IOREBA's membership diversity key to success.

How does the head of a third-party property management group end up in the position of recruiting new members for a real estate brokerage organization?

The leap is not as illogical as it may seem, according to David Violette. In fact, he serves in those dual roles--as vice president of Colliers Houston & Co.'s property management division and vice president for the Industrial and Office Real Estate Brokers Association of the New York Metropolitan Area Inc. (IOREBA). According to Violette, diversity--in background and in experience--is the key to a strong trade group. In the following Q&A interview, he elaborates on this concept.

As a property management professional, how did you become part of the IOREBA executive board?

I have been an associate member of IOREBA for more than a decade. When the board was in need of officers last year, I volunteered to be treasurer--I had been involved in doing the group's books in the past. Our board matriculates, so this year I am serving as vice president. Part of that role is chairing the membership committee. And I am proud to say that our goal of growing our membership 10 to 15 percent in 2008 already has been achieved.

What was the reason behind this ambitious growth objective?

Refreshing and enriching membership is an important part of maintaining a trade organization's vitality. At IOREBA, we do have an older core membership, and there is a great, untapped group of young brokers out there. We are successfully rounding out our organization from many angles--veteran and new-to-the-business professionals, boutique and global firms, broker members and associate members.

Within the makeup of your member brokers, why is diversity--in terms of experience--important?

There is a great intergenerational synergy that is forming within IOREBA. For newer brokers, this is a great place to meet some of our industry's most experienced and iconic people. There is a great deal they can learn about tried and true ways of doing business from our accomplished members. At the same time, the industry's "new blood" brings fresh ideas and methods, especially when it comes to incorporating technology in the process. They are making each other better brokers. That's really what it's about. IOREBA really represents a nice cross-section of the industry, which is a positive thing in terms of personal growth opportunities.

What is the significance of associate members within the organization?

IOREBA was formed back in the 1920s as a brokers' association. Today, the organization places a great deal of value in its associate, or non-brokerage, members as well. We have finance professionals, architects, attorneys, furniture dealers, interior designers--and all types of other people involved in the ancillary functions of successful real estate transactions. Simply put, these connections are tools in a broker's toolbox. These benefits reciprocate, because brokers are the roots of many leads for our associate members.

In your opinion, what is the benefit of being involved in an organization like IOREBA?

Trade organizations like IOREBA are an important part of maximizing career success--in any industry. Education and networking are among the clear benefits. Good groups provide venues for making connections and topical information that members can use in their day-to-day ability to make money.

Is membership more helpful in challenging economic times?

There is always more to learn--in good times and in bad. But I think that when people are busy they have less time to devote to "extracurricular" activities. When times are tougher, it is good to nurture connections that provide opportunities. ##Where working to make IOREBA invaluable to our members regardless of the economic climate. When we have our meetings, we like people to take away something useful or learn something they can apply in the workplace.

With this formula for success in place, what are you doing to keep things timely and interesting?

This is our biggest challenge as an organization. We have our flagship events--our Developer's Night and our Golf Outing--and we continue to work to make them better. Our executive committee encourages all of our members to get involved in IOREBA's leadership, to bring new ideas and approaches for our monthly gatherings.

This helps us continue to offer programming that compels members to attend not just because it's another meeting but because the content holds value. As our membership grows, and more new ideas and perspectives are brought to the table, it is becoming much easier to meet this objective.