I am honored and proud to be CREW Calgary Chapter President for 2010. I joined CREW in its second year; about four years ago.

Through my career, I’ve learned the valuable lesson of how important networking is. CREW Network undertook a poll and rated the most important skill in surviving an economic crisis was networking. I’ve belonged to many different organizations and CREW is one that in this industry, as a professional woman, I truly get a lot out of. I know that networking is not supposed to be something that we do to learn “what’s in it for me”, but I think we all think like that, at least to some degree.

In my first year with CREW, I joined the membership committee, the next year I chaired that same committee. While I was extremely proud of the accomplishments and progress we had made, systems we streamlined, and increased profile and awareness we developed, there was still something missing. As a competitive spirit by nature, I consistently compared CREW Calgary to other organizations that have been established for decades and wondered why we weren’t there. It wasn’t until I took the pressure off of comparing ourselves, realizing that we are still in our infancy and we have already established so much, that I realized this is a real opportunity to be a part of something great and develop in Calgary an organization that all professional women in Commercial Real Estate consider a must to be a member. I am excited and determined about being involved with such an amazing group of women in taking CREW Calgary to the next level.

I was once told that the key to success was to surround yourself with successful people. That’s what being a part of CREW is all about; being surrounded by professional, successful women in all facets of Commercial Real Estate.

I encourage people who are considering joining CREW to surround themselves with successful people! I encourage those who are already members of CREW to get involved. The women currently serving on our committees are fabulous, but need help! It is so true that when wondering “what is in it for me?”, you truly only realize when you put something in it. Being ‘involved’; not just a member, in CREW has helped me truly reap the benefits of relationships that will ultimately make me more successful!

I am looking forward to serving as chapter President this year and working with the truly talented professional women that surround me in our organization to advance CREW Calgary to a higher level!

Kim Wingerak