Golf Outings Serve as Great Networking Opportunities for Women in Real Estate

April 28, 2011 - PRLog -- For women in commercial real estate and related industries, networking is a vital part of business. Golf outings have always been a popular alternative to traditional dinner and cocktail events. They provide a more relaxed environment at which business and deal making often take place and, in many cases, support local charities. Thanks to events like the Annual Golf Classic, the signature event of the New Jersey Chapter of Industrial/Commercial Real Estate Women (ICREW NJ), more women in the industry are now hitting the links.

“It’s important to establish a relationship first; and I think that’s what golf does,” stated Linda Schneck, Vice President of Corporate Affairs for Unity Construction Services, Inc. in Sayreville, N.J., who started playing golf six years ago through the ICREW Golf Classic. “It gives you the ability to have some fun and get to know people on a different level.”

ICREW NJ’s Tenth Annual Golf Classic will benefit Cerebral Palsy of North Jersey, a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the needs of local residents with cerebral palsy. The event is set for Wednesday, May 4, beginning at 10 a.m. at the Fiddler’s Elbow Country Club in Bedminster Township, N.J. Open to the public, the fundraiser features a scramble format for 100 golfers to play 9 or 18 holes, while 45 golfers can participate in a beginner or intermediate clinic and then play 9 holes.

“It’s really an event for everyone,” noted Robin Grossman of Edge Technologies, Director of Golf for this year’s Classic, who began playing golf five years ago at the ICREW clinic. “If you’re not a golfer, it’s great for beginners because we have the clinic. If you can’t make it during the day, you can come in the evening just for the reception and to do some networking.”

Ten years ago, the Golf Classic began as a small clinic for members. Now the event includes a buffet lunch, as well as a dinner reception, featuring raffle drawings and awards. The ICREW Golf Classic is an event for women and men alike. “It’s actually very beneficial for men because women are very good networkers—very open and willing to help,” added Schneck. Grossman noted that there is a large percentage of men coming to this year’s event and that although ICREW is a women’s organization, there are “more and more men that do attend and join ICREW.”

Founded in 1982, ICREW NJ is a non-profit organization that promotes communication and interaction between experienced professionals in all facets of commercial real estate. Through educational meetings and networking events, such as its Annual Golf Classic, the non-profit advances the professional development of women in this industry.

Since its founding in 1953, Cerebral Palsy of North Jersey has grown to serve the needs of more than 1,400 infants, children and adults with a variety of disabilities. Their programs and services include an early intervention program, specialized schools, adult training centers, shared living environments, and respite and after-school programs.

This year’s Golf Classic Benefactor Sponsor is Skanska USA, Inc., a leading provider of construction, preconstruction consulting, general contracting and design-build services to a broad range of industries. Unity Construction Services, Inc., Premier Sponsor, is a recognized leader in the interior and corporate market specializing in General Contracting and Construction Management. Willis Group, Premier Sponsor, is one of the world’s leading risk management and insurance intermediaries. Sponsorship opportunities for the Golf Classic are still available, ranging from benefactor or premier sponsor to individual hole tee or green signs. For more information about the Golf Classic, please call 609-585-6871 or visit www.icrewnj.org.

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About ICREW NJ: ICREW NJ, a non-profit organization, is the New Jersey Chapter of CREW Network, the Network of Commercial Real Estate Women. They are a full-service network of commercial real estate professionals and represent all disciplines of the commercial real estate industry including but not limited to accountants, architects, appraisers, asset/property managers, attorneys, consultants, developers, lenders, leasing and sales brokers, mortgage bankers/brokers, marketing specialists, market and investment analysts, corporate real estate representatives and title/escrow officers. Membership is open to qualified professionals in the commercial and industrial real estate field. For more information on the Golf Classic, membership or monthly meetings, contact ICREW NJ at 609-585-6871, or check out the organization’s web site at www.icrewnj.org.