Sceptre Hospitality Resources Names Scott Dahl to Lead Business Development

DENVER, CO., Aug/ 5, 2010—Sceptre Hospitality Resources, a leading revenue generation and eCommerce firm specializing in the hospitality industry, today announced that it has appointed Scott Dahl to lead business development.

 In his new role as vice president of business development, he will be responsible for growing the company’s existing revenue streams, as well as identifying and developing new products and services that help hotels capture more top-line revenues through an aray of sales, marketing, reservations and revenue management services.

“With more than 25 years of hospitality and sales experience, Scott is an ideal choice to help us expand our business as the economy continues to rebound,” said Bill Linehan (top right photo), Sceptre’s chief marketing officer.

“Recently named one of the ‘25 Outstanding Minds in Hotel Sales and Marketing,’ we fully expect Scott to bring new and exciting growth opportunities to the table as we pursue our goal to be the leading provider of eCommerce solutions to the hospitality industry.”

Contact: Jerry Daly or Chris Daly, (703) 435-6293

Aloft Charlotte Uptown Receives National and Regional Acclaim

CHARLOTTE, NC, Aug. 5, 2010 – The secret is out! The Aloft Charlotte Uptown (top left photo) is the place to stay when visiting “North Carolina’s Queen City” for business or for pleasure.

The buzz continues throughout the Charlotte area as the hotel was recognized by Elevate Lifestyle Awards “The Best of the City 2010” and by Charlotte Magazine as being home to the “Best Hotel Bar.”

The hotel’s national reputation is growing substantially as the Aloft Charlotte Uptown was recently named by US AIRWAYS Magazine as one of their “Cool Hotels for Doing Business.”

“The recognition that Aloft Charlotte Uptown is getting from these prestigious third parties is a true testament that the hotel’s talent is embracing the vision for the Aloft brand,” said Brian McGuinness, (lower right photo)  Senior Vice President of Specialty Select Brands for Starwood.

Aloft Charlotte Uptown is part of the EpiCentre which features premier shopping, entertainment and fine dining. The EpiCentre serves as a central link of Overstreet Mall and provides a pedestrian bridge connecting the headquarter buildings for Bank of America and Wachovia.

Media Contact: Bonnie Herring, Noble Investment Group, 404.262.9660, bonnie.herring@nobleinvestment.com

Marcus & Millichap Names Brandon J. Rex to Vice President Investments in Fort Lauderdale, FL

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Aug. 4, 2010 – The board of directors of Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Services, the nation’s largest real estate investment services firm, has named Brandon J. Rex (top right photo)  to the position of vice president investments.

The achievement of vice president investment status is one of the highest levels of recognition the firm awards its sales agents.

It represents excellence in client relationships, investment real estate expertise and sales volume, according to Gregory Matus (top left photo), regional manager of the firm’s Fort Lauderdale office.

Most recently, Rex held the position of senior investment associate.

Rex began his career with Marcus & Millichap in 1999, specializing in multifamily investment sales.

Contact: Stacey Corso, Public Relations Manager, (925) 953-1716

Regency Centers Reports Second Quarter Results

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Regency Centers Corporation (NYSE:REG) announced  financial and operating results for the quarter ended June 30, 2010.

Earnings and Operations

Regency reported Recurring Funds From Operations (FFO) for the second quarter of $49.1 million, or $0.59 per diluted share, compared to $48.0 million and $0.62 per diluted share for the same period in 2009.

 For the six months ended June 30, 2010, Recurring FFO was $101.4 million and $1.22 per diluted share, compared to $101.2 million and $1.36 per diluted share for the same period last year.

Regency reported FFO for the second quarter of $48.5 million, or $0.58 per diluted share. FFO for the same period in 2009 was $19.2 million and $0.24 per diluted share.

For the six months ended June 30, 2010, FFO was $97.2 million and $1.17 per diluted share, compared to $74.2 million and $1.00 per diluted share for the same period last year.

For a complete copy of the company's news release and financials, please contact Regency Centers Corp., Lisa Palmer, 904-598-7636, www.RegencyCenters.com

Capital Commercial real Estate Group Inc. Arranges Sale of 6,700-SF Retail Center in Pembroke Pines, FL

HALLANDALE, FL, Aug. 4, 2010 – Capital Commercial Real Estate Group, Inc. ("Capital Commercial") announces the closing of the Taft Retail Center, (top left photo)  a 6,700 square foot retail strip center located at 1591 NW 77th Way in Pembroke Pines, Florida.

Capital Commercial exclusively represented and negotiated the $734,000.00 sale on behalf of the owner, a local private trust.

 The purchaser was a foreign private investor that financed the acquisition through a local bank.

Situated just off University Drive on the corner of Taft Street and 77th Way the in the heart of Pembroke Pines, the Taft Retail Center benefits from its frontage and visibility on Taft Street and its proximity to the numerous surrounding residential developments.

Built in 1973, the center has been exceptionally well maintained, and is 100% leased to three long-term tenants - Taft Market & Deli, Angie’s Pet Spa & Boutique, and Bitter Blue Lawn & Garden.

"This is another example of Capital Commercial’s ability to successfully market and negotiate the sale of commercial property in a challenging real estate market. By matching a 1031 exchange buyer with a stabilized investment in a great location, we were able to fulfill the needs of both buyer and seller”, said Julie Abolafia, Commercial Investment Specialist with Capital Commercial.

Capital Commercial Real Estate Group, Inc. ("Capital Commercial") is a commercial real estate brokerage firm based out of Hallandale, Florida.

 Specializing in the acquisition and disposition of commercial properties and businesses, the firm has over 300 listings and over 5,000,000 square feet of commercial offerings in inventory.

 Capital Commercial has over 50 full-time commercial real estate

agents, ten support staff members, a full-time sales manager, a Florida Certified General Contractor, and a Certified Public Accountant.

Agents of the firm have completed over a billion of dollars in commercial real estate transactions.

For additional information about our firm, please visit our website at: http://www.capitalcomgroup.com/.

Contact:
Contact: Julie Abolafia, Commercial Investment Specialist, (954) 455-3366 ext. 270

juliea@capitalcomgroup.com

Capital Commercial Real Estate Group, Inc., 221 W. Hallandale Beach Boulevard, Hallandale Beach, Florida 33009, Phone: (954) 455-3366, Fax: (954) 455-3330,

Michael Miller Joins Grubb & Ellis Landauer Appraisal & Valuation as Senior Managing Director, Texas

SANTA ANA, CA – Grubb & Ellis Company (NYSE: GBE), a leading real estate services and investment firm,  announced that 26-year veteran Michael Miller, MAI, has joined Grubb & Ellis Landauer Appraisal & Valuation as senior managing director, Texas.

 He will be responsible for business development and expansion throughout Texas, as well as serving financial institutions and corporate clients seeking valuation services. He will also oversee appraisal professionals in the state.

In June, Grubb & Ellis announced it was launching a national appraisal business and reinvigorating the Landauer brand under the leadership of industry veterans Douglas W. Haney and Eduardo Alegre.

 In addition to Miller, the company has hired Michael Mason, MAI, as managing director, Los Angeles, and expects to have regional leaders and appraisers in place in six markets by Sept. 1, the day the company officially opens for business.

 Long-term, Grubb & Ellis Landauer Appraisal & Valuation expects to have a presence in every key market and between 250 and 350 full-time appraisers.

Grubb & Ellis Facilitates Sale of Courtyard by Marriott Anaheim Hotel at Disneyland for $25M

LOS ANGELES, CA  (Aug. 4, 2010) – Grubb & Ellis Company (NYSE: GBE), a leading real estate services and investment firm, today announced that Jordan Richman, senior vice president and a member of the company’s Hotels, Golf & Leisure practice group, in conjunction with Felix Cacciato of Hotel Equity Advisers, represented both parties in the sale of the Courtyard by Marriott Anaheim Hotel (middle left photo) at Disneyland.

Tarsadia Hotels sold the asset to Chesapeake Lodging Trust, an Annapolis, Md.-based REIT, for $25 million.

“This hotel is excellently located near many attractions, including Disneyland and Angels Stadium (middle right photo),” said Richman.

“It’s located in an area with high barriers to entry and is an outstanding acquisition for the Chesapeake REIT. We are pleased to have represented both parties in the sale.”

Located at 2045 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim, the 153-room, four-story interior corridor hotel opened in 2006.

It is situated on 2.3 acres of land next to the Anaheim Convention Center and across from Disneyland Resort.

The property includes a high-end restaurant, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, fitness center, and indoor and outdoor pools. Tarsadia will continue to manage the hotel.

The sale is part of a two-property portfolio that included the sale of the Hilton Checkers Hotel (bottom left  photo) in Los Angeles for $46 million in June, which was also facilitated by Richman and Cacciato.

 Chesapeake purchased the portfolio using proceeds from the company’s initial public offering, completed in January.

Contact: Julia McCartney, Phone: 714.975.2230, Email: julia.mccartney@grubb-ellis.com

Second Quarter 2010 Operating Results Announced by National Retail Properties, Inc.

ORLANDO, Fla., Aug. 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- National Retail Properties, Inc. (NYSE: NNN), a real estate investment trust, today announced operating results for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2010.

Highlights include:

NNN paid cash dividends to its common stockholders of $0.375 per share during the quarter and $0.75 for the six months ended June 30, 2010.

Investment Portfolio occupancy was 97.3% at June 30, 2010, as compared to 96.4% at December 31, 2009, and 96.7% at June 30, 2009.

Investments and Dispositions for the quarter ended June 30, 2010:

Investments:

$26.2 million in the Investment Portfolio, including acquiring six properties with an aggregate 33,000 square feet of gross leasable area

Dispositions:

Six Investment properties with an aggregate 57,000 square feet of gross leasable area, with net proceeds of $4.6 million, resulting in a gain of $355,000

Three Inventory properties with net proceeds of $42.0 million

Investments and Dispositions for the six months ended June 30, 2010:

Investments:

$38.6 million in the Investment Portfolio, including acquiring 10 properties with an aggregate 97,000 square feet of gross leasable area

Dispositions:

11 Investment properties with an aggregate 71,000 square feet of gross leasable area, with net proceeds of $11.4 million, resulting in a gain of $377,000

Four Inventory properties with net proceeds of $42.8 million

Capital transactions for the quarter ended June 30, 2010:

Issued 58,215 shares of common stock generating $1,310,000 of net proceeds pursuant to the Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan

For a complete copy of the company's news release and financials, please contact Kevin B. Habicht, Chief Financial Officer of National Retail Properties, Inc., +1-407-265-7348 or investorrelations@nnnreit.com.

Sale-Leaseback an increasingly important strategy to raise capital amid recession and tight lending, says NAI Realvest executive

MAITLAND, FL– Slow economic recovery and tight lending environment have made sale-leaseback transactions an increasingly popular strategy to raise capital and focus a company’s resources on its core profit-making business, says one real estate expert.

Mez Birdie, (top right photo)  CCIM, director of retail services at NAI Realvest, in Maitland said “Companies make a higher return on capital in its core business compared to a lower return on owning real estate. Most companies have profit margins in double digits, while real estate returns are generally in single digits.”

“Real estate can’t earn a company the same sort of returns as its primary business,” Birdie also said. “By selling real estate, a company can reduce its debt, repurchase company stock, and focus its resources on core business lines, thus adding value to the company,” he added.

Birdie said sale-leaseback transactions today are far less rigid than in times past. “Sale-leaseback offers more flexibility than owning, as a company can structure the lease to suit its long or short-term needs.

A properly negotiated lease provide flexible lease terms, such as: right of lease termination by way of property substitution, right to purchase properties, right of first refusal to purchase and lease servicing programs.

 These flexibilities give a company the option to close or relocate poor locations,” he said.

Upcoming changes in Federal Accounting Standards Board (FASB) rules may impact sale-leaseback transactions, Birdie said.

 “On an after-tax basis, sale-leaseback transactions offer significant benefits, as lease payments are tax deductible. FASB rules apply to sale-leaseback transactions.

" To determine if the transaction qualifies as an ‘operating or capital’ lease, accounting and legal departments of the company play an important role in crafting a beneficial sale-leaseback transaction,” he explained.

For more information, contact:
Mez Birdie, CCIM, Director-Retail & Investment Services, NAI Realvest 407-949-0734, Mbirdie@realvest.com;
Patrick Mahoney, President and COO NAI Realvest, 407-875-9989, pmahoney@realvest.com;
Beth Payan or Larry Vershel, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142

Cambridge Reports Loan Origination Requests Are Up for Second Consecutive Month

CHICAGO, IL--Loan origination requests were up for the second consecutive month but continue to trail last year’s totals through the first six months of the year, Cambridge Realty Capital Companies Chairman Jeffrey A. Davis (top right photo) reports.

In June, Cambridge processed 19 loan requests totaling $243.1 million, compared with 15 loans totaling $249.5 million during the same month last year. In the first half, the Cambridge staff reviewed 132 origination requests totaling $1.7 billion, compared with 145 loans for $2.1 billion a year earlier.

Davis points out that lenders close a relatively small percentage of loan requests received, but believes it’s useful to track this information as an indication of market directions.

“At this point we appear to be holding our own, but recent interest rate declines might logically be expected to encourage borrowers in the second half despite concerns that the economic recovery is not as robust as hoped for,” he said.

Contact:
Evan Washington, Phone: (312) 521-7603, Fax: (312) 357-1611, E-Mail: ew@cambridgecap.com, Twitter: http://twitter.com/CambridgeCap

Orlando landscape architects take home statewide awards

 ORLANDO, Fla., August 3, 2010 — Four Orlando-based landscape architectural firms took home awards received recently at the annual design competition gala held in Gainsville, Florida, sponsored by the Florida Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects.

Foster Conant & Associates took home two Awards of Honor, one for St. Johns Town Center Phase II in Jacksonville in the commercial category, and one for Shenfu New Town Discovery Lake District in the Peoples Republic of China in the planning and analysis category.

Also taking home two awards was Canin Associates, for the Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute in Lake Nona, an Award of Honor in the institutional category, and an Award of Excellence in the research and communications category.

In the conceptual category, an Award of Honor was presented to Morris Architects/Morris Terra for Tianjin Aviation City Central District Master Plan in Tianjin, Peoples Republic of China.

MSI Design received an Award of Excellence for Jungala at Busch Gardens in Tampa.

PR Contact: Elaine Ingra, 407-384-1344, elainei@pr-works.com

W Hotels Worldwide Marks Another Milestone in Global Expansion

TAIPEI, Taiwan, Aug. 3, 2010 – Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has announced the late 2010 opening of W Taipei, (top left photo) marking another milestone in W’s global expansion into the world’s most exciting and vibrant destinations.

Located in the buzzing central business district of Xinyi, W Taipei will introduce the “lifestyle hotel” concept to one of Asia’s hippest and most cosmopolitan cities, tapping into the pulse of Taipei’s nightlife scene, where the city’s music, fashion and entertainment industries converge.

“We are delighted to bring the W lifestyle to Taipei,” said Eva Ziegler (bottom right photo) , Global Brand Leader, W Hotels Worldwide and Le Méridien.

 “W Taipei will become the venue of choice for discerning and style-conscious trendsetters who want to be wowed by the finer things in life – particularly those inspired by W brand’s unique mix of contemporary cool design, modern comfort, and innovative style.”

Rising 30 floors, W Taipei will be the only hotel in Taipei with a panoramic vista of the hip and happening Xinyi district. W Taipei will serve as the ultimate city getaway, where a veritable “urban beach” flirts with the senses at every touch point and natural elements combine to complement modern digital accents.

W Taipei is owned by Uni-President Development Corporation and Times Square International Hotel Corp, a leading conglomerate with headquarters in Tainan.

For reservations and more information, please visit www.whotels.com/taipei.

Media contacts: Hwee Peng Yeo or Casey Shaughnessy-Gray at Glodow Nead Communications, (415) 394-6500 or HweePeng@GlodowNead.com

Re-Launched Holiday Inn Denver East-Stapleton Hotel Opens in Stapleton-Northfield Area of Denver

 DENVER, CO,  Aug. 3, 2010 -- The Holiday Inn Denver East-Stapleton hotel (www.holidayinn.com/denver-co) is centrally situated in one of Denver’s most dynamic communities, the Stapleton area.

With the iconic control tower as a monument to its historic past, the area has evolved into an eclectic blend of upscale residential communities, lifestyle amenities, charter schools and parks.

Shopping, entertainment and restaurants are within walking distance from the hotel and surrounding businesses.

 Located less than five miles east from the heart of downtown Denver, the centrally located Stapleton area is the largest expansion project in the Mile High City and nationally recognized as a vibrant and environmentally friendly community.

The hotel was renamed the Holiday Inn in March of 2010. The community was seeking a hotel brand compatible with the region’s development.

 “We are delighted and look forward to representing and working with a brand that has been at the hospitality forefront of customer service and guest satisfaction for fifty-eight years,” said Reggie Casselberry, general manager.


“Globally, IHG has been successful redesigning the Holiday Inn logo with a fresh and contemporary look. Keeping Kemmons Wilson, (bottom left photo)  founder of the Holiday Inn ‘America’s Innkeeper’ philosophy alive has been pivotal in establishing that 96% of Americans have stayed at the Holiday Inn.”

The hotel is decorated in hues that reflect Colorado’s vibrancy and energy. All patio guest rooms allow you to step out and enjoy panoramic views of the Rockies and the Denver skyline.

The Holiday Inn Denver East-Stapleton hotel guest rooms feature Sleep Number Beds, oversized work stations, data ports and comfortable seating designed for the business traveler. Complimentary Wi-Fi is found throughout the hotel.

For more information on the hotel, visit www.holidayinn.com/denver-co.

Contacts:
Julie Tullbane, Daly Gray, Inc., T 703-435-6293, F 703-435-6297, julie@dalygray.com
Reggie Castleberry, General Manager, PH: (303) 329-2707, Email: reggie.castleberry@ihrco.com

Marcus and Millichap Announces Promotions

Still Hunter III Moves to Senior Vice President Investments - Fort Lauderdale

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – The board of directors of Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Services, the nation’s largest real estate investment services firm, has promoted Still Hunter III (top right photo)  to the position of senior vice president investments.

This achievement is one of the highest levels of recognition the firm awards to its investment specialists. The designation represents excellence in the development and servicing of long-term client relationships, according to Gregory Matus, (top left photo)  regional manager of the firm’s Fort Lauderdale office.

Most recently, Hunter held the position of first vice president investments.

“Still has earned a reputation as one of the most knowledgeable investment specialists in the nation,” says Matus.

 “He is a consummate professional, continually striving to expand his knowledge and expertise. His focus on providing superior client services has earned him a high degree of loyalty and respect from investors as well as his peers.”

Hunter began his career with Marcus & Millichap 10 years ago, specializing in the sale of multifamily investment properties.

  Jamie A. Medress  Earns Senior Vice President Investments Post -- Phoenix

PHOENIX, AZ – The board of directors of Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Services, the nation’s largest real estate investment services firm, has promoted Jamie A. Medress (middle right photo)  to the position of senior vice president investments.

 This achievement is one of the highest levels of recognition the firm awards to its investment specialists. The designation represents excellence in the development and servicing of long-term client relationships, according to David A. Guido (middle left photo), regional manager of the firm’s Phoenix office.

Most recently, Medress held the position of first vice president investments.

“Jamie has earned a reputation as one of the most knowledgeable investment specialists in the nation,” says Guido.

 “He is a consummate professional, continually striving to expand his knowledge and expertise. His focus on providing superior client services has earned him a high degree of loyalty and respect from investors as well as his peers.”

Medress began his career with Marcus & Millichap 14 years ago, specializing in the sale of retail and net-leased investment properties.


Norman A. Eastwood Wins Senior Vice President Investments Position - Dallas  

DALLAS, TX – The board of directors of Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Services, the nation’s largest real estate investment services firm, has promoted Norman A. Eastwood (bottom left)  to the position of senior vice president investments.

This achievement is one of the highest levels of recognition the firm awards to its investment specialists. The designation represents excellence in the development and servicing of long-term client relationships, according to Tim A. Speck, (bottom left photo) regional manager of the firm’s Dallas office.

Most recently, Eastwood held the position of first vice president investments.

“Norman has earned a reputation as one of the most knowledgeable investment specialists in the nation,” says Speck.

“He is a consummate professional, continually striving to expand his knowledge and expertise. His focus on providing superior client services has earned him a high degree of loyalty and respect from investors as well as his peers.”

Eastwood began his career with Marcus & Millichap 23 years ago, specializing in the sale of multifamily investment properties.

Contact: Stacey Corso, Public Relations Manager, (925) 953-1716

Post Properties Announces Second Quarter 2010 Earnings

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Post Properties, Inc. (NYSE: PPS) announced today a net loss attributable to common shareholders of $35.5 million, or $0.73 per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2010, compared to a net loss attributable to common shareholders of $50.7 million, or $1.14 per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2009.

The net loss attributable to common shareholders was $38.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010, compared to a net loss of $50.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009.

On a diluted per share basis, the net loss attributable to common shareholders was $0.79 for the six months ended June 30, 2010, compared to a net loss of $1.13 for the six months ended June 30, 2009.

The Company’s net loss attributable to common shareholders for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 included non-cash impairment charges of approximately $35.1 million and $76.3 million, respectively.

For the six months ended June 30, 2009, these charges were partially offset by a net gain of approximately $24.7 million on the sale of an apartment community, as well as gains of approximately $2.3 million relating to the early extinguishment of indebtedness, the mark-to-market of an interest rate swap, and changes in previous hurricane loss estimates.

For a complete copy of the company's news release and financials, please contact  pbutler@postproperties.com

Marcus & Millichap Facilitates Sale of Palm Gardens Apartments in New Port Richey, FL

NEW PORT RICHEY, FL – Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Services, the nation’s largest real estate investment services firm, has announced the sale of Palm Gardens Apartments (top left photo) , a 39-unit apartment building in New Port Richey, Fla, according to Greg Matus, Vice President/Regional Manager of the Fort Lauderdale office.

The property commanded a sales price of $500,000.

Senior Vice President Investments Evan Kristol and First Vice President Investments Still Hunter, III of the Fort Lauderdale office and Senior Associate Francesco Carriera (middle right photo)  of the Tampa office represented the seller of the property, a bank based in Kansas City, MO. Carriera secured the buyer, a private investor from Tarpon Springs, Fla.

“Despite the challenges in the market, with the vacancy over 20 percent and the hospital across the street from the property moving to a different location, we were still able to generate more than 15 offers due to our local, regional and national exposure,” says Carriera.

Palm Gardens Apartments consists of 11 buildings, all of which are one and two stories. The property is located at 5321 Beach Street in New Port Richey, Fla.

Press Contact: Bryn D. Merrey, Regional Manager, Tampa, (813) 387-4700