www.wirre.org - WIRRE - Women in Retail Real Estate

Mission: To create a collaborative network to promote the success of women within the retail real estate industry.

It is with great enthusiasm that I embark on my new role as President of WIRRE for the 2009-2010 season. I want to first express my appreciation to Lauren Rabbitt, last year's President, for her true dedication and hard work. Lauren was most successful with bringing her organized nature into play, while ensuring that membership enjoyed wonderful programs and immeasurable networking opportunities. She increased visibility of our organization. It was a true joy working with Lauren this past year. Lauren has continued to be incredibly supportive as I transition into this role, and I appreciate her continuing efforts on the Executive Committee.

Over the years WIRRE has grown in size and influence. The organization has become a solid network of professionals making a difference in their professions, individuals with creative business vision transformed into reality. WIRRE continues to demonstrate a strong sense of camaraderie within both our membership and our surrounding communities.

I will be doing my best to further WIRRE activities on four fronts this year: first, extending our reach in the retail real estate industry; second, attaining new community service traditions that are geared towards the development of professional women; third, enhancing our marketing and our member benefits; and fourth, to providing new learning and development opportunities for our members.

This year we will continue the brilliant tradition of promoting the success of women within the retail real estate industry. WIRRE will continue to work with our surrounding communities by giving back and building opportunities for the success of woman through our community service efforts. Our programs will continue to be both informative and resourceful, giving our members market insight and the ability to network with peers and colleagues. I encourage everyone to join us in our efforts to stay abreast of the market, build lasting professional relationships, and manifest business success.

Thank you to all of the officers and the entire Executive Committee for your dedication and enthusiastic involvement. The achievements of this organization are cultivated with your inexorable efforts and commitment.

Particularly, I would like to congratulate and welcome Kate Bagwell of Holland + Knight, our President Elect. Kate has been an active member of WIRRE and it is with great joy that I can work with her this year and many years to come.

WIRRE constantly welcomes participation from our members, so any suggestions or ideas are encouraged. As always, we are here to facilitate growth, promote business endeavors, provide fantastic networking opportunities, deliver news and create opportunities for our membership. I thank you all for your allegiance to the accomplishment of Women in Retail Real Estate.

I look forward to an incredible year of creating success with all of you!

All the best,
Stephanie Blair, WIRRE President, 2009-2010
Matrix Design Companies