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Invest: Charlotte 2020 Post Event Press Release

By: Felipe Rivas

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 11, 2020

Charlotte’s economic resilience in the face of unprecedented challenges, recovery efforts and future development in the region highlighted the launch of the inaugural edition of Invest:Charlotte 2020.

CHARLOTTE, NC — In this time of uncertainty, it has never been more important to showcase the strength and overall resilience of the local community and economy. On Thursday, integrated media platform Capital Analytics provided an opportunity to shed light on the challenges and opportunities in the region as it launched its 152-page analysis Invest: Charlotte 2020 with a virtual business conference held via Zoom Webinar.

Known for its affordability, highly educated workforce, and reputation as a major banking hub, the Queen City is poised for continued growth and economic diversification even in the midst of current coronavirus-related challenges and uncertainty. This first edition of Invest: Charlotte dives deep into the top economic sectors in the Charlotte Metro Area, including real estate, construction, utilities and infrastructure, transportation and aviation, banking and finance, legal, healthcare, education, and arts, culture and tourism.

Like other parts of the nation, the Queen City has felt the economic constriction and health challenges created by the pandemic. But, it has also experienced notable job expansion announcements and continued work on capital projects, Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles said in her keynote address. The pandemic has also allowed city and business leaders to collaborate on addressing recovery efforts and creating solutions for the socio-economic challenges also highlighted by the pandemic. “The pandemic has stopped us in some ways. But it has also given us a great opportunity to resolve some of the disparities that we have seen and to create the vision that we want to have for the future. We are going to make a difference in Charlotte. And we are going to do it together,” Mayor Lyles said.

“Charlotte was an important expansion for us as it is the nation’s second-largest banking city and a key driver of economic growth in the Southeast. The Queen City is experiencing positive economic activity as national and international companies choose Charlotte as a place to grow or relocate their operations. Our Charlotte expansion showcases how metro areas are more than just cities, but rather a diverse ecosystem made up of many companies, locations and environments. Despite the challenges put upon us by COVID-19, Capital Analytics remains steadfast in our purpose: to deliver in-depth business intelligence through its print and digital platforms. Now more than ever, information is not only necessary, it is vital,” said Abby Melone, President and CEO of Capital Analytics.

Two Panels, focused on banking and development, featured local leaders in conversation about present challenges, recovery efforts and what the future of the Queen City may look like.

During these uncertain times, sound insights and collaboration between the public and private sectors will be pivotal in ensuring financial recovery for both businesses and residents. The first panel “Financial recovery for businesses and individuals in the wake of a pandemic,” was moderated by Stuart Goldstein, managing partner Charlotte Office, Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP, and featured Truist Metrolina Regional Charlotte President Heath Campbell, Fifth Third Bank Mid-Atlantic President Lee Fite and Wells Fargo Managing Director and Senior Economist Mark Vitner. The second panel, “The future of development in the Charlotte region,” was moderated by Taiwo Jaiyeoba, assistant city manager and director of Planning, Design and Development, and featured Zach Pannier, business unit leader, DPR Construction; Marcie Williams, president, RKW Residential; Clay Grubb, CEO, Grubb Properties; and Lawrence Shaw, managing partner, Colliers International.

Over 550 high-level guests and officials from Charlotte’s key industries and economic institutions tuned into the event via Zoom Webinar. For those who missed the event or would live to revisit some of the highlights from the day, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1478&v=X9eRuLg27G0&feature=emb_title

About Capital Analytics:

Capital Analytics produces in-depth business intelligence with a focus on providing comprehensive investment knowledge on markets within the United States for the domestic and global business community. Over a seven-month research period, it meets with more than 200 top political, commercial and industry leaders to deliver targeted information, in-depth analyses and strategic insights to the global business community on economic trends and investment opportunities.

Capital Analytics has a global readership and includes among its readers top executives working in real estate, finance, technology, trade and logistics, health, hospitality and others. Books are distributed locally, nationally and globally to trade and investment boards, executives of Fortune 500 companies, institutional investors, consulates and embassies, hedge funds, leading chambers and associations, as well as high-level summits and conferences.

For more information, contact:

Max Crampton-Thomas

Content Manager

305-523-9708 Ext: 233

Mixed-use developments are replacing big-box retailers

By: Beatrice Silva

2 min read September 2020 — Retail real estate is influenced by the state of the economy, occupancy levels and consumer trends. This past year, digital shoppers spent an estimated $601.75 billion online, which is up 14.9% from the previous year, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. The popularity of e-commerce has led to hundreds of retail bankruptcies and an influx of vacant retail buildings. Developers like Walsh Properties and Terra Group have come up with clever ideas to use some of these obsolete establishments in South Florida.

The BrandsMart-anchored shopping center located in Davie is just one of the potential redevelopment projects in Broward County. Adache Group Architects are attached to the project, a 1.27-million-square-foot plot of land to be transformed into a mixed-use residential and commercial development, according to the Town of Davie’s planning report. Along with boasting 735 residential units, the blueprint calls for 23,00 square feet of commercial/retail space and 21,884 square feet of amenities, such as two outdoor pools, a clubhouse and a work area. On Sept. 8, the Town of Davie approved Walsh Properties’ rezoning application for the proposed project, which is anticipated to have a positive effect on surrounding property values.

Although large chain retailers like JCPenny and Steinmart are faltering, having the perfect ratio of residential and commercial space could be the way forward. “I think you’ll see less retail development and more of a focus on entertainment and life experiences,” Dave Dickerson, president of Midwest business operations for Miller-Valentine Group, told Dayton Business Journal. “They will be a place where consumers go, not just to shop, but to have lunch and have more of an amusement experience.”

For David Martin, real estate developer and CEO of Terra Group, his focus is on building strong fundamentals by diversifying South Florida’s economy away from its reliance on tourism. His firm currently has 8.9 million square feet of residential, commercial and retail development throughout Broward and Miami-Dade.

Block 55 is just one of Terra Group’s ambitious projects. In partnership with Swerdlow Group, the two firms are proposing around 402 apartments, 54 affordable senior housing units and around 350,000 square feet of retail space anchored by a Target store, according to The Real Deal.

“Miami Beach and Coconut Grove will continue to attract an immense amount of investment. We believe in the political leadership and the zoning regulations that will promote sustainable development. We are finding that there is an increasing scarcity of land so this is creating more competition for properties and land. We are trying to focus and invest in the neighborhoods we believe in as well as creating assets that are really meeting the behavioral patterns related to people’s lifestyles. We are continuing to see mixed-use as a strong bet but we are sensitive to what is happening in retail today, as well as the implications of working from home. We are trying to design our residential buildings to adapt to the changes and differentiate ours from the other products available on the market,” Martin told Invest: Miami.

Enter Phase 2: Palm Beach County ready for further opening of economy

By: Felipe Rivas

5 min read September 2020 — After reflecting on the social and economic achievements of American workers, Palm Beach County is ready to allow more workers to get back to work. For the first time since March, the majority of Palm Beach County industries will be allowed to reopen Tuesday after Gov. Ron DeSantis agreed to the easing of coronavirus-related business restrictions.The county now sits in Phase 2 of its multistep reopening plan, which will allow movie theaters, bowling alleys, playhouses and other entertainment venues to reopen following Labor Day weekend.

Businesses will still limit the number of customers served at one time and will continue to enforce social distancing guidelines. Palm Beach County Mayor Dave Kerner said that 95% of businesses will be operational in some fashion, according to the Patch.

Unemployment rates remained under 4% in the county for all of 2019 and the start of 2020, consistently dipping to under 3% in that time span, according to the U.S. Bureau of Statistics. From March to April, unemployment shot up from 4% to almost 15% as shelter-in-place measures were implemented locally and throughout the state and nation. Since April, unemployment rates have dipped, hitting about 10% in July as the economy began to carefully open up. The rate is currently at 11.6%.

“We remain focused on preserving a healthy community and a vibrant way of life for our hometown,” Kerner told Invest: Palm Beach. “Our outlook is ensuring we remind this community every day that it takes a village to get through this. It is not going to happen without continued cooperation, passion and civic duty on behalf of our constituents, our neighbors and our friends. If we achieve that, the outlook will be excellent,” he said.

As the county enters Phase 2, lessons learned from the pandemic may help drive future economic development in the region. “We all want to safely get back to doing the everyday tasks but this will take a slow and steady approach,” Boca Raton Economic Development Manager Jessica Del Vecchio told Invest: Palm Beach, echoing the mayor’s sentiments. “Today, with technology, we’ve learned we can work from anywhere. This will allow us to continue to attract new companies from out of state, especially now that we’ve been forced to test the work from home concept for many months,” she said.

Continuing to observe health and social distancing guidelines will be key as the economy continues to open up. “It’s important that we make sure we are ready and comfortable for the upcoming reopening of businesses, schools and local community events,” Del Vecchio said. “We should bear in mind that everyone has different boundaries and comfort levels, so the recovery could vary drastically from one person or location to another. Over the next six months, it will be interesting to see what changes occur as we start getting back to everyday happenings. I hope the simpler joys that we rediscovered during the shelter in place order will remain.”

For more information, visit:

https://discover.pbcgov.org/

https://myboca.us/470/Economic-Development

Invest: South Jersey 2020 Press Release

By: Beatrice Silva

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 4, 2020

South Jersey’s economic resilience in the face of unprecedented challenges to highlight the launch of the inaugural edition of Invest: South Jersey 2020.

CHERRY HILL, NJ – Capital Analytics’ in-depth research into the South Jersey market has never been more important. Invest: South Jersey, one of an annual series of business reports from media platform Capital Analytics, offers comprehensive business intelligence during a time of economic uncertainty. With 136 pages of thoroughly researched analysis, the inaugural edition of Invest: South Jersey 2020 highlights the economic opportunities in the South Jersey metro area through C-level insider insights and key business intelligence.

The official launch of the publication will take place on Thursday, Oct. 8, at 11:30 a.m. via Zoom Webinar. This event will consist of a brief introduction by Capital Analytics’ CEO Abby Melone, followed by two robust panel discussions.

The panels will address the current economic climate as well as prevailing themes dominating the South Jersey metro area’s economy: education and business growth in the time of a pandemic and the future of development in South Jersey. Southern New Jersey Development Council President Marlene Asselta will kick off the virtual conference as the moderator for “Innovation and adaptation: What this could mean for education post-pandemic,” which will feature insights from Rowan College of South Jersey President Frederick Keating, Rutgers School of Business at Camden Dean Monica Adya and Atlantic Cape Community College President Barbara Gaba. The second panel, “Best practices to promote sustainable business growth in a post-pandemic landscape,” will be moderated by Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey President & CEO Christina Renna, and will feature Fox, Penberthy & Dehn at Morgan Stanley Senior Vice President & Executive Director Al Fox, OceanFirst Bank Southern Region President Vincent D’Alessandro, TD Bank Market President of South Jersey Robert Curley and Alloy Silverstein Managing Shareholder Reynold Cicalese. Hundreds of high-level guests and officials from South Jersey’s key industries and economic institutions will be tuning into the event. We are inviting all attendees and those wanting to register for the event to participate in the following survey, the results of which will be presented at the Invest: South Jersey 2020 launch conference.

“South Jersey was an important expansion for us because it is a unique and dynamic area that functions with the greater Philadelphia region. Our South Jersey expansion showcases how metro areas are more than just cities but rather a diverse ecosystem made up of many companies, locations and environments. Despite the challenges put upon us by COVID-19, Capital Analytics remains steadfast in our purpose: to deliver in-depth business intelligence through its print and digital platforms. Now more than ever, information is not only necessary, it is vital,” said Abby Melone, president and CEO of Capital Analytics.

***

About Capital Analytics & Invest: South Jersey

Capital Analytics is an integrated media platform that produces in-depth business intelligence through its annual print and digital economic reviews, high-impact conferences and events and top-level interviews via its video platform, Invest: Insights.

Invest: South Jersey is an in-depth economic review of the key issues facing South Jersey’s economy, featuring the exclusive insights of prominent industry leaders. Invest: South Jersey is produced with two goals in mind: 1) to provide comprehensive investment knowledge on the South Jersey region to local, national and international investors, and 2) to promote South Jersey as a place to invest and do business.

The book conducts a deep dive into the top economic sectors in the county, including real estate, construction, utilities and infrastructure, transportation and aviation, banking and finance, legal, healthcare, education, and arts, culture and tourism. The publication is compiled from insights collected from more than 200 economic leaders, sector insiders, political leaders and heads of important institutions. It analyzes the leading challenges facing the market and uncovers emerging opportunities for investors, entrepreneurs and innovators.

To register or learn more, go to: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_z34pLBUwQlSCObV80dyE7w

For more information, contact:

Max Crampton-Thomas

Regional Editor

305-523-9708 Ext: 233

Register now for the event

Invest: Charlotte 2020 Press Release

By: Felipe Rivas

Charlotte’s economic resilience in the face of unprecedented challenges to highlight the launch of the inaugural edition of Invest: Charlotte 2020.

September 2, 2020

Charlotte, N.C. – In this time of uncertainty, it is crucial to showcase the strength and overall resilience of the local community and economy. Invest: Charlotte 2020 does just that. With 152 pages of thoroughly researched analysis, the inaugural edition of Invest: Charlotte 2020 highlights the opportunities in the Charlotte Metro Area economy through C-level insider insights and key business intelligence. Known for its affordability, highly educated workforce and reputation as a major banking hub, the Queen City is poised to continue its growth and economic diversification even through current coronavirus-related challenges. These challenges and the steps taken to overcome them are just some of the focal points in this edition of Invest: Charlotte, published by Capital Analytics. The 2020 edition highlights Mecklenburg County and beyond, including parts of South Carolina, such as Rock Hill and Lancaster County, and includes a special focus chapter on Gaston County.

Importantly, this first edition of Invest: Charlotte dives deep into the top economic sectors in the Charlotte Metro Area. The business report features exclusive insights from industry leaders, sector insiders, elected officials and heads of important institutions, brought together for the first time in a comprehensive release. It analyzes the leading challenges facing the market and uncovers emerging opportunities for investors, entrepreneurs and innovators.

The official launch of the publication will take place on Thursday, Sept. 10, at 11:30 a.m. via Zoom Webinar. This event will consist of a brief introduction by Capital Analytics’ CEO Abby Melone and will be followed by two robust panel discussions.

The panels will address the current economic climate as well as prevailing themes dominating the Charlotte Metro Area’s economy: finance and banking in the time of a pandemic and the future of development in the Queen City. Charlotte Mayor VI Lyles will kick off the virtual conference as the opening keynote speaker. Truist Metrolina Regional Charlotte President Heath Campbell, Fifth Third Bank Mid-Atlantic President Lee Fite, and Wells Fargo Managing Director and Senior Economist Mark Vitner will participate in the panel, “Financial recovery for businesses and individuals in the wake of a pandemic.”Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP Charlotte Office Managing Partner Suart Goldstein will moderate. The second panel, “The future of development in the Charlotte region,” will feature Zach Pannier of DPR Construction, Marcie Williams of RKW Residential-Charlotte, Clay Grubb of Grubb Properties, and Lawrence Shaw of Colliers International. City of Charlotte Planning Director Taiwo Jaiyeoba will moderate. Charlotte Regional Business Alliance CEO Janet LaBar will be the closing keynote speaker. Hundreds of high-level guests and officials from Charlotte’s key industries and economic institutions will be tuning into the event. We are inviting all attendees and those wanting to register for the event to participate in the following survey, the results of which will be presented at the Invest: Charlotte 2020 launch conference.

“Charlotte was an important expansion for us as it is the nation’s second-largest banking city and a key driver of economic growth in the Southeast. The Queen City is experiencing positive economic activity as national and international companies choose Charlotte as a place to grow or relocate their operations,” said Abby Melone, President and CEO of Capital Analytics. “Despite the challenges put upon us by COVID-19, Capital Analytics remains steadfast in our purpose: to deliver in-depth business intelligence through its print and digital platforms. Now more than ever, information is not only necessary, it is vital.”

***

About Capital Analytics & Invest: Charlotte

Capital Analytics is an integrated media platform that produces in-depth business intelligence through its annual print and digital economic reviews, high-impact conferences and events and top-level interviews via its video platform, Invest: Insights.

Invest: Charlotte is an in-depth economic review of the key issues facing Charlotte’s economy, featuring the exclusive insights of prominent industry leaders. Invest: Charlotte is produced with two goals in mind: 1) to provide comprehensive investment knowledge on the Charlotte region to local, national and international investors, and 2) to promote Charlotte as a place to invest and do business.

The book conducts a deep dive into the top economic sectors in the county, including real estate, construction, utilities and infrastructure, transportation and aviation, banking and finance, legal, healthcare, education, and arts, culture and tourism. The publication is compiled from insights collected from more than 200 economic leaders, sector insiders, political leaders and heads of important institutions. It analyzes the leading challenges facing the market, and uncovers emerging opportunities for investors, entrepreneurs and innovators.

For more information, contact:

Max Crampton-Thomas

Regional Editor

305-523-9708 Ext: 233

Register for the Invest: Charlotte 2020 Virtual Event

Tourism sector shows signs of life in Georgia

By: Felipe Rivas

2 min read September 2020 — In the Peach State, and throughout the world, the coronavirus decimated the travel and hospitality industry. Though the tourism sector remains among the most embattled sectors of Georgia’s economy, data trending in the right direction coupled with recent developments in the airline industry and a new museum coming to the Atlanta area are reasons to celebrate in the midst of a bleak year for the sector.

Coming off a Super Bowl year in 2019, Atlanta, and the state of Georgia, was prepared to continue showing Southern hospitality to millions of tourists and guests. As of January, more than 500,000 people were employed in the hospitality sector across the state of Georgia, according the the U.S Bureau of Labor. But by April, as shelter in place measures and global travel restrictions were in full effect, the number of hospitality sector workers dropped precipitously to around 284,000 in a matter of weeks. According to the data, however, employment in the tourism sector has trended upward, month after month, since April, and currently over 420,000 Georgians are employed in the sector.

While the tourism data is promising, the top U.S. airlines are doing their part to increase consumer confidence in the face of the coronavirus. United, American and Atlanta-based Delta this week announced they would drop most change fees for good. Change fees have long been a steady revenue stream for the airlines at the expense of the customer experience. For Delta, flexibility and maintaining health standards has been a major priority during the coronavirus pandemic. “We’ve said before that we need to approach flexibility differently than this industry has in the past, and today’s announcement builds on that promise to ensure we’re offering industry-leading flexibility, space and care to our customers,” Delta CEO Ed Bastian said in a press release. “We want our customers to book and travel with peace of mind, knowing that we’ll continue evaluating our policies to maintain the high standard of flexibility they expect,” he said.

And while the tourism sector in Georgia sang the blues for the better part of this year, a new museum experience announcement will bring a much-needed change of tune to the region. The Grammy Foundation along with the Georgia Music Accord on Monday approved the Grammy Museum Experience in Atlanta. The Georgia Music Accord is exploring possible sites for the museum experience and locating funding sources, according to Saporta Report. The four pillars that will solidify the museum in Atlanta revolve around education, economic impact, workforce development and a celebration of Georgia’s musical heritage, according to the news outlet. Additionally, the museum reportedly is envisioned to have a scoring stage that would work on music scores for movies, TV shows and video gaming.

An influx of affordable housing is coming to Orlando

By: Beatrice Silva

2 min read September 2020 — Affordable housing has been a major cause for concern in Florida for decades. Homes in the sunshine state are overpriced by almost 20%, the highest level in eight years, according to a study done by Florida Atlantic University. The pandemic has served as a reminder of just how fragile the line between having a place to live and experiencing homelessness is for families. This past year, Central Florida added seven affordable rental options for low-income households, which has raised the total count to 20, in an effort to subdue this crisis.

On Dec. 17, 2019, Orange County commissioners signed off on a 10-year plan to create new affordable housing projects, injecting $160 million into a fund with a goal to build 30,300 units by 2029. Among other grants and strategies, developers and nonprofits can seek financial help to build or upgrade low-income properties. “In the end, all those things are going to help, but they are going to have to have dedicated resources,” Shannon Nazworth, CEO of Jacksonville-based Ability Housing, previously told Orlando Business Journal. “There have been communities like Los Angeles that have gotten permission from their populous to do a bond issue to develop affordable housing and meet the need, and if Orange County were to do that, I think the return on investment would be demonstrative.”

Residential Communities LLC and New South Residential LLC are the most recent developments to undertake an affordable apartment complex. Construction on the 77,473-square-foot senior housing facility is set to begin in early September at 5800 S. Rio Grande Ave, according to Orlando Business Journal. This project is one of the many that are needed to help bring more affordable housing options to the region. Families are struggling, perhaps now more than ever, to simply pay rent. To put things into perspective, a minimum-wage worker in Florida makes around $445 per month while the average one bedroom apartment costs around $1,027 per month, according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition. Rent at that price point is simply out of reach even for median-waged workers like nursing assistants, janitors and cashiers.

While paying rent is difficult, for some people owning a home may seem unfathomable. However, renting a single-family home provides the experience of owning without the costly fees and obligations associated with purchasing a property. As a result, the single-family rental sector is booming in Orlando. “If you can find single-family housing that you can rent that’s within close proximity of multifamily housing, the single-family housing is going to beat it out every time,” Brad Hunter, managing director of real estate consulting firm RCLCO, told Orlando Business Journal.

The rise of rentals could be another form of relief for low-income families. The increase in occupancy will eventually lead to more single-family rental communities being built that then provide more affordable housing options. However, when it comes down to it, the majority of the responsibility to help reduce the burdens of housing costs and minimum wages falls on elected officials. Without the support of the local and state government, deploying a plan to promote affordable housing is left in the hands of developers and the community.

Global Philadelphia Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Mylin Batipps

mbatipps@devinepartners.com

856-520-6266

GLOBAL PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION TO HOST PHILADELPHIA’S 5TH ANNUAL

WORLD HERITAGE CITY CELEBRATION WITH STAR-STUDDED VIRTUAL BENEFIT ON SEPT. 10

Event is Free to Watch & Honors Philadelphia Orchestra Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin

Headliners Include Bacon Brothers, Lang Lang & Amanda Gorman, U.S. Youth Poet Laureate

PHILADELPHIA (Aug. 28, 2020) – International superstars, both established and new, and a series of local leaders will gather with the Global Philadelphia Association (GPA) and hundreds of viewers for a virtual evening of joy on Thursday, Sept. 10 for the 2020 Philadelphia World Heritage City Celebration. The event’s luminaries will commemorate five years of Philadelphia’s World Heritage City project, which highlights the global heritage and impact of the region, and give a special tribute to honoree Yannick Nézet-Séguin, a native of Canada and music director of The Philadelphia Orchestra.

The event will be free to watch on Vimeo beginning at 6 p.m. on Sept. 10. Interested viewers should register here for the link to the premiere.

Among those scheduled to appear and/or perform are Philadelphia’s own Kevin and Michael Bacon, together known as the Bacon Brothers band; internationally renowned classical pianist Lang Lang; the inaugural U.S. Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman; Philadelphia native and Grammy Award-winning, soul-jazz and hip-hop/funk innovator Jeff Bradshaw; Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney; National LGBT Chamber of Commerce Senior Vice President Jonathan Lovitz; Stephen Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Global Affairs Canada; Nadine Girault, Quebec Minister of International Relations; Lee Minaidis, Acting Secretary General, Organization of World Heritage Cities; MSNBC’s Ali Velshi; 98.1 WOGL’s Marilyn Russell; and NBC10’s Vai Sikahema, who will emcee the event.

“Our World Heritage City Celebration is about showcasing the diversity of our region, celebrating our differences, and highlighting the importance of our global connections,” said Robert J. McNeill, Global Philadelphia Board Chair and Greater Philadelphia Managing Partner for Deloitte. “Maestro Yannick Nézet-Séguin embodies that spirit. He was hailed as a ‘wunderkind’ when named Philadelphia Orchestra music director in 2010 at age 35, and he has brought all of the charisma of that moniker to the city while building on the legacy of the Fabulous Philadelphians around the world and bringing international artists here, as well.”

According to Zabeth Teelucksingh, executive director, Global Philadelphia Association, “Under normal circumstances, our World Heritage City Celebration has been the highly anticipated season opener to Philadelphia’s fall fundraising circuit with hundreds of guests gathered together for an evening gala. For obvious reasons, we’ve reimagined our celebration this year, and the silver lining has been the generosity and excitement to participate that we’ve heard from so many of our special guest artists and speakers. They understand how significant Philadelphia’s role is on the world stage, a point that is underscored by the incomparable Yannick Nézet-Séguin,” she said.

Teelucksingh added that viewers will be encouraged to donate to Global Philadelphia Association during the event in support of GPA’s initiatives, such as the organization’s work in this region toward the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals aimed at the issues of poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace, and justice. Donors who give at various levels will be entered to win items such as Air Canada tickets, a trip to Greece, a two-night stay at The Westin Hotel Philadelphia, and an exclusive experience with The Philadelphia Orchestra.

For more information and to register for GPA’s 2020 Philadelphia World Heritage City Celebration, visit https://globalphiladelphia.org/world-heritage-city-celebration.

About Global Philadelphia Association

The Global Philadelphia Association consists of more than 200 internationally involved organizations, businesses, and individuals in Greater Philadelphia. It was created to assist – and to encourage greater interaction among – the many organizations and people who are engaged in international activity in the Greater Philadelphia Region, to promote the development of an international consciousness within the area, and to enhance Philadelphia’s global profile. For more information, visit our website at globalphiladelphia.org.

# # #

Face Off: Adaptability is par for the course for these development leaders

By: Max Crampton Thomas

Patrick Lee

Andrew Burnett

3 min read August 2020 — Although there have been major roadblocks stemming from the pandemic that have created some slowdown, development in South Florida has continued to show a steadfast resilience and adaptability as projects around the region have remained on a path toward completion. For companies within the construction and development sectors, there is an understanding that being adaptable to the communities’ changing needs is just par for the course. While the future may be uncertain, it’s important to keep a cautiously optimistic attitude. Invest: spoke with both Shorecrest Construction President Patrick Lee and Senior Principal for Stantec Andrew Burnett about their companies’ major developmental successes over the last year, the constantly shifting industry landscape and their best estimations of what the future may hold.

What are some recent landmarks for your business in the Miami-Dade region?

Patrick Lee: The main markets Shorecrest Construction focuses on are hospitality, boutique commercial and luxury residential. In the last few years, all of these markets have been extremely strong. We just completed the renovation of the Soho Beach House in Miami Beach, which included the refreshment of guestrooms and suites, bar areas and gym to keep guests engaged and coming back. In luxury residential, a mainstay market for us, we build high-end homes on the water and complete condo interiors in some of the most prominent South Florida neighborhoods. Shorecrest works closely with well-known architects and designers to bring their concepts to life. We just finished the penthouse at the Four Seasons Surf Club designed by Holly Hunt. In the last few years, we have gotten a stronger foothold in those markets.

Andrew Burnett: Recent landmark projects in full swing include Wynwood Square, a 12-story mixed-use facility that includes apartments and retail space; the 30-story YotelPAD Miami condo and hotel project under construction; and a 43-story Luma tower in Miami’s Worldcenter. And there are a lot of new projects to be announced soon and currently coming on board. Each asset within our portfolio contributes to our growth in the creative services space, beyond architecture and interior design, but also engineering and resilience. We think beyond traditional physical traits and focus on how our vast team builds our communities and what we create so there is continuity in our lives and the spaces we inhabit and to ensure that we protect diversity and creative thinking. We call it cultural resilience.

Have you seen more cognizant efforts toward building for the future with sustainability in mind?

Lee: From a climate change perspective, we have been building at a higher elevation, which has been mostly code-driven. Having said that, we have worked on projects where our client has voluntarily built higher than the codes require. Miami Beach has been extremely aggressive in its efforts to raise sea walls to deal with issues stemming from sea level rise. As far as our clients, everybody is technologically savvy, so a lot of the smart home amenities that were reserved for the elite level of homes are becoming a more common feature in homes. We find a lot of our younger clients, in particular, prefer that kind of addition.

Burnett: There is a significant level of agreement across the industry related to what we are facing and where we need to go. It is only a matter of how and there are varying perspectives to harness. Our government agencies, utilities, partners, clients, insurance agencies and lenders all commonly understand the need to mitigate prevalent risks and maintain our quality of life. There is power in the collective movement and I am optimistic about our future and path.

What does the rest of the year look like for your company?

Lee: Shorecrest has a couple of projects that will still happen as well as some ongoing projects that are still running, including a condominium at the Continuum South Beach and several single-family residences in South Florida. We have two luxury clubs and restaurants right on Miami Beach and the owners of those projects are still very bullish on the construction. I think there will be more of an influx of people who have been coming into Miami from the Northeast because they no longer want to live in such dense cities and prefer to live in a place like Florida. I predict that there will be a recovery in Miami relatively quickly.

Burnett: We have been quite busy, which is a reflection of the busy private development market. Projects are moving forward and the entire development community is gearing up for when the play button is pressed. In 2009, during the H1N1 outbreak, we established a pandemic committee, granting us an effective way to respond quickly to the pandemic and set up a remote work setting. Fast forward to today: Our productivity levels have allowed us to meet established deadlines and keep projects moving forward, continuing business as usual. Our current outlook for 2021 does not project significant levels of interruption. We want to continue to support that in any way we can.

To learn more about our interviewees, visit:

https://www.stantec.com/en

https://shorecrestgc.com/

Invest: Charlotte 2020 Post Event Press Release

Mixed-use developments are replacing big-box retailers

Enter Phase 2: Palm Beach County ready for further opening of economy

Invest: South Jersey 2020 Press Release

Invest: Charlotte 2020 Press Release

Tourism sector shows signs of life in Georgia

An influx of affordable housing is coming to Orlando

Global Philadelphia Press Release

Face Off: Adaptability is par for the course for these development leaders

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