The Society of Industrial and Office Realtors, NJ Chapter

The Society of Industrial and Office Realtors (SIOR) counts more than 3,200 members in 562 cities and 22 countries on its roster. In New Jersey SIOR has 75 members in 20 cities across the state.

"There are many benefits that come from being a member of SIOR," said Gregory Irving, recently appointed New Jersey chapter president. "This is a group of well respected, experienced, and knowledgeable brokers, but several factors help us stand out in an uncertain climate."

"Locally, each member is well informed of the tri-state market," continued Irving. "We collectively share information not only to help each other, but also with other chapters both in and outside of the U.S. This ensures that clients are given the same level of professional support both in and outside of New Jersey." It also allows SIOR to track and report trends and monitor regional needs.

"In good times or bad, we are there to service our clients," says Irving. Last year SIOR reported an average dollar volume of more than $33.5 million per member worth of property leased or sold. SIOR members closed 82,747 transactions in 2006 involving more than 239,000,000 square feet of industrial and office space.

SIOR has certified more than 2,500 of its members with the prestigious SIOR designation, a professional symbol of the highest level of knowledge, production, and ethics in the real estate industry. Real estate professionals who have earned the SIOR designation are recognized by corporate real estate executives, commercial real estate brokers, agents, lenders, and other real estate professionals as the most capable and experienced brokerage practitioners in any market. SIOR designees can hold the following specialty designations: industrial, office, sales manager, executive manager, or advisory service.

SIOR chapters provide educational and networking opportunities for its members and for the commercial real estate community that it serves. A chapter serves as a conduit for information about SIOR, its programs and services, as well as for the trends, techniques and technologies that affect the profession.

The New Jersey chapter was especially active in 2007 with two quite notable transactions. Michael Evans of SBWE, Inc., sold 1,492,000 square feet at 80 N. Main Street and 20 Harry Shupe Blvd, Wharton, NJ to Realty Associates Advisors, LLC for $108,200,000. Secondly, Steve Tolkach of Newmark Knight Frank leased 167,000 square feet of the Novo Nordisk building located at 1100 Campus Road, Princeton, NJ for over $90,000,000. Greg Irving and his team recognized both gentlemen, as well as, other top performers at the 2008 Kick-Off event arranged last month in Jersey City.

This event also set the theme for this year's activities. In 2008, the SIOR NJ chapter will focus on a commitment to "giving back to the community", according to Irving.
"We as an industry need to think beyond our immediate deals and do more to broker some good will and give back to the communities in which we operate… not only because it's the right thing to do… but because it's good for business," said Irving at the awards ceremony."
It is through the generous contributions of all SIOR members that we as an organization can give back to the community from which we receive so much."
For additional information on SIOR, please view their website at www.siornj.com.