Hampton Roads Association for Commercial Real Estate

What Hampton Roads Association for Commercial Real Estate does

Hampton Roads Association for Commercial Real Estate (HRACRE) is a private, non-profit professional membership association founded in 1993 and headquartered in Virginia Beach, Virginia, serving the commercial real estate industry across the Hampton Roads region's Peninsula and Southside submarkets. The organization represents approximately 554-600 members drawn from all major CRE disciplines — including property owners, developers, brokers, contractors, architects, engineers, attorneys, lenders, and title companies — and positions itself as the only trade body advocating for CRE interests at the local, regional, and state levels via its affiliation with VACRE (Virginia Association for Commercial Real Estate).

HRACRE's core offering is a tiered membership program (Individual $250, Corporate Basic $500-$1,250, Corporate Premium $1,500, Corporate Elite $2,500, Young Professional $150, Student $50, with a 10% state/municipal discount) delivered through YourMembership.com association management software. The association monetizes through four primary streams: recurring annual membership dues, event registrations across roughly eight annual programs (Beach Bash, Program Luncheons, Golf Outing, Oyster Roast, Holiday Party, Design Awards, Career Fair, Legislative Day), tiered corporate sponsorships (Gold/Silver/Bronze plus event-specific packages), and tax-deductible donations to its affiliated REACH Foundation 501(c)(3), which administers scholarships and a $100,000 internship endowment campaign.

Beyond membership, HRACRE operates a workforce development pipeline — a six-week Summer Internship Program (350+ alumni, 30 interns in 2024), Mentorship Program, Veterans Externship, and a co-hosted annual Career Fair with Old Dominion University at Chartway Arena — and runs an annual Excellence in Development Design Awards program and a Young Professionals Network. The association is governed by a Board of Directors and annually rotating Executive Committee (President, President Elect, Immediate Past President, Secretary, Treasurer, At-Large members) supported by a small staff of approximately 1-10 employees including Association Executive Kathy Higgins and staff member Michelle Trent, with Association Builders (Kyrus Whitehurst) providing association management services.

Name

Hampton Roads Association for Commercial Real Estate

Legal name

Hampton Roads Association for Commercial Real Estate

Website

https://hracre.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2008

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

HRACRE is a non-profit professional membership association founded in 1993 in Virginia Beach, Virginia, serving approximately 554 commercial real estate professionals across Hampton Roads through tiered memberships, annual events, workforce development programs, and regional legislative advocacy via VACRE affiliation.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Virginia Beach

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Others, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Annual membership fees ranging from $50 (student) to $2,500 (corporate elite) based on membership tier and number of employees. Membership renewal begins in November and must be completed by end of January to remain in good standing.
2. Event Registrations and Tickets: Revenue from event attendance including Beach Bash ($85-105), Program Luncheons, Golf Outing, Oyster Roast, Holiday Party, and Design Awards. Pricing varies by event with early-bird and late registration rates.
3. Corporate Sponsorships: Corporate sponsorships at Gold, Silver, Bronze, and tiered levels provide annual revenue. Event-specific sponsorships also available for Beach Bash, Golf Outing, Holiday Party, and other events.
4. REACH Foundation Donations: Tax-deductible donations to the 501(c)(3) REACH Foundation supporting scholarships and internship endowment campaign. The foundation has a goal of raising $100,000 to endow annual scholarships.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

HRACRE is a regional nonprofit professional membership association that delivers tiered membership subscriptions, signature networking and educational events (Beach Bash, Golf Outing, Oyster Roast, Holiday Party, Program Luncheons, Legislative Day, Design Awards), workforce development programs (Summer Internship, Mentorship, Veterans Recruiting, Career Fair), the REACH Foundation scholarship program, and industry advocacy on behalf of the commercial real estate community in Hampton Roads, Virginia.

Product overview

HRACRE is a professional association serving commercial real estate professionals in Hampton Roads, Virginia. The organization operates as a unified membership organization rather than a software product company, offering multiple membership tiers (Individual, Corporate Basic, Corporate Premium, Corporate Elite, Young Professional, Student) with associated benefits. The portfolio consists of: membership program providing access to networking, directory, and reduced event fees; annual signature events (Beach Bash with CREW, Design Awards, Golf Outing, Holiday Party, Oyster Roast, Legislative Day); workforce development initiatives (Career Fair with ODU, Summer Internship Program, Mentorship Program, Veterans Recruiting Program); workforce development foundation (REACH Foundation with CREW Scholarship); awards programs (F. Craig Read Service Award); education programs (Program Luncheons featuring economic forecasts and industry speakers); and member resources (Career Center job board, Membership Directory, Newsletters). The association is affiliated with VACRE (Virginia Association for Commercial Real Estate) for state-level legislative representation.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• HRACRE Membership Program Tiered association membership providing commercial real estate professionals with access to networking, the membership directory, newsletters, committees, and reduced event fees. Tiers: Individual ($250), Corporate Basic (2-5 employees, $500-$1,250), Corporate Premium (6-10 employees, $1,500), Corporate Elite (11+ employees, $2,500), Young Professional ($150, ages 21-40, max 5 years), Student ($50, includes 6 Program Luncheons), with a 10% State/Municipal discount.
• Beach Bash Annual networking event co-hosted with CREW Coastal Virginia at The Shack in Virginia Beach, featuring food, open bar, sunset views, and multiple sponsorship levels (Crush, Photo Booth, Food, Game, Shade, Sun, Balloon, Surf, Sand). Draws over 300 attendees. Early bird $85, late $95, walk-in $105.
• Golf Outing Annual golf tournament held at Williamsburg National Golf Club across the Jamestown and Yorktown courses. A portion of proceeds benefits the REACH Foundation.
• Holiday Party Annual end-of-year member celebration featuring music and cocktails, typically held in December. Holiday Sponsor level at $600.
• Oyster Roast Annual fall economic development appreciation networking event featuring live music, food, and activities. 50% of proceeds benefit the Political Action Committee.
• Program Luncheons Six annual educational luncheon programs featuring top speakers from business, academic, and political arenas covering economic forecasts, transportation updates, and regional development topics. Student membership includes 6 luncheons per year.
• Excellence in Development Design Awards (EIDD) Annual awards program recognizing outstanding facilities and development projects in Hampton Roads across multiple categories (Best Multi-Family Housing, Best Conceptual Project, Best Renovated Project, Best Healthcare, Best Sustainable Project, Best Restaurant, Best Interior, etc.) and awarding a Juror's Choice Award.
• Legislative Day Annual advocacy event bringing HRACRE members to Richmond to engage directly with state legislators on commercial real estate issues affecting the Hampton Roads region.
• Commercial Real Estate Career Fair Annual career fair co-hosted with Old Dominion University at the Chartway Arena Big Blue Room in Norfolk, VA. Open to all college students from surrounding schools regardless of major, connecting HRACRE member companies with students through company booths and panel discussions.
• Summer Internship Program Six-week summer program for college students hired by HRACRE member companies, featuring twice-weekly industry leader speakers, tours, and networking events across multiple CRE disciplines. 2026 session scheduled for June 8 to July 22, 2026. Over 350 students have graduated since inception.
• Mentorship Program Program pairing college students, young professionals, and career transitioning individuals with mentor professionals for academic, professional, and social development through regular communication and shadowing activities.
• Veterans Recruiting Program Non-paid externship program connecting transitioning military service members and soon-to-be veterans with HRACRE member host firms to explore commercial real estate career possibilities. Applications accepted from both veterans and member host firms.
• REACH Foundation 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation formed by HRACRE to promote education, advancement, and career initiatives in Hampton Roads through scholarships, grants, and programs targeting college students, exiting military, and under-represented populations. Campaign goal of $100,000 to endow annual internship scholarships.
• REACH Foundation/CREW Scholarship $4,000 scholarship for female students pursuing CRE-related degrees, awarded based on academic record, leadership, and extracurricular accomplishments. Includes eligibility for CREW Network student membership and luncheon tickets. 2026 application deadline: March 31, 2026.
• Young Professionals Network (YPN) Network of HRACRE members ages 21-40 for professional connection and development, hosting YPN events including Sip & Social Meet Ups and professional development activities. Accessed via the Young Professional membership tier ($150) renewable for up to 5 years.
• Career Center Online job board allowing members to post and search commercial real estate openings. Searchable by keywords, city, organization, category, position type, education requirement, and experience level across categories such as Accounting, Architecture, Commercial Real Estate Agent/Broker, Engineering, Internship, and Legal.
• Online Membership Directory Searchable online directory of HRACRE members available to all members for networking, referrals, partnerships, and business development across the Hampton Roads commercial real estate community.
• F. Craig Read Service Award Annual service award established in 2022, named after HRACRE's founder, honoring members for outstanding service over many years. Recipients: F. Craig Read (2022), Alvin Owens (2023), Jan Hall (2024), Steve Romine (2025), Skip Sacks (2026).

Quantifiable outcome

• 350+ students graduated from HRACRE Internship Program
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• VACRE (Virginia Association for Commercial Real Estate)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHRACRE is part of VACRE, which provides representation in Richmond and a Political Action Committee that distributes members' donations to candidates and elected officials who recognize the importance of commercial real estate to the Commonwealth. VACRE is the legislative arm of Northern Virginia NAIOP, GRACRE and HRACRE.
• CREW (Commercial Real Estate Women) Coastal VirginiaflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerJoint annual Beach Bash event held at The Shack in Virginia Beach, co-hosted by HRACRE and CREW. The event draws over 300 attendees and has been a big hit with sponsorship opportunities at multiple levels including Crush Sponsor, Photo Booth Sponsor, Food Sponsors, Game Sponsors, Shade Sponsors, Sun Sponsor, Balloon Sponsor, Surf Sponsors, and Sand Sponsors.
• Old Dominion University (ODU)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-host of annual Commercial Real Estate Career Fair held at the 'Big Blue Room' at Chartway Arena, ODU in Norfolk, VA. HRACRE and ODU's Commercial Real Estate program partner to connect students with CRE career opportunities. ODU Center for Real Estate and Economic Development provides industry resources and collaboration.
• YourMembership.comcoreTechnology or IntegrationAssociation management software provider powering the HRACRE website. Provides membership management, event registration, email marketing, job postings, member invoicing/dues, and career center features.
• Atlantic Union BankminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBeach Bash event sponsor at Crush Sponsor level.
• Work Program ArchitectsminorOthers2026 Juror's Choice Award recipient for Chrysler Museum of Art-Perry Glass Studio at the Excellence in Development Design Awards.
• REACH Foundation BoardcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner501(c)(3) organization formed by HRACRE to promote education, advancement and career initiatives within Hampton Roads. Works to attract local college students and exiting military to the commercial real estate industry while providing targeted assistance to under-represented populations. Primary intent is to reduce financial burden for those choosing commercial real estate as a career path.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• NAIOP (Commercial Real Estate Development Association): National trade association for commercial real estate developers, owners, and related professionals; HRACRE's parent VACRE partnership aligns it with NAIOP's broader ecosystem.
• ULI (Urban Land Institute): Global research and education organization focused on land use and real estate development; provides overlapping educational programming and networking that HRACRE members may also access.
• BOMA International: National building owners and managers association serving commercial property professionals; competes for the same Hampton Roads property manager membership pool that HRACRE serves.
• ICSC (International Council of Shopping Centers): Global trade association for the retail real estate industry; relevant to HRACRE's Hampton Roads retail property owner and broker members seeking national-level CRE engagement.
• CCIM Institute: National association for commercial real estate investment professionals offering the CCIM designation; serves an overlapping member base of brokers, investors, and CRE specialists in Hampton Roads.

Regional players

• Hampton Roads REALTORS Association: Regional REALTOR association covering the Hampton Roads area; while primarily residential-focused, it represents an adjacent real estate community in the same geography with overlapping membership candidates.

Direct peers

• CREW Coastal Virginia (Commercial Real Estate Women): Regional CREW Network affiliate in Hampton Roads; co-hosts HRACRE's flagship Beach Bash event and shares overlapping CRE professional membership in the same geography.
• NAIOP Northern Virginia: Northern Virginia chapter of NAIOP and co-member of VACRE; serves as the third leg of VACRE's regional representation model, comparable in scale and mission to HRACRE.
• Greater Richmond Association for Commercial Real Estate (GRACRE): Regional CRE trade association serving the Richmond, Virginia market; explicitly part of VACRE alongside HRACRE and NAIOP Northern Virginia, making it the closest structural and geographic peer.
• BOMA Hampton Roads: Building Owners and Managers Association chapter covering the same Hampton Roads geography as HRACRE, focused on commercial property operations and management professionals.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/HRACRE
• Facebookfacebook.com/HRACRE
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/hracre

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Hampton Roads Association for Commercial Real Estate