2017 has been an exciting year for GRS Group. Thank you to all of our friends, affiliates, and industry colleagues for another successful year. Here’s a quick recap:
GLOBAL SERVICES CONNECTION
GRS Group’s proprietary information and project management system, the Global Services Connection, again proved its effectiveness in 2017. The firm completed 7770 commercial real estate projects through its full suite of services including Assessment, Title Insurance, Financial Advisory and Transaction Management.
Focused on operational synergy, speed of action and global perspective, GRS Group delivers tailor-made solutions in transaction risk management for investors, occupiers, lenders and other CRE stakeholders. Our clients continue to rely on our pragmatic approach, practical recommendations, and cutting-edge processes to manage complexity and advance their business objectives.
COMPANY EXPANSION
GRS | Corteq continued to expand its service offering in 2017. Increased technical expertise was added to both the Phase II and Remediation Team and the Green and Energy Services Group with the appointment of department heads John Burkart and Sol Rosenbaum respectively.
GRS | Corteq became a qualified service provider for Freddie Mac Multifamily Green Assessment. This approval came after a significant, months-long screening process including a rigorous review of GRS Group’s qualifications. Announced in August 2016, the Freddie Mac Multifamily Green AdvantageSM program is designed to make America’s rental housing more resource-efficient.
In addition, GRS | Corteq earned its designation as a Pre-Qualified Consultant for the production of Fannie Mae High Performance Building (HPB) Reports under the popular Fannie Mae Green Rewards Program. These reports serve lenders participating in the Fannie Mae Multifamily Green Initiative.
GRS | Title also increased its staff size in both the Richmond, VA and Scottsdale, AZ offices. As an authorized agent for Fidelity National Title, Chicago Title, First American Title, and Commonwealth, GRS | Title serves its clients in all 50 states specializing in transactions of every size, single-site, multi-site and multi-state portfolios.
AWARDS
For the second year in a row, GRS Group has been named to Inc. Magazine’s List of Best Workplaces in America. The list is a measurement of American companies that deploy state-of-the-art techniques to keep their staff happy and productive.
“GRS Group’s corporate values come directly from our life philosophy. We believe in a philosophy of balancing the four pillars in a person’s life: Family, Career, Health, and Spirit.” – Charles Victor, CEO
GRS | Corteq Director, Julie Sorensen was named Chicago’s Real Estate Finance Forum (REFF) Member of the Year at its 30th Anniversary Party this past summer. Real Estate Finance Forum (REFF) is a Chicago-based professional development and networking organization of women in our industry and the community.
CHARITABLE GIVING
Each year at this time, GRS Group solicits input from all employees with regard to its annual charitable contributions. Employees suggest both national and local charities to be considered for corporate giving.
For 2017, GRS Group is proud to have selected the Native American Rights Fund for our national donation. The suggestion comes from GRS | Centaur Director, Barry Bain. Also, the Illinois branch of American Heart Association is our choice for a local charity. Please consider these causes in your giving as well.
INDUSTRY MENTORSHIP
In 2017, CREFC launched a Mentorship Program that ran from June through December. The mission of the mentorship program is to provide an opportunity for young leaders and seasoned professionals in the commercial real estate finance industry to connect, grow and create a lasting relationship by sharing their industry knowledge, experiences and professional guidance in a confidential and informal atmosphere. GRS Group president, Noreen Clindinning, and GRS | Corteq director, Mark Halloran participated as mentors in 2017 and were both matched up with young leaders in Freddie Mac’s DC office. This program is a great way for us to give back and show young people how to get the most out of a career in commercial real estate. GRS Group is looking forward to participating again in the upcoming year with several other senior team members who will be mentors in 2018.
“The delicate balance of mentoring someone is not creating them in your own image, but giving them the opportunity to create themselves.” – Steven Spielberg
Happy New Year!