The Connecticut/Westchester chapter of CoreNet Global, a premier global real estate organization, received the 2006 Chapter Development award in recognition of the chapter’s excellence in areas such as professional-development programs, strategic planning and financial planning.

The Connecticut/Westchester chapter received the award during the organization’s Global Summit in Orlando, Fla., in November.

“Our chapter has an active network of some of the leading corporate real estate executives in Connecticut and Westchester County, and we’ve produced some highly innovative programs,” said Richard Guralnick, senior broker at H. Pearce Commercial Group in North Haven, Conn., and co-chair of the chapter. “This award recognizes that we’re promoting productive business relationships among these leaders and the people and companies that provide professional services.”

The Connecticut/Westchester chapter designs professional-development seminars, known as “Real Advantage” workshops, and organizes tours of world-class facilities in the area, along with other member events. The chapter also has made contributions to Avon, Conn.-based Gifts of Love, Habitat for Humanity and other charities.

Many of the chapter’s corporate members are Fortune 100 companies with headquarters in Connecticut or Westchester. Service provider members include Connecticut’s and Westchester’s leading architects, real estate services companies, law firms and furniture distributors.

Connecticut/Westchester was one of four chapters receiving the Chapter Development award, for which more than 30 North American chapters were invited to compete. The New York City, Chicago and Philadelphia chapters also received awards.

CoreNet Global Connecticut/Westchester is a 100-member chapter of CoreNet Global (www.corenetglobal.org), the premier organization for business leaders engaged in the strategic management of real estate for major corporations worldwide. CoreNet’s primary objectives are to promote networking among its 6,000 members and to provide education, including certificate programs. The average CoreNet member manages more than $570 million in real estate assets for companies whose primary business is not real estate.

To join CoreNet Global in Connecticut or Westchester, contact Sandra Johnson, vice president & business development officer, MetroHartford Alliance, 860-525-4451, ext. 281, sjohnson@metrohartford.com.

H. Pearce Commercial Real Estate specializes in Connecticut’s central, south-central, and Shoreline markets, with offices in North Haven and Rocky Hill. Commercial property offerings can be found in color on the web at www.HPearceCommercial.com.