With more than 500 Associate Leadership Council graduates over the last twenty years, the ALC program is TREC’s longest-standing leadership development program. Over 10 months, commercial real estate professionals between 27 and 37 come together to attend leadership development programs and lunches, receive personalized training with a professional executive coaching firm and implement a community service project.

If you are interested in becoming an industry and community leader, you can’t find a better leadership development program. The education, network and experience gained in this relatively short timeframe has a tremendous positive effect on participants’ careers. But, let’s hear it straight from five of the ALC Class of 2016 graduates. Tyler Berns, Britton Church, Laura Goodman, Clay Pickering and Anna Procter were all elected to serve on TREC’s 2017 boards and committees by their classmates.

Here’s what they had to say about the ALC program:

Tyler Berns, Austin Commercial – TREC Board Representative

ALC was an outstanding experience for me. Each month’s programming gave me an unparalleled look at how our city operates and what makes Dallas great. TREC does an incredible job of connecting people in our industry and throughout the city, and as a part of the ALC class we received intimate access to leaders both in our industry as well as leaders at the local, state and national government levels. Also, the caliber of people in the class was phenomenal. The bonds and relationships we formed through the completion of our service project, class days and social functions will stay with me the rest of my career and my life.

Britton Church, JLB Partners LLC – TREC PAC Board Representative

Being a part of the 2016 ALC program was a great privilege that taught me countless valuable lessons about our great city, leadership and community involvement. Many great opportunities and challenges face the DFW region and ALC made me aware of where I can help influence beneficial change for our communities. In addition to these benefits, I became friends with many counterparts in the industry. These relationships will continue to grow and expand as we work together throughout the years.

Lauren Goodman, Invesco Real Estate – TREC Foundation Board Representative

My ALC experience was certainly impactful to say the least; I’ve gained a whole new perspective on my city in addition to 29 close friends in the industry that I know will return any favor at the drop of a hat. From the first moment of the retreat to our graduation day, I was constantly surprised, impressed and overwhelmed with our group on how much we accomplished and grew personally and professionally in such a short period of time. I hope to stay close with my ALC classmates and start making an even bigger impact on our city through all I learned over the past 10 months.

Clay Pickering, The Retail Connection – TREC Community Fund Board Representative

A common theme throughout ALC which resonated with me was servant leadership. To me, a servant leader is one who brings out the best in others, and whether it was Executive Director Tim Allen and the staff at Citizens Development Center, the nonprofit ALC partnered with for the class service project, or our program day guest speakers, it was evident they each shared this common element. To see and hear about their willingness and commitment to serve others impacted me both personally and professionally.

Anna Procter, AG&E Structural Engenuity – TREC ALC Alumni Association Representative

Being in the company 29 extremely smart, educated and successful young professionals for ten months can’t help but to bring out the best in you. Throughout the program, I was challenged to pay more attention to the moment I should take charge and lead versus when I should provide support to who is leading. Being able to intuitively switch in and out of the leadership role is definitely a skill worth fine tuning and that I think will serve me throughout my career.