Brooklyn's Progress
July 2002

Michael C. O’Brien III, SIOR, Vice President of Industrial Real Estate Brokerage at M.C. O’Brien, Inc., attended the Society of Industrial and Office Realtors (SIOR) 2002 Spring Convention at the Fairmont Southampton Princess Hotel in Bermuda, April 11-14. O’Brien is a member of the Board of Directors of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce and has successfully acted as an advocate for Brooklyn by bringing many companies to the borough. His real estate firm has served the business needs of Brooklynites since 1909. O’Brien is a third generation member of the firm, and, together with his brother, Bill (also SIOR designated and the firm’s Office Specialist) are always prepared to help companies in Brooklyn. O’Brien was the former President of the New York City and Downstate Chapter of SIOR for the last two years. Individuals designated by the Society of Industrial and Office Realtors throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and 22 other countries, are top producers in industrial and office real estate brokerage, representing more than 800 offices in 450 cities worldwide. Society designees are seasoned professionals who abide by a strict code of ethics. More than 700 SIOR members and other industry professionals from around the world attended the 2002 convention. The event featured noteworthy educational, networking and entertainment activities. The opening general session, “Lighten Up … For Serious Results” featured renowned motivational speaker and author, C.W. Metcalf. His humorous, moving and inspirational message helped set the tone for the convention. A panel of national real estate executives discussed the importance of energy efficiency and the relationship between a property’s energy performance and its value, in the second general session, “Energy the Power to Succeed.” The closing general session. “Top Tigers Have No Paper,” featured Barbara Hamphill of Hemphill Productivity Institute, who debunked the “paperless office” myth and provided real world tips and techniques to organize paper, reduce stress and become more productive. In addition to general sessions, attendees participated inbreakout sessions focusing on: “Using Corporate Net Leases and 1031 Exchanges to Serve Your Clients and Improve Your Earnings,” presented by Gary Ralston, SIOR, Commercial Net Lease Realty; “Hunting in a Pack – Pros and Cons of Team Brokerage,” presented by John Van Buskirk, SIOR, Jack Shepley and Michael Alderman of Industrial Propereties Group NAI/CIR; “Bankruptcy Opportunities for Brokers,” presented by Jim Hochman, General Council, CB Richard Ellis; “Public Auctions,” presented by Laurence McCabe, SIOR, Ganly Walters Company; and finally “A Legislative Update,” presented by Linda Goold, NAR Senior Tax Counsel, SIOR, Ganly Walters Company.