"The Time is Now for New Jersey," Choose NJ Leader Tells IOREBA Event Attendees

TEANECK, N.J., March 22, 2011 - The 19th Annual Office Developers' and Investors' Night of the Industrial and Office Real Estate Brokers Association of the New York Metropolitan Area Inc. (IOREBA) provided members with the opportunity to network, as well as to hear the views of the newest addition to the cast of professionals working to improve New Jersey's business climate. The event was held at the Marriott at Glenpointe Hotel.

"We are very pleased to welcome Tracye McDaniel, the President and CEO of Choose New Jersey," said Gil Medina, Executive Managing Director of Cushman and Wakefield, Inc. in East Rutherford. "Formerly Executive Vice President of the Greater Houston Partnership in Texas, she will discuss New Jersey's ongoing plans to attract and retain business."

"My decision to move to New Jersey was a 'shocker' to many," conceded McDaniel, who recently accepted the leadership position of Choose New Jersey, a private non-profit organization whose mission is to foster economic growth. "But New Jersey was the perfect, bold move for me to be a part of the momentum that has developed in this state. The time is now for New Jersey."

McDaniel lauded the administration of Gov. Chris Christie for, "making the tough choices to create a pro-growth climate. His administration's bold moves have created an effective partnership for action, dedicated to developing policy initiatives, and ultimately putting the customer-the business community-first."

In addition to the privately funded Choose New Jersey, which combines public and private sector resources, the "Partnership For Action" also includes the State's new Business Action Center, a consolidated one-stop shop for business approvals, and the New Jersey EDA.

"Does New Jersey really have a reality problem?" McDaniel asked. "I think it has a perception problem. To counteract that, we have a three-year financial plan, we are developing a business model, and we are currently surveying 4,000 senior executives as a means of producing an action plan and developing a snapshot of what New Jersey should look like in three years."

Noting that she needs to, "reach out to each one of you and ask what your action plan would be," McDaniel turned the tables during the question-and-answer period by asking her audience a series of questions. Her queries included: "What are New Jersey's strengths? What are its weaknesses? What is the single most important change you would make? Who are New Jersey's major competitors? What are the growth industries? How would you describe New Jersey to a business person?"

"The assets are here," she concluded. "I just don't think people know enough about them, and we have to change that perception."

As in past years, the proceeds of the Annual Developers' and Investors' Night were dedicated as a contribution for scholarships for the Monmouth University's Kislak Real Estate Institute. Several of this year's scholarship awardees were in attendance, including graduate student Matthew Karpa, undergraduate students Benjamin Sutton and Axel Anderson, and alumni Devon Fenske and Chris Varjan. Stephan Lowy, who is a member of the Leadership Excellence Award Planning Committee, served as Ambassador for Monmouth University at the event.

"The future of our industry lies within the young men and women who benefit from these scholarships," said Sean Brady, president of IOREBA and Senior Director of Cushman & Wakefield of New Jersey, Inc. "Those who would like to further assist in making a donation toward the scholarship may contact any of the current Board members or past presidents.

Charles Logan, last year's IOREBA president, added that IOREBA has been supporting the real estate community through its scholarship program for more than a decade. "These awards will help prepare these students, providing them with the tools they will need to be successful in the current and future real estate cycles."

Next up on IOREBA's event calendar will be the First Annual Industrial Developers' and Investors' Night. Slated for Monday, April 25, the event will be held at the Renaissance Woodbridge Hotel, Iselin, N.J.

With roots dating back to 1927, IOREBA is one of the nation's largest regional commercial real estate groups, growing to more than 300 members conducting business in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Connecticut. The organization has continually expanded its offerings, designing more useful programs, and teaming with co-hosts for several events to improve the networking environment. To assist members in difficult economic times, IOREBA has also cut costs for events and membership to ensure that members are able to take full advantage of everything the organization has to offer.

Photo Caption: IOREBA's 19th Annual Office Developer's and Investor's Night provided the initial public forum for Tracye McDaniel. Left to right: David Simon, VP of IOREBA, Sean Brady, President of IOREBA, Tracye McDaniel, President and CEO, Choose NJ, Gil Medina, Executive Managing Director, Cushman & Wakefield, and Marc Graham, treasurer, IOREBA