Presidential Message - Thor Emblem, President
Thor Emblem, President
For those of you I have yet to meet, I am Thor Emblem, and I am so honored to be your BOMA San Diego President. Last year, we embarked on a thematic approach to our Programs and Seminars and introduced a series of membership meetings focused around “Building Resilience.” Well, with the new year comes a new theme. This will be the year of “Together Towards Tomorrow,” centered around our industry’s ability to bounce back in the face of the pandemic, while preparing us for the challenges we face today and tomorrow. Whether it’s informing our membership of new regulations affecting our industry, or developing our members’ careers through continuing education and networking, it is a part of BOMA San Diego’s mission to be your strategic business partner and help shine a light on the future of our industry.
I encourage everyone to get the most out of their membership by participating in all the opportunities that BOMA San Diego has to offer; get involved, join a committee, take part in our leadership collective (with Melanie Bamba-Milinkovic), or take a class toward your RPA designation. I can certainly attest that my participation in BOMA has not only enhanced my professional development, but it has made me a better leader, a better listener, a better collaborator, and a better friend. I first attended a BOMA lunch back in 2002. You may not know this about me, but I am painfully shy. I checked in, did a hot lap, and left. I continued to be a non-participating member until a new boss challenged me to join some committees. Through my committee involvement, I was able to build relationships, get involved in the direction of the organization, and gain the confidence to move into leadership. I cannot recommend this enough; it is so very important to join a committee.
This year we will be resurrecting the TOBY awards task force under the banner of the Awards and Scholarships Committee. If you know of anyone interested in submitting a property or would like to help the TOBY task force and take part in this prestigious competition, please reach out to Shelby Ballow, the chair of the Awards and Scholarships Committee. We would love to have your participation.
Of course, I could not have made it to this position without the help, encouragement, and leadership of so many BOMA San Diego members. The very first time that I went out for the board, I was not selected to serve. I thought, “well, I gave that a shot, it is time to move on.” The next year, when Kristin Howell was calling for board nominations, Tracie Hager asked me if I was going to try again. I let her know that I had tried that, but I had moved on from that idea. She let me know that many people do not get on the board on their first try, and strongly encouraged me to try again. With reassurance from people like her, Sonia Miro, Ray Magnussen, and many others, I tried again. Now, seven years later, I have the privilege of serving as your President, and I thank you for entrusting me with this role.
To Amber Molina, our outgoing President, I thank you for your mentorship, friendship, and belief in me and my ability to assume this role. I am sure everyone will agree when I say that you have set an extraordinary example as President, and that we have been lucky to have you. Following you as President will be no easy task, as I have a lot to live up to. Amber, on behalf of BOMA, I thank you for your leadership and commitment to BOMA San Diego.
We are all disappointed that our first membership meeting of 2022 had to be moved to a Zoom format, but I am hopeful that we will be able to meet in person again soon. Let’s all move “Together Towards Tomorrow” while believing in ourselves, and inspiring others along the way.
I encourage everyone to get the most out of their membership by participating in all the opportunities that BOMA San Diego has to offer; get involved, join a committee, take part in our leadership collective (with Melanie Bamba-Milinkovic), or take a class toward your RPA designation. I can certainly attest that my participation in BOMA has not only enhanced my professional development, but it has made me a better leader, a better listener, a better collaborator, and a better friend. I first attended a BOMA lunch back in 2002. You may not know this about me, but I am painfully shy. I checked in, did a hot lap, and left. I continued to be a non-participating member until a new boss challenged me to join some committees. Through my committee involvement, I was able to build relationships, get involved in the direction of the organization, and gain the confidence to move into leadership. I cannot recommend this enough; it is so very important to join a committee.
This year we will be resurrecting the TOBY awards task force under the banner of the Awards and Scholarships Committee. If you know of anyone interested in submitting a property or would like to help the TOBY task force and take part in this prestigious competition, please reach out to Shelby Ballow, the chair of the Awards and Scholarships Committee. We would love to have your participation.
Of course, I could not have made it to this position without the help, encouragement, and leadership of so many BOMA San Diego members. The very first time that I went out for the board, I was not selected to serve. I thought, “well, I gave that a shot, it is time to move on.” The next year, when Kristin Howell was calling for board nominations, Tracie Hager asked me if I was going to try again. I let her know that I had tried that, but I had moved on from that idea. She let me know that many people do not get on the board on their first try, and strongly encouraged me to try again. With reassurance from people like her, Sonia Miro, Ray Magnussen, and many others, I tried again. Now, seven years later, I have the privilege of serving as your President, and I thank you for entrusting me with this role.
To Amber Molina, our outgoing President, I thank you for your mentorship, friendship, and belief in me and my ability to assume this role. I am sure everyone will agree when I say that you have set an extraordinary example as President, and that we have been lucky to have you. Following you as President will be no easy task, as I have a lot to live up to. Amber, on behalf of BOMA, I thank you for your leadership and commitment to BOMA San Diego.
We are all disappointed that our first membership meeting of 2022 had to be moved to a Zoom format, but I am hopeful that we will be able to meet in person again soon. Let’s all move “Together Towards Tomorrow” while believing in ourselves, and inspiring others along the way.