CREJ - Retail Properties Quarterly - November 2017
As diverse and unique as the retail industry is in the Denver metro area, there is one organization that unites us all – the Rocky Mountain Shopping Center Association. Rooted within the industry for over 20 years, the RMSCA continues to carry out its mission: to provide a forum for the mutually beneficial exchange of information among shopping center developers, owners, managers, brokers, investors, retailers and all professionals serving the Colorado retail real estate industry. The association’s membership comprises retailers and vendors. Some of the retailers include Cherry Creek Shopping Center in Denver, Southlands in Aurora, Aspen Grove in Littleton and The Promenade Shops at Briargate in Colorado Springs, to name a few! Vendor members, those serving the industry and offering a wide range of services, include Swingle Lawn, Tree & Landscape Care, All-Phase Restoration, Colorado Lottery, Denver Commercial Property Services, CAM Services and Metro State Fire. Having been an RMSCA member for more than 10 years, and now serving my first year as the association’s president, I personally can attest to the high level of camaraderie and invaluable education I’ve gained throughout the years. An investment with endless returns, some of RMSCA’s membership benefits include discounted event membership fees, International Council of Shopping Centers continuing education credits for RMSCA educational events, members-only networking events, discounted fees at local ICSC events, access to a private online resource directory, and the ability to post job openings on the RMSCA website and share with those in its email database. Our events are social and educational – in other words, we have fun and learn a lot along the way. Events in 2017 included multiple luncheons that featured timely topics and notable guest speakers. We kicked off the year with Tom Clark, CEO of the Metro Denver Economic Development Corp., and executive vice president of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, presenting the 2017 Economic Forecast. In the spring, we hosted a mix and mingle with members and guests at Northside Tavern in Broomfield, and in June we came together for an evening happy hour at Southlands – the state’s largest outdoor shopping district. Our most recent luncheon featured Colorado state demographer, Patricia Silverstein, sharing demographic trends and forecasts impacting the Denver metro area. • Mark your calendar. Nov. 9 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. marks the fifth annual RMSCA Star Awards. This event recognizes outstanding retail real estate projects and industry leaders in Colorado and will be held at the Curtis Ballroom at The Landmark. New categories added to The Star Awards this year include Extraordinary Service Provider and Retail Property Management Team Member of the Year. Additional categories include marketing campaign, social media campaign, public relations/community outreach involvement, sustainable enhancements, value enhancements through renovation/remodel or new construction, and innovative leasing concepts. We are seeking sponsors and nominations in all categories. Sponsoring the RMSCA Star Awards supports the retail real estate community and puts businesses in front of industry leaders. Tiered sponsorships include a host of benefits with the bronze sponsorship starting at $300. I invite those working in the commercial retail industry to partake in the event as we recognize local industry leaders, network and learn about the fantastic initiatives taking place in our very own backyard. • Forward thinking. It’s been a productive year thus far, and 2018 promises to be just as dynamic. A sneak peek of our future programming includes an exploration of the current trends and the evolution of retail, discovering the best social media marketing techniques, and discussions about best practices in new retail developments. These educational luncheons are open to the public; however, RMSCA members pay a discounted price – a membership perk! Along with our educational luncheons, we will continue to host happy hours specifically designed to build connections and community. These events are empowering and invite us out from our workspaces for face-to-face conversations and sharing of our own best practices. • Meet our directors. RMSCA’s board of directors is representative of our membership that draws from multiple specialties. • Diana Fiore – president; general manager, The Shops at Northfield Stapleton with Forest City Realty Trust • Jackie Herbst – past president and communications committee; account manager, Team K Services • Dean Titterington – vice president and co-chair of the programs committee; managing partner, Peak Property Management • Tom Gendreau – secretary and communications committee; operations director, Town Center of Aurora with Washington Prime Group • Kelly Goodnough – treasurer; senior associate, Alberta Development Partners • Melissa Koenig – membership chair; client liaison, All Phase Restoration • Steve Barone – membership committee; business development, Metro State Fire • Joyce Rocha – communications committee; director of marketing, Southlands with Northwood Retail • Ran Meng – ICSC committee; regional property manager, Regency Centers. With nearly 20 years’ experience in commercial management, including the last three years as the general manager of The Shops at Northfield Stapleton, my time has been greatly enhanced because of the connections and relationships I have made through RMSCA. I’d like to take this opportunity to invite those in the industry to join us and take advantage of all of the benefits that our organization offers. For more information about RMSCA and to join, visit . www.RMSCA.net