As we plow our way into an uncertain fourth quarter, here are some notes and news you can use:
• Real Estate Florida magazine is now accepting nominations for its Women of Influence feature, to be included in the November/December issue. Click here for the nomination form.
Women have come a long way in commercial real estate over the last few decades, and even though they are still in the minority they are often achieving more than their male peers in the industry. Many throughout the state are among the most knowledgeable, accomplished and respected professionals in the industry.
Nominations must be submitted electronically, via the form linked above, and no more than three entries per firm will be accepted. Each must be accompanied by a high-resolution color headshot of the nominee. (There’s a place on the form to download photos.)
All fields on the form need to be filled in, and late or incomplete entries will not be considered. The deadline for nominations is Monday, Oct. 26. Feel free to call or e-mail me if you have any questions.
• My colleague Ian Ritter has an interesting note at his Counter Culture blog about Miami-based Burger King’s plans to turn its 12,000 restaurants into upscale eateries. Franchisees, which own the vast majority of restaurants, will likely be asked to pick up the $300,000 to $600,000 remodeling tab.
Seems like a lot of money to lay out in order to maintain a second-place standing. And seriously, how much more can you dress up a Whopper?
• One way to address a problem is by meeting it head on, and that’s what Miami businessman Philip Leitman is attempting in battling the recession. The “I Am Anti-Recession” campaign was introduced at the ICSC Florida Conference in August and so far has attracted interest and participation by seven shopping centers and at least 100 merchants.
The concept attempts to connect retailers and consumers by combining discounts, prizes and charitable contributions. Find out more at this website.
• Chris Sass, a top industrial broker with Cushman & Wakefield in Tampa, has moved on to the firm’s Chicago to take on a new role as director of global supply chain solutions. You can read more about that promotion here. Best of luck, Chris!
• Finally, let us address the long-anticipated $2.7-billion deal by Blackstone Group to take AB InBev’s amusement parks off its hands. Among the Florida properties included are SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and their neighboring water parks.
Few changes are expected to result from the transition, though it does make one wonder whether the beer choices at those parks will be expanded beyond Bud and Bud Light. It’s warm down here practically 11 months out of the year, and sometimes it takes a little “liquid courage” to ride those rollercoasters.
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