AIR CRE 2024 Initiatives
As we enter 2025, our 65th year in operation, it’s important to reflect on the remarkable strides AIR CRE has made over the last twelve months. Throughout 2024, we demonstrated adaptability and resilience, supported by our committed Members and the outstanding leadership of our team.
Development of the New AIR CRE Contracts Application
Our next-generation AIR CRE Contracts application continues to evolve. Following a strategic shift in our development partnerships, we’ve built a strong relationship with Treaty, whose hands-on approach ensures the precision this project requires.
The platform development has been focused on four key areas: user interface, billing infrastructure, administrative controls, and agreement development capabilities. After extensive internal testing, we’re preparing to roll out a beta testing program with select users in early 2025. This careful approach will help ensure the final product exceeds expectations.
New features include:
- Fully web-based system
- Cross-device and cross-operating system compatibility, including Mac
- Enhanced functionality for reviewing and signing on mobile devices
- Change-tracking and document comparison tools
- Subscription-based model with tiered pricing based on usage
AIR CRE Contracts: National Expansion
In 2024, we made significant progress on the national expansion of AIR CRE Contracts. Our agreements are now available in 46 states plus Washington, D.C., with New Mexico, Wisconsin, and Hawaii set to launch in Q1 2025. This will bring us to 49 states, leaving only Vermont and Iowa to complete our nationwide coverage.
Our partnership strategy has proven successful, with organizations such as the Arizona Association of Realtors, the California Association of Realtors, Coldwell Banker Commercial, the Commercial Alliance of Las Vegas, eXp, and SIOR, actively engaging with our platform. These partnerships are driving consistent revenue growth, validating our approach to expanding nationally.
AIR CRE>Next: Continued Program Development
AIR CRE>Next has flourished since its inception, becoming a vital initiative in 2024. Starting with just 13 participants in 2022, the program now boasts 41 Members, with another strong class starting this year. Spanning five counties, AIR CRE>Next offers emerging professionals invaluable networking opportunities and structured support that were previously unavailable.
Our events throughout the year consistently saw high engagement, strengthening connections between newcomers and seasoned professionals.
2024 AIR CRE Events
This year, we hosted 20 events that balanced professional development and networking. Highlights included educational sessions, Lunch & Learn events with industry leaders, and creative networking opportunities such as lawn bowling and axe throwing.
A standout was our September Golf Tournament, which supports the Jules B. Altemus Scholarship Fund, providing internships for college students pursuing careers in commercial real estate.
Legislative Compliance and New Agreements
In response to significant legislative changes in September 2024, spurred by Assembly Bill 2992, AIR CRE proactively developed two new broker agreements which were launched on Jan 1, 2025, to ensure our Members’ compliance. The two agreements are the Exclusive Buyer-Broker Representation Agreement and the Non-Exclusive Buyer Broker Agreement.
Along with AB 2992, two other bills, AB 98 and SB 1103, were also passed that affect California CRE professionals. In December, AIR CRE hosted a Town Hall featuring presentations by Skyler Wonnacott, Senior Director of Government Relations at out our legislative advocacy partner, California Business Properties Association (CBPA) and Bryan Mashian, Founder, Mashian Law Group, and AIR CRE’s Contracts attorney. Their insights provided essential clarity on the bills’ provisions and their impact on the industry.
We’ve provided our Members and Contracts users with a full video recording of the Town Hall and detailed summaries of each bill’s key provisions to help navigate these upcoming changes. Click Here to view. This ensures our Members stay ahead of regulatory changes while maintaining the highest professional standards.
Research Initiatives
Our dedication to market intelligence continued in 2024 with the development of our Creative Office Space Database. Under the leadership of our 2024 President, Tibor Lody, this comprehensive project has expanded its scope to maximize value for our Members. Although the timeline has been extended, we expect to deliver this powerful resource by Q2 2025.
Leadership Perspective
A Message from our President
In 2024, we had the honor of having Tibor Lody serve as AIR CRE’s President/Executive Chair. As Principal with Lee & Associates – West Los Angeles, Tibor brought a wealth of experience in industrial and office/creative office representation to his role.
Reflecting on the year, Tibor shared:
“2024 has been a year that showcased the resilience of AIR CRE and our membership. Despite market challenges, we have achieved remarkable growth in our national presence, expanded AIR CRE>Next, and made significant progress on key initiatives like our new Contracts application. I am particularly proud of how we have maintained our core mission of fostering professional excellence while adapting to meet evolving market needs. The success of our events and the growth of AIR CRE>Next are testaments to our commitment to building a stronger, more connected community. I am confident that the foundations we’ve built this year will continue to support our Members’ growth and success.”
As of the close of 2024, the market is showing signs of improvement, with more deals being completed. Member retention remains strong, and we’ve grown to over 1,700 Members, a remarkable achievement in these challenging times.
With Thanks
We owe a deep gratitude to our dedicated Board of Directors in 2024, especially Ron Washle, who is an outgoing Board Member, after 12 notable years on the Board and 37 years as a Member. During his tenure on the Board, Ron held key positions in Marketing, Budget & Finance, Long Range Planning, as Executive Chair, as Nominating Chair, as Special Events Chair, and as 2019 Secretary/Treasurer, 2020 President Elect, and as 2021 President. We greatly appreciate all of Ron’s work and friendship on behalf of the organization over all of these years!
Additionally, I would like to thank the AIR CRE Staff, especially Tim and Joy, whose tireless efforts were critical to our successful state rollouts and daily operations.
And, above all, we thank our loyal Members, whose support and participation make AIR CRE the exceptional organization it is.
As we enter 2025, we wish you a happy, healthy, and prosperous new year. We look forward to another year of growth and success together.
Very truly yours,
Tim Hayes
Executive Director