Commercial Real Estate

Everyone Gives Launches Next Week

2012-02-14T04:45:00.000-08:00

Eight days to go before the launch of Everyone Gives, and our list of charitable partners worldwide is over 400 and still growing. In the U.S. we’ll be collecting donations for March of Dimes, United Way, the American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, Make-A-Wish and many more national organizations. Locally, our professionals, partners and colleagues will be supporting foundations in their own communities. Whatever you’re most passionate about—fighting poverty, protecting and nurturing children, curing disease—however you want to do good in the world, you’ll find a cause to donate to among our charities.

As February 22, 2012 grows nearer, it’s exciting to see the buzz that Everyone Gives is generating through our social media channels. The campaign has more than 1,700 fans on Facebook, and more than 500 followers on Twitter. We’ve seen steady increases in activity as word spreads and more and more people across the globe get involved.

Participating in Everyone Gives is easy. Click the video below to learn how:

Follow Everyone Gives on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn for the latest updates and news. Spread the word about the campaign to your own personal networks.

The pieces are in place. The vision of Everyone Gives—to amplify the power of individual giving—is poised to become a reality. Have you added your voice?

Everyone Gives

2012-01-19T14:55:00.000-08:00

February 22, 2012 marks the launch of a unique social giving campaign: Everyone Gives. This giving event—dubbed the most inclusive initiative of its kind—will enable charities, companies and public figures to collaboratively mobilize their networks, raising awareness of a global charitable event that will demonstrate the collective power we all share to dramatically impact the world for good.

The premise is elegantly simple: use social media and technology to leverage your personal networks and connections, and contribute to whatever individual cause or charity you care most about. What’s more, those you bring to your giving tree can immediately do the same with their networks as well.

Everyone Gives is the vision of Doug Frye (Global CEO of Colliers International), who throughout his career has been an amazing leader for social good and aspirational community impact. He believes in the power each and every one of us has to change the world in which we live. He believes that if everyone gives, nothing is impossible.

To be clear, Everyone Gives is not itself a charity. It’s a community-based platform that connects causes with givers; every cent donated goes directly to the participating charities. Colliers International was the first corporate sponsor of the initiative, donating resources and time to launch the project. The goal is to harness individual inspiration to create a global torrent of giving that can truly change the world.

It’s a simple process. Make a small donation—say, $5—to a participating charity of your choice. Through the Everyone Gives website, your donation initiates a “tree” of giving; your gift is selectively shared with your personal network, who are asked to contribute and encourage people in their network to join in. You can see your “seed” gift grow exponentially. Personally, the most exciting thing for me about Everyone Gives is the way it will bring people together.

Learn more by visiting everyonegives.org. Stay in touch with Everyone Gives on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn. Please help spread the word, and we’ll see you on February 22.

Dollar Days

2011-12-05T13:06:00.001-08:00

The newly released white paper “Dollar Days: How Dollar Stores Are Growing a Weak Economy” documents a strong national trend in consumer behavior and its impact on retail leasing. The report, by Ann Natunewicz (head of research for Colliers Retail Services Group), traces the recent aggressive expansion and repositioning campaigns of the four major dollar store chains.

What’s driving the growth of dollar stores?
Obviously, economic conditions have severely impacted consumer behavior, both in terms of disposable income and perception of “value.” Dollar store chains have expanded food offerings, rethought their merchandising strategies, and targeted a higher-end mainstream consumer.

How significant is this trend?
The four largest chains—Dollar General, Dollar Tree, Family Dollar and 99¢ Only—now operate roughly 21,500 U.S. locations. By contrast, the three largest drug store chains combined have only 19,700 locations.

What’s more, dollar stores continue to capitalize on the availability of better space, in terms of demographics, location and footprint. At first, this trend was fueled by recessionary vacancy rates and depressed leasing markets; however, this growth has persisted even in markets that have seen significant recovery in rents and absorption. Growing interest on the part of landlords and property investors indicates that dollar stores have become a more desirable destination, and are favorably impacting traffic and vacancy rates in the shopping centers they occupy.

What does this mean for retail leasing?
Aggressive expansion and larger footprints will continue to drive absorption, even in markets where pricing has normalized, or traditional grocery and drug stores are still prominent.

Dollar store chains will still be able to dictate aggressive terms. Landlords recognize that the dollar store value proposition is part of the “new normal” for consumers, and are attracting a higher-ticket demographic. And, as dollar stores increase their food offering, they drive a higher trip frequency. For smaller regional centers with a local tenant mix, a dollar store can also provide a national-level tenant opportunity.

Where can I find out more?

Download a PDF copy of “Dollar Days: How Dollar Stores Are Growing a Weak Economy” here.

Colliers International Launches Government Services Practice Group

2011-06-29T13:42:00.000-07:00

I'm excited to report that the senior team of Kurt Stout, Charles Dilks, and Keith Lavey have joined the Colliers International to lead our newly established Government Services Practice Group.

Based in Washington, D.C., the six-member team will provide a full array of consulting and contracting services to government agencies on a national basis. These Colliers professionals represent private sector landlords who lease space to government tenants. They also participate in the sale of government-leased properties.

“Colliers International is a perfect cultural fit for our team. This is a unique opportunity to establish a national business unit that is exclusively devoted to providing real estate services to government agencies as well as investors who serve government tenants,” said Stout, a 20-year real estate veteran in the government services sector.

Last week, Colliers International also announced a major expansion of its Washington, D.C.-area operations with the launch of a new office in Northern Virginia and the introduction of a regional property management practice.

Pacific Realty Gives Colliers International a Stronghold in Omaha and Lincoln, Nebraska

2011-05-13T12:02:00.000-07:00

Omaha and Lincoln Offices to Raise Colliers Banner

OMAHA and SEATTLE, May 5, 2011 – Colliers International has reached another milestone in executing its U.S. platform growth strategy with the addition of one of Nebraska’s premier commercial real estate firms, Pacific Realty Group. The firm’s two offices in Omaha and Lincoln have joined Colliers’ rapidly expanding geographic footprint in the U.S. and around the globe.

As Colliers International, Pacific Realty transitions from a key player in the Midwest to an important part of one of the world’s leading real estate organizations, with 15,000 employees operating out of more than 480 offices in 61 countries and with revenues of nearly $2 billion.

“With the addition of Pacific Realty, we have increased our national leadership in client service,” said Dylan Taylor, chief executive officer of Colliers International in the U.S. “Pacific Realty is a results-driven organization, and the depth and experience the firm offers clients are unmatched in Nebraska. Pacific Realty’s client-centric approach is a seamless fit, both professionally and culturally, with Colliers International.”

“With the significant industry interest in Colliers International and its rapidly growing platform, we are proud to carry its flag in the Omaha and Lincoln markets,” said Kyle Peterson, senior vice president and managing director of brokerage. “Our firm has long been known as the number one regional commercial real estate services provider. This partnership allows us to better serve our clients locally, nationally and around the globe. We feel it is an ideal match.”

Founded in 1987, Pacific Realty provides the full spectrum of commercial real estate services, including brokerage; lease administration; tenant representation; office, industrial and retail leasing and sales; asset management; property management; comprehensive development services; advisory and consulting services; real estate tax consulting, tenant finish; construction supervision; and market research. The firm also provides construction and permanent financing services and other mortgage banking/consulting needs.

Pacific Realty has 62 professionals in its two Nebraska offices. In 2010, the firm managed a portfolio of nearly 4.8 million square feet and was involved in 320 leasing and sale transactions comprising 2.4 million square feet of space and more than a half million square feet of land.

No changes in management or personnel are anticipated as a result of today’s announcement.

About Colliers International

Colliers International is the third-largest commercial real estate services company in the world with 15,000 professionals operating out of more than 480 offices in 61 countries. A subsidiary of FirstService Corporation (NASDAQ: FSRV; TSX: FSV and FSV.PR.U), it focuses on accelerating success for its clients by seamlessly providing a full range of services to real estate users, owners and investors worldwide, including global corporate solutions, brokerage, property and asset management, hotel investment sales and consulting, valuation, consulting and appraisal services, mortgage banking and research. Commercial Property Executive and Multi-Housing News magazines ranked Colliers International as the top U.S. real estate company and the latest annual survey by the Lipsey Company ranked Colliers International as the second most recognized commercial real estate brand in the world.

http://bit.ly/iGPTrl

World Economic Forum Announces Young Global Leaders 2011

2011-03-09T08:45:00.000-08:00

It is my honor to share with you that I have learned that I have been named a Young Global Leader for 2011 by the World Economic Forum (WEF). For those of you not familiar with the WEF, they host an annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland—a gathering of international leaders from industry, government, academia, civil society and the media, to rethink strategies and solutions to global challenges. I had the privilege to be an attendee at the annual meeting earlier this year.

Young Global Leaders are a community created by the WEF and are drawn from a pool of more than 5,000 candidates. The selection committee is chaired by Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. For 2011, there were 190 individuals selected from 65 countries, with 37 being selected from North America. The YGLs convene at an Annual Summit, held this year in Dalian, People’s Republic of China, September 12-16. Young Global Leaders are actively engaged in the community, integrating into events organized by the World Economic Forum and organizing events of their own, as well as launching and leading a number of innovative initiatives and task forces. For a list of YGL initiatives, see http://www.redesignourworld.com/.

I am deeply humbled by my selection and am committed to helping to positively shape the future in a way that is consistent with the expectations and obligations of this esteemed group of young leaders. None of this would have been possible without the outstanding colleagues I am privileged to work with at Colliers International and the support of my family, in particular my wife Gabrielle. They have my sincerest appreciation and admiration.

For a full list of the Young Global Leaders for 2011. Click Here

Visit the YGL blog: www.forumblog.org/ygl
Twitter: www.twitter.com/YGLvoices
YouTube: www.youtube.com/yglvoices

Knowledge Leader Reports on CMBS, Tony Blair, Nonprofit Innovation

2011-02-25T11:01:00.000-08:00

The Spring 2011 issue of Knowledge Leader, the Colliers International property magazine, is available now.

This issue centers on the theme of corporate social responsibility, from our exclusive interview with former U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair on his global charitable work, to articles on socially responsible investment funds and adding volunteer activities to your next corporate event. Advertising space in this issue has been donated to leading nonprofit organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Global Partnerships and The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association.

We’re proud that this issue of Knowledge Leader is more than just an excellent source of current intelligence on the commercial real estate industry—we feel it makes an important statement on the partnership between business leaders and charitable organizations, and reminds us of the value of giving back to our communities.

An exceptional feature is an industry roundtable of a dozen Colliers International experts from major markets across the country, discussing the outlook for the coming year in the multi-family, office, retail, industrial and hospitality sectors.

This issue also introduces you to some of our leading clients and partners, including Eventbrite, a fast-growing company in San Francisco who is revolutionizing online events ticketing; Concert Properties, a visionary developer in Vancouver, BC; and the Northwest Evaluation Association of Portland, OR.

You can read the issue online here, or request an issue from your local Colliers International office.

Warren Dahlstrom, 25-Year Veteran, Joins Colliers International

2011-02-24T08:27:00.000-08:00

Colliers International announced today that it has taken a major step in the continued growth of its U.S. platform with the hiring of Warren Dahlstrom as president of its Investment Services Group.

In addition to overseeing Colliers International’s investment services group in the U.S., Dahlstrom will be charged with growing the organization through an aggressive business development strategy and key hires of top-tier brokers and other professionals. He is based in Washington, D.C.

“Warren is a unique professional,” said Dylan Taylor, chief executive officer for Colliers International in the U.S. “He has the ideal combination of experience with large and smaller firms, has spent time as an entrepreneur and embodies the kind of collaborative and client centric approach that makes him a perfect fit for Colliers International. The entire organization is looking forward to his immediate contribution to our strategic growth plan.”

“I’ve experienced a number of different approaches and cultures at the firms where I have worked,” Dahlstrom said. “But none come close to Colliers International. Its business model encompasses everything today’s real estate services clients are looking for. I am excited to be part of the organization’s continued march to the top of the industry.”

Dahlstrom has represented owners and investors of institutional commercial real estate since 1986 and has sold, financed or built property valued in excess of $6 billion across the office, retail, industrial, land, hotel and apartment sectors. He has broad relationships with institutional clients, both foreign and domestic and also specializes in capital markets, strategic portfolio management, land, development and competitive assessments advisory services. Last year he arranged a $60 million development joint venture between London-based Grosvenor and JBG Companies of Washington, D.C.

Most recently, Dahlstrom was the principal of his own firm, Dahlstrom Real Estate Advisors. Previously, he spent nearly 13 years as a top producer for Cushman & Wakefield, where he led the investment sales team in Washington, D.C. Earlier in his career, he led sales teams at Carey Winston Company (now Transwestern) and Grubb & Ellis. Dahlstrom is the recipient of numerous awards and honors for his professional achievements, including NAIOP’s Deal of the Year in 2008.

He is a lecturer at Georgetown and Johns Hopkins Universities, and has presented at numerous real estate trade organizations including the Urban Land Institute, the Building Owners and Managers Association and the International Council of Shopping Centers. Dahlstrom is a Full Member of the Urban Land Institute and sits on the board of the Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing.

A graduate of the University of Virginia, Dahlstrom earned an M.B.A. from the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado at Boulder.

Colliers International Acquires Leading California Retail Brokerage

2011-01-13T16:12:00.000-08:00

--Johnson Hoke, Upscale Retail Experts, To Boost Colliers’ Retail Services Division and West Coast Presence--

In a move that will immediately bolster the existing retail expertise of its domestic operations, Colliers International today announced that it has acquired Johnson Hoke, San Francisco’s leading urban specialty and lifestyle center retail brokerage firm.

By joining Colliers International, Johnson Hoke will become a critical component of one of the world’s largest and most sophisticated real estate companies. Johnson Hoke executives including Vikki Johnson, Karen Hoke and Pamela Mendelsohn also will become part of Colliers International’s expanding Retail Services Group, serving many of the world’s largest and best-known retailers and retail landlords.

In conjunction with Colliers retail experts located throughout the country, The Johnson Hoke team will focus on expanding and strengthening the organization’s retail services footprint throughout California and in major markets across the nation.

“Johnson Hoke represents an excellent addition to our fast-growing U.S. retail platform,” said Dylan Taylor, chief executive officer of Colliers International in the U.S. “Like Colliers International, Johnson Hoke knows how to enhance the value of their clients’ assets through sophisticated lease negotiations and other client services. With their long-standing reputation for creativity and integrity, I am excited to have them now working shoulder-to-shoulder with us as part of Colliers International beginning today.”

“Johnson Hoke is the perfect complement to our existing San Francisco retail team of Ross Portugeis and Glen Jones,” said Alan Collenette, Managing Director for Colliers International’s operations in San Francisco and Marin County. “Their clients have always sought them out for their flair and for their matchless knowledge, not just of real estate, but of retailing and merchandising. They understand how to make intelligent retail real estate decisions. I am so proud they are now part of our company.”

“We are thrilled to add a team with the depth of experience that Vikki (Johnson) and her colleagues possess,” said Patrick Duffy, head of the Retail Services Group and president of Colliers International’s Houston office. “The Colliers Retail Services Group has expanded over the past few years to include more than 350 of the best retail professionals in North America and over 450 worldwide. The Johnson Hoke team stands among the best in the world, and their arrival will measurably elevate our game.”

Founded in 1997 in San Francisco as a boutique retail services firm, Johnson Hoke has since become one of the savviest and most successful firms in their niche market of urban specialty retail. With a focus on the upper end of the retail market, the firm actively advises and consults with developers, landlords and tenants throughout the region.

“I look forward to taking the depth of our experience and utilizing the Colliers platform to provide an international reach for the benefit of our clients. My passion is the bricks and mortar of the business, which is where I want to spend my time,” said Vikki Johnson, Managing Director – Colliers International Retail Services Group, San Francisco

“I wake up every day and love what I do; advising our landlord and retail clients. I want to be a part of the finest real estate firm in the world, and I think with Colliers, we will be,” said Karen Hoke, Senior Vice President, Colliers International San Francisco

The former Johnson Hoke operation will be rebranded as Colliers International. There will be no staffing changes at either Johnson Hoke or Colliers International based on today’s news.

About Colliers International
Colliers International is the third-largest commercial real estate services company in the world with 15,000 professionals operating out of more than 480 offices in 61 countries. A subsidiary of FirstService Corporation (NASDAQ: FSRV; TSX: FSV and FSV.PR.U), it focuses on accelerating success for its clients by seamlessly providing a full range of services to real estate users, owners and investors worldwide, including global corporate solutions, brokerage, property and asset management, hotel investment sales and consulting, valuation, consulting and appraisal services, mortgage banking and research. The latest annual survey by the Lipsey Company ranked Colliers International as the second most recognized commercial real estate firm in the world.

Colliers International Broadens U.S. Platform with Addition of EVS Realty Advisors in St. Louis

2010-12-07T09:21:00.000-08:00

Once again accelerating the pace at which it continues to grow its U.S. operations, Colliers International today has acquired a controlling interest in one of St. Louis’ most prestigious real estate firms, EVS Realty Advisors.

The addition will significantly bolster Colliers International in the Midwest by strengthening the local firm’s ability to service regional, national and international clients seeking to do business in the St. Louis region. With today’s addition of EVS Realty Advisors, 11 of the nation’s leading firms have integrated their operations into the world’s third largest real estate services firm and rebranded as Colliers within the past twelve months.

“EVS Realty Advisors is a true market leader in St. Louis and the region in providing integrated investor services to institutional clients,” said Dylan Taylor, chief executive officer of Colliers International in the U.S. “These professionals share our deep commitment to exceptional client service and a collaborative culture. Today’s news reinforces our commitment to market leadership and delivering the best service to our clients.”

By merging with Colliers International, EVS Realty Advisors will integrate its operations with one of the world’s largest and most influential real estate companies, with 15,000 employees working from more than 480 offices in 61 countries and with revenues of nearly $2 billion. No immediate leadership or personnel changes are expected.

Robert A. Guimbarda, one of the principals and founders of EVS Realty Advisors, adds: “From the start, our firm’s mission was to become the top full-service, real estate investment advisory firm catering to Midwestern and other regional markets. With today’s news, we will be able to over-deliver on that promise to our clients while drawing the region’s most talented professionals into our ranks. The growth opportunities for everyone involved are monumental. We are thrilled to become a part of Colliers International.”

EVS Realty Advisors, which was founded in 2003, manages more than 2.5 million square feet of signature office properties throughout the St. Louis region. The firm also provides sales and leasing expertise in addition to real estate advisory and asset management services.

Colliers International Further Expands Platform in Greater Baltimore

2010-12-06T14:04:00.000-08:00

SEATTLE and BALTIMORE, December 6, 2010 – Colliers International has further bolstered the rapid growth of its U.S. platform with the addition of Hearn Burkley, one of the Mid-Atlantic region’s most highly regarded commercial real estate firms. Colliers International also announced that Baltimore’s top office brokerage team will join the organization.

Rebranded and operating as Colliers International, Hearn Burkley will transition from a growing regional powerhouse into a key hub for one of the world’s leading real estate organizations, with 15,000 employees operating out of more than 480 offices in 61 countries and with revenues of nearly $2 billion.

“With the addition of Hearn Burkley as part of the Colliers International platform, we continue our strategy to build our market share in the U.S.,” said Dylan Taylor, chief executive officer of Colliers International in the U.S. “The firm meets every criterion we look for when expanding into additional markets--it is the most client-centric and culturally-aligned firm in the Baltimore market, and is poised to continue its impressive record of growth as it fully embraces the Colliers International business model.”

With 55 professionals in Columbia, Maryland, the firm is focused on providing a full line of services to the Mid-Atlantic region, including brokerage and property management, development and consulting, and construction and engineering. Hearn Burkley currently manages 7 million square feet across more than 100 properties throughout the Baltimore region. “Aligning with Colliers International is the next logical step in our firm’s growth,” said Timothy R. Hearn, Hearn Burkley’s chief executive officer. “Last year’s acquisition of Corridor Reznick and our continuing investment in the business ideally positions us to become an important contributor to Colliers International on a local, regional and national level.”

The firm also announced that Gary Applestein and Clare Berrang, formerly of the Baltimore office of MacKenzie Commercial Real Estate Services, will join Colliers International’s Baltimore operation. Recognized as one of the top office leasing teams in the Baltimore region, Applestein and Berrang will work from the company’s Columbia, MD location. The team has arranged several significant transactions including the sale of an 110,000-square-foot building for ADP, Inc. in Owings Mills, MD as well as leasing 160,000 square feet of medical office space adjacent to the Howard County General Hospital in Columbia, MD.

Colliers International Continues U.S. Growth with Addition of The Winbury Group in Kansas City

2010-12-03T07:42:00.000-08:00

Building upon the explosive growth of its domestic operations, Colliers International today announced that it has acquired a controlling interest in Kansas City’s leading commercial real estate services firm, The Winbury Group. With today’s development, nine market leaders have integrated their operations into the third largest global player and rebranded as Colliers International over the past year.

By merging with Colliers International, The Winbury Group will immediately evolve from a locally owned top-performing operation to a key component of one of the world’s largest and most sophisticated real estate companies, with 15,000 employees operating out of more than 480 offices in 61 countries and with revenues of nearly $2 billion.

“With today’s news, we are continuing our systematic strategy to seize additional market share in the U.S.,” said Dylan Taylor, chief executive officer of Colliers International in the U.S. “Our U.S. continued expansion further solidifies our ability to provide the best service to our clients and the best career opportunities for our professionals. The Winbury Group is the clear market leader in greater Kansas City and we see very high alignment between the two firm’s cultures.”

Ted Murray, who serves as the CEO of The Winbury Group, adds: “After serving our clients for more than two decades throughout the Kansas City region and the country, we are thrilled to join Colliers International, a global industry leader. Our ongoing commitment to deliver the highest-quality commercial real estate services in the region will be significantly enhanced by this merger. Our clients will continue to rely on our local market knowledge and connections, but going forward they also will benefit from the national and international growth opportunities and resources of Colliers.”

The Winbury Group is a full-service commercial real estate firm based in Kansas City, Missouri. The firm also has an office in nearby Lawrence, Kansas. Founded in 1989, the firm currently boasts more than 100 employees and real estate advisors. During its 21 years in business, The Winbury Group has consistently delivered transaction, consulting, property and asset management services in addition to strategic planning expertise on behalf of both corporate and investment-grade clients, both on a local and national level.

About Colliers International
Colliers International is the third-largest commercial real estate services company in the world with 15,000 professionals operating out of more than 480 offices in 61 countries. A subsidiary of FirstService Corporation (NASDAQ: FSRV; TSX: FSV and FSV.PR.U), it focuses on accelerating success for its clients by seamlessly providing a full range of services to real estate users, owners and investors worldwide, including global corporate solutions, brokerage, property and asset management, hotel investment sales and consulting, valuation, consulting and appraisal services, mortgage banking and research. The latest annual survey by the Lipsey Company ranked Colliers International as the second most recognized commercial real estate firm in the world.

A Special Evening with Clients

2010-12-01T11:09:00.000-08:00

I had the privilege of co-hosting several hundred clients and colleagues in San Francisco this past Wednesday. Colliers International was lead sponsor and host of an event on behalf of the Tony Blair Faith Foundation, established by the former prime minister of the U.K. in 2008 to foster dialogue and understanding between people worldwide, regardless of cultural and religious differences.

The centerpiece of the evening was meeting Tony Blair himself, and later seeing him interviewed by Emmy-winning broadcast journalist Charlie Rose. It was evident from their immediate rapport that this is one of a series of conversations the two have had since Blair stepped down from government in 2007 to begin a new career as statesman and thinker—not just for the United Kingdom, but for the world as a whole.

That his ongoing work has shifted in part from politics to religion reflects what he views as a changing and increasingly globalized world. The 20th century’s defining conflicts were over political ideology; whereas those of the next century will arise from differences of religious and cultural ideology.

Blair is still a political figure, of course, given his continued involvement in the Middle East peace process, emerging governments in Africa, and climate change. But the compelling moments in the discussion transcended both politics and religion, and pointed to something greater that unifies us all: basic human values.

“The one thing that in our part of the world we need to understand is that when we talk about ‘Western values,’ like freedom and democracy, the rule of law, and a belief in basic social justice…these aren’t Western values. They’re values of the human spirit, and they’re the values that people anywhere choose, when they’re given the choice.”

Occasions like this are an opportunity to evaluate one’s own leadership, regardless of your profession. Being around Mr. Blair and engaging with him personally, you can really see how naturally he brings people together. He’s candid without being exclusionary, intelligent without being elitist, warm without being artificial. It’s inspiring how he has continued to grow and learn in his second career, free from the limitations of political office. Despite having achieved the highest political office in his country, and retaining it for a decade, he continues to add to his accomplishments and build on his experience. It is clear that Mr. Blair has demonstrated an enterprising spirit, and having him as a focal point of a gathering of Colliers International clients created an evening that was well received by all.

Industry Veteran Appointed Colliers International UK PLC CEO

2010-11-09T08:56:00.000-08:00

Colliers International is pleased to announce that Tony Horrell has accepted the position of Chief Executive Officer, UK and Ireland, effective immediately.

London-born, Tony began in the property industry as a graduate student and has a deep level of experience in the London office market and international capital markets. Before joining Colliers International, Tony was with Jones Lang LaSalle for over 27 years where he steadily grew and expanded their capital markets business. Prior to leaving the firm in 2009, Tony was International Director and Head of Capital Markets in Europe, a business of 450 professionals across 24 countries facilitating €35- 40 billion per year in sales, acquisitions and finance transactions.

As Chief Executive Officer, Tony will be responsible for the direction and growth of the Colliers International business and joins the company at an exciting time with the recent launch of the new Colliers International brand, an initiative signifying the unification of the Colliers business around the world.

Colliers International’s Chief Executive Officer, EMEA, Chris McLernon said: “Tony is the ideal fit for Colliers International. His passionate commitment to providing clients with exceptional service and track record of growing a national and regional business will help us grow the Colliers International business in the UK and Ireland to a top tier position.”

Tony commented: “I am delighted to be joining Colliers International at a time when there is an absolute passion to grow the business. The culture of the company to ‘go the extra mile’ and provide ideas and opportunities for clients matches my own enthusiasm for the industry.”

Colliers International Further Expands into the Charlotte Market

2010-11-05T17:06:00.000-07:00

Colliers International has bolstered the unprecedented growth of its U.S. platform with the addition of one of Charlotte’s most highly regarded commercial real estate firms, Clarus Properties Inc. The firm also announced that two of Charlotte’s top commercial real estate professionals will join the organization.

As Colliers International, Clarus Properties will transition from being a regional player into a key component of one of the world’s leading real estate brands, with 15,000 employees operating out of more than 480 offices in 61 countries and with revenues of nearly $2 billion.

“We remain committed to our goal that Colliers International becomes the unparalleled market leader in the U.S.,” said Dylan Taylor, chief executive officer of Colliers International in the U.S. “In every recent instance where we’ve expanded our platform, it has been the most client-centric and culturally aligned firms in those markets that have combined forces with us. Clarus Properties is only the latest example of how Colliers International continues to attract the best that the industry has to offer.”

This latest arrival to the Colliers International platform brings the number of markets added in 2010 to nine.

Greg Copps, SIOR principal and cofounder of Clarus Properties, said: “After serving our clients under the Clarus Properties brand since 2005, we are excited to have joined global industry leader Colliers International. We’re also thrilled to have two of our market’s top professionals joining us as we embark upon this new era.

Lawrence Shaw. SIOR, also a principal and cofounder said: “As part of Colliers we will leverage our ongoing commitment to deliver the highest quality commercial real estate services in the region. Our clients will continue to rely on our local market expertise and relationships, while benefiting from the national and international growth opportunities and resources of Colliers International.”

The two brokerage professionals who have joined Colliers International’s new Charlotte office as partners are Brad Grow and Brent Royall. In addition, Edward “Teddy” Chapman, SIOR has been promoted internally to partner. Grant Miller rounds out the organization’s brokerage team.

Brad Grow most recently worked for Cassidy Turley, where he served as a senior vice president/principal in the firm’s Charlotte office. While working there, Grow was actively involved in leasing up projects owned by both institutional and regional developers. In 2008, the Charlotte Commercial Board of Realtors selected Grow as the second highest office leasing producer in the Charlotte market. Among the many clients that Grow has assisted are Lennar Homes, UBS, Pizzagalli Properties and Lord Baltimore Properties. Grow holds a SIOR designation.

Prior to entering the commercial real estate industry, Grow served as a Special Agent for the U.S. Secret Service, working on both protection-focused and investigative assignments.

Brent Royall has thirteen years of corporate real estate experience where his primary focus has been on office tenant representation. He most recently served as a Senior Vice President and office tenant broker at Keystone Partners, a Charlotte-based full service commercial real estate firm. Before Keystone, Royall also worked previously as an office tenant broker for both The Staubach Company and Lincoln Harris. Among the many clients that Royall has assisted are Wachovia, Doosan, Cisco Systems, Duke Energy, Koch Industries, and State Farm Automobile Insurance.

Royall is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY. He also holds an MBA in Real Estate Finance and Development from The Belk College of Business at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Royall also holds designations from both SIOR and CCIM.

As a partner at Colliers International’s new Charlotte office, Teddy Chapman, SIOR will continue to specialize in industrial property transactions and assist his clients with a range of services including landlord and tenant representation, lease negotiations, site searches and acquisition/disposition assignments. Chapman has more than 10 years of experience working with industrial properties in multiple markets around the country.

Greg Copps and Lawrence Shaw – whose working relationship spans 17 years – along with Kirsten Patterson established Clarus Properties in 2005. The team has more than 80 years of combined commercial real estate experience representing both tenants and landlords in both North Carolina and South Carolina. Notable clients include Lord Baltimore Properties, Service Express, Arvato Services (formerly BMG Music), Weston, Verus Partners, Ross Stores and Home Depot.

Earlier this year, Colliers International announced that it combined operations and global real estate services platforms with FirstService Real Estate Advisors. Since then, the organization has embarked on an extensive rebranding effort in which all its local operations have adopted the Colliers International name and branding. Clarus Properties will do the same.

Colliers International has expanded its platform in eight other markets in addition to Charlotte this year alone, including Raleigh-Durham, Chicago, Cincinnati, Columbus, Grand Rapids, Indianapolis, Long Island and Nashville.

Colliers International to Host Fundraising Event for Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair’s Foundation

2010-10-27T06:56:00.000-07:00

-- An Evening with Tony Blair to feature Charlie Rose in conversation with Tony Blair on the Challenges and Opportunities in this Increasingly Globalized World --

SAN FRANCISCO, October 22, 2010 – The fall gala season will hit a high note in a matter of weeks when PBS host and 60 Minutes contributing correspondent Charlie Rose conducts a fireside chat with renowned world leader and Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair in downtown San Francisco. This high-profile event will be sponsored and hosted by leading global real estate services firm Colliers International.

Tony Blair, a leading figure on the international stage, will engage in a spellbinding discussion with Charlie Rose about the challenges and opportunities of the modern world. All proceeds from the evening event will benefit the Tony Blair Faith Foundation. The Foundation runs educational programs, and organizes practical projects in countries around the world so that people can work together to tackle ill-health and global poverty as an alternative to conflict.

A host of bold-face names hailing from the Bay Area and points distant have already committed to attend. Table sponsorship opportunities are currently available for $10,000. Sponsorship includes company name visibility and seating for ten. For table, additional sponsorship opportunities or single tickets, please contact Alan Collenette at Colliers International at 415-288-7854, or alan.collenette@colliers.com

All contributions are tax deductible.

Additional details about the Tony Blair Foundation can be accessed here http://www.tonyblairfaithfoundationus.org/

Colliers International is pleased to present an evening with Tony Blair, in conversation with Charlie Rose

2010-10-21T07:18:00.000-07:00

Join us for dinner on November 3, 2010 for an engaging discussion with the former Prime Minister of Great Britain & Northern Ireland, Quartet Representative for the Middle East and Patron of the Tony Blair Faith Foundation. Tony Blair in conversation with Charlie Rose, PBS host and 60 Minutes contributing correspondent, will discuss challenges and opportunities in an increasingly globalized world.

Table sponsorship opportunities starting at $10,000 are still available for this event to take place in San Francisco, CA. Sponsorship includes office or team name visibility and seating for 10. For table or additional sponsorship opportunities, please contact: Alan Collenette, Managing Director, San Francisco Tel +1 415 288 7850 alan.collenette@colliers.com

All proceeds from the event will go to the Tony Blair Faith Foundation. The Tony Blair Faith Foundation promotes peace between the world’s different cultures by developing respect and understanding between people of all faiths and none. The Foundation runs educational programs, and organizes practical projects in countries across the world so that people can work together to tackle ill-health and global poverty as an alternative to conflict.

For more information on the Foundation’s programs, please visit http://www.tonyblairfaithfoundationus.org/.

Colliers International Expands in North Carolina

2010-10-08T18:50:00.000-07:00

Colliers International has continued the unprecedented growth of its U.S. platform with the addition of the Raleigh-Durham market’s premier commercial real estate firm, Anthony & Co.
http://bit.ly/dtaE1o

Bank of America Merrill Lynch Global Real Estate Conference

2010-09-29T16:39:00.000-07:00

I enjoyed participating on the panel for the The World According to Agents presentation at the Bank of America Merrill Lynch Global Real Estate Conference. If you missed it, a webcast is available: http://www.veracast.com/webcasts/bas/realestate2010/id15880960.cfm

Flood of Store Closures Set Stage for Second-Generation Space

2010-08-16T10:24:00.000-07:00

The economic downturn has presented retailers in the United States with one of the most challenging operating environments they have faced in decades. As of first quarter of 2010, Colliers International reported an overall retail shopping center vacancy rate of 11.0 percent across the markets it tracks. This number is up considerably from January 2008, when the rate was 7.4 percent. While vacancy has increased for every retail shopping center type in virtually every U.S. market, occupancy losses for big box retail buildings have been especially pronounced.

According to The Big Box Dilemma, a new White Paper from Colliers International, nearly one-third of the nation’s top 500 retailers have increased their growth plans for 2011 and beyond. Though most backfilling of vacant big boxes has been driven by discounters, there is reason to believe that deal activity will continue to increase.

Between January and May of 2010, nearly one-third of those retailers increased their growth plans for 2011 and beyond. Strong store sales until May of 2010 likely played a factor in retailers becoming more bullish on 2011.

The Big Box Dilemma is the first of a two-part White Paper series from Colliers International.

For more information on this and other timely industry Research subscribe online to the Colliers International research series at white.papers@colliers.com.

Commercial real estate shows a faint pulse

2010-07-15T18:46:00.000-07:00

The real estate industry is rising to the dawn of a national rebound, says market insiders in New York, Boston, Los Angeles and Seattle. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38150802/from/toolbar

Malcolm Gladwell, and What Fleetwood Mac Can Teach the Real Estate Industry | The New York Observer

2010-06-25T16:34:00.000-07:00

Malcolm Gladwell, and What Fleetwood Mac Can Teach the Real Estate Industry The New York Observer

A Night of Celebration with Best-Selling Author Malcolm Gladwell

2010-06-25T10:38:00.000-07:00

Global leaders representing over 60 countries came together under one roof at the Lincoln Center in New York City to celebrate the launch and momentum of the new Colliers International. With 450+ clients and Collier International executives in attendance, best-selling author Malcolm Gladwell shared the common characteristics found amongst highly successful and creative individuals and organizations.

Using the long-running career of Fleetwood Mac as an example, Gladwell began to demystify the magic of “overnight” success. Truth be told, it took the band 10 years and 15 albums before they made it big. This is no surprise to Gladwell who states that true innovative breakthroughs take time. Often the recognition of success is void of any acknowledgment of effort. Success and innovation are the fruit of experience and hard work.

So what can we learn from those who turn the ordinary into extraordinary? There are three key lessons:

1) Success takes effort and hard work. It doesn’t happen overnight.

When looking at highly successful and creative people, it takes hard work. On average, it takes about 10,000 hours of focus, commitment and hard work, or approximately 10 years, before one has a major breakthrough.

2) Learning through adversity is better than a capitalization strategy.

The success of highly motivated and creative people is closely aligned with learning through adversity. Studies show that those with access to resources have different learning experiences than people who experience adversity, or a life of hardship, because they are hungrier therefore they work harder.

3) You have to take risks in pursuit of something bold and innovative.

Pursuing something bold and innovative involves risk. It could call into question one’s ethics, popularity, reputation.

So what is the alchemy that separates good organizations from bad? Gladwell believes the foundation of great organizations is based on the commitment to back talented people with characteristics similar to those listed above. Firms with the institutional attitude to recognize this kind of success will rise above all others.

Industry Consolidation

2010-06-16T07:46:00.000-07:00

How do you think industry consolidation will impact the commercial real estate industry in 2010 and beyond? There is an interesting article in the New York Times today that discusses industry dynamics and the impact of consolidation. Here is the link to the article. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/16/realestate/commercial/16brokers.html?scp=1&sq=cushman&st=cse

How will FASB's Pending changes to Lease Accounting Effect Corporations

2010-06-15T09:15:00.001-07:00

Major changes to the GAAP treatment of accounting for leases have been proposed by FASB. How will this effect lease versus own decisions by corporations? Will there be more owner/occupier transactions? A recent white paper written by Colliers Head of Corporate Finance, Bret Hardy discusses the impact of these changes. http://dsg.colliers.com/document.aspx?report=272.pdf

Colliers International Expands into Long Island

2010-06-14T05:55:00.000-07:00

Colliers International has expanded into the Long Island market with the addition of Sutton & Edwards. The leading Long Island firm will now operate as part of the Colliers International New York Tri-State hub and adopt the Colliers International name and branding. This expansion further cements Colliers International’s status as the region’s premiere real estate services organization, with offices in Manhattan, Connecticut, New Jersey and Long Island.

Founded in 1962, and with offices in Lake Success and Ronkonkoma, the Long Island firm is a leading provider of office, industrial, retail, land, medical office and investment property brokerage. With 2.5 million square feet under management, it represents a combined 8 million square feet of industrial and office space. The firm also provides tenant/buyer representation, landlord advisory services, consulting/advisory services, incentive procurement and build-to-suit services.

Prominent clients include GE Capital, Prudential Life Insurance, MSC Industrial Supply Co., State Farm Insurance, North Shore Long Island Jewish Health Systems and HRPT Properties Trust, among others.

Real Estate Forum Article

2010-06-06T10:49:00.000-07:00

Colliers International was recently featured as the cover story for Real Estate Forum. Here is a link to the article:
http://www.reforum-digital.com/reforum/201004?kw=email#pg1

Welcome to my blog

2010-06-06T10:24:00.000-07:00

Thank you for visiting. I am Dylan Taylor, CEO for the US for Colliers International. Colliers is the third largest commercial real estate firm in the world with over 15,000 employees in 54 countries. Our global headquarters are in Seattle, Washington. Colliers is known for its enterprising spirit and its commitment to service excellence. We value our culture and our ability to have a positive impact on the communities in which we operate. We are accelerating success. http://www.colliers.com/