CREW Jacksonville

CREW Jacksonville Hears from Northeast Florida Regional Leaders

2012-03-09T12:38:00.000-08:00

DOES SIZE STILL MATTER – THE “Re”EVOLUTION OF NORTHEAST FLORIDA

By Emily F. Crews

On March 6^th, CREW Jacksonville heard from four great panelists: Cathy Chambers, JAXUSA Partnership, VP Business Development and Marketing; Elaine Brown, Former Council President City of Jacksonville and current Chair of First Coast Consortium; Hon. Stan Totman, Mayor of the City of Baldwin and immediate past chair of the Northeast Florida League of Cities; and Bob Rhodes, Regional Transportation Study Commission and Co-Chair of the Innovate Northeast Florida. Brian Teeple, Chief Executive Officer, Northeast Florida Regional Council served as the facilitator for the panel

Elaine Brown spoke about Reality Check. She told us how about 300 people came together from seven counties to deliver what Northeast Florida could be in 50 years. What could we do to get us to those opportunities? Northeast Florida residents should pull together for our priority list – for our children and grandchildren. Business opportunities in linked counties bring business here in Northeast Florida. This exercise mapped out a plan to achieve goals together.

Bob Rhodes talked to us about First Coast Vision. Reality Check was a springboard for the seven-county regional vision planning that addressed land use, economic development, transportation and human resources. A Strategic Regional Policy Plan has been developed by the Regional Transportation Council.

JTA evaluated the need for a regional transportation authority. In 2010, the Legislature enacted the Regional Transportation Study Commission (RTSC) chaired by JTA. Ave Parker is the chair of the commission. Our region faces significant transportation issues. Workers that cross county lines include:

·         52% of Baker County workers
·         52.5% of Clay County workers
·         39.3% of St. Johns County workers

Commute times average the highest in the state with Clay County at 31 minutes and St. Johns County at 26.7 minutes.

“We’re an international economy.” says Rhodes. “A key logistic center is a goal for the region. We’re not in a crisis mode like other areas of the state.”

Rhodes chairs the Governance and Funding Committee of the RTSC. They hope to have recommendations by next month. Public input will be collected this summer and the committee will reconvene in the fall and develop a final report.

Cathy Chambers with JaxUSA talked about the rebranding of the Jacksonville Chamber economic development arm (formerly Cornerstone). It was based on the importance of regionalism. The goal is to market the region to great companies to entice them to move here. She’s out selling the region every day. She meets monthly with regional chambers and they discuss potential deals. They work with clients to get a commitment on the region, then they pinpoint where in the region meets their needs. Jacksonville has 90% of the existing real estate in the region.

Innovate Northeast Florida was created to do another study ($250,000 grant) to look at target industries. We have wonderful assets and Chambers loves to bring in site consultants. “It’s the true joy of the job, she says. “ Our area shows so well.”

One question from the audience asked about the importance of Jacksonville’s downtown revitalization to the region. Brown contends, “Regional partners do care about it because it is a first impression. It must be revitalized and it cannot be a blighted area. Everbank moving to downtown and the Duval County Courthouse opening are both huge for downtown revitalization. Art Walk causes excitement – more bars and restaurants along Bay Street. It will be that gem once again in our future.”

Another question about downtown from Sandra Brooks was about why Comcast isn’t serving the Bay Street downtown area. Brown said all of downtown is wired. The infrastructure is there, but Ms. Brooks said that Comcast is more like $99 a month for service and the T-1 lines are in the $300-$400 range per month.

A question was posed about sustainability. Rhodes said sustainability should be joined with transportation planning. Brian Teeple, our facilitator, said his opinion of good examples include the regional governance of Portland and Seattle. Rhodes added that Indianapolis is also a good model. Florida is light years away from that model.

Brown said the medical end of what Jacksonville can deliver is incredible. Businesses need to advocate for regionalism.

Teeple suggested a “homework” assignment for the audience. What is our regional identity? Make up a menu – like a restaurant menu – indicative of Northeast Florida.

Brenda Ezell in Jacksonville Business Journal

2011-12-30T05:34:00.000-08:00

The 2012 CREW Jacksonville President, Brenda Ezell, was mentioned and her photo included in an article in the Jacksonville Business Journal in the December 30, 2011 edition on Foreclosures, bankruptcies keep local firms busy See mention below:

"Brenda Ezell, owner of Ezell Law Firm PA, said employment lawyers were also busy in 2011 — another outgrowth of the recession — and became more engaged in advising their clients on social media-related issues."

CREW Jacksonville 10-Year Anniversary Kickoff

2011-12-14T13:03:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday December 6^th, CREW Jacksonville held its annual holiday event featuring an art auction and raffle benefiting PACE Center for Girls Jacksonville. The event also served as the kickoff to its 10-year anniversary as a CREW Network Chapter. The Past Presidents of CREW Jacksonville were recognized at the event and Lori Avampato with Rolland, DelValle, & Bradley, Inc., and 2004 CREW Jacksonville President, recognized the founding and charter members of CREW Jacksonville. Rhetta Nussbaum, the 2003 CREW Jacksonville President, recognized Sarah Kelly with Wayne Automatic Fire Sprinklers, the 1999 CREW Orlando President, with an award for being a key player in assisting with the formation of CREW Jacksonville. The evening was filled with networking, fun and laughter. Laura Gonzales with BBVA Compass, 2011 President of CREW Jacksonville and Brenda Ezell with Ezell Law Firm, 2011 President-Elect of CREW Jacksonville made a presentation of notable events occurring over the past 10 years with a peek into 2012. The event ended with a champagne toast given by the CREW Jacksonville Past Presidents and a new chapter song, “Sweet Home Northeast Florida.” There is much excitement surrounding the celebration of CREW Jacksonville’s 10-Year Anniversary.

Remembering PACE

At this time of year especially, we like to give. Our CREW Jacksonville members have given very generously to our philanthropic charity, PACE Center for Girls, both with their time and money. During our 10-Year Anniversary Kickoff on December 6^th, we raffled ten paintings, sold six paintings by silent auction and sold note cards that illustrated many of the girls’ paintings. The paintings were abstract, landscapes, and self portraits painted by eight girls from PACE. The painting sessions were led by local artists that volunteered to help. Heather Sams and Sarah Rink organized the sessions. We raised $1,660 during the event on PACE’s behalf. We collected an additional $1,025 for PACE through our Angel Tree program in October and November. Katie Connors was the chair of our Angel Tree for this year. So far, our total donations for these two events total $2,685. We still have some note cards available for sale. You can buy them at the upcoming CREW luncheons next year. Thank you to all who contributed!

Is that who I think it is?!

2011-12-13T10:37:00.000-08:00

Yes, I believe it is. Former CREW Jacksonville President, Terry Durand, may think she's in disguise, but she can't hide from us! It's the trademark hairstyle.

Terry is pictured here as part of an article written in the Jacksonville Business Journal about networking at Everbank Field http://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/print-edition/2011/12/09/huddle-up-networking-abounds-at.html.

CREW Jacksonville's Lisa Robert Spotlighted in the Jacksonville Business Journal

2011-12-06T08:05:00.000-08:00

CREW Jacksonville's Lisa Robert has been promoted to vice president of transportation at RS&H. To read more about Lisa, please click on the link below.

http://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/print-edition/2011/12/02/spotlight-hard-hat-gives-way-to-a-suit.html?s=print

PACE Center for Girls, Jacksonville salutes CREW

2011-11-15T06:24:00.000-08:00

2012 Economic Outlook

2011-11-02T13:12:00.000-07:00

CREW Jacksonville held their monthly lunch meeting on Tuesday, November 1st at Maggiano’s in the Jacksonville Town Center. The speaker was Ignacio San Martin, a principal economist with BBVA Compass. CREW also incorporated speakers from The PACE Center for Girls, CREW Jacksonville’s philanthropic partner, and the Jacksonville Aviation Authority (JAA), CREW Jacksonville’s Diamond annual sponsor.

Rosa Beckett, a representative from JAA and CREW Jacksonville member gave a short presentation on JAA’s impacts on our local real estate market including a video highlighting the organization’s commitment to success in our local economy.

Lynn H. Bertram, Executive Director of the PACE Center for Girls, spoke about the PACE/CREW Jacksonville partnership and announced that due to CREW Jacksonville’s commitment to PACE, the organization will gain national recognition at the upcoming National Philanthropy Day event on November 14th at the Hyatt Regency, Jacksonville FL. Two students from PACE talked to the audience about how the PACE program has helped them. They also talked about their self portraits and why they incorporated certain elements into the paintings. Each year CREW Jacksonville facilitates a self portrait painting session with PACE students as an exercise of self reflection and introspection. These paintings are sold by silent auction at the annual CREW Holiday event. Monies collected for the paintings are donated back to PACE. This year’s holiday event will be December 6th at Epping Forest Yacht and Country Club from 5:30 to 7:30 and will also be the kickoff celebration for CREW Jacksonville’s 10 year anniversary. Visit www.crewjax.org for more information and to register for the event.

Ignacio San Martin had positive news for our region in his economic update. Generally speaking, 2012 economy is forecasted to be an improvement over 2011. Although the economies of Latin America and China pose possible risks in 2012, the general outlook is that the economy will continue a slow improvement into 2012. Mr. San Martin gave specific data on the status of international markets, noting that solutions are in place but are taking a long time to implement. He said consumer confidence is still low but a more positive outlook is ahead. Although commercial real estate cap rates are recovering, the overall values are still lower than average. An interesting fact he provided is that investment in commercial real estate appears to be the golden ticket for investors at this time. He noted that while a typical treasuries investment today may bring a return of 2%, commercial real estate investment returns are around 9%-10%, as high as they were in 2005, which he believes will continue throughout 2012.

2nd Annual Fall Classic Charity Cornhole Tournament

2011-10-24T06:23:00.000-07:00

CREW Jacksonville Gives Awards

2011-10-17T04:36:00.000-07:00

At the CREW Jacksonville luncheon on October 11, 2011, three dynamic women received awards to celebrate their hard work and devotion to CREW. These women were nominated by CREW Jacksonville members.

In the category of Most Connections, Heather LePetrie won the award for the CREW Jacksonville member who made the most business, professional or personal connections among members of the Chapter in 2011.

In the category of Most Active New Member (less than two years), Jody Brooks won the award for the individual who had attended the most CREW events, had the most committee participation or had otherwise taken the fullest advantage of CREW benefits in 2011.

In the category of Wonder Woman, Maryanne Hewitt won the award for the CREW Jacksonville member who has gone above and beyond in their support of CREW and involvement in 2011, positively impacting CREW Jacksonville and its members with their energy and focus.

Congratulations ladies, and thank you for your dedication to our chapter!

Delegates Wrap Up Successful Year for the Network

2011-10-14T11:20:00.000-07:00

Addressing the 2011 Council of Delegates at the recent Fall Leadership Summit & Council Meeting in Washington, D.C., CREW Network President Collete English Dixon recognized delegates for their role in leading a successful year for the organization, “Your leadership, participation and forward-thinking are the reason we lead the Network that works.” Among its exhaustive list of accomplishments include the development of gold standards for chapters, the launch of CREW Network’s executive level mentoring program, the development of two Playbooks; Gold Standard Chapter and Programs, and the development of CREW Network’s fifth white paper.

As the CREW Network organization continues to grow both in its reach and its stature, the idea that this organization is only as strong as its weakest chapter added a new dimension to the delegates’ focus this year. Just as beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so went the measurement of a successful chapter. With so many definitions of success, chapter leaders needed some standard of measurement by which to determine how their respective chapters measure up against all others across the Network.

Delegates spent the year identifying what they believed are priority areas for a gold standard chapter, defined what each of these priorities entailed and what they believe should be the “gold standard” measurement for each. Based on the results of these discussions, a CREW Network task force began developing the Gold Standard Chapter Playbook, which will detail what constitutes a gold standard chapter and provide a roadmap to achieving that status. This Playbook will be distributed to the full membership by the end of the year. Delegates also received a preview of the new Chapter Dashboard created by CREW Network that allows chapter leaders to view their chapter’s membership counts, specialty representation, event attendance and more to assist them in measuring their chapter’s progress toward reaching the established gold standards.

Delegates can also expect to receive a Programs Playbook by the end of the year, which will identify best practices, tips and suggestions for delivering strong programming at the chapter level.

The Industry Research Committee has been working diligently on its latest white paper titled “Success and Satisfaction of Women in Commercial Real Estate: Retaining Exceptional Leaders.” The committee identified approximately 20 leading companies in the industry and, together with the 2011 CREW Network Board of Directors, conducted interviews with the CEOs and other top executives at these companies to find out why they believe women rate their levels of career success and satisfaction lower than men, based on the findings of CREW Network’s 2010 benchmark study. Not only have these interviews resulted in excellent industry feedback and insight into company practices, but it has enabled CREW Network to get its research read by leaders in the industry. Watch for this white paper to arrive by the end of the year.

President English Dixon shared other exciting news with the delegates, which included the announcement that CREW Network has been admitted as a member of the Real Estate Roundtable; a prestigious group of leaders from the nation’s top publicly-held and privately-owned real estate ownership, development, lending and management firms, along with the leaders of major national real estate trade associations. Members of the Real Estate Roundtable come together to address key national policy issues relating to real estate and the overall economy. This is a major step towards raising CREW Network’s stature and influence within the commercial real estate industry.

Delegates were also the first to learn the results of the 2012 CREW Network Board selection process. Serving with 2012 President Diane Butler of CREW Dallas will be:

· Susan Hill, 2012 President Elect, CREW Houston

· Collete English Dixon, 2012 Immediate Past President, CREW Chicago

· Kris Beason, Director, CREW Seattle & Sound

· Lou Ann Dent, Director, CREW Baltimore

· Lori Kilberg, Director, CREW Atlanta

· Tina Makoulian, Director, CREW Philadelphia

· Judith Nitsch, Director, NEWiRE Boston

· Angela O’Byrne, Director, New Orleans CREW

· Heidi Timken, Director, East Bay CREW

Karin Schulz, 2011 CREW Foundation Chair presented the Foundations outcomes for 2011. Nearly 300 CREW Network members have donated to the Foundation so far this year and CB Richard Ellis has agreed to match donations to the CREW Network Scholarship Fund, up to $75,000 per year. Schulz urged delegates to encourage their chapter members to donate so the Foundation is able to receive the full match. Ten CREW Network chapters have each pledged $20,000 to become founding chapters of the scholarship endowment. These chapters include: CREW Atlanta, CREW Austin, CREW Chicago, CREW Dallas, CREW Denver, CREW Houston, CREW Philadelphia, CREW Seattle & Sound, Vancouver CREW and CREW Washington, D.C. Additionally, Schulz recognized Diane Butler of CREW Dallas and Jane Snoddy Smith of CREW Austin, who each donated to become founding donors of the endowment.

Following the council meeting, CREW Seattle & Sound member Jessica Hickey of 1029 Consulting, Inc. led delegates through a brief exercise addressing the process of incorporating the newly established gold standards into their chapter planning and execution. Delegates were placed into small working groups where they discussed what they believed would be the biggest implementation concerns regarding the standards, what challenges they believed they would face in overcoming the concerns and the simple solutions to dealing with the challenges. Delegates identified concerns ranging from attaining chapter buy-in to balancing competing priorities. The challenges they anticipated facing included fear of change, communicating at all levels of membership and attracting senior members. Once the delegates identified these concerns and challenges, the solutions naturally surfaced; develop face to face relationships, in-person meetings with committees and board members to ensure good communication, and encouraging the use of the chapter’s logo on member business and v-cards, just to name a few.

As delegates wrapped up a very successful year and reflected on their personal and chapter’s contributions to the organization’s progress, it became very clear that CREW Network is living its brand. It’s one thing to claim CREW Network is the Network that works; it’s quite another to prove it. Through the accomplishments of the 2011 CREW Network Delegates, to the forward thinking leadership at every level of the organization, and the members who refuse to settle for “good,” we all share in the commitment to strengthen the CREW Network organization, elevate its brand and prove without a doubt that CREW Network is indeed the Network that works.

Denise Kahler, CREW Network, Marketing and Communications Director

CREW Jacksonville Visits Saft

2011-10-05T04:47:00.000-07:00

CREW Jacksonville held a tour of the new 235,000 square foot Lithium Battery plant “SAFT” at Cecil Commerce Center on Tuesday, September 20, 2011. The program began at 11:00 at the Commerce Center’s Conference Center. Dixie Contract Carpet, Inc. was the sponsor of the event. Catering was by Sonny’s Bar BQ.

The event commenced with CREW Jacksonville Laura Gonzales’ opening remarks and recognition of CREW’s sponsors. Suzanne Cortina from King Engineering gave the Invocation and Pledge. Maryanne Hewitt from Dixie Contract Carpet gave a short presentation on the sponsoring company including that they were the flooring contractor on the SAFT building project. She also showed a video of a custom logo installation at FSCJ Deerwood campus.

Peter Denoncourt joined other SAFT colleagues to welcome the group. He gave a brief history of SAFT and an explanation of the power capabilities of their battery technologies as well as their new building including a video of all sectors of the company.

There was a question and answer session with Peter wherein he talked about the 279 new jobs SAFT is bringing to the Jacksonville area and how most of those which have been filled were filled with local individuals. He also talked about the one-mega-watt of power that is produced by their solar panel installation on their roof. This installation is the largest solar panel installation in the Southeastern United States.

The tours ensued in groups to the factory. Most of the manufacturing of the batteries is performed in an encapsulated space with tight environmental controls. Relative humidity is kept at nearly 1%. Employees who work in this environment must do so in short increments as their skin can start drying out (chapped lips, itchy noses). The groups were taken through the entire battery manufacturing process from copper and aluminum sheets thinner than a piece of hair, to coating, coiling, capping and containing, helium testing and transport by robotic vehicle to storage racks. Most of the battery making is performed by robots. Human interaction is contained to the first few stages of production.

SAFT has international presence in the market. They have even supplied the longest running lithium battery that is in some satellites in space! The event was exciting and informative!

CREW Network Convention & Marketplace News

2011-09-22T12:58:00.000-07:00

Several newsworthy announcements were made during the 2011 CREW Network Convention & Marketplace including the introduction of the 2012 CREW Network Board of Directors, Impact Award winners, CREW Network scholarship recipients and the winner of CREW Network's top honor, the Achievement of Excellence Award.

Please click on the news releases linked below to learn more.

· 2012 CREW Network Board of Directors

· 2011 CREW Network Impact Award Winners

· 2011 CREW Network Scholarship Winners

· 2011 CREW Network Achievement of Excellence Award Winner

CREW Jacksonville Celebrates with Brenda Ezell

2011-09-09T08:11:00.000-07:00

On September 1st, Brenda Ezell was celebrated along with 24 other leading Jacksonville women in the

8^th annual Women of Influence celebration for Northeast Florida. These distinguished female leaders are recognized for their mentorship of employees and team members, for partnering with their clients to provide a better service experience, and for positioning their companies for growth. In addition, each of them is involved with her community through various outreach efforts.

Brenda is CREW Jacksonville's President Elect. Several of CREW Jacksonville's members, along with Brenda's family and staff were in attendance. We're very proud of you, Brenda!

CREW Jacksonville’s President Elect Named in Top 25 of Most Influential Women

2011-07-26T05:53:00.000-07:00

Brenda Ezell, Ezell Law Firm PA, President Elect of Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) Jacksonville, was recently named as one of Northeast Florida’s most influential women. Congratulations Brenda!

Delegates Take Step Closer to Defining the Gold Standard Chapter

2011-07-05T06:13:00.000-07:00

Chapter leaders assemble in Las Vegas for Spring Leadership Summit & Council Meeting

Denise Kahler

Marketing and Communications Director

CREW Network

What defines a CREW Network Gold Standard Chapter? Delegates attending the recent 2011 Spring Leadership Summit & Council Meeting in Las Vegas came one step closer to answering that question.

Under the leadership of CREW Network President Collete English Dixon, delegates first began discussing the concept of a “gold standard chapter” at the 2011 Winter Meetings in New Orleans. The results of those discussions revealed a strong consensus that a gold standard chapter should meet established criteria for the following four priorities: quality membership, stature/profile/recognition, financial stability and member opportunities.

During the Spring Meeting, delegates took the next step and worked in small groups to define the four priorities, identify what would constitute the gold standard for each and begin developing strategies for chapters to achieve these standards.

“Defining gold standard measures for our chapters is an important step toward ensuring the success, growth and stability of our organization,” said 2011CREW Network President Collete English Dixon. “All of which will ultimately strengthen the CREW Network brand within the industry – and that benefits every member. I commend our chapters for their foresight and commitment to achieving this goal.”

CREW Network is currently compiling the results of these discussions and will present the results back to delegates for further discussion at the Fall Meeting in Washington, D.C.

Delegates were the first to learn about CREW Network’s recent partnership with Cassidy Turley to develop an executive level mentoring program for members who have both the potential and the desire to reach the C-suite. This nine-month program will provide selected candidates access to executive level mentors and other resources to support their leadership development and career advancement.

CREW Network’s benchmark research has documented a consistent lack of women at the C-suite level and mentoring has been identified as a critical component in helping women prepare for and advance to more senior positions. A 2010 Catalyst study and report on mentoring and career success documented that:

· High potentials, both male and female, with current mentoring relationships received significantly more promotions

· Women with a mentor increased their odds of being placed at mid-manager or above by 56 percent over women without a mentor

· High potentials with an active mentoring relationship were more likely to have received higher salary increases. These results were true for both women and men.

“This program is a direct response to what we have learned,” said CREW Network CEO Gail S. Ayers, PhD. “When we create mentoring relationships within the industry, women will have a clear roadmap to senior level careers, and perhaps more importantly, someone in their corner advocating for their success. That roadmap and advocate does not typically exist for many women because there are so few at the most senior levels in the industry.”

Any member interested in participating in the program and who meets the program’s requirements must submit an application by July 15. Applications are available on the CREW Network website, http://www.crewnetwork.org/.

Prior to concluding the meeting, President English Dixon invited delegates to participate in the CREWspeak exercise and provide a 20 second update on their chapter. The news presented was punctuated with encouragement and reflected the reawakening of the commercial real estate industry. Many chapters are reporting significant membership gains and some have already exceeded sponsorship goals for the year. Others emphasized the need for CREW Network members to complete their CREWbiz profiles so they can refer pending work to the right people.

Following the council meeting, delegates participated in the professional development session “Your Time is Valuable – So is Your Network,” led by moderator Lexi Moriarty, Assistant Vice President, AEW Capital Management, L.P. and speakers Lou Ann Dent, Vice President, Wells Fargo Insurance Services; Trudi Lesser, Attorney at Law, Law Offices of Trudi J. Lesser; and Judy Nitsch, PE, LEED AP, Founding Principal, Nitsch Engineering. The three speakers described for delegates how they network and provided tips for effective networking that go beyond the traditional business card handoff.

During the session, delegates practiced giving their elevator speeches to one another. Next they were challenged to make their pitch more meaningful by tailoring their elevator speech to the individual sitting next to them. Finally, delegates practiced “finding the introduction” by engaging one another in conversation to attempt to identify commonalities that provide a lead in to network.

As the Spring Leadership Summit came to a close, chapter leaders were united by their enthusiasm, optimism and commitment to both the CREW Network organization and the industry. This sense of community and commitment to excellence is what fuels the continued progress of this organization and the success of all women in the industry.

2011 CREW Network Convention Highlights

2011-06-24T07:04:00.000-07:00

The 2011 CREW Network Convention & Marketplace, held in the power center of the U.S., is going to power you up and help you kick your business into high gear! It’s time to re-energize our industry and discover new opportunities that are emerging.

This event will deliver the critical information you need to give your business a competitive advantage, will bring you face to face with the power players doing the deals, and will awaken your competitive drive through the sheer energy of this event.

Check out what we have planned!

Featured Speakers

Norah O’Donnell, Chief White House Correspondent for CBS News, principal substitute anchor for Face the Nation, and contributor for the award-winning 60 Minutes – O’Donnell will take a hard look at the lack of diversity in U.S. elected positions by analyzing why America’s office holders lack diversity, global insight into diversity and how the Obama administrations diversity will likely affect public policy.
Sheila Johnson, Entrepreneur, Co-founder, Black Entertainment Television, and President, WNBA’s Washington Mystics – Johnson will share her lessons learned as a groundbreaking leader including how to get in the door, and how to create a new door when necessary; why it’s crucial to take calculated risks while owning your mistakes and why there's no such thing as a straight line when it comes to business success.
Diane Swonk, Chief Economist & Senior Managing Director for Mesirow Financial - As one of the most sought-after economists in the world, Swonk will cut through the noise and help us all figure out just what’s really going on with the U.S. economy and how it will impact the commercial real estate industry.
Andrew Ross Sorkin, New York Time’s Chief Mergers & Acquisitions Reporter & Columnist, author of the New York Times bestseller, Too Big to Fail – Sorkin will take you behind the scenes in Washington and the ongoing debate over financial reform, while making a persuasive case that the center of power on Wall Street has now moved to the Capitol.
Linda Rabbitt, CEO, Founder, Chairman and CEO, rand *construction corporation – Rabbitt will take you into her world of starting and operating a successful woman-owned business in the construction sector; what it takes to succeed and what she believes all women must do to realize their goals.

Concurrent Sessions
These concurrent sessions will deliver cutting-edge information on the hottest issues impacting our industry.

Why Public/Private Partnerships Matter Today More than Ever
Retail in the New Economy
The Multifamily Market Today
Healthcare Reform and its Impact on Real Estate
Capital Markets Update
Women on Public Company Boards
Excess Property: Put your Portfolio on a Diet and Improve your Figures
Hospitality Leaders – How to Survive and Move Forward in a Difficult Market
Trading for Cash: Reducing Operating Costs through Wise Portfolio Management
The REIT Way of Owning, Operating and Financing Commercial Real Estate
Investment Management – How to Launch your Own Business
Rising Stars – Developing and Retaining Talent
Insurance for Real Estate: Crucial Knowledge for Today
Closing Business with the Federal Government

Information-Packed Mini Sessions

Choose from this dynamic lineup of 60-minute Mini Sessions power packed with relevant industry information!

New Lease Accounting: Interpreting the Impact for Occupiers & Owners
What you Don’t Know Can Hurt You: Red Flags in International Real Estate Transactions
Washington Policy Agenda: From the Point of the Real Estate Roundtable

Learning Excursions
Take your education to the streets when you participate in one of these exceptional Learning Excursions highlighting unique developments in the San Francisco area.

D.C. Insider’s Tour
Capitol Riverfront
Transforming a Historic Asylum into Homeland Security Headquarters
National Harbor
Insider’s View of the U.S. Capitol
NoMa District Revitalization

Network Marketplace
Power up your convention experience at the Network Marketplace! Visit with nearly 70 exhibitors and network with commercial real estate professionals located throughout North America. Discover business opportunities, learn about emerging trends for 2012 and connect with professionals to build your personal network. This high-energy event provides the perfect opportunity to rev up your convention experience!

Career Mentoring Services
Back by popular demand, CREW Network will once again offer attendees the opportunity to meet with job coaches and executive placement recruiters to discuss job search strategies, career transition strategies and more.

Relaxation Station
Be sure to stop by the wildly popular Relaxation Station and let one of our professional massage therapists ease away your tension with a complimentary 10-minute chair massage!

Register today for the 2011 CREW Network Convention & Marketplace!

CREW Jacksonville Members - Here's An Easy Way to Help PACE Center for Girls!

2011-06-14T11:44:00.000-07:00

New Blue Cross social media campaign rewards nonprofit agencies that net most votes

Article by Dan Scanlan

Florida Times Union - 6/14/11

A Jacksonville-based insurance company’s new social media program is in “pursuit” of nonprofit agencies to award $3,000 a month to the one with the most public votes. Runners-up get $1,000 each.

Called The Pursuit, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida’s campaign rewards nonprofits that help Floridians in their pursuit of health.

Organizations that have created health, wellness, educational or social empowerment opportunities throughout the state are posted each month on the Blue Cross Facebook fan page. Florida residents can vote for the nonprofit they like best, said Sarah Hande, Blue Cross sponsorship and events specialist.

“This gives them a way to connect with us, and it also gives them a chance to learn more about us as a company and know that we are more than just a health insurance company,” Hande said. “By hosting this on Facebook and social media channels, it lets us reach a broader audience.”

To be eligible for Pursuit, the nonprofit agency must have its headquarters in Florida and serve Floridians. It must be vetted for fiscal responsibility and have a functional website that can promote its mission and participation in the Pursuit program so each can get votes.

Here are the organizations featured in June and open for votes:
— Best Buddies, a global volunteer movement that creates friendships, employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
— Equality Florida, a civil rights organization working to get full equality for the state’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender residents.
— PACE Center for Girls, a prevention, diversion and early intervention program serving girls ages 12 to 17 in 17 locations across Florida.

The first phase is set to run through the end of this year for 30 agencies.

“We hope to continue it in 2012, that hasn’t been decided yet,” Hande said.

To vote for a winner and learn more about the agencies and the Blue Cross Pursuit program, go to www.facebook.com/BCBSFL.

CREW Jacksonville supports PACE Center for Girls.

CREW Jacksonville June Luncheon "Regional and State Economic Development Update"

2011-06-08T05:46:00.000-07:00

It was a room full of “people in the know” with respect to what the big picture holds for North Florida’s economic and growth future. CREW Jacksonville hosted their monthly luncheon at Maggiano’s at the Town Center and featured four guest panelists – Kirk Wendland, President of the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce; Steve Rieck, Executive Director of the Nassau County Economic Development Board; Amy Evancho, President and CEO of the Florida Economic Development Council and Marty Wilson, Vice President of Competitive Programs and Policies, Enterprise Florida, Inc. The moderator was Lindsey Kimball, CEcD, Senior Vice President of Economic Development for Infinity Global Solutions, LLC (IGS), the lunch sponsor.

The discussions ranged from local initiatives for business growth and job development to state incentive policy developments, departmental restructuring and where the money will be in the future to support growth in the Northeast Florida business market. Duval and Nassau counties are strongly relying on the growth and expansion of the Jacksonville and Fernandina ports, including logistical strength with our commercial airport systems and railways in place. Jacksonville Aviation Authority representative Rosa Beckett discussed the strength Jacksonville has with its airport presence – Jacksonville International, Craig Airfield for private and executive flights, Herlong Field for recreational flight and Cecil Field, which is strengthening its foothold as the commercial and industrial flight center. Nassau County initiatives included laying the groundwork to attract companies to house their business and industrial operations in its Northwest Sector near I-95. St. Johns County initiatives referenced the low ratio of commercial and industrial to residential sectors citing the popular “work in Jacksonville but live in St. John’s County” adage. The Duval County school system was noted as a primary reason for business executives to prefer to live in St. John’s County.

Questions from the audience provoked response from panelists on how Duval County can change the perception that its schools are sub-standard and how to change legislative holds on alternative energy incentives for the sunshine state. In summary, many audience members were left with big picture directives to ponder as well as an inside tract to what each community is focused on for its future development.

CREW Jacksonville holds monthly lunch events on topics affecting the commercial real estate market. For more information on dates and topics, please visit our website at www.crewjax.org

2011-05-17T06:09:00.000-07:00

Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) Jacksonville held their monthly luncheon Tuesday, May 3^rd at Maggiano’s in the Town Center. The event was well attended and highlighted a popular topic for Jacksonville and surrounding area residents. The question of whether or not dredging will occur in time to capture the Panama Canal expansion benefits was posed to a panel of port development experts: Steve Ross, Army Corps of Engineers, Project Manager; George D. Gabel, Jr., Holland & Knight LLP, Partner and Logistics Advisory Group; Nancy Rubin, JAXPORT, Director, Communications and Public Relations; and Yemisi A. Bolumole, Ph.d, CTL, Kip Research Fellow of Logistics, UNF. The panel discussion was moderated by Jody Brooks, Esq. with the Allen Land Group. The panelists quickly took charge of the direction of the discussion affirming strongly that there is no question of IF.

The “when”and “how” are being determined by tests whose results are not yet available. However, JAXPORT doesn’t even consider a back-up plan. It is dredge or nothing. The Army Corps of Engineers is evaluating dredging by the foot - for every foot of depth, they are calculating the economic benefits to the nation and the region. All panelists had a positive outlook on this expansion taking place, though the timeline is placed out into 2015 for an approval.

Utilizing a port in Jacksonville, FL has many benefits. JAXPORT is very lucky to have land that can be developed into terminals. Many ports like Miami are "landlocked" and cannot expand. The infrastructure package is important to the success of the port as well. Without expanded roadways and on-dock rail the port cannot operate efficiently. CSX has allotted $40 million to connecting rail to the ports and Cecil Field provides companies with air freight capabilities. Money has been allocated to fund the Mile Point fix and the first phase of the project should also be complete in early 2012.

The event was covered by the press. To read the story, click on the link:

Daily Record Story

How the Commercial Real Estate Indusrty is Using Social Media

2011-04-08T11:00:00.000-07:00

CREW Jacksonville April 2011 Lunch and Learn

“How the Commercial Real Estate Industry is Using Social Media”

Speaker: Jan Korb

CREW Jacksonville’s April lunch meeting was held at Maggiano’s at the St. John’s Town Center and was an informative look at social networking and its relevance in the real estate market. Jan Korb, founder of BroadBased Communications, Inc., a marketing communications and public relations firm, presented the group with eye popping statistics on the monumental growth and impacts social networking has had on our society on a private and professional level in general. She then provided examples of real estate firms who are using social networking to help contribute to their bottom line. She showed us that the Jacksonville area is far behind when it comes to utilizing social media for business purposes. This can be an opportunity for those firms in the area who are willing to jump in the game!

Jan showed us how the successful firms who are using social media are using it – which sites are used most, what sites are appropriate for specific types of content. She also showed the audience how to pinpoint their target outcomes by utilizing the sites who best serve the type of interaction they are after. Jan also noted several sites that her firm has been “watching” and provided her predictions on which will become the next big social networking vehicle.

Attendees were all abuzz after the presentation, eager to ask questions about how to become more active in social media for their organizational marketing purposes. If you are interested in contacting Jan for more information on how social networking can benefit you and your organization, you can email her at jkorb@bbased.com.

CREW Jacksonville is a highly creative and spirited group of real estate professionals and related industry representatives dedicated to advancing the success and fostering the development of professional women in the commercial real estate industry. For more information on CREW Jacksonville and other upcoming events, visit www.crewjax.org or contact us by email at: crewjacksonville@gmail.com

Healthcare: The Rx for Commercial Real Estate

2011-03-15T12:36:00.000-07:00

On March 1st, CREW Jacksonville featured industry experts, Fran Pepis, Colliers International Northeast Florida and Dave Collins, Lincoln Properties, Property Manager for Memorial (HCA) to discuss the impact healthcare has had on commercial real estate including trends in office locations, size and amenities, how technology has affected medical offices and hospital design and predictions on demand for new medical space of all types (office, large hospital, urgent care, specialty, etc.) The moderator for the event was Teresa Durand, Auld & White Constructors and former President of CREW Jacksonville.

The audience was educated about many of the challenges facing private practitioners, including difficulty in getting financing, business headaches, and finding it harder to compete against hospitals. Many of them are leaving their private practices to join hospitals who are investing in medical office buildings and locating them where the population is. Many of these physicians are sharing office space.

The presenters reported that there are 16 nursing colleges/universities in Jacksonville, four that opened in the last 2-3 years. Additionally, there are 16 dialysis centers, four that opened in the last year. There is ripple effect on peripheral businesses. We're seeing an increase in medical/nursing education, physical therapy and chiropractic. He feels a medical school in Jacksonville should be rallied and that UF is endorsing it.

The event was heavily attended by a mix of CREW members and guests. CREW hosts regular lunches on real estate topics throughout the year. Visit the calendar of events on their website www.crewjax.org.

2011-03-06T09:04:00.001-08:00

Congratulations to Leigh Gunn, Group 4 Design Inc. for her nomination to the Jacksonville Business Journal’s “40 Under 40.” Leigh is on the Board of Directors for CREW Jacksonville and serves as Membership Director. She has been selected as one of 40 of Northeast Florida’s brightest, most-promising professionals for the 2011 40 Under 40 list.

Congratulations Leigh!!

February Brown Bag Luncheon

2011-02-22T13:03:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, February 15^th was wellness day for many CREW Jacksonville members! The first 2011 CREW Jax members only brown bag lunch was held at Dixie Contract Carpet, Inc. and featured a presentation by Heather LePetrie from Better Living. Heather’s presentation went beyond your typical “eat more fruits and vegetables and exercise more”. Heather discussed the issues women face particularly and reminded the all female audience of the importance of taking time for yourself. “If your emotional, physical and spiritual needs are not met, you begin to fill the holes with food, which can make us gain unhealthy pounds.” Heather said. Beyond filling our primary needs, she pointed out that we are all individuals with our own specific food tolerances and intolerances and what is power food to one can be poison to another. There is no “one size fits all” diet, and dieting doesn’t work in the long run for most people. Therefore, Better Living works with each individual to customize an eating and lifestyle plan particular to their needs. Heather announced that Better Living will start a CREW members focus group whereby she will meet regularly with the group to coach them collectively on eating and lifestyle changes and where the CREW members can support one another in their Better Living journey. If you or a friend are interested in this program, contact Heather LePetrie at (904) 312-0826.

CREW Jacksonville is Represented at National Winter Conference

2011-02-14T10:49:00.000-08:00

Lauren Parsons Langham and Brenda Ezell Left Front, Pam Ricard Back Right

Lauren Parsons Langham

Pam Ricard

10 Body Language Mistakes Women Leaders Make

2011-02-10T11:13:00.000-08:00

Carol Kinsey Goman, Troy Media, Financial Post · Thursday, Jul. 15, 2010

There are two sets of body language cues that followers look for in leaders: warmth (empathy, likeability, caring) and authority (power, credibility, status). Although I know several leaders of both sexes who do not fit the stereotypes, I’ve also observed that gender differences in body language most often do align with these two groupings. Women are the champions in the warmth and empathy arena, but lose out with power and authority cues.

All leaders are judged by their body language. If a female wants to be perceived as powerful, credible, and confident, she has to be aware of the nonverbal signals she’s sending. There are a number of behaviors I’ve seen women unknowingly employ that reduce their authority by denoting vulnerability or submission. Here are 10 body language mistakes that women leaders commonly make.

1) They use too many head tilts. Head tilting is a signal that someone is listening and involved — and a particularly feminine gesture. Head tilts can be very positive cues, but they are also subconsciously processed as submission signals. Women who want to project power and authority should keep their heads straight up in a more neutral position.

2) They physically condense. One way that status is nonverbally demonstrated in a business meeting is by physically taking up room. Lower-status, less-confident men (and most women) tend to pull in their bodies and minimize their size, while high status males expand and take up space. So at your next meeting, spread out your belongings and claim your turf!

3) They act girlish. Everyone uses pacifying gestures when under stress. They rub their hands together, grab their upper arms, and touch their necks. But women are viewed as much less powerful when they pacify with girlish behaviors (twirling hair, playing with jewelry, or biting a finger.)

4) They smile excessively. While smiling can be a powerful and positive nonverbal cue – especially for signalling likeability and friendliness – women should be aware that, when excessive or inappropriate, smiling can also be confusing and a credibility robber. This is especially true if you smile while discussing a serious subject, expressing anger, or giving negative feedback.

5) They nod too much. When a man nods, it means he agrees. When a woman nods, it means she agrees – or is listening to, empathizing with, or encouraging the speaker to continue. This excessive head nodding can make females look like a bobble-head doll. Constant head nodding can express encouragement and engagement, but not authority and power.

6) They speak “up.” Women’s voices often rise at the ends of sentences as if they’re asking a question or asking for approval. When stating your opinion, be sure to use the authoritative arc, in which your voice starts on one note, rises in pitch through the sentence and drops back down at the end.

7) They wait their turn. In negotiations, men talk more than women and interrupt more frequently. One perspective on the value of speaking up comes from former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, who – when asked what advice she had for up-and-coming professional women – replied, “Learn to interrupt.”

8) They are overly expressive. While a certain amount of movement and animation adds passion and meaning to a message, women who express the entire spectrum of emotions often overwhelm their audience (especially if the audience is comprised primarily of males). So in situations where you want to maximize your authority – minimize your movements. When you appear calm and contained, you look more powerful.

9) They have a delicate handshake. Women with a weak handshake are judged to be passive and less confident. So take the time to cultivate your “professional shake.” Keep your body squared off to the other person — facing him or her fully. Make sure you have palm-to-palm contact and that the web of your hand (the skin between you thumb and first finger) touches the web of the other person’s. And, most of all, remember to shake hands firmly.

10. They flirt. Women gain likeability, but lose the competitive advantage in a negotiation when they flirt. In a University of California Berkeley study female actors play the roles of sellers of a biotech business. Half were told to project a no-nonsense, business approach. Half were instructed to flirt (using the nonverbal behaviors of smiling, leaning forward suggestively, tossing their hair, etc.) – but to do so subtly. The outcome was that the “buyers” offered the flirts (dubbed “likeable losers”) 20% less, on average, than what they offered the more straitlaced sellers.

Troy Media

Carol Kinsey Goman, Ph.D., is an international keynote speaker, executive coach, and management consultant.

CREW Wage Gap Study in the December Issue of Buildings Magazine

2011-01-06T07:27:00.000-08:00

Click the thumbnail or here to go to the issue.

Institute for Economic Competitiveness | Florida & Metro Forecast December 2010

2010-12-27T08:52:00.000-08:00

Institute for Economic Competitiveness Florida & Metro Forecast December 2010

5th Annual Holiday Luncheon and Silent Auction

2010-11-16T07:27:00.000-08:00

December 7th

This event will be held at Epping Forest. Our Holiday Luncheon is always a crowd pleaser and helps to support our Philanthropic partner, PACE Center for Girls. Since non-profit organizations have taken a hard hit the past couple years, this event is very important in providing very much needed donations to the school. There will once again be jewelry, ornaments, self-portraits and silent auction items available. Please mark this date on your calendar now and invite everyone you know to come.
Click here to REGISTER for this event by Dec. 3rd

Lindsey Ballas of CREW Jacksonville wins CREW National Award!

2010-10-29T10:53:00.000-07:00

Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) Network announced the winners of its second annual 20 Under 40 program, highlighting emerging women leaders in the field of commercial real estate.

The announcement was made at the 2010 CREW Network Convention and Marketplace in San Francisco. Launched in association with the 20th anniversary of CREW Network in 2009, the program recognizes thecontributions to the field and professional accomplishments of women under the age of 40.

“These women are the future of our field and we are proud to recognize them as such,” said Gail Ayers, CEO of CREW Network. “We believe we have identified young leaders, who will continue to shape the world of commercial real estate and make it increasingly more diverse.”

CREW Jacksonville has the honor of having a member receive this ward each year.

2010 - Lindsey K. Ballas, CEcD, Business Development Chief, Jacksonville Economic Development Commission

2009 - Melissa Gross-Arnold, Shareholder, Lewis, Longman & Walker, P.A.

News from CREW Member Emily Carrier

2010-10-05T05:19:00.000-07:00

Full article at jacksonville.com

Hillwood ready to get to work at Cecil Commerce Center | jacksonville.com

2010-09-15T09:47:00.000-07:00

BRUCE LIPSKY/The Times-Union

The Jacksonville chapter of Commercial Real Estate Women
held a behind-the-scenes bus tour of Cecil Commerce Center on Tuesday.

Hillwood ready to get to work at Cecil Commerce Center jacksonville.com (click link to read)

CREW Jacksonville Cecil Commerce Center Tour

2010-09-03T20:10:00.000-07:00

Cecil Commerce Center "Behind the Scenes"

Luncheon & Bus Tour

Registration and networking begins at 11:00 am;

program starts promptly at 11:30 am.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010 from 11:00 am - 1:30 pm

Cecil Commerce Center Building

13561 Lake Newman St, Jacksonville, FL 32221

Learn about the development at Cecil Commerce Center from Hillwood, Jacksonville Economic Development Commission and Jacksonville Aviation Authority officials. Luncheon and presentations will be followed by an exclusive guided bus tour throughout the site. You will get a rare look at the activity from the flightline as well as an up-close view of development activity at the SAFT plant site.

NASJAX All Hands Club Facility

2010-09-03T20:08:00.000-07:00

The design/build team of Powell Design Group / Friedrich Watkins has been selected to design and construct the new 25,000 SF $6 million “All Hands Club Facility” at the Naval Air Station in Jacksonville. The project was awarded as a result of a design competition, maintaining budgetary compliance through the Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Department of the Navy in conjunction with the contracting arm of the Army’s Family and MWR Command (FMWRC) within the Department of Defense. The Orlando office of Powell Design Group will lead the project, with involvement by PDG’s Jacksonville office in the areas of LEED® coordination, quality control and construction administration. The building is being designed to achieve LEED® Silver Certification and will include a full 140-seat Restaurant, Club and Lounge, full-service Kitchen and a 7,000 SF Banquet Hall. Construction is slated to start in December 2010.

PACE Field Day

2010-09-03T15:33:00.000-07:00

Friday, Aug. 6th found some of our CREW members helping the PACE staff with their Field Day for the students. Not only did our volunteers get to help judge some of the hot competitions such as water balloon toss, tug of war and the ever popular egg on spoon in the mouth foot race, but we had two grillers extraordinaire (Pam and Lindsey) who cooked up the hot dogs and hamburgers to perfection. We also helped set up and serve lunch to the hungry participants. Thanks to our CREW volunteers and to Leigh Gunn (Group 4 Design) and Linda Hill (Fidelity National Title Group) for financial contributions to the event.

VOLUNTEERS

Lindsey Ballas - JEDC Katie Connors – Cantrell Real Estate Linda Hill - Fidelity National Title Group

Jacqueline McClain – Midtown Centre Guy Preston – Colliers Dickinson Pam Ricard – Brown Enterprises

Mandie Stazenski – Midtown Centre Amy Sterling – Schooley Mitchell

PACE Summer Newsletter