Jennifer Chambers
CREW Detroit Chapter President
I hope this message finds you and those close to you safe and healthy. We know that all of you have been heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, both personally and professionally. Continued connection and support are more important than ever. The CREW Detroit Board of Directors has been monitoring and evaluating the commercial real estate landscape and assessing how best to serve our members and continue our focus on the mission of CREW.
One of our directors said it best – “there is no playbook on this.” Companies are learning as they go, and the same is true for CREW. One thing we know for sure -- staying connected to our members and our real estate community is paramount.
Below are a few things that we have been focused on in the last few weeks:
- We launched our first virtual event taking place on April 22nd - focused on sustaining business during pandemic situations and what experts envision ‘business as usual’ will look like after COVID-19
- Member to member outreach – the Board has personally reached out to our members, offering support and connection. We’ve enjoyed the one on one and small group discussions while we look for new and strategic ways of connecting with our crew!
- CREW Network has stepped up with a flurry of activity on CREWbiz, the online community network of over 12,000 members providing connection, resources, and opportunities. Through this community, we have seen Virtual Conversation Corners sharing impactful information on how CRE is responding to this crisis. The most recent edition can be viewed here: Hessam Nadji, President and CEO of Marcus & Millichap
- 2020 Spring Leadership Summit: June 18-19 – more details to come on this virtual leadership and professional development program being offered complimentary to CREW members.
We’d love to hear from you! Please reach out to any of the members of the Board of Directors to share ideas for future virtual events, questions, and feedback. There is also a discussion thread on CREWbiz focused on Detroit, where I would love to see contributions and insights from our members (CREWbiz Detroit conversation).
In closing, my 12-year daughter made a positivity wall next to my office at home. It helps remind me each time I walk in to stay positive, even when things look grim. One saying that sticks out is “Don’t let yesterday take too much of your time today.” Each day brings new challenges that we learn from and we are all working hard to adapt and stay positive. Thank you for your continued support and remember – CREW is here for you!