NAIOP New Jersey Cites Advocacy Successes, Program Gains

PRLog (Press Release) - Jan. 18, 2010 - Confronted by the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, NAIOP New Jersey in 2009 launched several key initiatives that resulted in substantial gains for the Chapter's nearly 550 members. Chief among those initiatives was the "Prescription for Prosperity," a series of legislative proposals designed to stimulate development and redevelopment in New Jersey.

"We are on the front lines of economic development," said Michael G. McGuinness, chief executive officer of NAIOP New Jersey. "Our members know where the market interest lies and know where to locate new businesses, and our advocacy efforts will help facilitate the statewide effort to jumpstart the economy."

Working in tandem with the statewide Smart Growth Economic Development Coalition, NAIOP New Jersey crafted a legislative agenda that yielded impressive results. Initiatives signed into law in the past 12 months included COAH Reform, eliminating payment in lieu of fees and placing a moratorium on the 2.5% fee. The Licensed Site Remediation Professionals program became effective in November, and other initiatives included reforms of the Urban Transit Hub Tax Credit, the widely heralded BEIP and BRRAG programs and the state's Urban Enterprise Zone program. Finally, 2009 saw enactment of the Economic Redevelopment Growth Grant and Parking Structure Financing programs.

"With these programs, as well as a change of administration in Trenton and, more importantly, a change of priorities, there is a renewed sense of hope among our members that there is indeed a commitment to make New Jersey more competitive as a place to do business," McGuinness said.

On the membership front, recruitment efforts in 2009 yielded 64 net new members, bringing the Chapter's total membership to nearly 550. Efforts to enhance communication among members and partner organizations were similarly successful in supporting NAIOP New Jersey's advocacy and public interest goals.

In 2009, the Chapter hosted seven seminars focusing on such key issues as energy, regulatory and legislative matters, site remediation and port area infrastructure and logistics. The organization's Annual Meeting, chapter meetings, Annual Public Policy symposium, Twenty-second Annual Awards Gala, Jeffrey J. Siegel Golf Classic, 5th Annual President's Award Dinner, the Developing Leaders Mixer and community action programs rounded out the expansive calendar for 2009.

"Education, communications and networking are all crucial to the success of any membership organization, and that is especially true during times such as we have been experiencing," McGuinness said. "To further facilitate those efforts, NAIOP started a members-only group on LinkedIn. Seventy-five members-and growing-are using LinkedIn to build an online network with colleagues, customers, partners and potential employees and employers.

"Looking back, we are very satisfied with the legislative successes, as well as efforts to enhance communication among members," McGuinness said. "While advocacy is at the core of NAIOP's mission, we are committed to providing educational, business development and networking opportunities. There is still much work to be done, and our members look forward to 2010 with a renewed sense of hope."

# # #

Founded in 1970, NAIOP New Jersey is a chapter of NAIOP, the nation's leading trade association for developers, owners investors, asset managers and other professionals in commercial real estate with 18,000 members in North America. NAIOP advances responsible commercial real estate development and advocates for effective public policy. The New Jersey Chapter is comprised of more than 550 members who benefit from a variety of business and networking opportunities, education and professional development programs, research on trends and innovations and strong legislative and public affairs representation. For more information, visit www.njnaiop.org.

Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/10493254/1