OBR Survey Coming this Month

We are excited to launch our new Operating Benchmark Report (OBR). The report is a comprehensive survey that covers a wide range of operating expenses, such as utilities, maintenance, insurance, and taxes.

The report will give members insights into how their expenses compared to other properties in their region and across the membership. Additionally, you will be able to see how expenses in your region compare to the other regions.

The final round of survey testing is nearing completion and will go live this month. Member participation is required for the success and value of this report. Can we count on you to participate?

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

A goodbye I never wished I’d have to say.

As most of you are aware, last month we lost Martha Cox-Nitikman, a dedicated member of the BOMA/GLA team. Martha oversaw the organization's lobbying operations for 30 years.

She fought a very aggressive form of cancer for almost four years, and while she was courageous and strong, it ultimately won. She accepted each day as it came, never really complaining, even though she was exhausted and wished the treatments would finish so she could get on with her life. That was my own personal wish too.

This beautiful woman, inside and out, was a wonderful friend to me, supporting me over the last 16 years with her gentle and caring nature. One of her beliefs in life was the importance of being authentic with people, saying what needs to be said because it’s good for the relationship and for the soul. Unfinished business causes pain and having peace is essential for a healthy and joyful life. Also, I always admired how she never judged or forced her opinions on anyone, but offered valuable and truthful advice that I will surely miss.

During my friend’s illness, I know that there were two things that kept her going, her family and hope; otherwise, to face another day would have been tough, and I know how many days she must have had like that.

MCN, you will forever be in our hearts here at BOMA/GLA. Watch over me dear friend until we meet again.

~Michele Ware

Updates

BOMA/GLA Launches Property Technology (Proptech) Committee

This past Tuesday, BOMA/GLA hosted its first Proptech Committee meeting. The committee got right to work, identifying programming opportunities to educate members on ways to leverage fast-evolving technology to enhance building operations and share best practices.

This is a standing committee, which will focus on utilizing technology to enhance tenant amenities and experiences, staff productivity, connectivity, and beyond.

Click Here to join the Proptech Committee and help build it from the ground up!

BOMA/GLA Delegation Attends BOMA California Board Meeting in San Jose

BOMA/GLA’s representatives to the Board of BOMA California, along with staff, flew to San Jose this past month to represent our association in advocating on statewide issues.

Lea Sandoval (Kilroy Realty Corporation) and Becky Rios (Edgewood Realty Partners) voted on behalf of Greater Los Angeles’s perspective on issues impacting our statewide business.

Board members also met with senior staff from State Senator Dave Cortese’s office, where they discussed building occupancy issues and legislation on sustainability being considered in Sacramento.

BOMA California advocates on over 400 pieces of legislation each year that impacts our member buildings and the statewide business climate. To learn more about our top legislative priorities, Click Here.

Special Interest Group

Mixed Use Property Managers

Meet up at Columbia Square

The buzz and excitement were palpable as the members of our newly formed Special Interest Group (SIG) for Mixed-Use Property Managers converged at the iconic Columbia Square, our 2023 TOBY Visionary Award Building Winner. Photo shown below. Left to Right: Kimberly Thornton, Hospitality at Work a Lowe Company; Marline Millanponce-Camarena, Atlas Capital Group LLC ; Laura Romer, Kilroy; Leslie Lagua, Hines.

Interested in Increasing Your Brand and Company Awareness?

As more and more companies enter the market, businesses are starting to struggle for the attention of their target audience with commercial real estate professionals compared to before.

So, why is advertising important when this happens?

Simply put, the average person sees at least 5,000 ads per day which means that it is entirely possible for your brand’s advertisements to reach out to a large audience while conveying the unique selling points of your products or businesses in just a few minutes or even seconds.

Advertise Here

Make a Difference Today

Are you looking for a team building event that is of service to the community? If so, consider hosting a team service event with The People Concern.

Many BOMA/GLA members, like Hudson Pacific, are teaming up and giving back. At their most recent team building event, they had a blast playing bingo and snacking with clients and residents of The People Concern. Not only did they have a great time, they also connected with an organization that shares our mission to end homelessness.

If you're eager to make a difference while building relationships with your team, consider volunteering with The People Concern for your next teambuilding event. For more information on how to sign your team up today, contact Tonya at tburns@bomagla.org. Let's work together to create positive change and strengthen our teams at the same time!

Remembering

Memorial for Martha

Last month, we lost a dear friend and an icon of the BOMA community, our former Vice President of Public Policy, Martha Cox-Nitikman. Her passing has left a void that will be felt for a long time to come.

As a long-time member of the BOMA/GLA staff team, some of us have had the privilege of working alongside Martha over one or even two decades. Being on the staff team means you're not just an employee, you are part of a family.

Over the years, we’ve shared many beautiful moments together - member events, staff days, employee appreciation events, heart-to-heart conversations, and stories about our loved ones. Although we mourn the loss of her light in our lives, we know that she will live on in our hearts forever.

Emerging Leaders

Emerging Leaders Connecting for the Future

At a hidden speakeasy, The Alley Lounge in Culver City, our Emerging Leaders met up for a fun evening at their Spring Happy Hour. Nearly 20 of our young leaders came together to network, make connections, and discuss shared interests and experiences to help strengthen their growing community.

If you are interested in joining the Emerging Leaders Group, email Latrice at llawson@bomgla.org.

TOBY Announcements

Our dedicated Awards Committee is hard at work preparing for our gala in October.

To learn more about entering your building, attend our Virtual TOBY Workshop on May 10th from 10:30AM - 11:30AM. Register Here

If you are interested in nominating a member for the Awards of Excellence, nominations will open later this summer.

Our three BOMA International Regional TOBY Award winners will be presented their awards at the May 18th, CRE Summit and Showcase so come out and show your support. These winners will advance to the BOMA International TOBY competition at the International TOBY Gala in Kansas City, June 27, 2023. Register Here

Member Spotlight

Getting to Know Eli Gordon

Kimball, Tirey & St. John, LLP

Eli has an adventurous spirit, which is what helped him be the Monticello Empire League high jump champion. It’s safe to believe he jumps high to achieve his goals.

Eli enjoys snowboarding, vacationing in Mexico, binge-watching Dave, and attending the Magic Castle event with BOMA/GLA. Every year, he and his team look forward to it because it’s another fun way to meet other members and watch the incredible magic acts.

The magic of being a member is the networking opportunities that BOMA/GLA offers. Through BOMA/GLA events, he’s had the opportunity to meet and network with likeminded professionals. He recognizes that creating personal connections is essential in the CRE Industry.

Eli serves on the Codes and Regulations Committee.

Upcoming Events

This Month's New Member

ASSOCIATE MEMBER

A Plus Tree

Sophie Poonlua with RiverRock Real Estate Group and Her Experience as a BOMA Member

"I joined BOMA/GLA to be more connected in the industry and be up to date with any problems in our regional area that the Commercial Real Estate industry is facing. I believe that the feedback or suggested solutions from our fellow BOMA members during our meetings have been valuable. It essentially helps further our knowledge and better serve our client/building owners. "

Regional

Connecting with El Segundo City Officials

Government Affairs Manager Blake Perez, met recently with Michael Allen, El Segundo’s Community Development Director. As part of our outreach efforts, our team meets with local officials to introduce them to BOMA and learn more about each city’s plan check process.

The city will be rolling out a new plan check e-file system that will first be used for residential projects and then commercial developments. Additionally, the city is looking for ways to automate repetitive plan check processes to help speed up the procedure.

While in town, Blake stopped by to say hello to the city’s Fire Marshal Nicole Pesquiera. The Marshal regularly attends our Codes and Regulation Committee meetings. She said a new hire in her department is helping reduce new construction inspection turnaround time from 14 days to 10 days.

Both city officials have been invited to our summer Long Beach/South Bay Roundtable in Long Beach on July 25th.

Topgolf

Members Raised $21,000 in the Fight Against Homelessness

The Topgolf Fun-Raiser for The People Concern on April 20th was an absolute blast! Through our members efforts, we raised $21,000 for our flagship partner! The event had a massive turnout, and BluSky took home the trophy for the highest score, while Lincoln Property Company received a special participation award for their valiant effort. Not only was it a day full of laughs and excitement, but it also helped support the fight against homelessness. It was an event that nobody will forget!

We are excited to make this an annual event and look forward to seeing you next year!

Thank You to Our 2023 Annual Partners

Thank you to our Annual Partners who generously support the mission, vision, work and members of BOMA/GLA. Your continued investment is appreciated.

If you are interested in becoming an annual partner, please Click Here to see the benefits and company exposure. Contact sponsorship@bomagla.org to take advantage of the benefits.