by Peter Madrid | May 23, 2023 | News & Updates
MESA, ARIZONA (May 23, 2023) – Upfront Planning & Entitlements, Inc., a woman-owned firm that provides consulting services to both public and private sector clients, recently received favorable recommendations from the City of Phoenix North Mountain Village and Planning Commission for a rezoning approval for Lock Safe Storage facility at the SWC of Cactus Road and 49th Drive in Phoenix.
It is proposed to go before Phoenix City Council in June for final review.
“This site has been a difficult location for years to find a use and design which addresses neighbors’ concerns and secures the area,” said Jessica Sarkissian, AICP, LEED AP, founder and owner of Upfront Planning & Entitlements. “The project team met frequently with neighbors and addressed those earlier past concerns and was able to achieve community support for the project.”
The approximately 3-acre site will provide up to a three-story indoor self-storage facility with a few outdoor spaces for boats or RVs in the rear. The building is proposed at more than 108,000 SF and includes office space facing Cactus Road and the canal area to open to pedestrians and create an inviting and safe space to provide self-storage services to the local community.
The site layout and elevations were designed by Owner/Architect Nicole Posten-Thompson with On Point Architecture of Mesa, Arizona.
About Upfront Planning & Entitlements
Based in Mesa, Arizona, and founded in 2019 by Jessica Sarkissian, AICP, LEED AP, Upfront Planning & Entitlements is a woman-owned firm that provides consulting services to both public and private sector clients. Its diverse project background includes expertise in commercial, residential, and industrial sectors. It boasts a wide municipal understanding within the state, buoyed by its technical design knowledge. Sarkissian possesses more than 20 years of experience in Arizona as a land-planning specialist. For more information visit upfrontplanning.com.
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by Peter Madrid | May 16, 2023 | News & Updates
MESA, ARIZONA (May 16, 2023) – Upfront Planning & Entitlements, Inc., a woman-owned firm that provides consulting services to both public and private sector clients, is celebrating its latest achievement – the successful adoption of the Yavapai County Comprehensive Plan 2032.
Upfront Planning employees celebrated with the Comprehensive Plan Committee, Development Services Department staff, and citizens as the Board of Supervisors approved the Yavapai County Comprehensive Plan 2032 in March.
Since 2021, Upfront Planning has been working alongside the Yavapai County team, Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee (CPAC), and citizens to make this Comprehensive Plan as up-to-date and forward-thinking as possible.
“The Comprehensive Plan is a living document that will be utilized to implement the vision of the county and its citizens through future improvements, growth, and development,” said Jessica Sarkissian, AICP, LEED AP, founder and owner of Upfront Planning & Entitlements.
Throughout the process, the team kept equity at the forefront to make sure all residents in the county were represented. With a county bigger than the state of New Jersey and a population of 246,191 (an average of 21 residents per square mile), serious public outreach and boots on the ground were required to ensure all areas were visited and represented.
The Comprehensive Plan outreach team participated in more than 45 in-person outreach meetings and traveled more than 2,500 miles focusing on public outreach. A total of 14 open houses in libraries and town halls in all areas of the county including rural communities insured the document was a well representation.
“This type of in-person specialized meetings was the most rewarding and provided our team with the best information possible helping us to better provide a document that provided information and goals aiding the entire county,” Sarkisian said.
This outreach and thorough detail into the 2032 update was rewarded as the Yavapai Board of Supervisors approved the plan unanimously on March 1.
About Upfront Planning & Entitlements
Based in Mesa, Arizona, and founded in 2019 by Jessica Sarkissian, AICP, LEED AP, Upfront Planning & Entitlements is a woman-owned firm that provides consulting services to both public and private sector clients. Its diverse project background includes expertise in commercial, residential, and industrial sectors. It boasts a wide municipal understanding within the state, buoyed by its technical design knowledge. Sarkissian possesses more than 20 years of experience in Arizona as a land-planning specialist. For more information visit upfrontplanning.com.
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by Peter Madrid | May 15, 2023 | News & Updates
PHOENIX, ARIZ. (May 15, 2023) – Ivan Guzman had leased his commercial auto body shop space for nearly 10 years – until he was notified that a group of investors purchased the property.
Guzman’s family has been in this industry for three generations. Redline Quality Cars opened in that location when he was 22 years old. Their lease agreement had expired and was month-to-month. The amount of space was no longer suitable either. Guzman had to make a big decision about the future of his business.
Not only did he have to think about whether to stay or move, but also about whether to continue leasing or take the next step and purchase property for his business.
“It was not easy,” Guzman said. “My family and I came together and decided to pursue purchasing commercial real estate, rather than sign a new lease with a new landlord. My grandfather had a body shop that he ran for many years. My father continued the legacy. And now it’s me, hoping to take it to another level by purchasing our own building.”
To move his business forward, Guzman not only needed to find a new location — but he also needed to find the right lender to help.
Guzman and his bank were referred to Belinda Rosthenhausler, vice president and commercial lender for CDC Small Business Finance in Arizona and Nevada. The mission-driven organization, headquartered in California with an office in Phoenix, specializes in SBA 504 commercial real estate loans and is the No. 1 SBA 504 lender in the country.
The SBA 504 commercial real estate loan is often the preferred financing product for small business owners looking to purchase real estate for their business. Entrepreneurs can obtain long-term, fixed-rate financing for a variety of projects. Whether a business owner is buying a warehouse to help expand their business or looking to shift from leasing to ownership, the 504 loan is a valuable option and smart addition to their business strategy.
“We are here to help small business operators with reaching their goal of real estate ownership,” Rosthenhausler said. “SBA 504 loans are the program that makes the most sense when a business owner is considering purchasing commercial real estate.”
Guzman was able to have a 10 percent down payment through the SBA 504 loan program rather than the minimum of 25 percent that would have been required from traditional lending sources. His preparation for the borrowing process was key.
“Ivan provided the tax returns and financials required for an SBA loan request, and I worked with his CPA compiling the information needed. Business owners should have a good bookkeeper or CPA providing financials throughout the year,” Rosthenhausler said. “We recommend prequalifying before entering a purchase contract, since timing is tight and inventory remains low. Sellers want to see that a buyer has secured financing prior to executing a purchase contract. Ivan was prepared for the loan request, and his CPA had everything in order.”
Over the past several years, Redline Quality Cars had seen increased business thanks to several new accounts with local auto dealerships, as well as referrals from insurance companies. But business operations had hit maximum capacity due to the size of their building; they’d been forced to turn away some customers.
The change in building ownership provided Guzman and his family with the extra nudge they needed. Redline Quality Cars has moved from renting a
4,000 SF space into owning its new, 6,000 SF home on 7829 N. 68th Ave., in Glendale, giving it much more room to work on and store vehicles that are being repaired. That includes installing a paint booth, an essential tool for repairing vehicles that have been damaged in collisions.
“Belinda and her team were great in assisting us through the loan process,” Guzman said. “They helped us with the building purchase, plus improvements and equipment needed.”
Guzman was able to retain four full-time equivalent positions and, with more room now to help more customers, said he can add another three positions over the next two years.
“This has to be one of the most fulfilling accomplishments that I have experienced in my 31 years,” Guzman said. “My family, co-workers, and friends were all very proud of what had just taken place. We had not thought about purchasing in the past, but the thought of closing the shop because we didn’t have a new location was out of the picture.
“My whole life has been related to my field of work and has defined me,” he added. “I know what it takes to be a master technician, and now I know what it takes to own a more functional building.”
The SBA 504 loan structure continues to be in high demand, despite rising interest rates. The 25-year fixed interest rate option provides a controlled budget for business owners who are seeing lease rates continue to climb.
CDC Small Business Finance continues to be an economic development leader as an SBA 504 lender, with 26 loans in the Arizona district totaling $18.56 million for the period from October 2022 through March 2023.
Among the businesses Rosthenhausler and her colleagues have supported are a company that provides physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy to elderly patients; an artificial turf installation company; and a corporate audit services firm.
For more information about CDC Small Business Finance, visit cdcloans.com/locations/arizona.
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About CDC Small Business Finance
CDC Small Business Finance is transforming how capital and investments flow into communities to provide people access to the capital and opportunities they deserve. The nation’s leading mission-based small business lender CDC delivers small business and commercial real estate loans paired with small business owner assistance to bolster entrepreneurship, economic development, and job creation.
CDC offers numerous financing products including the Small Business Administration (SBA) 504 commercial real estate loans; SBA Community Advantage working capital loans; and the SBA Microloan. We also offer non-SBA products to provide more equitable access to credit for those who are unable to qualify for traditional financing. CDC also provides free business advice to support both potential borrowers to get loan-ready as well as to help existing small business borrowers grow and expand their businesses.
CDC is now part of the Momentus Capital family of organizations, including Capital Impact Partners and Ventures Lending Technologies. Together, we offer a continuum of financial, knowledge, and social capital to help local leaders build inclusive and equitable communities and create generational wealth. This includes a comprehensive package of loan products, impact investment opportunities, training, and business advising programs, and technology services that advance locally-led solutions.
Since 1978, CDC has provided more than $21.3 billion in funding to 12,000 borrowers and helped create and preserve over 214,000 jobs. Learn more at cdcloans.com and momentuscap.org.
by Peter Madrid | May 10, 2023 | News & Updates
PHOENIX, ARIZ. (May 11, 2023) – NAI Horizon Managing Director Laurel Lewis has earned the SIOR office designation awarded by the Society of Industrial and Office REALTORS®.
SIOR is the world’s premier commercial real estate organization for industrial and office professionals. Individuals who earn their SIOR designation adhere to the highest levels of accountability and ethical standards. Only the industry’s top professionals qualify for the SIOR designation, to which there are 3,700 members in 722 cities and 45 countries.
SIOR represents today’s most knowledgeable, experienced, and trusted commercial real estate brokerage specialists, and these individuals are proven experts in their market and leaders in the industry.
SIOR is a Washington, D.C.-based international professional organization of more than 3,200 commercial real estate professionals who have earned the coveted SIOR designation.
To achieve the SIOR designation, Lewis completed at least 5 years of creditable experience in the highly specialized field of office real estate; met stringent education requirements; and demonstrated professional ability, competency, ethical conduct, and personal integrity. SIOR enforces a strict code of ethics and required designees to complete its ethics course within their first three years of membership.
Lewis, who joined NAI Horizon in 2010, is focused on the representation of both landlords and tenants through the sale and leasing of multi-tenant office properties and owner-user buildings throughout Metro Phoenix. She has facilitated more than $180 million of commercial real estate transactions and has sold more than $100 million of office properties.
“I am eager to connect with other global SIOR professionals and thought leaders,” Lewis said. “Designees have been vetted to meet standards of excellence and honesty, thus serving our clients in the best way possible.”
Lewis was named to AZRE magazine’s 2023 People to Know in Commercial Real Estate and 2018 Most Influential Women in Commercial Real Estate. She is a force both in the field and in the community. Her expertise in office properties is consistently recognized at NAI Horizon and in the Metro Phoenix commercial real estate community. She was NAI Horizon’s 2019 Top Producer and consistently ranks on that prestigious list. She was the No. 3 Top Producer of 2022.
She is a member of, AZCREW, NAI Global Women’s Alliance, Valley Partnership, ULI Arizona, and serves on the DEI and WLI committees of ULI. She currently is a volunteer with Andre House, a Phoenix non-profit that provides for the unsheltered.
About SIOR
The Society of Industrial and Office Realtors ® (SIOR) is the leading society for industrial and office real estate professionals. Individuals who earn their SIOR designation adhere to the highest levels of accountability and ethical standards. Only the industry’s top professionals qualify for the SIOR designation. Today, there are more than 3,700 SIOR members in 722 cities and 45 countries. www.sior.com
About NAI Horizon
Exceptional global commercial real estate solutions begin with local market leadership and expertise. Established in 1992, NAI Horizon is a full-service commercial real estate company serving Arizona with offices in Phoenix and Tucson. NAI Horizon is passionate about commercial real estate, providing Brokerage and Property Management Services for local, national, and international clients. NAI Horizon is a member of the NAI Global commercial real estate network providing real estate solutions to more than 300 offices worldwide. For more information, visit www.naihorizon.com.
About NAI Global
Advisory Services, Leasing, Property Management, Property & Note Sales, and Tenant Representation
NAI Global is a leading global commercial real estate brokerage firm. NAI Global offices are leaders in their local markets and work in unison to provide clients with exceptional solutions to their commercial real estate needs. NAI Global has more than 300 offices in 43 countries strategically located throughout North America, Latin America and the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, and Asia Pacific, with 5,100 local market professionals managing over 1.1 billion square feet of property and facilities. Annually, NAI Global completes more than $20 billion in commercial real estate transactions and gross revenue of $1.5 billion.
NAI Global professionals achieve extraordinary results for clients locally and globally through creativity, collaboration, and the consistent delivery of exceptional knowledge and service that only market-leading firms can provide. NAI Global provides a full range of corporate real estate services, including brokerage and leasing, property and facilities management, real estate investment and capital market services, due diligence, global supply chain, logistics consulting, and related advisory services.
To learn more, visit www.naiglobal.com.
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by Peter Madrid | May 10, 2023 | News & Updates
PHOENIX, ARIZ. (May 10, 2023) – The Arizona Association for Economic Development (AAED) announced the results of its State of Arizona Economic Development survey at its recent spring conference in Tucson. AAED surveyed its membership of more than 500 economic development practitioners and those that provide goods and services from the private sector.
With the economy on everyone’s mind, the survey showed that economic developers are an optimistic group and 46 percent expect strong growth to continue in 2023. Just 6 percent expect an economic downturn and the remainder expect slower growth or little change (no growth).
In contrast, 40 percent of service providers expect weakening growth in 2023, another 40 percent expect little change (but not a recession) and just 17 percent expect strong growth.
It was the second year for the survey taken to better understand current trends in economic development and the relationships between practitioners and service providers who are AAED members. Out of the 120 respondents, 88 were practitioners, and 32 were providers. This representative sample mirrors the makeup of the AAED membership. There was strong representation of practitioners from both urban and rural parts of Arizona.
Key takeaways from the survey:
- Providers are concerned about permitting, regulations, and water resources;
- Economic developers are concerned about the lack of available commercial and industrial buildings, and housing affordability and availability;
- Talent is an important challenge to both practitioners and providers, but especially for providers;
- Economic developers must continue to monitor and address workforce challenges and engage with partner organizations;
- As an organization, AAED needs to be responsive to changes in local and state policy.
“It is vitally important AAED understands the concerns of the private and public sectors and how, as an organization, we can be responsive to those concerns,” said AAED Executive Director Carrie Kelly AAED. “Over the next year, monitoring and addressing workforce challenges, tackling housing affordability and availability, and being proactively involved in economic development policy and regulations is critical to the future success of our state.”
When asked about budgets, 41 percent of practitioners saw no change in their budgets. For the remaining 59 percent of practitioners, 29 percent had slight budget increases of 0 to 10 percent in the past year, and 24 percent had increases of more than 10 percent. Only 13 percent of practitioners overall had budget decreases in the past year, but decreases were more common in medium-sized communities (50,000 to 250,000 population).
For practitioners who modified their strategic plan in the past year, there was a greater focus on housing, entrepreneurship and small business development, and workforce training across all respondents. Looking at responses by service area size, small (less than 50,000) and medium communities (50,000 to 250,000) were more likely to focus on business retention, housing, and quality-of-life enhancements. Large communities are focused on entrepreneurship and small business development, workforce training, and emerging industries.
Practitioners are working to increase economic opportunity in their communities. The top responses in terms of approaches include providing resources for entrepreneurs, offering grants, mentoring programs, and assistance with loan applications. Practitioners also reported that they partner with chambers of commerce, community colleges, workforce development organizations, regional EDOs, and non-profits to enhance their economic development efforts.
Primary challenges for economic development in small communities include housing affordability and availability as well as a lack of available commercial and industrial buildings. Answers were similar for medium-sized communities which were also concerned about talent. Large communities are challenged by housing affordability, talent, building availability, and NIMBYism.
Among the 32 providers that completed the survey, 40 percent work for architecture and engineering firms, 10 percent work in the construction industry, and the remainder are spread across a range of other industries like consulting, education, and non-profits.
The survey shows they support economic development by providing leads and industry expertise to economic developers, and many also viewed economic developers as their customers. Some also view their role as helping to develop and maintain infrastructure to support economic development.
In terms of how economic developers benefit service providers, they provide data and information, leads, and industry expertise. Close to 60 percent of service providers also reported that economic developers are their customers.
Challenges identified by practitioners include skilled labor/talent as No. 1 (same as No. 1 overall for practitioners), housing affordability (a concern shared by economic developers), and also complicated permitting process and regulations.
The 2023 survey committee included Kristen Stephenson, Greater Phoenix Economic Council; Sarah Murley, Applied Economics; Jennifer Graves, Town of Gilbert; Tami Ursenbach, Mohave County; and Ryan Jones, Regional Economic Development Center at Yavapai College.
“Talent attraction continues to be a key competitive factor in economic development in Arizona, and throughout the country,” Murley with Applied Economics said. “Arizona has benefitted from a high level of in-migration in recent years that have bolstered the labor force, but this year’s AAED survey also highlights the strong connection between workforce attraction and housing affordability in this rapid growth environment.”
About AAED
The Arizona Association for Economic Development (AAED) was founded in 1974 with a mission to serve as Arizona’s unified voice for responsible economic development through professional education, public policy, and collaboration. The Association works to promote economic development in the State of Arizona through an exchange of information and educational opportunities among its members, to act as a liaison with outside groups, to influence legislation affecting economic development, and to empower members to create relationships to improve the economic outlook for Arizona. For more information on AAED, visit aaed.com or call (602) 240-2233.
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by Peter Madrid | May 10, 2023 | News & Updates
PEORIA, ARIZ. (May 10, 2023) – Hammes, a nationally recognized leader in healthcare development, broke ground on a new 48,000 SF, multi-tenant medical office building in Buckeye, Arizona, on May 1.
The leasing will be handled by Melynn Wakeman with Integrity CRE.
Conveniently located at the SWC of Watson Road and Sundance Parkway, the new Buckeye Medical Plaza will be visible from Watson Road with prominent signage. It will be within minutes of the planned Abrazo Medical Hospital and Banner Buckeye Hospital.
Planned services to be offered through building tenants include physical therapy, internal medicine, primary and multispecialty care, imaging, obstetrics and gynecology, specialized pediatric services, and lab.
“The Buckeye Medical Plaza will provide a huge benefit to our residents,” said Buckeye Mayor Eric Orsborn. “Providing quality medical care, in the heart of the city, will meet the demands of our growing community.”
“We’re pleased to be bringing a new, state-of-the-art medical office building to one of the fastest growing cities in the United States,” said Steve Buckeridge, Senior Vice President of Hammes Partners. “The Buckeye Medical Plaza will be an ideal location for healthcare providers seeking to relocate to or expand their footprint in Buckeye.”
The project is expected to be completed in early 2024.
For more information about Integrity CRE, visit www.integrityRealty4U.com.
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by Peter Madrid | May 9, 2023 | News & Updates
VIRGIN, UTAH (May 9, 2023) – NAI Horizon, a leading commercial real estate brokerage firm, is pleased to announce the successful acquisition of Zion River RV Resort & Campground by Haley Harrison Hospitality, LLC of Springdale, Utah, for $17.7 million.
Andrew Warner, CCIM, First Vice President of NAI Horizon’s Manufactured Housing & RV Park Investments Group, represented the buyer. Jason Griffith with NAI Excel assisted in the transaction.
Located just 13 miles from the awe-inspiring Zion National Park, Zion River RV Resort & Campground is a true oasis, nestled beside Utah’s tranquil Virgin River and surrounded by a vista of vibrant colored mountains. This prime destination serves as the perfect base camp for day trips to Bryce Canyon National Park, Grand Canyon North Rim, and Cedar Breaks National Monument, among other renowned Southwest locations.
“We are thrilled to have facilitated this acquisition on behalf of Haley Harrison Hospitality,” Warner said. “Zion River RV Resort & Campground is an exceptional property, offering visitors a unique and luxurious camping experience with easy access to some of the nation’s most breathtaking nature preserves.”
The resort offers an array of amenities, including rustic cabins, full-hookup RV sites, a heated swimming pool and spa, a gazebo kitchen, a playground, and a business center. Guests can also take advantage of the on-site shuttle service, convenience store, and exceptional guest services. Family-friendly activities are available throughout the year, making Zion River Resort the ideal retreat for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
The seller of the property was Zion RV Park, LLC, of Sacramento, California. As part of its ongoing expansion efforts, Haley Harrison Hospitality is aggressively seeking to place an additional $32 million in 1031 Exchange funds.
About Haley Harrison Hospitality, LLC
Haley Harrison Hospitality is a Springdale, Utah-based company specializing in hospitality management and investment. With a commitment to exceptional guest experiences and a focus on premier destinations, the company continues to expand its portfolio across the United States.
About NAI Horizon
Exceptional global commercial real estate solutions begin with local market leadership and expertise. Established in 1992, NAI Horizon is a full-service commercial real estate company serving Arizona with offices in Phoenix and Tucson. NAI Horizon is passionate about commercial real estate, providing Brokerage and Property Management Services for local, national, and international clients. NAI Horizon is a member of the NAI Global commercial real estate network providing real estate solutions to more than 300 offices worldwide. For more information, visit www.naihorizon.com.
About NAI Global
Advisory Services, Leasing, Property Management, Property & Note Sales, and Tenant Representation
NAI Global is a leading global commercial real estate brokerage firm. NAI Global offices are leaders in their local markets and work in unison to provide clients with exceptional solutions to their commercial real estate needs. NAI Global has more than 300 offices in 43 countries strategically located throughout North America, Latin America and the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, and Asia Pacific, with 5,100 local market professionals managing over 1.1 billion square feet of property and facilities. Annually, NAI Global completes more than $20 billion in commercial real estate transactions and gross revenue of $1.5 billion.
NAI Global professionals achieve extraordinary results for clients locally and globally through creativity, collaboration, and the consistent delivery of exceptional knowledge and service that only market-leading firms can provide. NAI Global provides a full range of corporate real estate services, including brokerage and leasing, property and facilities management, real estate investment and capital market services, due diligence, global supply chain, logistics consulting, and related advisory services.
To learn more, visit www.naiglobal.com.
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by Peter Madrid | May 9, 2023 | News & Updates
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ. (May 9, 2023) ‒ Daniel Mazzon, President of Mazzon Industries, is pleased to announce a fifth partnership today – The Industry.
Composed of mentors and managers, The Industry is an exclusive group of influential commercial real estate management professionals who have been brought together to inspire, educate, and guide the next generation of leaders in order to make the market and those involved in it grow and progress.
Featuring signature mentor speaking events, unique social experiences, and unmatched networking resources, members of The Industry will tap into an environment that, to date, has not existed in the Phoenix market. Led by some of the most influential commercial real estate professionals, The Industry’s membership roster will include more than 90 percent property management specialists, stretching across a diverse set of skills and aspects within the commercial real estate industry.
“Every mentor in The Industry has been hand-picked for a reason, but they all share one common trait: the ability to influence professionals to further develop in their careers,” Mazzon said. “If I’m going to represent the best-in-class service providers that the market has to offer, I believe managers should have access to the best-in-class mentors.”
Mazzon Industries will launch The Industry in June for those interested and accepted to become members. Invitations for The Industry will be released starting on May 15.
Mazzon Industries is a commercial real estate sales and account management firm that represents only one premier service provider in each line of service and gives property managers the ability to have one point of contact in order to streamline success across the portfolio of assets they manage. It represents the top companies in Arizona in restoration, janitorial, parking, and fire protection.
“By adding The Industry, I hope to break the mold and aim to move the industry in a more positive direction,” Mazzon said. “By the end of 2023, I will represent all of the best-in-class service providers needed at an asset and customize platforms to meet that asset’s needs.
“It is imperative to streamline exceptional service providers across a portfolio of assets to ensure consistency and results. Whether you’re a property owner, manager, engineer, tenant, or visitor, this is a progressive action where everyone wins,” Mazzon said.
To find out more regarding eligibility to join this new platform, email Mazzon at daniel@mazzonindustries.com.
For more information about Mazzon Industries visit mazzonindustries.com.
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by Peter Madrid | May 8, 2023 | News & Updates
PHOENIX, ARIZ. (May 8, 2023) — As the Arizona Association for Economic Development (AAED) celebrates Economic Development Week, it is pleased to announce eight economic developers and business professionals from across the state have earned their AZED Pro designation from The Academy of Arizona, AAED’s formal education program.
To earn an AZED Pro certification, economic development professionals must complete seven courses including: Economic Development in Arizona; Business Retention and Expansion; Taxation, Finance, and Incentives; Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development; Marketing and Business Development; Workforce Development; and an elective.
The Academy of Arizona, presented by AAED, is a formal education program aimed at ensuring Arizona’s economic development and business professionals receive the most current and relevant training in topics pertaining to the practice of economic development in Arizona. A structured ongoing professional development program is required to maintain the AZED Pro designation.
AZED Pro graduates announced at the 2023 AAED Spring Conference last month in Tucson:
- Katherine Anderson, AZED Pro, Yavapai College REDC;
- Roger Biede, AZED Pro, Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce;
- Crisi Clark, AZED Pro, Town of Camp Verde;
- Courtney Gulley, AZED Pro, Pinal County;
- Francesca Miller, AZED Pro, Multistudio;
- Brian Wright, AZED Pro, City of Buckeye;
- Meg Zemlicka, AZED Pro, Marketing Alliance, Inc.;
- Creag Znetko, AZED Pro, City of Flagstaff.
“Gaining AZED Pro designation is a differentiator when it comes to the overall expertise and knowledge of economic development and business professionals,” said AAED Executive Director Carrie Kelly. “This commitment ensures that these professionals have the tools they need to continue propelling Arizona communities forward.”
About AAED
The Arizona Association for Economic Development (AAED) was founded in 1974 with a mission to serve as Arizona’s unified voice for responsible economic development through professional education, public policy, and collaboration. The Association works to promote economic development in the State of Arizona through an exchange of information and educational opportunities among its members, to act as a liaison with outside groups, to influence legislation affecting economic development, and to empower members to create relationships to improve the economic outlook for Arizona. For more information on AAED, visit aaed.com or call (602) 240-2233.
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by Peter Madrid | May 8, 2023 | News & Updates
Three teams compete in finals of 10th Annual Arizona State University MRED event.
PHOENIX, ARIZ. (May 8, 2023) – Med tech labs. A fitness component. A retail park. Connected pathways. The creation of 10,000 jobs.
When the dust settled at the 10th annual REIAC/Rockefeller Group Challenge at Arizona Country Club, it was the Discovery Oasis – Desert Science Development team that took home the cash prize of $1,000 per team member among the three teams of graduating Masters of Real Estate Development (MRED) students from Arizona State University’s W. P. Carey School of Business.
This year the competing teams of graduating ASU MRED students presented their development proposal for the vacant 218 acres owned by Mayo Clinic at 56th to 64th streets and Mayo Boulevard in Phoenix. Student teams presented their response to a request for development proposals created with Mayo and the MRED program.
A 10th-anniversary presentation recognizing MRED program alumni was held before the presentations.
The winning team of Casey Mahoney, Shane Doherty, McKenna Palmer, and Isa Ragland said its goal was to “create a sense of place by developing five innovative hubs to work together as an ecosystem.”
The Discovery Oasis – Desert Science Development comprises six phases to be built over 23 years, totaling 3 MSF of medical tech office space. Phase 1 features med tech lab facilities, a retail park, open spaces, and a museum. Phase 1 also included a convention center. Other phases included a community hub, research and development hub, and education and incubator hub. Phase 1 is where the synergy between Mayo and ASU exists, the team said.
“For the past 10 years we have produced graduates that the industry wants. These are graduates going into the industry and becoming industry leaders,” said Mark Stapp, director of the MRED program. “Although there is one winner in the Challenge, all student teams do excellent work. Each year we have great people involved, and even greater development projects to judge.
“It’s the faculty that delivers the content that’s so important to people in the industry. That was especially true for this particular assignment. The mentors and students alike were phenomenal. This is as rich and as real as we can make it,” Stapp said.
The other finalists and their projects:
>> Discovery Oasis – CORTEX: Jill Yen, Matt Howze, Ryan DuMars, and Jimmy Hawkins presented a development with lab and office space in which to generate research opportunities. It included hospitality and multifamily components and featured 7.8 MSF of buildable space. Other components were a Fitwell Center, retail space, and family care and education facilities.
>> Discovery Oasis – Echelon Development: Ann Johnson, Kolby Smith, Cody Deppen, and Zach Jaffe presented a project whose focus was entrepreneurship, education, and community. The proposal includes 46 buildings covering more than 5 MSF. It features three cores across the site: multifamily and office; med tech labs; and research and development space.
Each team was allotted 10 minutes to present a development solution followed by questions from the audience. Audience members chose the winning team immediately after the presentations.
“Two things get better every year,” Stapp said. “One is the support that comes from the REIAC membership and Rockefeller Group because that’s how this becomes real in terms of the student experience and not just in theory. The student experience continues to improve as we develop an alumni base who give back. As the program develops a reputation, we get better students every year.”
In addition to sponsoring the annual Challenge, REIAC Southwest awards two $2,500 scholarships to MRED students that have a financial need and want to pursue real estate careers in Arizona after they graduate.
“I am beyond belief that we are in our 10th year. Still, I continue to be impressed by the scope and execution of the presentations,” said Mark Singerman, Rockefeller Group Vice President/Regional Director and past REIAC Southwest President. “Rockefeller Group is extremely proud to have its name associated with this great program.”
About REIAC
The Real Estate Investment Advisory Council (REIAC) was established as a nonprofit trade association to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas, concerns and experiences among senior executives who conduct real estate transactions. The invitation-only group limits its membership to senior-level executives at companies, who act as principals, and whose function is to develop, acquire, manage and/or finance real estate. Institutional quality programs and peer-to-peer relationship-building opportunities have established REAIC’s reputation throughout the national real estate investment community as one of its premier associations. www.reiac.org The Power of REIAC
About MRED
In nine months, the W. P. Carey Master of Real Estate Development (MRED) prepares students to lead real development projects that are environmentally respectful, socially responsible, and artfully designed. The MRED program is transdisciplinary, aligning principled instruction with dynamic real-world application. MRED is a unique partnership between four highly regarded schools within Arizona State University:
- The W. P. Carey School of Business
- The Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law
- The Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts
- The Del E. Webb School of Construction https://programs.wpcarey.asu.edu/masters-programs/real-estate-development
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