2007 WIRE Events

Enjoy the bounty that will be 2007. Join WIRE for an evening of socializing, networking and connecting. We will enjoy appetizers and refreshments as well as an open evening to enjoy each others company.

Febraury 13, 2007
BUBBLE, HOT, ELECTRIC- Luis Belmonte on the Market

WIRE is excited to bring you the always charismatic Luis Belmonte and with him comes the opportunity to listen and interact with one of the premier minds in San Francisco real estate development. After more than thirty-six years in commercial real estate development, Luis knows a thing or two about what works and what doesn't. Luis will help put your finger on the pulse of what is affecting development in San Francisco and the Bay Area in 2007 and beyond. Often quoted in major business magazines and journals he will provide you with a lunch time event to remember. Join us for an electrifying start to a great year of real estate programs as Luis talks about the housing bubble, the job market, the tech comeback, and anything else you want to talk about.

March 20, 2007
Real Estate Investment Clubs

Have you always wanted to invest in real estate but don't know how? Are you worried that you might not have enough money to invest, or that you lack the expertise? If you have wanted to invest in emerging markets, understand equity sharing, or learn how to leverage your capital, Real Estate Investment Clubs could be a solution. They can provide tremendous resources for both beginning and experienced real estate investors and they can be a great place to meet and network with other investors. WIRE is pleased to present as our March program two speakers from two very different investment clubs.

Lisa Kramer, principal with Lisa Kramer Architect, has an in-depth background in architecture, community development and construction management. She is a founding member of a local investment club of professional women in commercial real estate. Come hear how they organized the club, how they educated themselves, the investments they considered and invested in, and the lessons learned. Deborah Chan comes from a family of real estate investors. From a background of commercial and residential lending, she is a real estate advisor with National Real Estate Investment Club (NREI). Through this club she has made investments in San Francisco, Squaw Valley, Los Angeles, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, London and Costa Rica. Learn how to spot emerging markets; risk tolerance and diversification; how to work with real estate cycles, and the many types of investments she has made.

April 17, 2007
Secret Gardens and Cityscape Tour

Come join us for a docent-led walking tour of the Financial District's own open space. As land becomes increasingly scarce, the City is seeking alternative means of providing the public with meaningful open space. We'll learn about the secret gardens, hidden parks and rooftop gardens within our own concrete backyard. Our docent will explain the colorful history of the Financial District and point out the distinctive architecture that surrounds us. Drinks and lunch will be served at the end of the tour. We will cover a lot of ground, so wear comfortable shoes.

May 15, 2007
SPUR and WIRE Present-Framing the Future of Downtown San Francisco

Downtown San Francisco: Just over 20 years ago, San Francisco adopted its first-ever Downtown Plan, which presented a vision for a strengthened job core and also directed new office growth south into SOMA. Today San Francisco and other downtowns worldwide are on the cusp of another change ?' do we continue to focus downtown as the 'Central Business District' or move toward a larger, more diverse 'Central Social District'? Join Jim Chappell, president of SPUR, in thinking about the future of downtown and its role in maintaining and meeting the needs of a vibrant, changing economy.

June 20, 2007
Reigniting Retail

Targeted business attraction efforts breathe new life into seven San Francisco neighborhoods.

Join us for a guided tour of one project area, the Sixth Street Corridor, and a fun, informative presentation at Club Six.

July 17, 2007
Sustainability: From Trendy Fad to Reality – Transforming Corporate Culture into Action

Sustainability. Green. Carbon footprint. Low energy. LEED. These are common buzzwords we hear everywhere. But what do they really mean? How do we translate these buzzwords into action within our corporate environments?
Please join WIRE and a panel of industry community leaders for an exploration of definitions, issues and efforts as we focus on changing our personal and corporate culture. We will review an example case study of Swinerton Management & Consulting's carbon footprint reduction program and then conclude with a discussion of how these actions influence the current global sustainable movement.

This is one trendy fad that will not dissipate over time. Find out what you can do to start your own corporate transformation!

September 11, 2007
Critique of the Transbay Terminal Finalists
By noted Urban Design Critic and San Francisco Chronicle writer, John King

This month San Francisco will choose one of three design plans to create a new transit station on the site of the long-obsolete Transbay Terminal at First and Mission streets. The plans are bold, audacious, and unique, a testament to the skill and experience of the three competitors. From wind turbines, to open air rooftop parks, to a raised public plaza, one of these plans will be chosen. Come join us as John King explains why he favors one plan and provides a unique and critical viewpoint on all three options.

October 16, 2007
Networking at its Best

This month at the October 16th lunch we are pleased to present the final scholarship award to Sarah Diegnan. The Board interviewed four exceptional women and after careful consideration and review, Sarah was chosen. She will receive her MBA from the University of California, Berkeley, in May 2008. Join us for an interactive lunch as Sarah tells us about herself and her plans after graduation. Be prepared to share your best (and worst) work place tales; maybe you want to share the best advice that you were given; or a humorous story (or horror tale) from your years in the workplace. Most importantly, as we welcome Sarah to our industry, please be ready to share one bit of advice that we wish someone had told us when we were first starting out. Prizes will be given, so come prepared.

November 14, 2007
The Wine Bar

Come join WIRE for an after work event as we come together to share ideas and network in an informal and relaxing environment. Guests are welcome.

December 11, 2007
Holiday Luncheon and Toy Drive

Please join WIRE for our annual holiday lunch and the continuation of our international real estate theme.

In 2002, Gina Waldman did it. In 2006 and 2007, Peggy Chiang and Larry Fournier both did it as well. They purchased homes in the historic center of Ortigia, the island that is part of the city of Siracusa, Italy. Both Larry and Peggy’s properties are in the middle of a UNESCO World Heritage site. Peggy and Larry will share unique stories and experiences of owning property in historic Italy.

Come celebrate a great year of accomplishments as we look forward to a new and exciting year. We also will continue our annual Toy Drive tradition, so please bring a toy or donation for the San Francisco Fire Department.