An impressive number of CREW Austin members attended the recent CREW Network Convention & Marketplace held from Sep 14-17 in Washington DC.  In attendance this year:  Kristin Chiles (Chapter Delegate), Kathy Carr (CREW Foundation Chair-Elect), Jane Snoddy Smith, Jennifer Sherrill, Amy Mitchell, Rosalie Keszler (Chapter Delegate), Yvonne Parra, and first-timers Sarah Scott, Cacki Jewart, Cathleen Slack and Gabriela Palavicini Dominguez. 

As chapter president and delegate, I am honored to have represented CREW Austin this year - having attended council Leadership Summits and Council meetings as well as national Conventions during the past 2 years.  I am always amazed at the outstanding women (and men) that take the time to share and engage with members from across North America.  There seems to be a common theme at every gathering:  We all want to help each other succeed.  At convention, there is always plenty of relevant industry information and discussion, including a round table presentation that I was able to share about UCREW and CREW Careers, and a most excellent presentation on retail in the ‘new economy’ with a panel including Wal-Mart, Starbucks, CBRE and Federal Realty.  But the highlight to me, and of all of the conventions that I have attended, the speakers in DC were the most impressive.  Sheila Johnson, CEO of Salamander Hospitality, LLC and founder of BET network, and Linda Rabbitt, Founder / Chairman and CEO of *rand Construction Corporation each gave a rags-to-riches story of empowerment and strength that translates to us all.  The message I received:  Women should be supporting other women.  Period.  Being around even more remarkable people from over 74 chapters is a wonderful way to share and compare – best practices, professional wants and needs, industry and market data, etc.  

So, mark your calendars for the 2012 CREW Network Convention & Marketplace, October 24-27 at the Hilton Chicago -- I highly recommend attending.  

Respectfully yours,
Rosalie G Keszler, CCIM
2011 CREW Austin President
Testimonials from CREW Austin Members who attended the convention for the first time:

"The impact the CREW convention had among all of the women I met was remarkable. The theme for 2011 was Power— and that was expressed, cultured and communicated.  I gained a level of knowledge and connections that ARE priceless. I can’t wait for next year!"  Sarah Scott of Burt-Watts Industries

"The convention was even better than I expected.  The quality of the panels and speakers was amazing, and what a great networking opportunity!  I'm hooked!  Looking forward to next year"  Cacki Jewart of Brown McCarroll LLP

"I feel grateful to have been able to go to the National CREW Convention as a student member because I was surrounded by countless passionate women intent on learning and helping each other continue to succeed. In addition, the high energy made possible by so many outgoing and ambitious men and women throughout the week inspired me to continue working in commercial real estate industry." Gabriela Palavicini Dominguez of The Whitfield Co.