Role of BOMA more important than ever since 9/11.

One comment I heard from my colleagues more than any other since I took office in January is that "this year, more than ever, I need BOMA/NY." These colleagues--some displaced by the after-effects of Sept. 11 or downsizing, or simply in search of good information for the post 9-11 environment--turned to BOMA/NY as the source for information exchange, advice from peers and the education needed to find a new position or better their existing one.

Under normal circumstances, these mainstays of BOMA/NY service would simply mean keeping current with new technology, code requirements or industry practice. But with the catastrophic events of 9-11 and tenants' heightened interest in life safety issues, the BOMA/NY membership network was the most valuable source of information available. Whether located at Ground Zero or Midtown, our members shared their experiences, the solutions they developed as they implemented new measures, and the advice received from security and legal consultants.

We supported that daily interchange with our seminar programs, which we updated immediately to bring as much new information and insight to our members as possible. Their record-setting attendance proved our approach was correct.

My predecessors, who placed education and information at the heart of BOMA/NY, and developed task forces and committees whose actions carried weight in the building community and governmental decision-makers, have made my task easier. As a result, we have expanded our circle of influence with a stepped-up lobbying effort at City Hall and in Albany. We've maintained a consistent, on-going relationship and dialog with numerous City entities, including such critical life safety groups as the FDNY, NYPD, Department of Environmental Protection and the Office of Emergency Management.

The formidable base built by former presidents allowed me to answer another need embodied in "I need BOMA/NY." With strong programs in place, we focused on making BOMA/NY a more inclusive organization, where membership is heard and each member has the opportunity to make a difference. We infused our committees with new blood at every level of leadership, enhanced our mentoring program, and actively recruited new members. And while it was a difficult year financially for many, we have been able not only to sustain our membership, but grow it.

This fall we will be serving our members through a number of vehicles, including the launch of our completely new web site; an information packed Codes & Regulations/Governmental Affairs Conference and Trade Show, that has become our leading seminar event; and the Sept. 12 premiere of a documentary celebrating the accomplishments of our industry through a retelling of the extraordinary measures building workers took on 9-11, and the building management's continuing as the first line of defense for the working public.

While it has been one of our most trying years, I know I speak on behalf of every member of BOMA/NY, and our profession, when I say I have never been more proud of the industry our Association represents. We will work throughout the coming year to make sure that when we are needed, BOMA/NY has the programs, the network and the support our members deserve.