CARW

The Commercial Association of REALTORS Wisconsin

CARW: 2024 Year in Review

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As we close out 2024, it’s remarkable to reflect on a year defined by growth, innovation, and impact for the Commercial Association of REALTORS® Wisconsin (CARW). This year, we deepened our commitment to advancing our members’ careers while driving success in Wisconsin’s commercial real estate and economic development communities. Here are the highlights that made 2024 an unforgettable year:

Advocacy and Industry Leadership

In 2024, CARW championed critical issues shaping commercial real estate and economic development:

  • Advocated for legislative solutions addressing housing shortages, streamlining permitting processes, and supporting office-to-residential conversions, while striving to keep property taxes low.
  • Partnered with MMAC, GMAR, WHEDA, NAR, and WRA to tackle statewide challenges and foster economic growth.
  • Hosted sessions with leaders including Dale Kooyenga (MMAC President and CEO), County Executive David Crowley, and Department of Transportation officials to discuss infrastructure investments and regional policies.

Educational Programming and Events

CARW delivered exceptional value through innovative events and educational programming:

Signature Programs

  • Hosted economist Jim Costello from MSCI at the Economic Forecast Symposium to explore 2024 real estate trends nationally and locally. More than 250 attended.
  • Featured Omni Talk podcasters Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga at the Retail Conference, sharing insights on the future of retail for more than 300 attendees.
  • Discussed diverse topics, from SBA lending to key projects across Wisconsin, at the Roundtable Event for more than 250.
  • Highlighted data, energy, and infrastructure investments at the CARW + SIOR Wisconsin Spring Symposium for more than 175 attendees.
  • Celebrated Wisconsin’s most impactful deals and inducted Max Rasansky into the CARW Hall of Fame at the Deal of the Year & Annual Meeting before a crowd of 300+.
  • Welcomed nearly 400 attendees at the Market Update with NAIOP-Wisconsin, dissecting 2024 trends and preparing for 2025.

Member-Focused Initiatives

  • Conducted Quarterly Membership Meetings on adaptive reuse, financing strategies, and economic forecasts. On average, more than 125 attended each of these members-only events.
  • Hosted Coffee with CARW, morning sessions featuring networking and discussions on regional developments and innovations including a tour of Milwuakee Tool and discussion about the Microsoft Development. More than 100 attended each session.
  • Expanded reach with Fox Valley Programming, bringing CARW events statewide.

Educational Initiatives

  • Delivered over 200 hours of commercial real estate-specific Free Continuing Education to help members meet licensing requirements.
  • Collaborated with CCIM Institute to bring two classes to the Wisconsin market.
  • Graduated 25+ emerging leaders in the NextGen Class of 2024, with 80% of past NextGen Grads still in the industry and shaping Wisconsin’s largest deals.
  • Partnered with IREM to host a Real Estate Student Event attended by 125+ students from five universities, featuring networking and a keynote by Pat Connaughton.

Membership Growth and Engagement

CARW achieved significant milestones in membership growth and engagement:

  • Rolled out a streamlined online payment system for seamless transactions.
  • Audited and relaunched working committees to enhance member engagement.
  • Strengthened statewide involvement by adding Fox Valley and Madison board members.
  • Expanded data offerings by partnering with Moody’s to include reports on the Fox Valley, Madison, and Southeast Wisconsin retail markets.
  • Hosted targeted networking events and regional roundtables to foster connections.
  • Upgraded the CARW website and newsletter to deliver timely updates and resources.

Community Impact

CARW members made a meaningful difference in the communities we serve:

  • Hosted events in developing neighborhoods to highlight emerging projects.
  • Featured member-led philanthropic efforts in the “Community Corner” section of the CARW Connector.
  • Supported a toy drive for COA with marketing and logistical assistance.
  • Shared professional expertise with students at Wisconsin universities, including UW-Milwaukee, UW-Madison, Stout, Whitewater, and Marquette University.
  • Raised funds for the CARW Foundation through a golf outing, supporting scholarships for Wisconsin real estate students at UW-Milwaukee and UW-Whitewater.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As we look forward to 2025, CARW is committed to building on this year’s momentum with bold goals:

  • Expand advocacy efforts through research and expert collaboration.
  • Deliver world-class education and networking opportunities across Wisconsin.
  • Strengthen our role as the leading voice in Wisconsin’s commercial real estate sector.

To our members, sponsors, and partners: thank you for your trust and support. Here’s to another year of growth, success, and collaboration. Cheers to 2025!