President’s Message: Optimism and Growth at ICSC
Having recently returned from Las Vegas where I attended my 25th consecutive International Council of Shopping Centers Convention, I am struck by several themes that continued to emerge for me.
The upbeat mood and sense of optimism was widespread and apparent, a stark contrast to the mood two years ago. Convention attendance improved again this year which kept our booth buzzing with retailers, lenders and investors looking to learn more about our properties and services.
The amount of new development activity that we have in progress is incredible. Our colleagues in other regions were amazed to hear about the number of projects we currently have in the pipeline. Our markets are attracting a lot of attention both from new retailers entering for the first time, and from those looking to expand their footprints.
New Orleans, in particular, is in a sweet spot unlike I’ve ever witnessed in my career.
Now, more than ever, the importance of a strong brand is paramount to success in today’s environment. In order to attract capital, gain the confidence of retailers and navigate the complexities of a new development, it is crucial to have a strong track record and a well-respected brand.
I was once again reminded how strong our Stirling brand has become, in every niche we occupy, both locally and nationally.
While there are many uncertainties on the horizon – capital availability and terms, internet sales’ impact on bricks and mortar stores and consumer confidence; I believe we are well situated to weather those uncertainties and continue to experience new growth and prosperity.
New Orleans Most Improved City for Business in Wall Street Journal
Yet another testament to what is happening in the Greater New Orleans region in such a short period of time. Once rated dead last by this same ranking, New Orleans jumped an incredible 44 spots to become the most improved city in the nation. Wow! Click here to read the full article.
Stirling Properties Promotes Chris Abadie to Vice President and Manager of Commercial Brokerage Division
COVINGTON, Louisiana —- (November 17, 2011) Stirling Properties has promoted Chris Abadie to Vice President and Manager of the Commercial Brokerage Division after 11 years as a Sales and Leasing Executive with the company.
“During Chris’s tenure with Stirling Properties, he has not only been a productive agent, consistently representing large clients, but has demonstrated management qualities that we feel prove to be an invaluable asset,” stated Marty Mayer, President and CEO of Stirling Properties.
In his new role, Mr. Abadie will oversee all aspects of commercial operations throughout each of Stirling Properties brokerage offices located in Louisiana and Mississippi. His focus will include directing sales efforts, new business development, recruitment, and training of new agents. (more…)
Stirling Properties Welcomes Mike Immel To its Team
LAFAYETTE, Louisiana —- (OCTOBER 27, 2011) Stirling Properties is pleased to announce the addition of Mike Immel to its team of Commercial Real Estate Brokers in the Stirling Properties’ Lafayette office at 1819 Pinhook Road., Suite. 200 as a sales and leasing agent.
Mr. Immel comes to Stirling Properties with 17 years of experience in the Industrial sector as an Automation Systems Engineer. His resume includes projects for Shell Oil & Gas, Chevron and a host of independent gas and oil companies. (more…)
President’s Message: Don’t Just Talk About the Weather – Do Something
Just as we are enduring the dog days of a long hot summer in South Louisiana, so too it seems that the entire country (and the world for that matter) is enduring the economic equivalent of dog days. While we can look forward to that first cool snap of fall soon, it seems that we will be waiting much longer for any such economic relief.
Mark Twain once said, “Everybody talks about the weather but nobody does anything about it”.
That quote sounds very much akin to what’s happening in Washington these days – everybody’s talking about the economy but nobody is really doing anything about it. I have always believed that you have to focus on the things you can control and not spend wasted time and energy on those you can’t. Stirling Properties, I believe, is doing just that. (more…)
Stirling Properties Completes First Multi-Family Acquisitions
COVINGTON, Louisiana —- (AUGUST 22, 2011) Stirling Communities I, LLC, an entity of investors led by Stirling Properties, successfully completed their first acquisition which includes three Louisiana apartment communities in Lafayette and one in Baton Rouge, for a total of 370 units. The back-to-back deals closed on August 2 and August 17, 2011, with loan origination through Walker & Dunlop’s multi-family finance group and financing through Freddie Mac. (more…)
