Year-end is a natural time for reflection. Winter also offers a perfect opportunity to prepare for the fresh ideas, energy and opportunities of spring.
Alex Thomson
When I addressed our board upon assuming the gavel, I stated that I wanted my time as NAIOP chair to be impactful, productive and fun. Reflecting on this aim, I’m pleased to see evidence of these themes across many areas this year.
We highlighted our industry’s considerable economic impact across North America by publishing new editions of both our Canadian and U.S. reports. In the U.S., the operation and development of commercial real estate contributed $2.5 trillion to the U.S. economy. Yes, trillion — with a T! In Canada, the industry supported more than 1 million jobs and generated more than $342 billion in economic activity. As chair, I’ve joined our staff and members across the continent in sharing that message and highlighting the positive ways we contribute to our communities. The Economic Impacts of Commercial Real Estate reports are useful tools to have in our advocacy efforts.
As an association, we have also had meaningful impact on careers. I’ve been fortunate to attend case study competitions in numerous markets where NAIOP chapters and members support and mentor university students tackling real-world problems. Our members gathered at numerous conferences and events in 2025. NAIOP’s four I.CON conferences alone drew more than 3,500 industrial real estate professionals for deal-making, knowledge-sharing and networking. And thanks to the support of great partners like Prologis, our association has continued to award scholarships that empower the next wave of incredible talent in our industry.
In addition to being impactful, we’ve been productive. In July, our board approved a new brand for the association, and you’ll be seeing more about this regularly as the process moves forward. Indeed, the most productive part of this decision is occurring now, as chapter staff and members collaborate with our corporate staff, volunteer board and graphic design partner to develop the messaging and materials that are key to success in this new era.
Productivity is evident, too, in refinements we are making to Development magazine, the National Forums program, and the way we work with and champion the NAIOP Research Foundation, which celebrated its 25th year in 2025. We’ve made some changes in staffing and support for these initiatives so that we can thrive and accomplish even more going forward.
On top of everything, we’ve had fun. Our chapters have hosted golf tournaments, pickleball events (of course!) and bus tours. We held a networking event at the tallest open-air bar in the Western Hemisphere (Spire 73 in Los Angeles). My extraordinary colleagues on the executive committee joined me in making a commitment to be the most engaged, most accessible members of our association this past year. We tried to live up to that promise by connecting with members, speaking on panels, reaching out to chapters and more.
Serving as your chair has been one of the signature honors of my life. I’m immensely grateful for the warm welcome and support I’ve received. I simply cannot mention all those who have made this year so special. Thank you all.
As previously mentioned, winter is not only a season for reflection but a time to ready ourselves for renewal. With that in mind, I invite you not only to watch what is going on but to stay involved. One of the abiding lessons I have taken from my travels is this: Many people can see what is not working in any given situation, and some have ideas about what to do. It is those who see what needs to happen and who personally commit to making it occur that are the real lifeblood of success — in this association and in life.
We are very fortunate to welcome Celeste Tanner as our 2026 NAIOP chair. Celeste’s keen instincts for communication and implementation are a great fit for the role. If you offer her even one-half of the wonderful support, encouragement and welcome you have given to me, she will enjoy a spectacular year. Thank you all for making this term as chair such a meaningful and rewarding experience.
Alex Thomson, Founder, Prevail Consultants
2025 NAIOP Chair
