The international organization that educates and certifies property managers has 86 chapters, including the 33-year-old Chicago group that has 600 members.

"Times are quite different than back in 1933," says IREM president-elect David Lane in a statement. "But the mission of IREM remains the same: To be the Number One resource for professional property managers and asset managers wanting to expand their knowledge in specific subject areas, sharpen their leadership and management skills, and help them anticipate and respond effectively to new and emerging business challenges."

Most recently, that includes working to protect tenants and property against terrorism and other emergencies. Locally, the city has enacted tougher laws on inspections of commercial properties as well as scaffolding.