Business & Tech
Local professionals start first CREW Network Sarasota-Manatee chapter
Three members of Ian Black Real Estate were instrumental in forming the local chapter
Local professionals have taken steps to start a Sarasota-Manatee chapter of the Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) Network, the leading global business network in commercial real estate. The local chapter was formed by a group of Sarasota businesswomen, including three members of Ian Black Real Estate and representatives from Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP, Gulfside Bank, and others.
Leaders of CREW Sarasota-Manatee have applied for affiliation with the national CREW Network, after growing its membership to the required 30-plus members. CREW Network approves new chapter applications once a year, with the next review taking place in February.
“CREW is one of the most respected networking groups in the commercial real estate industry, and my Ian Black Real Estate colleagues, other influential leaders in local commercial real estate and I are so excited to have a chapter here in Sarasota-Manatee,” said Michele Fuller, partner at Ian Black Real Estate.
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On CREW Sarasota-Manatee’s founding board, Ian Black Real Estate’s Brie Tulp, RPA, will serve as secretary, while Michele Fuller and Amy MacDougall, CCIM, will serve as directors at large and on the membership committee.
“We’re quite pleased that these three are playing such an important role in getting this chapter off the ground,” said Ian Black, partner at Ian Black Real Estate. “It’s great to see the leaders in our market coming together to support each other and take advantage of all that CREW membership offers.”
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Traditionally, Sarasota and Manatee commercial real estate professionals have joined and attended events hosted by CREW Tampa Bay – the next closest chapter of the organization. The formation of the Sarasota-Manatee chapter will allow members to connect with and discuss topics relevant to the local market and economy.
“CREW is meant to empower women in commercial real estate, but we welcome both women and men who are interested in advancing the profession and connecting with others in all disciplines of the industry,” said Tulp, sales associate at Ian Black Real Estate.
Once accredited by CREW, the Sarasota-Manatee chapter plans to host monthly meetings on various topics relevant to commercial real estate professionals.
“We’re looking forward to officially launching next year and providing valuable networking and learning opportunities for members,” said MacDougall, broker associate at Ian Black Real Estate.
The inaugural CREW Sarasota-Manatee board will include:
- President Erin Christy of Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP
- President-Elect Beth Green of Gulfside Bank
- Treasurer Ashley DeLuca of Crews Bank & Trust
- Secretary Brie Tulp of Ian Black Real Estate
- Director Michele Fuller of Ian Black Real Estate
- Director Amy MacDougall of Ian Black Real Estate
- Director Ashley McRae of Stewart Title
- Director Katie Gower of Moss Construction
- Director Diane Nicosia of D.E Nicosia & Associates
CREW Network is a global organization that advances all women in commercial real estate through business networking, industry research, leadership development and career outreach. The organization is committed to strengthening and expanding diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) throughout the organization.
About Ian Black Real Estate
Ian Black Real Estate (IBRE) is a boutique commercial real estate brokerage firm located in Sarasota, Fla. The firm is one of the largest commercial brokerage firms in Southwest Florida and boasts a deep knowledge of the commercial real estate market in Sarasota and Manatee counties and the surrounding area. For more information, visit ian-black.com.
