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Slow and Steady... By Julie Taylor, CAE, Executive Director, BOMA Oakland/East Bay This year didn’t start as we expected, with Omicron causing our events to go virtual again. We hope to be back to live education and luncheons in April. Until then, we’re holding some smaller in-person events like the Member Mixer on March 9. Get your golf clubs ready, the Walter Finch Spring Golf is back on April 4 at Round Hill Country Club. Be sure to sign up early for these events, as they’re likely to sell out. DC is the hub of hisAre you new to the industory and advocacy. We try or have any new staff? Be learned about the three sure to get them involved in our key advocacy issues facBackpack to Briefcase Sessions. ing CRE for 2022; carOur first session on February 23 bon reduction planning, covered reading leases. Future the Green Energy Loan sessions will cover reading plans, Enhancement Act, and certificate of insurance, and workforce development a mechanical tour in the Fall. (see the flyer on page 6). These sessions will give you and Top photo: Liz Despins, BOMA OEB VP; Jenna Hattersley, The advocacy presenyour staff an opportunity to learn BOMA OEB President; Manny Moreno, BOMA International tations included one led and network with peers. Executive Committee member; and Julie Taylor, BOMA OEB by Maria Vargas with the Executive Director; at the welcome reception. Lower photo: Every two years BOMA Zoom meeting with representativeness on Capitol Hill. Department of Energy. International holds its Winter She debuted the DOE’s Business and National Issues Conference in Washington, Better Climate Challenge that will be rolling out soon. The DC. Jenna Hattersley, BOMA OEB President; Liz Despins, DOE’s challenge is not prescriptive. Instead, it will include BOMA OEB Vice President; Manny Moreno, BOMA OEB resources from the national labs, resources, and collabPast President and current BOMA International Executive orative opportunities for participants to learn from each Board Member; and I participated in the event in early other. Look for more information soon. February. It was a great event that brought together In years past, we were able to meet with our represenBOMA leaders and professional BOMA staff from across tatives and senators in their offices. Unfortunately, due to the U.S. and Canada. Omicron it was not possible this year. We didn’t let that stop It was such a welcome change to meet with BOMA us! We had two Zoom calls with Representatives McNerney Association Executives (BAE)s in person. Noelle and I’ve and DeSaulnier while we were in the District. We also met been participating in nationwide BAE meetings via Zoom with the offices of Representatives Lee and Swalwell when since March 2020. Fellow BAEs and their staff bring us we returned. BOMA International tweeted about out meeta wealth of knowledge and experience. I was selected ing! Be sure to follow BOMA OEB on Twitter, Instagram to join the BAE Council last Fall. This is a four-year role, and Facebook to get updates as they happen. like those of your BOMA OEB officers. I’m currently As with anything BOMA, we had some fun, too! Secretary/Treasurer. I’m getting so much info and love Manny led us on a great tour of the monuments—from being a voice for BAEs with the BOMA International staff going to the top of the Washington Monument to the and officers. The BAE speakers were great, and Jenna Martin Luther King Monument. (See more coverage of and Liz were able to attend them, too! We had two great the conference and legislative priorities on pages 6-7). speakers, one on communications and one on stress and I look forward to seeing you at an event soon! DEI. They provided us with tools we’ll be able to use.
