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1981
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A lender called upon a developer looking for business. The
conversation between these two women demonstrated a shared
interest in identifying other women in commercial real estate
disciplines, with the goal of establishing a forum for networking
and professional development. To their amazement, they identified
75 such women locally. They cast a wide net, including all
disciplines necessary to “do a deal.” Thus, three
characteristics immediately distinguished this group: 1) it
would be composed of only women, 2) each would have three
or more years of professional experience in commercial real
estate, and 3) it would include many disciplines.
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1982
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The first official program took place in 1982. The speaker was
Thomas Klutznick, of Miller-Klutznick Davis-Gray, former chairman
of the real estate subsidiary of Aetna Life Company.
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1983
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NEWIRE
was soundly established with 175 members and published its first
membership directory, an invaluable networking tool. |
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1987
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Celebrating
its fifth anniversary, NEWIRE claimed almost 300 members, and
was recognized for its excellence in speakers, programs, and
seminars. |
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1990
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Pervasive
New England bank failures caused a significant credit crunch,
creating new professional challenges in real estate. NEWIRE
responded by offering members timely programs such as, “Work-Outs:
A Panel Discussion,” “Lender Liability: Everything
You’ve Always Wanted to Know, But Were Afraid to Ask”
and “Career Strategies in a Changing Real Estate Market.”
NEWIRE also established a “Communications Committee,”
which published the first “NEWSWIRE,” NEWIRE’s
bi-monthly newsletter highlighting NEWIRE programs and member
accomplishments.
In response to spending legislation, an informal Public Affairs
Committee was established. Six years later, it became an official
NEWIRE committee called the “Public Strategies Committee”
with a commitment to encouraging communication between members
and public policy makers. This group’s signature event
each year is the Women in Government reception, for women members
of the Massachusetts Legislature, as well as for those who work
in the city, state and federal governments in real estate related
positions. |
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1992
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NEWIRE
created a Community Involvement Committee to provide a vehicle
for members to donate both talents and money to numerous organizations
offering housing, shelter and other services to women and children.
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1995
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NEWIRE
joined the CREW Network (then NNCREW), a national organization
of women-lead real estate organizations, expanding members’
networking opportunities to nearly 5,000 members in 42 chapters. |
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1997
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NEWIRE
created its Suffolk University Scholarship Fund. Each year a
NEWIRE scholarship is awarded to a deserving woman undergraduate
at Suffolk’s Sawyer School of Management who is pursuing
business and real estate studies.
NEWIRE established a Golf Committee and held the first annual
“Networking Golf Tournament” at Essex County Club
for members and guests. This successful event has become a source
of proceeds for the NEWIRE Suffolk University Endowment Fund.
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1998
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NEWIRE
hosted a regional conference of NNCREW. |
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1999
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NEWIRE
organized its first annual Achievement Awards gala. Each year,
awards are presented to members who have excelled in Networking,
Entrepreneurship, Public Service, Leadership, and Esprit de
Coeur (the individual who gave their heart and soul to the organization). |
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2001
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NEWIRE
celebrated its 20th year by hosting the CREW Network national
convention in Boston and with a joyous 20th birthday party celebration
reflecting on the successes of the organization and its members.
NEWIRE also established its first official networking group,
the “NEWIRE Small Business Exchange.” The Exchange
provides a forum for NEWIRE members owning their own businesses
to exchange information and learn from the experience of more
seasoned NEWIRE business owners and other professionals. The
Exchange won national recognition in October 2002 when awarded
the CREW Network Career Networking Award. |
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2002
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NEWIRE
established a second official networking group, the “Affordable
Housing Networking Group.” |
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2003
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NEWIRE
established the Development Committee. The purpose of the committee will be to create a framework for and guidance to NEWIRE members to provide hands-on development opportunities for one or more community service projects involving the full spectrum of disciplines represented by NEWIRE members. The NEWIRE services will benefit a community-based non-profit organization that does not have the internal capacity or experience to undertake a community development project. |
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2004
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NEWIRE
established the Legacy Council to provide a forum for discussion and exchange of ideas among longstanding members. |
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2005
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NEWIRE
participated in the pilot program of CREW Careers™: Building Opportunities, a national "Real Estate 101" classroom program, designed to open the eyes of teenage girls to the many career opportunities available to them in the commercial real estate industry. |
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2006
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NEWIRE
celebrated its 25th Anniversary.
Through money raised from this year's Charity Golf Tournament, NEWIRE fulfilled it's pledge to Suffolk University and reached it's $100,000 endowment goal to the NEWIRE Endowment Fund at Suffolk University. |
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2007
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NEWIRE
established two official networking group, the “Meds & Eds Networking Group” and "Developers Networking Group."
Today, more than 400 members
strong, NEWIRE continues to provide a forum for networking and
professional development to women in all real estate disciplines
throughout the Greater Boston area. |
