Transportation infrastructure, workforce, and water are among 2023 policy priorities for AAED

Transportation infrastructure, workforce, and water are among 2023 policy priorities for AAED

News & Updates

by | Jan 17, 2023 | News & Updates

      PHOENIX, ARIZ. (Jan. 17, 2023) — Transportation and broadband infrastructure. Clear development agreements. Make Arizona more competitive. Ensuring a qualified workforce. Water conservation.

Those are some of the main policy priorities for 2023 being embraced by the Arizona Association for Economic Development (AAED), according to Executive Director Carrie Kelly.

“Our 2023 policy priorities are part of the ongoing multi-year strategic plan we set for the organization,” Kelly said. “While the plan includes new elements, the original pillars of the organization – educate, advocate, and collaborate – remain the same. How AAED accomplishes its goals and fulfills its policy priorities has changed with time. We look forward to a very ambitious and successful 2023.”

The 2023 AAED policy priorities:

  • Fund transportation and broadband infrastructure: AAED supports mechanisms that encourage the development, maintenance, and improvement of transportation and broadband infrastructure, which results in business development and job creation. Technological advances must be included when considering transportation needs. This critical infrastructure ensures Arizona’s competitiveness in attracting and retaining businesses into our communities.
  • Support policies that encourage clarity in development agreements: Recent court decisions have called into question the appropriate use of incentives that have a direct benefit to Arizona communities. AAED supports policies that provide incentive use clarity to developers and municipalities throughout the state.
  • Expand economic development programs to make Arizona more competitive: AAED supports programs and policies that encourage businesses to expand in Arizona and enhance the state’s competitive position in attracting and retaining high-wage jobs. AAED also supports policies and investments that promote reliable and affordable electric service that emphasizes resource adequacy, price stability, and consumer protection as a foundation of Arizona’s continued economic success. AAED also supports performance-based and return-driven policies and encourages a diversity of businesses to locate and remain in Arizona for the long term, enhancing Arizona’s competitive efforts to attract and retain high-wage jobs and encourage capital investment.
  • Ensure a qualified workforce and workforce pipeline: AAED supports sustainable policies and funding for education and training programs that result in a thriving qualified Arizona workforce. Supporting not only a healthy innovation pipeline but also a robust internship and craft training ecosystem that have verifiable impacts on the overall economic health of our state. AAED supports Arizona career and technical education (CTE) districts and programs, increasing awareness for students to access it and in obtaining in-demand industry credentials. A qualified workforce with a balance of post-secondary education and workforce training will support Arizona’s competitiveness in retaining and attracting high-wage jobs.
  • Retain and modernize existing economic development tools: For Arizona to remain competitive amid an ever-changing global economy, it must continue to evaluate its economic development programs. Programs should reflect the state’s focus for business attraction, growth, and retention when compared to other parts of the world. AAED membership opposes unnecessary changes that reduce or delay existing and proven economic development tools and programs. Many companies choose to relocate or expand in Arizona because of these programs. The need to remain consistent and competitive is critical to Arizona’s long-term economic development success.
  • Water is critical to continued economic growth: AAED applauds the Arizona Legislature and Gov. Doug Ducey for their investment in water conservation, reuse and augmentation projects. While outstanding details should be addressed, the legislation charts a path forward. AAED also believes the Bureau of Reclamation reduction mandates should be shared by all Colorado River Basin states. Arizona has been a world leader in water management. Other states should follow our lead.

“With more than 30 freshmen legislators and a new governor, AAED is looking at this legislative session with a strong sense of optimism,” Kelly said. “We’re looking forward to educating and working with all lawmakers to continue advancing Arizona’s strong economy.”

 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 Jan 17, 2023
NAIOP Arizona Board of Directors elect new officers and board members for 2023

NAIOP Arizona Board of Directors elect new officers and board members for 2023

News & Updates

by | Jan 12, 2023 | News & Updates

PHOENIX, ARIZ. (Jan. 12, 2023) – The Arizona Chapter of NAIOP, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association, elected officers and board members for 2023.

The 2023 Executive Committee of NAIOP Arizona includes Cathy Thuringer, Trammell Crow Company, Board Chair; John Orsak, Lincoln Property Company, Vice Chair; Derek Flottum, The Opus Group, Treasurer; Phil Breidenbach, Colliers International, Programs Chair; and Rusty Kennedy, Stream Realty, Immediate Past Chairman.

The new officers will lead the Arizona chapter, which as the fifth largest NAIOP chapter among 53 in the U.S. and Canada, surpassed 1,000 members in 2022.

“The growth of our chapter underscores its importance and relevance in Arizona’s commercial real estate industry,” said NAIOP Arizona President and CEO Suzanne Kinney. “I look forward to another year of working with our outstanding Board of Directors and to making our new office at the Biltmore Center a hub of activity and connection for the industry.

Jamie Godwin, President and CEO at Stevens-Leinweber Construction, Inc. and Laura Ortiz, President of Evergreen Development, begin their first three-year term on the Board of Directors in 2023.

Chelsea Porter of Renaissance Construction will serve a one-year term as Developing Leader Board Liaison. Continuing Board members for 2023 are Chris Anderson, Hines; Jenna Borcherding, VanTrust Real Estate, LLC; Chris Burson, Western Alliance Bank; Jeff Foster, Prologis; Jeff Moloznik, RED Development, LLC; Kate Morris, Transwestern; Michael Olsen, Globe Corporation; CJ Osbrink, Newmark; and Candace Rosauro, Layton Construction.

Three of NAIOP Arizona’s long-time Board members rolled off at the end of 2022. Tom Jarvis, Willmeng, who has been instrumental in the success of premier events Night at the Fights and Best of NAIOP and was a founding member of the Arizona Chapter’s Young Professionals Group (YPG) mentoring program; Danny Swancey, ViaWest Group, 2021 Chairman of the Board; and Jim Wentworth, Wentworth Property Company, 2020 Chairman of the Board.

“I am appreciative of our Board of Directors and outgoing Chairperson, Rusty Kennedy, for leading NAIOP Arizona in achieving the substantive goals set for the organization in 2022. I want to send a special thank you to all our corporate sponsors, event sponsors, and our membership for their support of NAIOP Arizona despite the specter of economic headwinds,” Thuringer said. “As we head into 2023, I look forward to working with the Board and NAIOP Arizona staff to build on the organization’s 2022 achievements as we continue our focus on member services, public policy, educational programs, enhancing Developing Leaders, events, and furthering our diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.”

About NAIOP

NAIOP, a 20,000+ member organization in North America provides unparalleled industry networking and education, and advocates for effective legislation on behalf of its members. It is the leading association for developers, owners and related professionals in office, industrial, retail, multifamily and mixed-use real estate. The Arizona Chapter represents over 1,000 members and is among the largest in the 50+ network. 

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by Jan 12, 2023
Arizona Multihousing Association selects its 2023 officers, board; Linda Coburn tabbed Board Chair

Arizona Multihousing Association selects its 2023 officers, board; Linda Coburn tabbed Board Chair

News & Updates

by | Jan 10, 2023 | News & Updates

     PHOENIX, ARIZ. (Jan. 10, 2023) – Arizona Multihousing Association, the statewide trade group for the apartment industry, announces the election of its 2023 officers and board members.

AMA’s 2023 Board Chair is Linda Coburn with NexMetro Development. She is joined by Lisa Rosenfeld, vice chair, HSL Asset Management; Adam Greco, treasurer, Mark-Taylor Residential; Stacy Hogue, secretary, Greystar Real Estate; Scott Hines, immediate past chair, PEM Real Estate Group; Michelle Howland, IPC executive, Blue Steel Security Services; and Mark Zinman, ex-officio legal, Zona Law Group.

“With the support of my fellow board members, I have no doubt we will deliver on and achieve goals we have set for the new year,” Coburn said. “AMA provides leadership for Arizona business and government. In that regard, we will continue to be the ‘go-to’ voice for Arizona housing issues. AMA has been among the top industry organizations in Arizona and will continue to be. With more than 100,000 new residents moving into the state each year, our industry will continue to be an economic engine. That translates to more than 1 million new Arizonans this decade, and about 10,000 new apartments each year to meet the rising demand for housing.”

Board members for 2023: Flor Aparicio, Chamberlain + Associates; Elizabeth Beaulieu, Quarterpenny Management; Krisanne Beckstead, Picerne Real Estate Group; Ann Boosma, MEB Management Services; Luz Bruscini, MEB Management Services; Reid Butler, Butler Housing Company; Amy Campbell, P.B. Bell Companies.

Tracy Carboun, Greystar Real Estate Partners; John Carlson, Mark-Taylor Residential; Bry Carter, The Phoenix Staffing; Monica Chesley, Burns Pest Elimination; Nicole Churchill, Greystar Real Estate Partners; Stacey Deal, Kay-Kay Realty; Ann Diaz, AZ 1st Realty Management LLC; Anna DiSabato, Dunlap & Magee.

Kohl Eisenhour, Avenue 5 Residential; Chris Evans, HSL; Greg Flatt, MC Companies; Tim Furnas, Avalanche Security Services; Kristine Hedlund, Cox Communications; Kristin Heiple, Baron Property Services; Khara House, Bella Investment Group; Michelle Jenson, Sares-Regis Management Company.

Jim Kowalski, Kowalski Construction; Sharon Kuhlman, Asset Living; Dustin Lacey, Mark-Taylor Residential; Sara Luster, Gorman & Company; Pam McCarthy, Fairfield Residential; Kaitlyn Miller, Western Wealth Management; Lisa Osborn, Priderock Capital Partners; Kim Pacheco, Scotia Group Management.

Brandi Reynolds, RENCO Roofing; Stacey Searl, Weidner Apartment Homes; Michelle Sinclair, Evergreen Devco, Inc.; Greg Stobart, MG Properties; Dallin Tippets, Rainforest Plumbing & Air; Luis Verger, Asset Living; Christopher Walker, Clark & Walker, P.C.; Debbie Willis, P.B. Bell Companies; and Rodney Wilson, Greystar Real Estate Partners.

AMA is the statewide trade association for the apartment industry, representing more than 360,000 rental housing units and 2,600 members in legislative, legal and regulatory matters. The AMA provides services, products, educational programs and networking opportunities to promote ethical, quality rental housing throughout Arizona. For more information, visit azmultihousing.org.

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by Jan 10, 2023
Phoenix West Commercial represents tenant in long-term lease at well-positioned Phoenix Camelback Corridor office, Anchor Centre East

Phoenix West Commercial represents tenant in long-term lease at well-positioned Phoenix Camelback Corridor office, Anchor Centre East

News & Updates

by | Jan 9, 2023 | News & Updates

 GOODYEAR, ARIZ. (Jan. 10, 2023) – Phoenix West Commercial represented the tenant, a full-service financial firm, in a long-term lease at Anchor Centre East in the well-positioned Camelback Corridor in Phoenix.

Phoenix West Commercial (PWC) Vice President | Principal ELi Mastracci, CCIM, represented First International Bank & Trust, which already leases space on the first and third floors of the office complex at 2231 E. Camelback Road. The lease is for the first-floor space of 7,959 SF.

First International Bank & Trust, a full-service, family-owned, community bank offering a wide range of financial services, is headquartered in Watford, North Dakota. It has offices in North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Arizona.

“This year, our branch at Anchor Centre East had quite the challenge ahead of us – the renewal of our first-floor space amid a tight suburban office submarket, record-high rental rates, and many moving parts,” said Michael Bosh, Assistant Vice President | Corporate Counsel and David Pankow, Senior Vice President | Director of Real Estate and Construction for First International Bank & Trust. “ELi was able to successfully navigate us through this transaction, in which we accomplished all our objectives. He was very communicative, professional, and detail-oriented through the entire process.”

The building features a common conference room, a common fitness room, and the popular Gladly restaurant on the first floor.

“This was a very complex transaction due to the nature of two leases in separate spaces, all in the same project, that coincide with each other,” Mastracci said. “It was a genuine pleasure working with the corporate team. I’m glad that First International accomplished all that was necessary in the process, and I sincerely look forward to our continued relationship.”

The landlord, Anchor Manager, Inc., a Florida Corporation and subsidiary thereof TerraCap Management, LLC, was represented by Chris Walker with Cushman & Wakefield.

 About Phoenix West Commercial

Phoenix West Commercial, LLC is a commercial real estate brokerage located in Goodyear, Arizona. We have access to local, national, international deals, clients and properties. Phoenix West Commercial agents have true respect and encourage the communities’ evolution. Since 2012, our team has produced highly successful transactions. We serve and provide professional, commercial real estate services throughout Arizona and the U.S. We’ve helped customers in various industries and scenarios from banking, retail, medical, industrial, government, and land sales for developers, investors, landlords and tenants. For more information visit phxwc.com.

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by Jan 09, 2023
Foreign Direct Investment in Arizona is the topic as AZCREW kicks off 2023 with January lunch

Foreign Direct Investment in Arizona is the topic as AZCREW kicks off 2023 with January lunch

News & Updates

by | Jan 9, 2023 | News & Updates

PHOENIX, ARIZ. (Jan. 10, 2023) – AZCREW, the commercial real estate organization that exists to transform the industry by advancing women globally, kicks off 2023 with a Foreign Direct Investment update as the topic for its January lunch.

An outstanding panel of experts will discuss the flow of projects led by international companies into the Valley including the massive, $12 billion Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) plant being built in north Phoenix. The facility is expected to begin mass production in 2024.

“One of the benefits of working for the regional economic development organization is the line of sight on the origin of new investment into the region. We’re seeing the number of international projects surpassing the number of companies relocating out of California, which has traditionally been our largest generator of prospects,” said AZCREW President Samantha Pinkal with the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC).

“They make up about 20 percent of our portfolio of clients and we expect this trend will continue given the growth of the semiconductor, solar, battery, and electric and autonomous vehicle industries.”

The panel was assembled to cover various perspectives: foreign investor, service provider, regional economic development, and federal programming and assistance.

“I’m excited about how our panelists will be able to shed light on the experience at the ground level of these international investments and how our members can best prepare themselves to service these new clients’ unique needs,” Pinkal added.

Panelists include Ruth Soberanes, International Trade Specialist, U.S. Commercial Service; Casey Gilchrist, Senior Director, International Business Development, Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC); Laura Franco French, Director, State Government Relations, TSMC; and Brooke Taff, Business Development Manager, Wood, Patel & Associates, Inc.

The event is Jan. 24 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the offices of Kitchell, 1707 E. Highland, Ave., Phoenix. The registration fee is $45 for members; $65 for non-members. Register here.

 About AZCREW:

AZCREW is the local affiliate of CREW Network. CREW Network is at the forefront of achieving gender equity and greater diversity in commercial real estate. We will achieve this by transforming the industry by advancing women globally. Our membership offers unparalleled business development, leadership opportunities and networking both locally in your market and globally across our 12,000-member base. For more information visit arizonacrew.org.

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by Jan 09, 2023
BOMA Greater Phoenix names 2023 leadership; Melissa Scott begins 2nd term as president  

BOMA Greater Phoenix names 2023 leadership; Melissa Scott begins 2nd term as president  

News & Updates

by | Jan 9, 2023 | News & Updates

PHOENIX, ARIZ. (Jan. 9, 2023) — BOMA Greater Phoenix, the industry group that advances the commercial real estate industry through advocacy, influence, and knowledge, announced its 2023 officers and board members.

Melissa Scott, CMCA, AMS, RPA, with Sunbelt Holdings, begins her second term as chapter President. She is joined by Vice President Kathryn Rhinehart, CMP, RPA, LEED Green Associate, MODE Commercial; Secretary/Treasurer Amanda Forsmo, Ryan Companies US; and Allied Chair Mike Caratachea, BrightView Landscape.

“I am extremely excited for our new leadership group and to continue the work we started last year in moving BOMA Phoenix forward as an industry leader in real estate and education,” Scott said.

Board members for 2023: Monica Andreas, Titan Restoration of Arizona; Patti Brown, CPM, RPA, Cushman & Wakefield; Kate Bryce, Wentworth Property Management; Monica Greenman, CPM, MBA, RPA, Transwestern; Patty Hartley, MODE Commercial; Suzanne Logan, Go To Services; Alexis Matt, Newmark; Emily Mehta, Shorenstein Realty Services; and Michael Scott, Rose Paving. The board will elect its governor.

Board members serve no more than two consecutive 2-year terms and then must take one year off before becoming eligible to serve again. An officer may serve up to two consecutive terms in an officer position (if re-elected) after which time the officer must either run for a different officer position, run for the board if their term limits are unexpired, or take at least one year off the board to satisfy the term limits.

About BOMA

The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International is a federation of 93 BOMA U.S. associations, BOMA Canada and its 11 regional associations and 13 BOMA international affiliates. Founded in 1907, BOMA represents the owners and managers of all commercial property types including nearly 10 billion square feet of U.S. office space that supports 3.7 million jobs and contributes $205 billion to the U.S. GDP. Its mission is to advance the interests of the entire commercial real estate industry through advocacy, education, research, standards and information. BOMA Greater Phoenix has been federated with BOMA International since 1940. Find BOMA International online at www.boma.org

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by Jan 09, 2023
Arizona Masonry Council announces 2023-24 leadership; Dave Endres to serve as chair

Arizona Masonry Council announces 2023-24 leadership; Dave Endres to serve as chair

News & Updates

by | Jan 9, 2023 | News & Updates

PHOENIX, ARIZ. (Jan. 10, 2023) – Arizona Masonry Council, the trade group that builds and supports a stronger foundation for the state’s masonry industry, announces the election of its new officers and board of directors. Each will serve a 2-year term.

Dave Endres, Superlite Block an Oldcastle company, was selected as the group’s chair. He will be joined by Brendon Sarracino, Sargon Masonry, vice chair; Matt Montgomery, Best Block, secretary; and Melonie Leslie, G & G Masonry, treasurer.

“I am looking forward to working with our Board of Directors for the next two years to continue bringing value to our membership,” Endres said. “We have quite a bit of momentum entering 2023, including our veterans’ initiative and our expanding student chapter.”

New board members include Ben Hazelton, Paragon; Scott Palmer, Salt River Materials Group; Moroni Mejia, Hobbs Masonry; Jon Roberts, ReCreate; Ryan Ross, Block-Lite; Dave Shea, New Master Block; Tyler Smith, Yavapai Block; Mike Summers, Top Quality Masonry; and David Peloke, Sun Valley Masonry.

“We have a lot to be excited about in 2023. We have recently rolled out our Masonry Contractor Certification Program and the industry’s first Machine Operator Training Program. We will also launch our Leadership Training Program early this year,” said Arizona Masonry Council Executive Director, Dawn Rogers. “We look forward to leveraging the strength of our Board of Directors to continue to advance and support the industry.”

Arizona Masonry Council empowers the industry through education, promotion, recognition, and events. These include the Excellence in Masonry Awards, Apprenticeship Graduation Dinner, Fastest Trowel competition, and professional awards.

About the Arizona Masonry Council

The mission of the Arizona Masonry Council is to create significant and lasting positive change for the Arizona masonry industry and to reinforce that our systems provide the premier building envelope solution in the minds of public and private owners, developers, architects, engineers, general contractors, and the general public. The Council and its members have played a significant role in economic development, new product and construction standards, enhanced safety policies and increased energy efficiency of masonry products. It has also been on the forefront of developing and implementing statewide education programs for the professional community as well as students from college to the high school level. The Arizona Masonry Council can be reached at (602) 265-5999 or visit azmasonry.org.

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by Jan 09, 2023
NAIOP Arizona policy priorities tackle immediate 2023 business needs, longer-term challenges

NAIOP Arizona policy priorities tackle immediate 2023 business needs, longer-term challenges

News & Updates

by | Jan 5, 2023 | News & Updates

     PHOENIX, ARIZ. (Jan. 5, 2023) — The Arizona Chapter of NAIOP, the commercial real estate development association, just released its 2023 legislative agenda. This year’s priorities focus on fundamental issues crucial to maintaining a stable business environment and making it easier for new development projects to come online.

“With Katie Hobbs as our new governor and many new members of the state Legislature, we are excited to get to work on policies that will bolster sustainable growth and build on Arizona’s business attraction successes,” said NAIOP Arizona President and CEO Suzanne Kinney. “Even with economic headwinds, our state is positioned to come out on top in the race for new businesses looking for the optimal location to expand.”

During the 2022 session, NAIOP realized a long-term goal of reducing Arizona’s commercial property tax assessment ratio to 15 percent. Working with legislative leaders such as House Speaker Ben Toma and Sen. J.D. Mesnard, the association looks forward to supporting legislation to accelerate the implementation of this important tax reduction.

As NAIOP expands its membership to multifamily developers, it is actively engaged in the critical debates over how to fast-track the development of projects that will add to the housing stock while addressing affordability challenges.

As demonstrated by Kinney’s recent testimony before the Housing Supply Study Committee, NAIOP is ready to offer fresh ideas on how to break down impediments to increasing the supply of multifamily units and reducing costs in a way that can be passed on to renters.

Water availability is critical to our future considering ongoing scarcity. NAIOP will work collaboratively with Colorado River basin states and Arizona’s diverse water stakeholders to ensure municipalities have the water needed to attract advanced manufacturing and other large investments.

Energy policies that maintain reliability, affordability, and choice while moving towards more renewable sources will be essential as the state looks toward a cleaner and more sustainable future. Natural gas, nuclear, and solar should all be part of the mix during a transition that ensures baseload capacity while building reliance on renewables.

“Training the workforce requires near-term solutions to immediate talent shortages in the construction, engineering, and general business workforce combined with longer-term plans to satisfy increasingly complex needs,” Kinney said. “Resolving the K-12 aggregate expenditure limit will fix a short-term problem, but NAIOP also supports innovative solutions to meet the workforce needs of tomorrow for skilled crafts and other professionals.”

Download NAIOP Arizona’s full 2023 Legislative Agenda here.

About NAIOP

NAIOP, a 20,000+ member organization in North America provides unparalleled industry networking and education, and advocates for effective legislation on behalf of its members. It is the leading association for developers, owners and related professionals in office, industrial, retail, multifamily and mixed-use real estate. The Arizona Chapter represents over 1,000 members and is among the largest in the 50+ network.

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by Jan 05, 2023
IFMA Greater Phoenix looks ahead to 2023 with momentum on several chapter industry fronts

IFMA Greater Phoenix looks ahead to 2023 with momentum on several chapter industry fronts

News & Updates

by | Jan 3, 2023 | News & Updates

     TEMPE, ARIZ. (Jan. 4, 2023) ‒ A new veterans’ initiative and a big year for the local student chapter. Those are just two of the major highlights celebrated by the IFMA Greater Phoenix Chapter in 2022, according to President Marshall MacFarlane.

“As we head into 2023, I am struck by several things in the facilities management world – locally, around the world, and in our chapter. In 2022 we left the high-tempo, reactionary world of COVID-19 behind and started dipping our toes in the waters of the ‘new normal,’” MacFarlane said. “Our chapter fared better than many IFMA chapters, providing virtual events, then hybrid, then back to in-person.

“Both on a financial basis, an activity basis, and a membership basis our chapter stayed strong, and this is in no small part due to the amazing work done by our board members and the chapter’s committees. Facilities managers are veterans of not only their core strengths, but the new skillsets brought around in a post-COVID world.”

What has buoyed the industry, MacFarlane explained, the knowledge and experience of its professionals was suddenly pushed to the front – cleaning, logistics, operations, health and safety, and communications.

“All of those things previously taken for granted by many, were now necessities. Many of us had been doing these things for years, and in COVID, we showed the world our worth and our ability. Globally, the profession that has been evolving for decades is taking a significant turn,” MacFarlane said.

Chapter highlights of 2022:

  • New IFMA veterans’ initiative

The chapter’s newest community launched in September. The military community will bridge the gap between active-duty military and veterans with facility management-specific skills and the facility management profession. IFMA requested help from all chapters, communities, and components to support this mission and to ensure that they are successfully supporting active duty and veteran facility managers.

The military community asked for volunteers from each component to help share materials and connect active-duty military and veterans with the new community and the global IFMA network. The hope was to start with a handful of components and eventually expand so that the industry has military ambassadors working in all areas of facilities management.

They were looking for volunteers and the Phoenix chapter filled that commitment, MacFarlane said.

They include the Advocate: One person from each component who will work with leadership to facilitate the recruitment and retention of military veterans; the Wingman: a member with prior military service who will be connected with each new military or veteran member; and the Liaison: a person who will be a link between their component and the military community.

  • Support for the student chapter

The board recommended and approved a one-time cash infusion of $2,500 meant to offset expenses such as meals and travel for the student chapter meetings. After a brief sponsorship campaign faltered in the community this past fall, board members pointed out that financially they were in a position to help the student chapter.

MacFarlane explained this is meant to give the students time to plan for and implement future fundraising strategies in the community. Board members cited not only the importance of having a student chapter, but also noted the success, enthusiasm and momentum of the current Student Chapter.

“I enter my last term as president grateful to the community, our members, and our board for the support,” MacFarlane said. “We have accomplished a lot, and much of the credit goes to our board, which has always been pro-active and involved. The chapter is also fostering a renaissance of its government facilities management subgroup, the Arizona Government Facilities Alliance (AGFA). I’m excited to see its progress.”

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 About IFMA

 Founded in 1980, IFMA is the world’s largest and most widely recognized international association for facility management professionals, supporting more than 24,000 members in 105 countries. The association’s members, represented in 134 chapters and 17 councils worldwide, manage more than 37 billion square feet of property and annually purchase more than $100 billion in products and services. IFMA certifies facility managers, conducts research, provides educational programs and produces World Workplace, the world’s largest facility management conference and exposition.

The Greater Phoenix Chapter of IFMA, formed in 1985, is one of the top association chapters in the world and winner of IFMA’s Large Chapter of the Year in 2012. It is dedicated to continuous improvement of the facility management profession by providing relevant educational and networking opportunities for its membership while supporting the community as a whole. For more information about the Phoenix chapter ifmaphoenix.org.

 

 

by Jan 03, 2023
Industry leader Cassie Wells launches Modern Business Development, a woman-owned firm that will represent subcontractors, service providers

Industry leader Cassie Wells launches Modern Business Development, a woman-owned firm that will represent subcontractors, service providers

News & Updates

by | Jan 3, 2023 | News & Updates

     PHOENIX, ARIZ. (Jan. 4, 2023) – Commercial real estate industry leader and business development expert Cassie Wells has announced the formation of a woman- and minority-owned firm, Modern Business Development.

Wells, who will hold the title of CEO, launched Modern Business Development to represent the niche market of subcontractors and service providers in Metro Phoenix who require business development services but aren’t ready to hire a full-time Director of Business Development.

Modern Business Development will provide clients with the following:

  • Exclusive representation in their field of expertise;
  • Specific project and/or end-user project opportunities;
  • Representation and participation in the largest networking organizations in the Valley, including but not limited to NAIOP Arizona, Arizona Builders Alliance, and ULI Arizona;
  • Multiple introductions to industry professionals who can help provide the client with long-term recurring business.

      “While my primary roles are to secure projects and contracts and to be an industry presence for my clients at networking events, I also understand the importance of helping them develop long-lasting relationships,” Wells said. “I don’t just focus on today, but my strategy involves ensuring my clients are prepared for tomorrow.”

A native of Phoenix, Wells, 32, formed Modern Business Development after more than 10 years at CCS Presentation Systems. She served as Corporate Sales Manager, Corporate Relationship Manager, and Account Manager at CCS.

Wells graduated Magna Cum Laude with a bachelor of science in marketing from the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University. She is involved with NAIOP Arizona and its Developing Leaders, ULI Arizona, and the Society of Saleswomen.

Wells was recently awarded Commercial Integrator’s 40 Influencers Under Forty, Class of 2022. She also co-authored and presented at the 2022 Worldwide IFMA Conference, “The Facility Managers Guide to Audio Visual Technology.”

Wells and her husband, Paul, have two children. In her free time Wells enjoys spending time with her family and fishing. She recently took up golf.

For more information, visit modern-bd.com.

by Jan 03, 2023