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Editor’s Note: A photo of Bette Fears is available upon request to Sharon Peters

(Chicago, Aug. 27, 2007) – Bette Fears, Accredited Residential Manager^® (ARM^®), an honored member of the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM^®), was tragically murdered in the line of duty while serving as an apartment community manager in Coeur d’Alene, ID. In recognition of Fears’ contributions to the real estate management profession, the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM^®) Foundation, together with IREM’s Spokane, WA-based Inland Northwest Chapter No. 49, with which Bette was affiliated, have launched the Bette Fears, ARM^®, Memorial Scholarship Fund.

In announcing the new fund, IREM^® Foundation President, E. Craig Suhrbier, CPM^®, stated: “Bette touched so many IREM^® lives locally, regionally and across the country because she valued greatly her interaction with others. As a member of the IREM^® Foundation’s Scholarship Committee, she cared deeply for all scholarship applicants because of their desire to further their career and enhance their professionalism.”

The Bette Fears, ARM^®, Memorial Scholarship Fund will join three other programs – the Paul H. Rittle Sr. Memorial Scholarship, the Donald M. Furbush Scholarship, and the George M. Brooker Collegiate Scholarship for Minorities – that Bette helped to advance over many years. Funding will provide support for individuals who pursue an ARM^® credential, like Bette’s, as well as those with ARM^® certification seeking to earn the Certified Property Manager^® (CPM^® ) designation. Scholarships will be available to members of IREM^® Inland Northwest Chapter No. 49 and others around the country.

According to Suhrbier, the IREM^® Foundation will soon invite IREM^® Members, real estate management organizations, apartment owners, and other interested parties to support the Bette Fears, ARM^®, Memorial Scholarship Fund. Contributions, which are tax deductible, should be made payable to the IREM Foundation and mailed to foundation headquarters at 430 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611. Donors will receive a letter from the foundation acknowledging their gift.

ABOUT THE INSTITUTE OF REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT FOUNDATION
The Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM^®) Foundation, established in 1977, is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) public foundation. Its mission is to identify, develop, fund and promote those initiatives that enhance the industry and profession of real estate management, improve and enhance communities, and further the strategic goals of IREM^®.

ABOUT THE INSTITUTE OF REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT
The Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM^®) has been the source for education, resources, information and membership for real estate management professionals for more than 70 years. An affiliate of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^®, IREM is the only professional real estate management association serving both the multi-family and commercial real estate sectors. With 81 U.S. chapters, eight international chapters and several other partnerships around the globe, IREM is an international organization that also serves as an advocate on issues affecting the real estate management industry.

Membership includes over 18,000 individual members and 505 corporate members.  IREM promotes ethical real estate management practices through its credentialed membership programs, including the Certified Property Manager^® (CPM^®) designation, the Accredited Residential Manager^® (ARM^®) certification, the Accredited Commercial Manager certification, and the Accredited Management Organization^® (AMO^®) accreditation. These esteemed credentials certify competence and professionalism for those engaged in real estate management.  In addition, IREM offers Associate, Student and Academic memberships.

Collectively, IREM Members manage more than 6.5 billion square feet of commercial space and 11 million residential units, totaling over $848.2 billion in real estate assets. IREM Members are employed by some of the most prestigious real estate firms in the world and nearly 70% hold upper-level management positions. Due to their professionalism and vast experience, property owners and investors worldwide continually seek out the management services of IREM Members.

To learn more about the Institute of Real Estate Management and its chapter network, call (800) 837-0706, Ext. 4650 (outside the U.S. call (312) 329-6000) or visit www.irem.org.