
 SITE DESIGN
 GEOTECHNICAL
 INSPECTION AND
TESTING
Offices in Monroeville, Uniontown, State College,
Harrisburg, Philadelphia, and Wilkes Barre, PA
Additional offices in NJ, DE, MD, MA, NH & NY
Contact: Amy Hopkins
412-521-3000
[email protected]

9
Quarterly Inside Story with Christine Andreyo Continued from Page 6
Have you had a mentor? If so what did you learn from him/her? My mentor is a professor that I had in college. His dedication
and abundance of knowledge surpasses that which most people behold. In addition to his role as an educator, he volunteered his time
on a county HAZMAT team. I had the opportunity to accompany him on several drills and HAZMAT calls, and I found it amazing that
he carried over his chemical background into the community through volunteer service to better the safety of the public. I learned
that even those of us holding busy, high-ranking positions must make the time to give back to the community. There are no excuses
for not giving something back.
What do you like most about your position or your company? My position allows me to work side-by-side with two wonderful
partners, who have their hearts in this business. We all have the opportunity to do what is in the best interest of our tenants, clients,
and employees. It is most unfortunate when someone is employed by a company to which they are not truly dedicated. I am extremely
fortunate to have the full support of my company, when making the “right” decisions on a daily basis.
What change(s) has your company made to respond to the changing marketplace? PWC Property Solutions has been
diligent in helping our investors and tenants become as cost-efficient as possible. I believe that we have been using the economic
challenges to our advantage. By rebidding all services and projects, we have been able to reduce operating expenses at several
properties by huge percentages while maintaining the highest level of service.
How has the recession affected you? With the national economy in a recession, I have been forced to become a more aggressive
negotiator. I think the recession can actually benefit building owners who are operating at high-standard levels. A deciding factor for
a potential future tenant includes a combination of a property’s overall operational expenses and conditions. The recession may have
actually had a positive impact on facility managers, because it introduced the challenge to be the most energy-efficient, cost-effective,
and competitive overall. I have seen several counterparts in my field bidding out services, such as utilities for substantial savings. It is
most rewarding to save clients money in ways that they may not have even thought possible.
How has CREW been beneficial to you? I have found it to be veryBUS275_10_CREW_Pittsburgh_Ad:2
rewarding to discuss challenges that exist in my field with
x3
CREW members who have had the same experiences. Every member that I have the opportunity to spend time with has had extremely
positive comments about the organization. Even though CREW is
not very demanding of my time, the members still seem close and
offer to help each other as much as possible.
President’s Message Continued from Page 1
If you have the ability and time, I encourage you to consider attending
the CREW Network Convention & Marketplace being held in San
Francisco, October 20th-23rd. The chance to interact and network with
some of the most accomplished women in real estate from around the
United States is invaluable. The networking opportunities are endless.
Not to mention the educational sessions they offer on financing,
adaptive reuse, green initiatives, and starting your own business. If you
can’t make it this year, seriously consider putting it into your budget
and calendar for 2011. You won’t be disappointed.
Safe, Sound, and
Independent
Since 1855.
Last but not least, I want to thank our 2010 Silver Sponsors: Dollar
Bank, Integra Realty Resources, and Pepper Hamilton LLP; and our
2010 Bronze Sponsors: Babst, Calland Clements & Zomnir, PC,
Moody & Associates, Inc., and Pennoni & Associates Inc. Your support
of CREW Pittsburgh and its events and programs is invaluable and
greatly appreciated.
We are proud to sponsor
CREW Pittsburgh.
Enjoy the Fall, and I hope to see you at least one of the remaining 2010
CREW programs and events.
Inquiries: 412-261-8810
Maureen G. Ford
CREW Pittsburgh - President
Equal Housing Lender. Member FDIC.
Copyright © 2010, Dollar Bank. Federal Savings Bank.
BUS275_10
4/9/
Connections
10
Events Review - Continued from Page 3
September Lunch Program:
by Kristen B. Pleasants, First National Bank
Communications
Committee
Communications Director/
Committee Chair
Fran Colby
Colby Design LTD
724/864-0814
[email protected]
Content Provided By
Mary Guinee
Civil & Environmental
Consultants, Inc.
412/429-2324
[email protected]
Kristen B. Pleasants
First National Bank
412/359-2637
[email protected]
On Tuesday, September 28th, CREW Pittsburgh held its monthly lunch meeting at the Rivers Club in
downtown Pittsburgh. Elisabeth M. Leach, President of EML Practice Growth Consulting, LLC, presented
a program entitled “Networking for Results.”
Elisabeth reminded attendees that maximizing the efficiency of networking through preparation is more
important than ever given the current economic climate and the growing number of personal and
professional demands on each of us. In summary, she covered the following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
How to assess various networking opportunities
Preparing to network
Tips to boost your confidence in networking situations
How to maximize your time at a networking event
Follow up strategies
Every one of us is an ambassador for our firm . . . whether we are in a business development role or
not. And, networking opportunities can come in all shapes and sizes, from a typical industry networking
event (like a CREW Pittsburgh lunch meeting) to your child’s soccer game or a local fundraising event.
Christine Andreyo
PWC Property Solutions, LLC
724/741-6305
candreyo@pwcproperty
solutions.com
Design/Layout Provided By
Kara Uhrlen
CREW Pittsburgh
724/622-1143
[email protected]
Maureen Ford, Elisabeth Leach, & Mary Guinee
Proofreading Provided By
Maureen Jordan
Cohen & Grigsby, P.C.
412/297-4809
[email protected]
CREW Connections is a
quarterly newsletter published
by the CREW Pittsburgh
Communications
Committee and distributed to
members in good standing. The
CREW Connections mission is to
provide information concerning
business opportunities and
developments in commercial
real estate, facilitate member
networking, and to promote
CREW membership and events.
CREW Pittsburgh
PO BOX 269
Morgan, PA 15064
www.crewpittsburgh.org
Rose Bauman, Kathryn Jolley, & Linda Shaner
Elisabeth encouraged the audience to establish
goals and set reasonable expectations for
themselves. Don’t expect immediate results.
Remember, building relationships take time. We
all know that people do business with people
they like. In most instances, they have to meet
you on more than one occasion and in different
venues before they trust you enough to send you
business. She also advised the group to continually
evaluate their networking opportunities. If you
have been actively (and effectively) networking at
the same event for a period of time and you are
not making solid connections (notice I didn’t say
getting business), it may be time to re-evaluate
that event and find others that might be a better
use of your time.
Finally, don’t forget to follow up. Elisabeth suggests
that you e-mail any contacts that you make within
two days following an event. Don’t give up if you
do not hear back from that person after reaching
out to them. Her rule of thumb is to contact a
person three times before you give up, and then
and only then, would you assume the contact is
just not interested in meeting with you.
For many of us, networking is a key part of our daily lives. Most of us understand its importance, or we
wouldn’t be CREW Pittsburgh members. Elisabeth’s presentation was a great reminder that with a little
preparation and focus, strategic networking can really increase the results of all of our efforts!
Editor’s Note: Have you read a good article or would you like to write an article that would benefit
our members? Share it in our next newsletter. Contact Fran Colby at 724/864-0814 or e-mail
[email protected].