The Leader - March/April 2009 - (Page 8) MESSAGE FROM THE CEO by prentice knight, iii Adding Value in these Difficult Times: FOCUS ON RELEVANT SOLUTIONS The bad economic news continues; nearly all indicators point to a very difficult business environment in 2009 and beyond. The good news is that more and more corporate real estate professionals are focused like a laser beam on how to create value for their companies and clients in a harsh economy. No time to fret; all energy and resources must be focused on relevant solutions. The same is true for CoreNet Global. We must provide our members with value that is relevant for the challenges of the current environment. Therefore, in the last issue of the LEADER I reported that for 2009 CoreNet Global is aligning its programs, activities and communications around a theme of “Adapt and Succeed Together in a Challenging Economy.” Below are more details on how we are adding value for our members today. Our value proposition for members in 2009 has four components: 1 2 3 4 Providing knowledge that helps our members create value in the economic downturn Improving accessibility of our programs in response to travel cuts and restrictions Expanding networking opportunities related to job and career opportunities Helping our members stay connected to CoreNet Global The knowledge content of CoreNet Global programs in 2009 – including Global Summits, chapter events, the LEADER magazine, research projects, the Knowledge Center Online and Discovery Forums – has been dramatically recast to focus on knowledge relevant to creating business solutions in the downturn. We have also changed the learning format with more emphasis on peer-to-peer sharing, brainstorming and collaborative learning. These methods of learning are particularly effective in a time when our industry is experimenting with many different approaches and new initiatives. In response to the travel limitations on many members, CoreNet Global is making greater use of local delivery of programs and of technology enabled learning. We have a strong network of local chapters ready and able to serve as a delivery vehicle for CoreNet Global programs and to create more chapter programs oriented to the downturn. The rapid advances in information technology over the last decade mean that virtual and online programs offer valuable alternatives – or supplements – to faceto-face learning. We have scheduled more Webinars and increased the content of the Knowledge Center Online. We also have added a new Corporate On-Site Education program, whereby companies can contract with CoreNet Global to deliver MCR and other education programs at a corporate location. Another new initiative is CoRE Fundamentals, an online program that is available 24x7 over the internet. The first 2 0 0 9 THE LE ADE R modules are scheduled for delivery in April. Your individual professional network is now more important than ever, not only for learning from others, but also for positioning yourself in a difficult job market. Therefore, CoreNet Global is providing more opportunities for networking – particularly related to job opportunities – at Summits and chapter programs. We are also increasing the information about the job market and career opportunities on our website and the Knowledge Center Online. If one of our members loses his/her job, it is vital for that person to stay connected to CoreNet Global. The learning and networking within CoreNet Global are essential to keeping abreast of industry trends and finding a new job. We want all of our members to stay connected and remain part of our professional family. Therefore, we have developed a new Member-in-Transition program that allows displaced members to renew membership at significantly reduced dues and to attend Summits at a greatly reduced fee. I firmly believe that we can adapt and succeed together. We must help and rely on one another more than ever. Please let me know how we can help our members and our industry during these challenging times. 8 MARCH / APRIL
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