The Colorado Chapter of CoreNet Global is entering its sixth year, serving the corporate real estate community of Colorado and adjacent states. CoreNet is the primary organization that offers education and networking opportunities for corporate real estate executives (CREs) and staff, economic development professionals and service providers including brokers, developers, architects, contractors, and others in related fields.
It is a vibrant chapter that is fueled by top quality educational programs, a Roundtable Forum exclusively for CREs, and one of the top community action committees among all the national chapters. Speakers from across the nation with special technical expertise are flown in to present and, along with local resources, form the core of our quarterly programs and our annual Chapter Learning Event in the spring. The Roundtables offer real estate professionals a unique chance to talk candidly about their most immediate challenges, share individual experiences, and learn from one another.
At the national level, CoreNet focuses on two national conferences annually and this past April, Denver had the honor of hosting the spring Summit. The conference brought over 2,000 people to the region, including many who are responsible for making corporate location decisions. The title of this Summit was Sustainability Beyond Green Buildings and it focused on the triple bottom line of People, Planet and Profit. Seminars explored the many tactics corporations are using to be green, benefit their employees, and also improve their bottom line. Mayor Hickenlooper addressed the attendees and highlighted the numerous local initiatives in the area of sustainability including FasTraks and Greenprint Denver.
The economic development community led by the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation put together a series of events that showcased all of the great draws of the metro area, and attendees toured some of our top industry attractions including NREL, Lockheed Martin and Fitzsimons. The MDEDC orchestrated a truly first class show, not the least of which was the raffling of a Jeep Wrangler to a lucky conference attendee. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive with many visitors who had not been here in years remarking how much the region has to offer.
Those interested in honing their skills in the area of corporate real estate can turn to CoreNet Global’s education track. They offer a Master of Corporate Real Estate designation program which typically takes 2 years to complete, and a Senior Leader of Corporate Real Estate certificate track for those with 10+ years experience and a strategic focus. The courses cover portfolio management and disposition, lease analysis, transactions, negotiations, technology and workplace strategy among other topics.
In addition to providing learning and networking opportunities for its members, the local chapter is committed to giving back to the community through its CRC or Community Reinvestment Challenge. One organization that has benefited is YouthBiz, a local non-profit that provides training and mentoring for Denver inner city teens. CoreNet provided technical assistance and hands on volunteer efforts to help YouthBiz move into its current location at 3535 Larimer Street in Denver, and has contributed over $10,000 to its operation through the annual golf tournament fundraiser.
Additionally, the national Summit is used as a catalyst to make a significant impact on a local non-profit, and the Colorado Chapter decided to tackle a major renovation of the Denver Children’s Home. The organization, founded in 1876 as the Denver Orphans Home, provides residential and outpatient care to abused and neglected children, and the building had not been renovated since 1902. On the two days preceding the conference, CoreNet members from all over the US joined our chapter and local volunteers at the Denver Children’s Home to renovate one of three residential wings. Fifty different companies stepped up to the difficult challenges associated with renovating a building over 100 years old. In addition, a landscape master plan was developed based on the kids’ requests including a mini-amphitheater and a rock climbing wall. Donations of plant materials and use of heavy equipment allowed volunteer landscapers to install a good portion of the overall design. The national Summit CRC effort brought in well over $300,000 worth of goods and services for the Phase I renovation at the Denver Children’s Home.
While there are a number of excellent organizations in the region serving the real estate community, CoreNet is the only one that focuses on the corporate real estate executive. In addition to the benefits noted above, program attendance averages about 60 participants, which makes for an active but intimate gathering. Programs always provide a forum for dialogue and an opportunity for one on one interaction. With the rapid changes brought about by corporate relocations, mergers, and acquisitions, CoreNet has also assisted many CREs find new jobs, as the local networks of contacts open up doors to other employment opportunities. If you are interested in deepening your understanding of corporate real estate, if you are an economic development professional looking to build connections with CREs or site selectors, if you are in an allied field or mainly interested in partnering with other professionals to make a difference in the local community, check out the Colorado Chapter of CoreNet.
Josh Gould, President