'26 January Newsletter Print

President's Report

Dear CCIM Members,
As we officially kick off a new year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the momentum we’re building together and to say thank you for an outstanding year behind us.
Our chapter had a tremendous year of growth, engagement, and impact, and much of that success is a direct result of the leadership and dedication of our immediate Past President, Jaime Henson. Under her guidance, our chapter strengthened member participation, delivered high-value programming, and continued to elevate the CCIM designation within our local commercial real estate community. On behalf of the entire membership, thank you for your service, vision, and commitment to excellence.
As we look ahead, I’m excited about what’s in store for the coming year. We are starting strong with our Deal Making Breakfast, and I look forward to seeing many of you there as we reconnect, share insights, and continue doing what CCIMs do best—building relationships and getting deals done.
This year will focus on:
• Creating more opportunities for meaningful deal flow
• Delivering relevant, practical education
• Strengthening our network across disciplines and experience levels
• Positioning our chapter as a go-to resource in the market
Thank you for your continued involvement, professionalism, and commitment to the CCIM community. I’m honored to serve as your Chapter President and excited to work alongside each of you as we make this year one of our best yet.
See you around town!
Warm regards,
JC McKinnon, CCIM
President, Memphis Metro CCIM

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Community Service

Get Involved: Chapter Committee Opportunities

Our Chapter thrives because members step up and share their time, expertise, and perspective. Serving on a committee is a meaningful way to build relationships, influence the direction of our Chapter, and deepen your connection in the CRE industry. Whether you enjoy planning events, shaping education, mentoring candidates, or strengthening advocacy efforts, there’s a place for you to serve. Click here to get started!

Committee Opportunities

Chapter Events Committee
Helps shape the overall Chapter experience by planning and supporting events and member activities. Responsibilities include event setup and breakdown, attendance tracking, photography, member outreach, coordinating locations and budgets, and serving as a communication link between the Chapter and the CCIM Institute.

Education Committee
Provides oversight of educational initiatives to ensure quality, consistency, and relevance. Members help review course content, materials, delivery methods, and uphold policies and processes related to educational offerings.

Finance Committee
Oversees financial operations and provides recommendations to the Board. Responsibilities include budget development, financial performance review, investment and insurance oversight, and reviewing business plans and financial procedures.

Governmental Affairs Committee
Monitors legislative and regulatory activity affecting commercial real estate and helps communicate public policy positions in alignment with the National Association of REALTORS®. This committee supports advocacy and keeps members informed on issues that matter.

Membership Committee
Focuses on attracting, engaging, and retaining members and students. This committee helps strengthen community connections, support inclusive initiatives, and develop programs that enhance the member experience.

Candidate Guidance Committee
Supports candidates pursuing the CCIM designation by offering guidance, encouragement, and connection throughout their designation journey.

Sponsorship Committee
Works to build and steward partnerships that support Chapter programming and events while creating value for our sponsors and members.


Interested in serving?
Volunteering is a powerful way to invest in both your professional growth and the future of our Chapter. It also gives us a chance to consider you for scholarships. Click here to get started.

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Calendar of Events

We have several opportunities coming up to connect, learn, and build relationships within our commercial real estate community. Be sure to check the full event details and registration links below for dates, times, and updates as they become available:

  • Deal-Making Breakfast, January 15

  • 1031 Tax Exchange for CE Credit, March 19

  • CI 104 Course | March 24–27
    We’re pleased to share that CI 104 is coming up March 24–27, hosted at Memphis Area Association of REALTORS® (MAAR).

    More details will be shared soon, but if earning your CCIM designation is on your radar or if you’re continuing your coursework, be sure to save the dates. This course is an important step in the CCIM journey, and we’re excited to offer it locally.

  • CI 104 Networking Happy Hour, March 24

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Announcements

We’re proud to share that two members of our Memphis Chapter, Chieristin Lawson and Dylan Patel, have been selected as 2025 Opportunity Scholarship recipients through the CCIM Institute Foundation.

The Opportunity Scholarship supports emerging commercial real estate professionals as they begin their journey toward earning the CCIM Designation, providing both financial assistance and meaningful access to education and professional development.

As a Chapter, we’re excited to support Chieristin and Dylan through connection, mentorship, and inclusion in our events and activities. These early relationships play a powerful role in shaping long-term success, and we’re honored to be part of their path forward.

Please join us in congratulating them and welcoming them into the next chapter of their CCIM journey!

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Classes & CE

Below are important upcoming courses and educational sessions to keep on your radar.

  • 1031 Tax Exchange | Upcoming CE Credit
    We have an upcoming 1031 Tax Exchange educational opportunity on March 19 at MAAR! This session will provide valuable insight into tax-deferred exchange strategies and is a great fit for brokers looking to sharpen their investment and advisory knowledge. Registration open now - click here.
  • CI 104 | March 24–27
    CI 104 will take place March 24–27 at Memphis Area Association of REALTORS® (MAAR). This core course is an important step in the CCIM designation path. Attendees can also expect a kickoff happy hour on Monday, March 24, offering a relaxed way to connect before class begins. More details coming soon.
  • Mark Your Calendars: CI 103
    Looking ahead! CI 103 is scheduled for October 12–16, also hosted at MAAR. If you’re planning your CCIM coursework for the year, now is a great time to block these dates!

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Membership

As we head into a full year of events and educational opportunities, we encourage members to renew their Chapter membership to take full advantage of everything we have planned. From exclusive courses and networking events to valuable professional connections, your membership ensures continued access to the resources and relationships that support your growth throughout the year.

Join or renew your membership here.

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Recap

Last week, we hosted our 2026 kickoff Deal-Making Breakfast, and the room delivered exactly what it promised: real conversations, real opportunities, and real momentum.

With 30+ attendees and 9 presentations, the morning was intentionally structured for efficiency and impact. Each presenter had the floor to clearly share what they’re working on, what they’re seeking, and how others in the room could collaborate. No fluff, no forced networking, just focused deal intelligence and meaningful introductions.

The result? New connections, follow-up meetings already scheduled, and a room full of professionals who left better informed and better positioned than when they arrived.

If you missed this one, don’t worry, we’re doing it again in the fall!

📅 Our next Deal-Making Breakfast is coming in August, and we’re already planning another high-value, fast-paced morning designed to help you move deals forward.

Mark your calendar for August 20, 2026.


Bring your deals. Bring your questions. Bring your appetite... for breakfast and collaboration!

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