Global Awards & Recognition Program
Submission Form
Category: Chapter of the Year
Chapter Name _____Carolinas______________________________________________
Chapter Size:
□ Small
X Medium
Submitted by (Chapter Leader)
□ Large
□ Mega
______Koo Stengle_______________________
Chapter Leader Position _______Vice President_______________________
Phone __704-954-1292_____________ E-mail _____kstengle@bbandt.com_______
This category recognizes the Chapter which excelled in the following areas within FY13 (April 1,
2012 – March 31, 2013):
1 - membership recruitment and retention strategies
2 - delivery of value proposition
3 - delivery of innovative programming
4 – alignment with CoreNet Global’s Strategic Plan
This award is open to:
● Small/Medium Size Chapters – 200 members and under
● Large/Mega Size Chapters – over 200 members
● Chapters in good standing and in compliance with signed Affiliation Agreement or MOU
Recognition of Chapter Nominees and Chapter Winner:
1 – All Chapter nominees and Chapter winner will be announced at the Las
Vegas Summit Recognition dinner on Wednesday 23 October 2013, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
2 – The Chapter nominees and Chapter winner are encouraged to attend the Recognition dinner.
Dinner tickets cost $99 each and must be purchased in advance.
Submission Deadline: Friday August 16, 2013
Please contact Eleanor
Estacio for any questions you may have.
Please complete subsequent pages – one page maximum may be added for each
item:
Connect. Learn. Grow. Belong.
1.
Membership – Chapter developed and executed successful member recruitment and
retention campaign; demonstrated growth in membership within FY13 (April 1, 2012 – March
31, 2013)
25 points
The Carolinas Chapter of CoreNet Global has continued to successfully attract new members, as
well as employ innovative retention strategies to maximize the commitment of our legacy
members. During the award submission period we added 17 new members, growing the Chapter’s
total membership to 216 active and engaged members.
In 2012 we executed our first Chapter Membership Survey, and the results provide valuable
feedback to assist us in building our strategic plan. Additionally, by applying our comprehensive
Balanced Scorecard we ensure organizational accountability for implementing our recruitment and
retention strategies. We understand that our members are the “life blood” of our organization;
therefore, to hold the Carolinas Membership Committee firmly in line with our strategic plan, the
Chapter President is assigned to mentor the Membership Committee chair.
The Carolinas Chapter represents a diverse population of real estate professionals and industry
segments spread over 85,000 square miles in North and South Carolina. To better support the large
geography and our membership base, we developed a new “go to market” strategy. Our leadership
team made the intentional shift to move to a pull versus push engagement approach. Our primary
focus is on the three largest Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) in North Carolina – Charlotte,
Raleigh/Durham, and Triad (Winston Salem/Greensboro). In 2012 we also launched our first Program
and Networking event in Charleston, SC. We are able to engage in these new areas based on market
demand, with our committees providing organizational support to local market leaders.
Our market strategy has been very successful in developing a strong foothold in the Triad region.
Working in lockstep with BB&T, a CoreNet Global Corporate Partner, we have been able to establish
a Triad Market Leader and local member programming. The market demand has now solidified our
enhanced organizational investment, and we are developing expanded programming offerings in
FY13/14. In addition, we hosted our first-ever MCR class offerings (two) in Winston-Salem at the
BB&T University Center – the number-one-requested item from the 2012 Membership Survey.
Membership Committee: Focused for Success
To ensure membership attraction and retention, the Carolinas Membership Committee is divided
into five areas of focus: New Members; Member Retention; Student Liaison; Networking Events;
and Young Leaders. During our FY12 Strategic Planning session our leadership team made the
recommendation that we develop a new End User (EU) engagement format. Our team recognized
the need for strategic EU engagement and, therefore, transitioned the “Presidents Lunch” concept to
the Programs Committee to refresh and refocus our EU approach. (See FY13 Balanced Scorecard.)
New Members – The New Members sub-committee focuses on individual and corporate recruitment
by using company directories, business journals and word of mouth. We leverage Board Member
relationships to engage key real estate professionals in core markets, reaching out to personally
introduce prospective members to CoreNet. The New Members sub-committee also sends a personal
note to all new members reminding them of events in their area, and serves as a liaison for the new
member's first events.
Member Retention – The Member Retention sub-committee focuses on member interaction to
ensure Chapter value is being maximized for everyone. The Carolinas Chapter targets a 90% goal for
member retention. In late 2011 and throughout 2012 our Chapter was challenged by the corporate
restructuring of the Bank of America Corporate Workplace team. Within the organization we deemed
the impact as the “Bank of America effect”. Due to the retooling of this Charlotte-based Workplace
team, our membership took a direct hit (membership reduction of 8-10%). However, the fact that
our membership number today stands at 216 exceeding the 2011 membership number further
demonstrates the value and fulfillment that our Chapter members are receiving. The final step in our
membership retention program is our expiring membership outreach process. The Membership
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Committee focuses on soon-to-be expiring members, contacting them 60 days prior to their
membership expiration to remind them about renewing with CoreNet. This process is now easier to
support since CoreNet moved to a calendar-year renewal strategy. We use a series of personal
emails, phone calls and face-to-face interactions to stress the importance of Chapter membership as
it relates to their continued professional growth.
Student Liaison – The Student Liaison sub-committee focuses on partnerships with local colleges and
universities to increase student awareness of CoreNet. We have continued to make further
organizational investments with Center for Real Estate, Belk College of Business at the University of
North Carolina Charlotte (UNCC), developing student educational programs focused in Corporate
Real Estate, while leveraging UNCC faculty and facilities supporting innovative membership
programming. We have continued to grow our monetary investment, and we are now in our third
year of an annual scholarship program with UNCC.
Networking Events – Networking Events continue to be an essential part of our Chapter's strategy.
We hold them three to four times annually in each MSA. Our advocacy of CoreNet's value and our
welcoming style of relationship building have attracted our target population of professionals,
yielding productive membership conversions. Utilizing our Networking Program, we have been
successful at soliciting new memberships in our target MSAs.
Young Leaders – The Young Leaders sub-committee is also adding to the membership success of the
Carolinas Chapter. Kristin Bender is an excellent example of a Young Leader who took advantage of
our program and is now serving on the Carolinas Board of Directors, as well as on the CoreNet Global
Young Leaders Committee. We multiply engagement opportunities through networking luncheons
and speed mentoring events, providing young professionals the opportunity to network with
influential CRE leaders within the Carolinas. We challenge our young leaders to become more
involved and grow within our Chapter by attending events; joining a committee; considering a Board
position; and inviting other young leaders to our events.
(See Balance Scorecard Measures)
Supporting Documents:
2012 Chapter Membership Survey
2012 & 2013 Balance Scorecard Report
Connect. Learn. Grow. Belong.
2.
Value Proposition – Chapter demonstrated active engagement amongst local members in
chapter offerings; provided a strong local framework for corporate real estate education and
networking; value communicated to members and future members consistently.
25 points
The Value Proposition our Chapter brings is directly aligned to our Chapter Mission Statement:

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Connect CRE professionals, End Users and Service Providers
Advance knowledge, promote personal excellence and add value to each individual and
their respective enterprises
Facilitate and sponsor diverse programs that provide educational and networking
opportunities
The leadership team of the Carolinas Chapter of CoreNet Global understands that our members and
sponsors (stakeholders) are the lifeblood of our Chapter. As a component of our chapter financial
update (monthly) we track our Member Benefits Calculation to ensure we are effectively re-investing
our monetary capital ($) as a direct benefit to our members. And our stakeholder focus has certainly
made a positive impact: In a recent survey, 88% of participants are “very satisfied” or “satisfied”
with their Chapter membership.
As the premier association for Corporate Real Estate (CRE) Professionals, our Chapter is centered on
advancing real estate knowledge, connecting people, and promoting personal excellence through
programs focused on the needs of our local members. To accomplish this mission and bring our value
proposition to life, our leadership team has created a strategic vision focused on the following three
key categories: Education, Professional Networks and Marquee Programs.
Education
Learning and professional development is a cornerstone component of CoreNet Global. To that end,
our Chapter is committed to creating real value by broadening our educational curriculum and
bringing MCR Classes to the Carolinas. Working with BB&T, a CoreNet Global Corporate Sponsor, our
first-ever MCR classes were held in March.
Professional Networks
Building professional relationships is foundational to success in any industry. Our Chapter’s calendar
of networking opportunities has been specifically designed to help our members build social
networks with like-industry professionals, enriching career opportunities and potential. Additionally,
our Chapter hosted CoreNet Global’s Discovery Forum this past February, bringing together the best
and the brightness minds in our industry for a one-day educational and networking event in
Charlotte.
Marquee Programs
Learning and professional development is an underpinning aspect of CoreNet Global. And our
leadership team maintains its focus on improving the quality and quantity of our educational
programs. For 2013 we are continuing to make significant financial investment in educational
programs, as well as planning a refresh our MegaEvent to ensure that it remains a destination event
for CRE professionals in the Carolinas.
Connect. Learn. Grow. Belong.
Finally, our Annual Report showcases our Chapter’s value propositions and alignment to Global’s
Connect, Learn, Grow, Belong mission. This outstanding document effectively communicates our
story to current and future members, sponsors and all stakeholders in an informative, engaging and
transparent manner. And while our Annual Report highlights the current positive state of our
Chapter, it also serves as a measurement of success and steppingstone to our future.
The Carolinas Chapter of CoreNet Global is blazing new trails, which include developing a deeper and
more engaged pipeline of committee volunteers and future Board members. The enhanced Young
Leaders program continues to develop tomorrow’s leaders today. Our robust communications
channels, informative quarterly newsletter (CoreIssues), and our social media outlets continue to
connect with our membership and the greater CRE community.
As illustrated above, our Chapter is aligned with and meeting the needs of today’s CRE Professional.
Our Board of Directors reflects a wealth of experience, expertise and knowledge to further evolve
our Chapter goals. Our sponsors are a “Who’s Who” of industry experts. Our Committees are focused
and robust, performing against a progressive Balanced Scorecard to measure success. Our Financial
performance demonstrates strong fiscal controls and impressive cash reserves. And our Community
Reinvestment facet values and gives back to the neighborhoods we call home.
Supporting Documents:
2012 Annual Report
Q3 2012 CoreIssues
Social and Professional Media Outlets
http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/corenetcarolinas/
http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=2390773&trk=myg_ugrp_ovr
Connect. Learn. Grow. Belong.
3.
Innovative Programming – Chapter implemented a program menu that was innovative
in both content and delivery to its members and future members.
25 points
The Carolinas Chapter of CoreNet Global has continued to successfully implement innovative
educational program initiatives, maximizing the value proposition for our members. Our Chapter’s
achievement in this area has resulted from effectively applying “Balanced Scorecard approach” to
communicate and measure our organizational commitments, and then actively seeking member
feedback via our survey process.
Initially implemented by our Chapter in 2010, the Balanced Scorecard methodology creates a
transparent strategic business-planning tool that has enabled our leadership team to deliver and
measure the value proposition to our Chapter stakeholders. This is especially valuable for Chapter
programs. The Programs Committee is responsible for developing and implementing innovative
educational programs that create organizational relevance and enhance the knowledge base for our
members, sponsors and non-member constituents.
The Programs strategy, developed on an annual basis, is presented at our Board of Directors
meeting. Once approved, the expected programmatic deliverables are documented on the
Scorecard. Once the deliverables have been documented, the ongoing Chapter reporting and
measurement equals the “secret sauce” to the equation. Keeping it simple, we have defined two
areas of measure:
Quantity of Programming – delivering on our documented commitment
Quality of Programming – via survey feedback
Our Balanced Scorecard outlined a commitment of 10 educational and roundtable programs across
the Carolinas, including six in Charlotte (MegaEvent, Roundtable Events and four Educational Events);
six in Raleigh (CoreNet Global Discovery Forum, Roundtable Event and four Educational Events); and
one in Charleston (Chapter Informational Session).
Our MegaEvent, “Keeping the Carolinas Competitive”, stands out among the best in Chapter history.
Over 250 CRE end users and service providers came together in Charlotte at 1 Bank of America
Center Auditorium to participate in this interactive and informative program. Highlighting the event,
Suzanne Verity, CoreNet Global Vice President of Education, provided compelling updates on
CoreNet Global's strategic vision for the future. Suzanne also gave testament to the growth and
continued dedication of Carolinas Chapter members, as she identified our Chapter as a “leader and a
model” and as having an instrumental role in the transformation of CoreNet Global.
(See Q3 2012 CoreIssues)
Overall, the Carolinas Chapter of CoreNet Global is pleased to report that during the measurement
period we successfully executed on the defined strategy.
Using survey data is another way to understand what members are expecting in terms of learning.
Collecting this feedback ensures we are delivering “Best-in-Class” content. For example, our
members requested a program focused on the transformation of the Workplace. In response, the
Programs Committee designed a program to meet this specific demand...and record numbers turned
out! In both Charlotte and Raleigh), the appreciative crowds welcomed Amy Trulson, Regional
Workplace Strategist for the Americas at Microsoft, to hear details of her role as part of the Global
Workplace Strategies group. Amy has been working for the past four years to evolve Microsoft’s
workplace by driving the Workplace Advantage program, which ensures that Microsoft employees
Connect. Learn. Grow. Belong.
have effective and inspiring workplaces.
Following the old adage that you can’t improve what can’t measure, we implemented an event
survey process that enables our Chapter to manage continued improvement in terms of speakers,
programs, venues and delivery. We are pleased to report that of the six events surveyed on a fivepoint scale (“1” being “poor” and “5” being excellent), our program events averaged a 4.2 score.
Finally, our 2012 Annual Membership Survey provided some additional valuable programmatic
insight. Survey respondents noted that the Chapter is delivering exceptional programs. For example,
members believe our programs are of high caliber, relevant and represent current trends. Moreover,
most respondents also feel that Chapter activities and benefits are of value, and that they would
recommend the Carolinas Chapter of CoreNet to their peers. This member-based feedback validates
our Chapter’s successful implementation of a results-oriented, innovative approach to programming
in both content and delivery, satisfying – and often exceeding – stakeholder expectations.
Supporting Documents:
2012 Chapter Membership Survey
2012 & 2013 Balance Scorecard Report
Q2 & Q3 CoreIssues
Connect. Learn. Grow. Belong.
4.
Alignment – Chapter demonstrated a strong alignment with CoreNet Global’s Strategic
Plan through actions taken at the local level.
25 points
With a focus to act locally for a global impact, the Carolinas Chapter of CoreNet Global is working
in lockstep with CoreNet Global’s Strategic Plan: Envisioned Future. Our Chapter framework
demonstrates our commitment to implementing, programming, industry contribution, and
governance aligned with CoreNet Global’s strategy map, its Vision, Mission and Value Proposition.
Our leadership team understands that present successes can only be maintained by cultivating a
bright future today. To support and sustain the dynamic growth of the Carolinas Chapter of CoreNet
Global, our leadership team is composed of the best and brightest strategic minds in the CRE
industry. And as the team constantly looks inward to better itself as a governing body, there is a
simultaneous outward focus to attract and nurture tomorrow’s leaders.
In 2006 there were eight Board members, each with less than one year’s experience serving on the
Board. Today we have 12 Board members, each with one to four years of experience. Moreover, the
Board serves alongside three members of a Senior Advisory Committee, consisting of Board members
that have served in a Chapter Officer capacity for at least two years. In order to further elevate the
depth of leadership expertise, we instituted the new executive committee position of the Immediate
Past President in 2012. This newly created position provides continuity and perspective to ensure an
effective organizational leadership transition.
Not only does this approach align our Chapter leadership structure with the CoreNet Global Board
structure, the Senior Advisory Committee has enabled us to retain the wealth of experience from the
past, while we work to foster the growth of new industry leaders taking on Board roles. The Carolinas
Board is also unique because it consists of five End User CRE professionals, giving our Chapter one of
the highest ratios of End Users to Service Providers in the country. Among these End User Board
members and three Senior Advisors, there are over 125 years of CRE experience to lean on for solid
direction. Ultimately, our Board Development Program has enabled us to groom fresh leaders in new
business verticals, adding diversity and industry expertise to our team.
The Carolinas Chapter Embraces the CoreNet Global Strategy Map
Vision: Our Chapter effectively translates the CoreNet Global global vision to a local vision. In the
Carolinas, companies regard corporate real estate (CRE) as an indispensable piece of overall
enterprise success. Our Chapter capitalizes on this fact to garner continued success in the following
ways:
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The Carolinas Chapter Board of Directors is well represented with End User Fortune 500
companies that understand the importance CRE plays in supporting the enterprise. Forty
percent of the Carolinas Board representation is aligned with CoreNet Global Corporate or
Strategic Partners (Duke Energy Progress, BoA, BB&T, Capitol One and CBRE).
Our sponsor commitments represent the “who’s who” in the CRE space. It is interesting to
note that 43% of our Diamond Sponsor level commitments are made up of CoreNet Global
Strategic and Corporate partners.
For global enterprises the Carolinas represent a great place to do business. Charlotte ranks
in the top 10 in Fortune-500-headquartered companies calling the Carolinas home. In
addition, the Raleigh/Durham market is home to the Research Triangle Park, which attracts
many of the world’s most innovative companies. A regular feature in our CoreIssues has to
do with the Carolinas’ impact on doing business in a global economy, thus promoting
globalization through localization. Many of our Chapter leaders and members regularly
Connect. Learn. Grow. Belong.
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influence CRE strategies on a Global basis.
The Carolinas Chapter consistently has one of the highest End User to Service provider ratios
in the CoreNet Global network of Chapters.
Mission: We continue to advance the support and practice of corporate real estate in the Carolinas
with global impact. Our Chapter demonstrates this in the following ways:
Innovative Chapter programming focused on Corporate Real Estate industry education. Our ability
to partner with BB&T, a CoreNet Global Corporate Partner, in bringing MCR classes to the
Carolinas has validated our alignment with CoreNet Global and brought value to our
stakeholders.
Explosive Membership Growth. In just three years the Carolinas membership base has grown from
132 members in 2010 (April) to 216 members in 2013 (March). This is a staggering 64% increase,
demonstrating the value CRE professionals see in being active members of the Carolinas Chapter
of CoreNet Global.
Communication Strategies. The Carolinas Chapter was the first Chapter within the CoreNet Global
organization to develop an Annual Report. This report has become our single-source reference
document in communicating our Value to stakeholders.
Value Proposition: Our Chapter continues to be an indispensable resource in the Carolinas. Our
impact is proven in the following ways:
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Record attendance at all Carolinas programs.
CoreNet Global’s investment in our Chapter. CoreNet Global has hosted multiple Discovery
Forums on our behalf; senior leadership has participated in the Carolinas MegaEvent; and we
have been approved to offer MCR continuing education credits at most Chapter educational
events.
Enthusiastic Young Leaders are rising to the top. Our Chapter’s robust Young Leaders Program
grows event participation and a future-secure commitment to our Chapter.
Strategic Board Development. A place on the Carolinas Board of Directors is now a coveted
position sought after by senior CRE leaders throughout the Carolinas.
The Carolinas Chapter was one of the first Chapters that CoreNet Global engaged to discuss the
major strategic changes for the CoreNet Global association (e.g. Chapters having independent
charters, membership fee increases, annual membership cycle, etc.) The Senior Leaders at CoreNet
Global (Angela Cain, Larry Bazrod, Kathy Godwin, Richard Kadzis) have consistently called upon the
Carolinas Chapter as a “trial chapter”, “early adopter”, “key advisory group” to introduce change and
to secure as advocates before implementing initiatives across the chapter network. This
demonstrates mutual trust and recognition of our Chapter as having strategic vision and appreciation
for our ability to implement and drive progress and change.
Connect. Learn. Grow. Belong.