Sea Bright, NJ — Commercial real estate professionals from across the area gathered at the Edgewater Beach & Cabana Club in Sea Bright, NJ on July 26 for a night of networking, education, music, food and fun. Nearly 60 members and guests of the Commercial Real Estate Women’s New Jersey chapter (CREW NJ) attended what immediately became a favorite industry event since its inception last year.
Attendees were able to dig their toes in the sand, enjoy tropical drinks and a beach-inspired menu while catching up with colleagues and making new connections. The event featured guest speaker Barbi Reuter, CREW Network Immediate Past president and CEO, Chairman, and Designated Broker of Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR, based in Tucson, Arizona.
Reuter’s role with CREW Network is to facilitate a connection between CREW Network and CREW NJ. She shared her inspirational career and CREW journey, including attending her first CREW Network convention while seven months pregnant. Admitting that she was first a bit intimidated at the group’s signature event, the welcoming atmosphere quickly calmed any concerns she had. She went on to share insights about the benefits of CREW membership, emphasizing that its members represent every part of any deals that happen in commercial real estate. The organization’s mission includes four initiatives: business networking, leadership development, industry research and career outreach. With a presence in over 80 markets, members have access to both their local chapters as well as 12,500 others globally.
Reuter also highlighted the organization’s theme for this year to “Be Bold,” encouraging members to seek and take opportunities proactively. She then detailed new services that are beneficial to all current and potential members, including more leadership programs, board training and CREW “councils” offered in several categories intended to help attendees engage and grow business in a non-competitive setting. Finally, she detailed CREW’s continued focus on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and commitment to advancing CRE career growth for women at the high school, college and career levels, including awarding over $150 thousand in scholarships this year.
CREW NJ president Krista Korinis finished the program by highlighting upcoming chapter events, including a gala celebration of its 40th anniversary in September.
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