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CREW Convention Review
2008 CREW Network Convention & Marketplace, Houston, Texas
By Rosalie G. Keszler, CCIM & Jinny Saad of Thomas Properties Group
Houston, Texas, October 15, 2008, was the official kick-off of Opportunities Rising: A New Day. A New Deal - 2008 CREW Network Convention & Marketplace that took place over three days at the Hilton Americas hotel in downtown Houston, Texas. Almost 700 people attended this year's convention. A contingency of CREW Austin members were on hand to participate and experience first hand the immensely invigorating and powerful connections made with our brethren CREW memberships across the country. CREW Austin had 21 people attending, a record number for our chapter. In the company of Jane Snoddy Smith, the 2009 CREW Network president, Kathy Carr, the 2008 CREW Austin president, and Jinny Saad, the 2009 CREW Austin president, were several CREW Austin officers, board of directors and seasoned members that attended the event. We also had several of our newest members come and see the benefit of the Network and enjoy three full days of building relationships and enhancing professional development., with a few of our newest members joining in. Special thanks to Jane Smith, Jennifer Sherrill and Amy Mitchell for inviting all Austin attendees to Fulbright & Jaworski's "Spa-tacular" event, an afternoon filled with relaxation AND networking!
In addition to all the fun that was had, attendees also received the latest trends, market forecasts, professional development tools and strategic innovations that will give them the edge they need over their competition.
This event is also where serious business connections were made, where solutions for challenging times were discovered and where top women and men influencing the major deals look for partners. If you did not attend the Houston convention, you can't afford to miss another one! Simply put, professionals who are better prepared and better informed than their competition have the advantage - as do their organizations.
Here are just a few benefits of attendance:
* Nearly 700 commercial real estate professionals attend - all are doing deals, all are looking for new deals. The connections you make will benefit your entire organization.
* In-depth market forecasts delivered by the experts
* Carefully planned education sessions that address current market challenges and solutions
* Targeted professional development sessions
* Marketplace trade show featuring more than 60 exhibitors
* Dedicated business networking events
* Learning excursions provide a street-level view of Houston’s development projects
The first evening's events included a First-Time Attendee reception followed by the Network Marketplace & Reception. The evening ended too soon for many of us! Day two was filled with sessions that covered many varied topics, with a few of our very own on panels - Angel Benschneider and Jennifer Sherrill, along with moderator Kathy Carr. More networking was done, new connections made, some fraternization accomplished. Dine-rounds and impromptu dinner connections were made. That evening was also the first CREW Foundation dinner held on the 60th floor of the Hines building in downtown Houston. What a fabulous event, the dinner was catered by a Master Chef, of which there are only 64 in the nation, followed by a live auction, all benefitting CREW Foundation. Final day 3 the morning came early for a few of us - but managed to make it to the morning's sessions on time. Several headed back to Austin mid-day, but some made it through the evening' Friday Night Celebration: "CREW Network Odyssey 2008: Blasting into the New Frontier". All in all, the week was a success. Now to carry on the momentum! It is an experience you don't want to miss, join us in Boston next year as CREW Network celebrates 20 years.
CREW Austin attendees included:
M'Lou Patton Bell
Angel Benschneider
Kathy Carr
Alex Castano
Anita Dabney
Jeannie De Fazio
Julie Echols
Kristin Gardner
Adam Hauser
Barbara Hobson
Rosalie Keszler
Mary Lawrence
Kathy Mayfield
Vicki Beal McDonald
Amy Mitchell
Jennifer Paisley
Yvonne Parra
Barbara Roeling
Jinny Saad
Jennifer Sherrill
Linda Strickland
For a recap of the presentations and post-convention materials, including a comprehensive attendee list, go to http://www.crewnetwork.org/EVENTS/2008Convention/generalinfo.php
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Rosalie G. Keszler, CCIM is the owner of Rosalie Keszler Consultants, a consulting firm offering due diligence and underwriting analysis services as the "in-house team" approach for the smaller-shop commercial real estate investor and developer.
Jane Snoddy Smith - Profiles in Power Winner
The Austin Business Journal, in partnership with South Texas Money Management, L.T.D. has announced its 14th annual Profiles in Power awards and leadership seminar scheduled for July 24, 2008.
Our very own Jane Snoddy Smith of Fulbright & Jaworski, LLP, as well as one of our newest members, Nikelle Susanne Meade of Brown McCarroll, have been named 2008 Profiles in Power winners. Jane and Nikelle were 2 out of 6 winners that were chosen out of 25 finalists.
Jane is a partner with Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P. here in Austin, Texas. Her practice focuses on transactional law with a concentration in commercial real estate. Jane is currently serving as a director and the 2008 law conference chair for ISCS, is a director and the 2008 president elect for CREW Network, a past-president of CREW Austin, serves as secretary for Texas General Counsel Forum - Austin San Antonio Chapter, and has received professional honors including American College of Real Estate Lawyers (ACREL), Fellow (2008) and The Best Lawyers in America, Real Estate Law (2007).
Nikelle Meade - Profiles in Power Winner
The Austin Business Journal, in partnership with South Texas Money Management, L.T.D. has announced its 14th annual Profiles in Power awards and leadership seminar scheduled for July 24, 2008.
Our very own Jane Snoddy Smith of Fulbright & Jaworski, LLP, as well as one of our newest members, Nikelle Susanne Meade of Brown McCarroll, have been named 2008 Profiles in Power winners. Jane and Nikelle were 2 out of 6 winners that were chosen out of 25 finalists.
Nikelle is a partner with Brown McCarroll L.L.P. here in Austin, Texas. Her practice includes representation of clients in the acquisition, leasing, sale and development of commercial and residential real estate properties, planning and implementing due diligence in connection with business and real estate acquisitions and dispositions, representation of residential builders in the development and acquisition of real property, representation of developers and residential builders in land use entitlement matters including annexation, zoning, subdivision, site planning and vested rights. Nikelle joined CREW Austin in July 2008.
CREW Foundation
The CREW Foundation mission is to support CREW Network in advancing the success of women in commercial real estate through charitable, philanthropic and educational programs.
Globe Street REAL ESTATE FORUM Women of Influence
Jane Snoddy Smith will be nominated as a "Woman of Influence" to appear in the September 2008 issued of REAL ESTATE FORUM. Profiles will be of women of achievement who are helping to shape the commercial real estate industry. Those nominated must have a solid track record in the business-this can include both transaction volume as well as their contribution to the industry and/or their company's overall success.
Jane is currently serving as a director and the 2008 law conference chair for ISCS, is a director and the 2008 president elect for CREW Network, a past-president of CREW Austin, serves as secretary for Texas General Counsel Forum - Austin San Antonio Chapter, and has received professional honors including American College of Real Estate Lawyers (ACREL), Fellow (2008) and The Best Lawyers in America, Real Estate Law (2007). Jane has published more than 25 articles on numerous topics and presented papers at the International Council of Shopping Centers U.S. Law Conference, the American Bar Association Annual Meeting, the Georgia Real Property Law Institute, Law Seminars International and the Texas Bar Advanced Commercial Real Estate Seminar.
Jane is a partner with Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P. here in Austin, Texas. Her practice focuses on
transactional law with a concentration in commercial real estate.
Congratulations, Jane!
Lisa Kelly Featured in REDNews
REDNews Asks: Do you have advice for our readers on securing a loan in the near future?
Kelly's reply: Be flexible and realistic. As credit markets have contracted, some lenders have toughened up their guidelines. Also, be realistic with appreciation rates and values. Those have slowed in some areas, as well.
CREW Austin Demographic Survey
As promised during the recent CREW Network Council Meeting in Calgary, below please find our chapter’s individual results from the 2008 CREW Network Demographics Survey.
Delegates Convene in Calgary
In spite of the challenging economy, the CREW Network organization and its chapters are experiencing tremendous success in terms of membership growth, programming and fundraising efforts. This was the key message delivered by CREW Network national leaders and leaders from the 58 chapters represented at the 2008 CREW Network Spring Council Meeting recently held in Calgary, Alberta.
GEORGIA DUKE: Recognized as Woman Pioneer of the Title Industry
In celebrating its 100th anniversary, the Texas Land Title Association (TLTA) profiled several unique Texas women who pursued professional careers in the title industry when it was rare to do so. Those women best exemplify the spirit of "the pioneer" in their display of strength, determination, tenacity and commitment as they pursued their dreams of owning or managing a title company.
The TLTA has selected Georgia Duke, Austin division president, North American Title Company, and CREW Austin member, as one of its
distinguished women.
Diann Cowling - Member Profile
As Senior Associate Broker with Quick & Company Commercial Realty, Inc., Diann has successfully honed her specialty in tenant and buyer representation. She represents buyers and tenants of office properties, closing over 465 transactions generating more than $130 million in sales volume over the last 25 years.
Click on heading to read full article
Networking at its Best!
The great benefit of CREW Austin and CREW Network is the large pool of resources you have at your fingertips including being able to refer other CREW members. You may not directly do every deal with a CREW member but chances are there is a connection there, here's a story that may inspire you to refer a fellow member the next time the opportunity arises.
Julianne Shively (pictured above on the left) with CB Richard Ellis referred a client to Rhonda West (pictured second from left) with West Commercial to list her commercial property in Marble Falls. Rhonda was awarded the listing and then referred the client to Barbara Roeling (pictured second from right) with Daniel B. Stephens & Associates to do the environmental and also referred Lenora DuBose (pictured at right) with Jackson Walker to do the legal work for the ultimate closing.
Although the sale of the project has not yet occurred, Rhonda is working on getting it under contract very soon. The property is zoned commercial and has three small parcels with two old homes. Sales price will be in the $165,000 range but irregardless of size, business was referred to other CREW members!
It is all about making those connections and creating those relationships to get the business done! Great job ladies!
Making The Connection
First rule in real estate: Location, location, location - second: it is all about who you know to make things happen.
CREW Austin prides itself in creating a network which allows deals to happen. A great example of this is a deal submitted to us by Diann Cowling, CCIM with Quick & Company.
CREW member, Michelle Martin with MMartin Associates Inc., a consultant to Loomis Austin, an engineering firm, recommended Diann for the tenant representation assignment for Loomis' office relocation. Tom Loomis, also a CREW member and President of Loomis Austin required additional office space and needed the aid of a real estate professional in his search for a new office location. Once awarded the assignment, Diann Cowling then recommended Janna Paulson, with Peel Paulson Design, for design and programming services. Loomis Austin was previously in approximately 8,000 square feet but once the programming was completed it was determined that Loomis really need about 14,000 square feet. With the design phase completed and the location determined, Diann then recommended Sue Savage with Hurst Savage & Vanderburg L.L.P. to do the legal work for this transaction. Once the leases were executed and construction was underway of Loomis Austin's new corporate office, Kristin Gardner, with CBRE, was involved in the construction management of the tenant improvements.
One deal - six CREW Austin members - congratulations to a job well done.
Article submitted by Jinny Saad of Thomas Properties Group
CREW Austin Member Profile - Success Story
As reported in the Austin Business Journal, nearly two years after a joint venture group, PRS Equities Ltd. Of Detroit and Walton Street Capital of Chicago, purchased it empty and kicked off a gradual renovation process, the 172,000-square-foot Capitol Tower building downtown is almost completely leased up. This is mainly due to an extraordinary team from Stream Realty, Matt Frizzell and CREW Austin member, Rachel Coulter.
CREW Reaches out to Young Women
A local women's professional organization is trying to get a key message across to young women in Central Texas: commercial real estate isn't just a guy's game.
No Cookies at Pink Hard Hat Event
News 8 Coverage of the CREW Careers event held on 4/26/08 (sponsored by Brown McCarroll LLP)
CREW Careers 2008
AUSTIN, Texas - On Saturday, April 26, 2008, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Frost Bank Tower, some local Girl Scouts will get a first-hand look at careers in commercial real estate.
The event will be hosted by CREW Austin, Inc., an organization dedicated to the advancement of women in commercial real estate, in partnership with the Girl Scouts Lone Star Council. With more than 100 members, CREW will teach high-school age Girl Scouts about careers in all aspects of commercial real estate and related careers.
"By making young girls aware of the possibilities for careers in commercial real estate, you increase diversity within the industry and, more importantly, can make a real difference in these girls' lives," said Angelique Benschneider, principal of development for Bourn Companies and an event co-chair.
Click on the title above for full press release.
CREW Network Impact Awards 2008
We are pleased to announce the CREW Network Awards Program for 2008. This program provides excellent opportunities to showcase the successes of CREW Network members, chapters and industry partners, while providing stronger branding opportunities for CREW Network.
Nominations are now being accepted for the CREW Network Impact Awards awarded in six categories:
Member-to-Member Business
Economic Improvement
Humanitarian
Career Advancement for Women
Industry Innovator
Organization of the Year
We would like to see at least ONE nomination from each CREW chapter nationwide!
Kathy Carr, President 2008
Kathy Carr, global real estate manager, Freescale Semiconductor, Inc., has been named president of the Commercial Real Estate Women of Austin (CREW). In her new role, commencing on January 1, 2008, Carr will be leading CREW Austin's efforts to increase the organization?s membership, value and visibility.
The Internet, Real Estate, Interest Rates, Bubblettes and the Economy
Ted C. Jones of Stewart Title presentation from October 16th, 2007 luncheon
CREW Network President Elect from Austin
Fulbright & Jaworski LLP partner Jane Snoddy Smith was named national president-elect of the Commercial Real Estate Women Network, an organization geared toward women in commercial real estate.
Top of the Title Ladder
She's been a secretary and a singer, a cancer survivor and a CEO. Not to mention Miss Austin 1970 -- by default (we'll explain). But despite her prominence as chief executive of Stewart Title Austin and involvement in a plethora of organizations, Nicki Tyler is as affable and genuine as they come.
Minding the Gap
During an eight-week period in the summer of 2006,
CREW Network chapters in 18 different cities participated in a survey titled Minding the Gap,which was designed to identify challenges facing women in achieving career advancement and compensation parity with their male counterparts in commercial real estate. The report highlights are available by clicking on title above.
Profiles in Power ABJ 13th Annual
CREW Austin was proud to be a supporting sponsor of the Austin Business Journals 13th Annual "Profiles in Power Awards & Leadership Seminar" held on August 2nd, 2007.
Two of our very own members were nominated as finalists as follows:
Nicki Tyler of Stewart Title (2007 CREW President)
Jane Snoddy Smith of Fulbright & Jaworski (2005 CREW President)
As a supporting sponsor we were allowed to have a display to gain exposure for our organization. This increases the visibility of CREW Austin. Special thanks to our volunteers for working the booth:
Anita Landwehr of Networking International
Amy Ables our CREW Administrator
Michelle Martin of Mmartin Associates
State of the Region
"State of the Region" presented by Mine K. Yucel, Senior Economist and Vice President of the Federal Reserve Bank in Dallas
Managing Corporate Real Estate Worldwide
Jane Snoddy Smith, Partner, Fulbright & Jaworski (moderator)
Kathy Carr, Northern US/Canada Real Estate Manager, Freescale
Mary Manning, Dell
Corporate real estate presents unique challenges and opportunities for corporate clients, whether the facility is owned and developed by the company or leased or subleased from third parties. Effective management is critical to assure companies of the flexibility they need to grow and expand the business and to realize the benefits of mergers and spin-offs. The panel of experienced facility managers from Fortune 500 companies and inside and outside legal counsel will lead an interactive discussion of the ten best practices for corporate real estate management.
CREW Austin Member recognized with Prestigous National Safety Award
Greater Texas Landscapes, Inc., (GTL) a leading Austin-based commercial landscaping company, announced today it received the Vehicle Safety and No Loss Time Award from the Professional Landscape Network's (PLANET) annual Safety Recognition Program.
Advancing the success of women in commercial real estate
CREW Network exists to advance the success of women in commercial real estate and is the professional association of choice for the most successful women in this industry.
In-Depth Commercial Real Estate
Hurricanes Rita and Katrina wreaked havoc with widespread ramifications on construction, real estate and the cost of insuring businesses.
From the December 2nd, 2005 print edition Austin Business Journal
Turning the page
Runnels revives Flick Report, helps create avenues for women in commercial real estate. From the September 9, 2005 print edition.
Austin Energy strives to power up fundraising for Opportunity Austin
CREW Austin's SafePlace fundraising mentioned. From the January 14, 2005 print edition Capital Gains.
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