Q3 President's Message

Dear CREW Tampa Bay Members, 

As we enter the final quarter of our 30th anniversary year, I find myself reflecting on just how much we have accomplished together. 

While this year has certainly been filled with milestones, what stands out most to me are the people behind them. Throughout 2026, our members have continued to show up for one another, investing in relationships, creating opportunities, developing leaders, and strengthening the commercial real estate community across the Tampa Bay region. That commitment to one another is what has fueled our momentum, and it is what continues to make CREW Tampa Bay such a special organization. 

This quarter was a powerful example of that momentum in action. 

Our events continued to bring members and industry professionals together in record numbers. The 17th Annual Economic Summit welcomed more than 500 registered attendees, for an engaging and important conversation about the future of our region. Our Summer Social once again sold out with more than 200 registered attendees, creating a vibrant opportunity to reconnect with fellow members, welcome prospective members into our community, and strengthen the relationships that make our chapter thrive. We carried that energy into the fall with another sold-out luncheon, a testament to the enthusiasm, engagement, and commitment of our members. 

Just as importantly, we continued investing in the future of our industry. 

This year, we proudly awarded our inaugural student scholarships to Schainada Cherichel and Rebecca Morales. Schainada is an MBA candidate at the University of South Florida and serves as a Junior Loan Officer at BBIF Capital. Rebecca is a first-generation college student at Saint Leo University pursuing a degree in marketing with aspirations of building a career in commercial real estate. Both represent the talent, ambition, and potential that will help shape the future of our industry. 

We were equally excited to award our inaugural member scholarship to Michelle Yaklin, Commercial Sales Associate with Lee & Associates Tampa Bay, Chair of our Programs Committee, recipient of the 2024 Rising Star Excellence Award, newly elected 2027 Board Member, and a professional currently pursuing her CCIM designation. Michelle's commitment to growth and lifelong learning exemplifies the leadership we strive to cultivate within our membership. 

Supporting emerging professionals and investing in the continued development of our members is one of the most meaningful ways we can honor the legacy of the women who built this organization while helping shape the next generation of leaders. 

That commitment to leadership development extends throughout our chapter. This quarter, we held leadership training for our Board Members and Committee Chairs, equipping the people who serve our organization with additional tools, clarity, and support. We also proudly approved our 2027 Board Slate, ensuring a strong pipeline of talented, thoughtful, and passionate leaders ready to carry our mission forward. 

Our chapter's leadership presence was also felt on a global stage at the CREW Network Convention in Miami. This year, 42 CREW Tampa Bay members attended Convention, including 21 scholarship recipients and 7 members whose attendance was supported directly by our chapter. Every one of these members returns with new ideas, new relationships, and new perspectives that strengthen not only their own careers, but the future of CREW Tampa Bay. 

One of the most meaningful moments of the quarter for me personally was receiving the CREW Network Member-to-Member Business Impact Award. 

This award recognizes a member who exemplifies the power and spirit of CREW by creating meaningful business opportunities for fellow members. While my name may have been on the award, I truly view this recognition as a reflection of our entire CREW Tampa Bay community. 

The opportunity that was recognized involved an incredible team of CREW Tampa Bay members and sponsor companies whose expertise, collaboration, and commitment helped bring a vision to life. The project was stronger because of their involvement, and it serves as a powerful example of what happens when talented professionals intentionally choose to work together. 

To me, that is what CREW is all about. 

The true value of this organization is not simply the connections we make. It is what we do with those connections. We open doors for one another. We share opportunities. We mentor emerging leaders. We solve challenges together. We help one another succeed. 

This award belongs to every CREW Tampa Bay member and sponsor company that has invested in our chapter, supported a fellow member, made a referral, joined a team, shared an opportunity, or chosen to do business within our network. It reflects the extraordinary culture of collaboration that has been built over the past 30 years and continues to grow stronger every day right here in the Tampa Bay region. 

As we look ahead, there is still much to celebrate. 

We received a record number of applications for the Excellence Awards, demonstrating the incredible talent, innovation, and impact across Tampa Bay's commercial real estate community. Sponsorship opportunities and registration are now available, and I encourage you to join us as we recognize the people, projects, and organizations shaping our region. 

Registration is also open for Jingle & Mingle, which provides another opportunity to strengthen relationships, celebrate our accomplishments, and close out this milestone year together. 

When I reflect on this quarter, I do not simply see sold-out events, record participation, scholarships, awards, and leadership milestones. I see members investing in one another. I see leaders stepping forward. I see new relationships being formed and opportunities being created. I see a community that continues to demonstrate the power of connection, collaboration, and shared success. 

That is the real story of CREW Tampa Bay. 

Our momentum is no longer just about growth. It is becoming impact. 

And because of each of you, I have never been more excited about what comes next. 

Thank you for your leadership, your generosity, your engagement, and your belief in this organization. Together, we are honoring the legacy of the women who came before us while creating even greater opportunities for those who will follow. 

I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together and grateful to be part of this remarkable community. 

Sincerely, 
Jennifer Scher 
President, CREW Tampa Bay