Today, I am proud to announce a pivotal moment in our association’s history: We are now the Commercial Real Estate Development Association (CREDA). This change goes far beyond a name change; it signifies a clear statement about what our association stands for, who we serve and where we are headed.
More than 50 years ago, a group of professionals focused on the development of office and industrial parks first came together. These individuals saw a need for an organization that could connect people working in this industry as well as advance the interests of commercial real estate on the state, local and federal levels.
Over time, our association has grown to include 22,000 commercial real estate professionals in 55 chapters across the U.S. and Canada. We have produced countless research reports through our Research Foundation; grown our flagship Forums program to more than 1,100 members; launched new courses and resources to advance our members’ careers; and brought together the members of our extensive network to build relationships and partnerships. And, of course, true to our origins, we have achieved numerous legislative successes at all levels of government.a
Commercial real estate has changed over the history of our association and it is time for our name to reflect that. The industry encompasses multifamily, retail, aerospace, industrial outdoor storage, senior living, data centers, medical office, life sciences, student housing and more. It connects developers, owners, investors, building managers, engineers, architects, brokers and others. Commercial real estate has adopted new technologies and adapted to changing ways of working and living.
The Commercial Real Estate Development Association is direct, precise and clear. It affirms that our association is the place for commercial real estate professionals to develop their skills, build their careers, shape the industry and make a difference in their communities. It conveys to policymakers and partners that our association represents our members and the industry. It creates a bridge between the public’s perception of commercial real estate and the work that our members do in the communities in which they also live, work, shop, innovate and connect.
From creating jobs to delivering tax revenue, commercial real estate plays a significant role in the economic growth of cities and towns across North America. But above all, our industry is one focused on people. The relationships that go into a development team require strong partnerships and commitment. As bright, bold and high achieving as our members are, they cannot accomplish a development project without a team. This mirrors the foundation of our association; our focus is, as it always has been, on people.
As we go forward under this new name, our unwavering commitment to our members has not changed. Members will continue to benefit from exceptional education, effective advocacy, extensive networking and cutting-edge research. Our association will continue to provide our members with innovative resources to stay at the forefront of change. Now, they can move forward with confidence that this new name will bring clarity as we tell the story of commercial real estate development and the critical role it plays in communities across North America.
I would like to thank the members of our executive committee and board of directors, the members of our rebrand task force, our CREDA Global and chapter staff, our graphic design and media partners working on this rebrand, and above all, our members. You are the reason that our association exists, and it’s with you that our association thrives.
Together, we will build on the established strength of our former name and look to the future with our new one. Together, we will advance our members and the commercial real estate industry. Together, we will build what is next for commercial real estate.
