As we shoot through the first quarter, I would like to share some key updates with you regarding AIR CRE’s 2023 initiatives, welcome this year’s president, Justin Altemus, introduce you to our Board of Directors and thank two outgoing board members.
AIR CRE 2023 Initiatives
Development of the New AIR CRE Contracts Application
In July of 2022, AIR CRE began the process of developing a new Contracts application. Once again, we have engaged the services of ActionPoint, a software development company that we have worked with since 2016. AIR CRE’s tech team is working closely with ActionPoint to ensure the development milestones and delivery timelines are met. The new application will be web-based and compatible with all devices and operating systems; a welcome improvement for Mac users. It will also include change-tracking and document comparison functionality.
AIR CRE Contracts, Out of State Expansion
Currently, we have customized the Contracts for 30 states plus the District of Columbia. These libraries are available now via the AIR CRE website. We will deliver additional states as they are completed and expect to deliver all remaining states before the end of the year. We continue to expand AIR CRE Contract usage across the country by partnering with key industry organizations. Currently, we have agreements with SIOR, SVN, eXp, Arizona Association of Realtors, Commercial Alliance of Las Vegas, and CAR. Discussions are underway with several other industry organizations as well.
AIR CRE>Next, Continued Program Development
Between September 1 and November 30 of 2022, we received 28 applications, and we accepted 27 members to the AIR CRE>Next Class of 2023. In addition to the onsite Orientation held in January, we look forward to hosting networking and educational events throughout the year, which will include a strong presence by the Board of Directors. Additionally, we are planning market-based Owner/AIR CRE>Next lunches with several major owners. It is our privilege to connect the next generation of brokers with the next generation of owners including Bridge, CenterPoint, Dedeaux, Link, Link Business Parks, Prologis, Rexford and Wonderful.
2023 AIR CRE Events
AIR CRE will have a full calendar of events this year including the popular Long Beach Port Boat Tour, the 39th Annual Golf Tournament, AIR CRE Contracts Strategy Seminars and more – see the Events page for a full list of events as they are announced.
Board of Directors Updates
Welcome New President
I would like to give a warm welcome to Justin Altemus who is serving as AIR CRE’s 2023 President/Executive Chair. A third generation AIR CRE member and grandson of the organization’s founder, Justin has been with the Altemus Company since May of 1999.
During his almost 25 years in the business, Justin has completed a wide variety of transactions including lease, sublease, owner-user sale, stabilized/value-add investment sale, 1031 Exchange and land development sale transactions in and around the Westside and the Greater Southern California area. He also has a background in brand management, which has allowed him to bring valuable marketing experience to the commercial/industrial real estate business. Justin is a Cabinet Member of the Real Estate and Construction Division of the Jewish Federation and a member of the Young Professional’s Advisory Group of AIR CRE.
Justin brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his position with AIR CRE, following in the footsteps of his grandfather, Jules Altemus, who was one of AIR CRE’s founders and served as its first President in 1960, and his father, David, who sat on the Board of Directors as Treasurer.
“Since its founding, AIR CRE has experienced substantial quantitative growth, but even with that change the soul of the organization has remained the same,” Justin said. “Today, the professionalism and mutual respect between Members very much embodies the original mission of the founders, which has allowed the organization to thrive for over 60 years.”
He encourages new members to take advantage of everything AIR CRE has to offer to grow their knowledge base and expand their relationships.
“It’s important to take the initiative to attend events and see people as partners rather than competitors. Everyone here is working toward a common goal,” Justin said. “Also, if you’re new, do everything you can to educate yourself by utilizing our resources. It’s your command of knowledge that differentiates you.”
Returning Board Members
This year, we have many members who are returning to the board. We appreciate their dedication:
- Tibor Lody: President Elect, Long-Range Planning
- Natalie Bazarevitsch: Vice President, Multiple Chair
- John McAniff: Vice President, Education Chair
- Rusty Smith: Secretary/Treasurer, Budget & Finance
- Robert Antrobius: Nominating Chair
- Adam Deierling: Orientation Chair
- Lee Dresie: Legal Advisor
- Iqbal Hassan: Senior Advisory & Ethics Co-Chair
- Jodie Poirier: Technology Co-Chair
- Casey Mungo: Finance committee Co-Chair
- Jon R. Reno: Membership Chair
- Kurt F. Strasmann: Technology Co-Chair
- Jim Sullivan: Dispute Resolution Chair
- Bennett Washabaugh: Contracts Chair
- Rob Washle: Special Events Chair – Golf, Dinner Meetings
- Sharon Wortmann: Governmental Affairs Chair
Outgoing Board Members
In 2023, we have two extraordinary people leaving the Board, each of whom dedicated substantial time and attention to the organization over the years.
Jason Jamison has served on the board for 18 years. He has held a multitude of positions including 2014 President/Executive Chair, 2012 Vice President, Multiple Chair and 2010 Secretary/Treasurer, Budget & Finance. In 2018, Jason was instrumental in defeating AB 1059, the Dual Agency Bill, a bill that would have had a long-term, negative impact on the commercial real estate industry in CA.
Jim McFadden has served on the board for 11 years. He has held a multitude of positions including 2022 Marketing Chair, 2019 President/Executive Chair, and 2018 President Elect/Long Range Planning.
Thanks to all current and past Board Members for their service to AIR CRE Members and the CRE industry – their time and commitment are greatly appreciated! And thank you to our Members for your participation in the organization in 2023. We are looking forward to seeing everyone at our in-person events this year.
Sincerely,
Tim Hayes
Executive Director