Inland Empire Office Sector Remains Healthy Despite Rise in New Construction

ONTARIO, CA— For the Inland Empire office market, above-average construction activity will be the prevailing trend in 2008, according to the 2008 National Office Report by Marcus & Millichap, the nation’s largest real estate investment services firm. Local job creation is projected to exceed the national average again in 2008.

Also included in the report is the firm’s annual National Office Index (NOI), a snapshot analysis that ranks 43 office markets based on a series of 12-month forward-looking supply and demand indicators. Riverside-San Bernardino holds steady this year at No. 8. (San Bernardino skyline in top photo; Riverside skyline in photo at right below)

“Competitive cap rates and a favorable extended outlook will attract buyers to the Inland Empire in 2008,” says Douglas McCauley, regional manager of Marcus & Millichap’s Ontario office.

Following are some of the most significant aspects of the Riverside-San Bernardino Office Research Report:

· Employers are forecast to expand payrolls by 20,000 positions this year, 1.5 percent increase.
· Office completions will total 1.5 million square feet this year.
· Vacancy is projected to end the year at 15.1 percent.
· The delivery of more expensive space is projected to support asking rent growth of 3.8 percent to $23.48 per square foot, while effective rents are forecast to climb 2.9 percent to $20.12 per square foot.
· Potential buyers may want to consider locations in the Palm Springs/Palm Desert submarket.

In the 2008 NOI, Seattle moved up three places to secure the No. 1 spot, surpassing last year’s leader New York City, which slipped to No. 2. Boston moved up two spots to No. 3, while San Francisco jumped 12 places to the No. 4 position. Los Angeles slipped two spots, coming in at No. 5.

For a copy of Marcus & Millichap’s National Office Report and the complete NOI rankings, visit http://www.marcusmillichap.com/.

CONTACT:

Stacey Corso
Public Relations Manager
Marcus & Millichap
2999 Oak Road
Suite 210
Walnut Creek, CA 94597
Office: 925.953.1716
Mobile: 415.672.6460
Fax: 925.953.1710
http://www.marcusmillichap.com/

Attracted to Stabilizing Fundamentals, Office Investors Target Orlando's Lower Tier Assets

ORLANDO, FL— Fundamentals in the Orlando office market are expected to shift in 2008 as demand generated from moderate office-using employment growth is offset by new construction, resulting in a rise in vacancy, according to the 2008 National Office Report by Marcus & Millichap, the nation’s largest real estate investment services firm.


More than 40 percent of the office space slated to come online this year is concentrated in the
South Orlando submarket, where significant industrial development and continued population
growth are spurring construction.

Also included in the report is the firm’s annual National Office Index (NOI), a snapshot analysis that ranks 43 office markets based on a series of 12-month forward-looking supply and demand indicators. Orlando moves up one place this year to No. 25.

“Properties in the Class B/C sector should garner investor interest in the growing suburban areas and Downtown submarket, where demand for office space is expected to remain steady through the year,” says Gregory Matus,(photo at left) regional manager of Marcus & Millichap’s Orlando office.

Following are some of the most significant aspects of the Orlando Office Research Report:

· Employers are forecast to add 17,800 workers, a 1.6 percent increase.
· Developers are expected to complete 680,000 square feet of competitive office space.
· Vacancy is forecast to end the year at 11.5 percent.
· Asking and effective rents are forecast to gain 3.6 percent to $22.59 per square foot and $19.18 per square foot, respectively.
· Sales activity will likely be concentrated in older properties in the lower tiers, where assets with stable operating fundamentals should prove to be sound investments as the market transitions.

In the 2008 NOI, Seattle moved up three places to secure the No. 1 spot, surpassing last year’s leader New York City, which slipped to No. 2. Boston moved up two spots to No. 3, while San Francisco jumped 12 places to the No. 4 position. Los Angeles slipped two spots, coming in at No. 5.

For a copy of Marcus & Millichap’s National Office Report and the complete NOI rankings, visit http://www.marcusmillichap.com/.

CONTACT:

Stacey Corso
Public Relations Manager
Marcus & Millichap
2999 Oak Road
Suite 210
Walnut Creek, CA 94597
Office: 925.953.1716
Mobile: 415.672.6460
Fax: 925.953.1710
http://www.marcusmillichap.com/

Arbor Closes $510,000 Fannie Mae DUS® MAH Loan on Townhouse Green Cooperative in Clinton Township, MI

UNIONDALE, NY (March 24, 2008) -- Arbor Commercial Funding, LLC (“Arbor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Arbor Commercial Mortgage, LLC, announced the recent funding of a $510,000 loan under the Fannie Mae DUS® MAH product line to provide supplemental financing to the 225-unit complex known as Townhouse Green Cooperative in Clinton Township, MI.

The 18-year loan amortizes on an 18-year schedule and carries a note rate of 6.20 percent.

The loan was originated by Michael Jehle, (photo at right) Director, in Arbor’s full-service Bloomfield Hills, MI lending office. “The cooperative members were interested in completing additional capital improvements to their property, and Arbor was ready to assist them in their financing needs,” said Jehle. “The fact that our Fannie Mae mortgages allow for secondary financing was of great benefit for the residents of this cooperative.”

* DUS and 3MaxExpress are registered marks of Fannie Mae

CONTACT

Arbor Commercial Mortgage, LLC

Arbor Realty Trust, Inc.

333 Earle Ovington Blvd, Suite 900

Uniondale, NY 11553

http://www.arbor.com/

Ingrid Principe

Tel: (516) 506-4298

Business Expansion Fuels Growth in East Bay Office Sector

OAKLAND, CA — Despite concerns over the impact of the cooling housing climate on the local economy, the Oakland office market will improve this year, aided by healthy business expansion and a lack of new inventory, according to the 2008 National Office Report by Marcus & Millichap, the nation’s largest real estate investment services firm.

Demand for office space is supported by continued economic growth as well as business relocations from San Francisco. (Night Downtown Oakland photo at left)

Also included in the report is the firm’s annual National Office Index (NOI), a snapshot analysis that ranks 43 office markets based on a series of 12-month forward-looking supply and demand indicators. Oakland moves up two places this year to No. 7. (Downtown aerial photo at left; Lake Merritt photo at right)

“A lack of competition from additional stock, coupled with spillover demand from an increasingly tight and expensive San Francisco market, will continue to drive investors’ interest in East Bay office properties,” says Jerry C. Smith, regional manager of Marcus & Millichap’s Oakland office.

Following are some of the most significant aspects of the Oakland Office Research Report:

· Employers will expand payrolls steadily this year, adding 7,900 positions for 0.7 percent increase.
· Developers will add approximately 200,000 square feet to inventory.
· Vacancy is forecast to decline 80 basis points to 11.4 percent in 2008.
· Asking rents are expected to rise 4.1 percent to $28.19 per square foot, while effective rents advance 5 percent to $24.33 per square foot.
· Investor interest is expected to pick up from properties in the Tri-Valley market.
In the 2008 NOI, Seattle moved up three places to secure the No. 1 spot, surpassing last year’s leader New York City, which slipped to No. 2. Boston moved up two spots to No. 3, while San Francisco jumped 12 places to the No. 4 position. Los Angeles slipped two spots, coming in at No. 5. (Photo of Herethere sculpture on Oakland-Berkeley border at right)

For a copy of Marcus & Millichap’s National Office Report and the complete NOI rankings, visit http://www.marcusmillichap.com/.

CONTACT:

Stacey Corso
Public Relations Manager
Marcus & Millichap
2999 Oak Road
Suite 210
Walnut Creek, CA 94597
Office: 925.953.1716
Mobile: 415.672.6460
Fax: 925.953.1710
http://www.marcusmillichap.com/

Arbor Closes $4,000,000 Fannie Mae DUS® Loan on Sunset Rill Apartments in Knoxville, TN

UNIONDALE, NY (March 24, 2008)--Arbor Commercial Funding, LLC (“Arbor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Arbor Commercial Mortgage, LLC, announced the recent funding of a $4,000,000 loan under the Fannie Mae DUS® product line to refinance the 180-unit complex known as Sunset Rill Apartments in Knoxville, TN. (photo top right)

The 10-year loan amortizes on a 30-year schedule and carries a note rate of 5.92 percent.

The loan was originated by John Edwards, (photo at left) Director, in Arbor’s full-service Boston, MA lending office. “This financing opportunity reflects our commitment to providing the best service in order to achieve the client’s expectations,” said Edwards. “We were pleased with the opportunity and look forward to continuing our business relationship with this client.”

* DUS and 3MaxExpress are registered marks of Fannie Mae

CONTACT:
Arbor Commercial Mortgage, LLC

Arbor Realty Trust, Inc.

333 Earle Ovington Blvd, Suite 900

Uniondale, NY 11553

http://www.arbor.com/

Ingrid Principe

Tel: (516) 506-4298

Well-Located Office Assets Continue to Lure Investors to Northern New Jersey

ELMWOOD, N.J.— Operating conditions are expected to remain fairly stable in the Northern New Jersey office market this year, according to the 2008 National Office Report by Marcus & Millichap, the nation’s largest real estate investment services firm. Vacancy is forecast to rise modestly, but some pockets of strength still exist in the market. (Essex County map at left below; Bergen County Courthouse at top right)

Also included in the report is the firm’s annual National Office Index (NOI), a snapshot analysis that ranks 43 office markets based on a series of 12-month forward-looking supply and demand indicators. Northern New Jersey moves down four places this year to No. 35.

“A growing flight to quality sentiment among investors will sustain the Northern New Jersey market,” says Michael Fasano, regional manager of Marcus & Millichap’s Northern New Jersey office. “Properties in proven submarkets in Bergen, Essex and Union counties will dominate buying activity.”

Following are some of the most significant aspects of the Northern New Jersey Office Research Report:

· Employers are forecast to boost payrolls 0.4 percent with the addition of 8,100 jobs.
· Developers are expected to deliver 750,000 square feet of office space this year.
· Vacancy is forecast to end the year at 14.4 percent.
· Asking rents are projected to rise 2 percent to $27.16 per square foot.
· Effective rents will increase 1.7 percent to $23.35 per square foot.

In the 2008 NOI, Seattle moved up three places to secure the No. 1 spot, surpassing last year’s leader New York City, which slipped to No. 2. Boston moved up two spots to No. 3, while San Francisco jumped 12 places to the No. 4 position. Los Angeles slipped two spots, coming in at No. 5.

For a copy of Marcus & Millichap’s National Office Report and the complete NOI rankings, visit www.MarcusMillichap.com.

CONTACT:
Stacey Corso
Public Relations Manager
Marcus & Millichap
2999 Oak Road
Suite 210
Walnut Creek, CA 94597
Office: 925.953.1716
Mobile: 415.672.6460
Fax: 925.953.1710
http://www.marcusmillichap.com/

New York City Office Market Remains Among Strongest in Nation

NEW YORK CITY— Vacancy is expected to remain low, and rents are projected to grow at a healthy pace this year in Manhattan, although evidence will continue to mount that demand-side momentum is not as robust as it was a few quarters ago, according to the 2008 National Office Report by Marcus & Millichap, the nation’s largest real estate investment services firm.



Manhattan has recorded some of the nation’s strongest revenue growth during the past three years, and investors’ interest in local properties had hardly diminished as 2008 began.

Also included in the report is the firm’s annual National Office Index (NOI), a snapshot analysis that ranks 43 office markets based on a series of 12-month forward-looking supply and demand indicators. New York City moves down one place this year to No. 2. (Photo of Empire State Building and Chrysler Building at right)

“Foreign buyers and cash-laden institutions will continue to make headlines with big acquisitions this year,” says Edward Jordan, regional manager of Marcus & Millichap’s Manhattan office.

Following are some of the most significant aspects of the New York Office Research Report:
· Citywide, employers are forecast to create 16,000 jobs in 2008, a 0.4 percent gain.
· An estimated 3 million square feet will be brought online in 2008. · Vacancy is forecast to end the year at 5.4 percent.
· Asking rents are projected to advance 8 percent to $57.51 per square foot.
· Effective rents will gain 8.4 percent to $51.24 per square foot. (Photo of Times Square at left)


In the 2008 NOI, Seattle moved up three places to secure the No. 1 spot. Boston moved up two spots to No. 3, while San Francisco jumped 12 places to the No. 4 position. Los Angeles slipped two spots, coming in at No. 5.

For a copy of Marcus & Millichap’s National Office Report and the complete NOI rankings, visit www.MarcusMillichap.com. (Photo of Yankee Stadium at lower right)

CONTACT:
Stacey Corso
Public Relations Manager
Marcus & Millichap
2999 Oak Road
Suite 210
Walnut Creek, CA 94597
Office: 925.953.1716
Mobile: 415.672.6460
Fax: 925.953.1710
http://www.marcusmillichap.com/

New Haven Office Market Expected to Decelerate This Year

NEW HAVEN, CT— The New Haven office market, which consists of Fairfield and New Haven counties, has successfully drawn tenants from nearby New York City, but office properties in the region will operate in a less hospitable climate in 2008, according to the 2008 National Office Report by Marcus & Millichap, the nation’s largest real estate investment services firm.

Additional upward pressure on vacancy could arise if a significant downsizing in the counties’ large financial activities sector occurs.

Also included in the report is the firm’s annual National Office Index (NOI), a snapshot analysis that ranks 43 office markets based on a series of 12-month forward-looking supply and demand indicators. New Haven moves down six places this year to No. 43.

“Local properties have remained popular with investors, although some price adjustments may occur in the months ahead,” says Edward Jordan, (photo at left) regional manager of Marcus & Millichap’s New Haven office.

Following are some of the most significant aspects of the New Haven Office Research Report:

· Total employment in New Haven and Fairfield counties is expected to rise 0.6 percent this year, or by 5,300 workers.
· In 2008, 650,000 square feet of new for-lease space is scheduled for delivery.
· Vacancy is forecast to end the year at 14.9 percent.
· Asking rents are expected to rise 2.6 percent to $31.03 per square foot, while effective rents will gain 2.3 percent to $27.17 per square foot.
· Investors put off by relatively higher property prices in Fairfield County may find solid value in Class B/C properties along the Interstate 91 corridor in New Haven County.

In the 2008 NOI, Seattle moved up three places to secure the No. 1 spot, surpassing last year’s leader New York City, which slipped to No. 2. Boston moved up two spots to No. 3, while San Francisco jumped 12 places to the No. 4 position. Los Angeles slipped two spots, coming in at No. 5.

For a copy of Marcus & Millichap’s National Office Report and the complete NOI rankings, visit http://www.marcusmillichap.com/.

CONTACT:

Stacey Corso
Public Relations Manager
Marcus & Millichap
2999 Oak Road
Suite 210
Walnut Creek, CA 94597
Office: 925.953.1716
Mobile: 415.672.6460
Fax: 925.953.1710
http://www.marcusmillichap.com/

Downtown St. Louis Office Market Poised for Gradual Turnaround

ST. LOUIS, MO— Slower employment growth and increased speculative office development will cause a mild uptick in the St. Louis vacancy rate this year, according to the 2008 National Office Report by Marcus & Millichap, the nation’s largest real estate investment services firm. Occupancy in downtown St. Louis is forecast to improve in 2008, a trend that should continue in the future.

Also included in the report is the firm’s annual National Office Index (NOI), a snapshot analysis that ranks 43 office markets based on a series of 12-month forward-looking supply and demand indicators. St. Louis makes its debut on the NOI at No. 37.

“Near-term fluctuations aside, St. Louis’ positive extended outlook will sustain investor demand in 2008, though overall sales activity may moderate somewhat,” says Jeffrey R. Algatt, (photo at right) regional manager of Marcus & Millichap’s St. Louis office.

Following are some of the most significant aspects of the St. Louis Office Research Report:

· Employers will create 11,600 jobs this year, a 0.8 percent gain.
· Developers will bring 640,000 square feet of office space to the market, representing a 1.4 percent addition to inventory.
· Vacancy is forecast to end the year at 14.9 percent.
· Asking rents are expected to reach $20.45 per square foot, a gain of 2.5 percent, while effective rents will advance 2.1 percent to $16.82 per square foot.
· Investors seeking upside potential will continue to target properties in the Clayton submarket.

In the 2008 NOI, Seattle moved up three places to secure the No. 1 spot, surpassing last year’s leader New York City, which slipped to No. 2. Boston moved up two spots to No. 3, while San Francisco jumped 12 places to the No. 4 position. Los Angeles slipped two spots, coming in at No. 5.

For a copy of Marcus & Millichap’s National Office Report and the complete NOI rankings, visit www.MarcusMillichap.com.


CONTACT:
Stacey Corso
Public Relations Manager
Marcus & Millichap
2999 Oak Road
Suite 210
Walnut Creek, CA 94597
Office: 925.953.1716
Mobile: 415.672.6460
Fax: 925.953.1710
http://www.marcusmillichap.com/

Teranova Signs First South Florida Publix Apron's Cooking School at Polo Club Shoppes in Boca Raton, FL

MIAMI BEACH, FL– Terranova is proud to announce the signing of the first Publix Apron’s Cooking School in South Florida as a tenant at Polo Club Shoppes, located at 5050 Champion Blvd., Boca Raton, FL.

Terranova Associate, Eric Sadkin represented the landlord in the 5-year lease. Apron’s is taking 2,047 square feet of retail space with plans to open their doors 3rd quarter 2008.

Apron’s will offer shoppers a chance to take cooking classes, learn from celebrity chefs and hone culinary skills within the walls of a new state-of-the-art store. This concept is the fourth in the state and fifth in the nation. For more information, visit their website at http://www.publix.com/aprons/about/ApronsCookingSchool.do.

Polo Club Shoppes, a 124,854 square foot shopping center, is a community center with tenants such as Walgreens, SunTrust Bank, TooJay’s Deli, The UPS Store and Subway. Polo Club Shoppes is located on the border between exclusive country clubs and one of the major business districts of central Boca Raton with almost 80,000 employees within 3 miles. Office Depot is currently constructing their global headquarters opposite the Polo Club Shoppes on the southeast corner of Military Trail and Clint Moore Rd.

In addition to Apron’s Cooking School, Terranova has signed seven leases at Polo Club Shoppes since June 2007 making the center a local favorite. Among these tenants are Boca Coffee Exchange, DMK Optical, Boca Tanning Club, Artcetera, Dr. Marianna Zadov, DMD, PA, Atlas Travel Agency and D.D. Flats Restaurant. Leasing efforts are being continued to bring the highest quality of tenants to the center.

Terranova Corporation, South Florida’s leading commercial real estate advisory firm, currently is involved with commercial real estate assets for its clients and it’s own portfolio valued over $1.5 billion. The company offers complete commercial real estate services, including asset and property management, leasing, tenant representation, acquisitions dispositions, financing, construction management and development services.

Thomas D. Wood & Co. Brokers $3.43M Construction Loan in Port St. Lucie, FL

ORLANDO, FL—March 24, 2008—Doug Rozzell, (photo at left) Principal for Thomas D. Wood and Company, secured construction financing in the amount of $3,435,000 for the Social Security Administration Building in Port St. Lucie, Florida. (top right photo)

Rozzell financed the 18-month, interest-only construction loan through a regional banking institution at LIBOR + 250 basis points and 99% loan-to-cost, based upon a forward commitment from GE Business Properties. The 18,500 square-foot office building will be constructed on 2.3 acres on US Highway 1 in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

For further information, please contact:
Doug Rozzell

(407) 937-0470

drozzell@tdwood.com

Jessica Gurtowski

(407) 937-0470

jgurtowski@tdwood.com

Terra Group Hosts Preview Event for Quantum on the Bay

MIAMI, FL -Terra Group hosted an exclusive preview celebration on March 12 for one of its latest condominium developments,Quantum on the Bay (photo at left), a two-tower residential development with views of Biscayne Bay, in the heart of the Miami Arts District.

Over 400 guests comprised of VIP's, top realtors and Quantum on the Bay homeowners attended the lavish event held on-site.

"We are very proud of this project," stated Pedro Martin, (photo at left) CEO of Terra Group. "Quantum on the Bay's unique features and amenities really make this property extraordinary and will provide its residents the ultimate in style and comfort."

The 698-unit tower was developed with extraordinary vision by a talented group of architects from Nichols, Brosch, Wurst and Wolf and designers from the Interiors Group, to combine retail, office and residential space with the appeal of urban living.

Founded in 2001, Miami-based Terra Group is a real estate development firm that focuses on creating environments that enhance people's lives.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Rosalynn Salinas /

Account Executive

república / brand. advertise. communicate.

2801 sw 31 ave / second floor /

miami fl 33133

t 305 442 0977 /

f 305 443 1631 /

rsalinas@republica.net

http://www.republica.net/

Marcus & Millichap Lists Two Apartment Properties in Lakeland, FL for $13.9M

LAKELAND, FL – Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Services, the nation’s largest real estate investment services firm, has retained the exclusive listing for Windover Apartments (photo at right) and Crosswinds Apartments, two multi-family properties totaling 240 units in Lakeland. The listing price is $13.9 million.


Elizabeth Calleja, an investment specialist in Marcus & Millichap’s Tampa office, and Robert Goldfinger, a vice president of investments and director of the firm’s National Multi Housing Group in Tampa, are representing the seller.

“The Windover and Crosswinds apartment properties represent an excellent opportunity for an investor to acquire two, all concrete block, garden-style multi-family communities with great rental upside potential in the greater Tampa Bay area,” says Calleja.

Windover Apartments, located at 1108 S. Bartow Road, features 10 two-story buildings, totaling 120 units, on a 6.66-acre lot. Amenities include a swimming pool, clubhouse, barbeque, fitness center, laundry facility and car wash station.

Crosswinds Apartments, located at 3215 Baird Ave., features 21 two-story buildings, totaling 120 units, on a 7.1-acre lot. Amenities include a clubhouse with a big-screen TV, on-site laundry center, a swimming pool with barbeque and lighted tennis and racquetball courts.

Both properties are just a short drive from one another and boast excellent access to Interstate 4 and State Route 98. Windover and Crosswinds apartments feature one- and two-bedroom units and have undergone recent renovations, including upgrades to the roof, windows, sliding doors and kitchens.

CONTACT:
Stacey Corso
Public Relations Manager
Marcus & Millichap
2999 Oak Road
Suite 210
Walnut Creek, CA 94597
Office: 925.953.1716
Mobile: 415.672.6460
Fax: 925.953.1710
http://www.marcusmillichap.com/

Marcus & Millichap Lists 47,149-SF Office Building in Palmdale, CA for $11M

PALMDALE, CA – Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Services, the nation’s largest real estate investment services firm, has retained the exclusive listing for a 47,149-square foot multi-tenant office building in Palmdale, CA. (photo top right)


The listing price of $11 million represents $233 per square foot.

Stephen D. Stein, a vice president of investments in the Los Angeles office of Marcus & Millichap, is representing the seller, Vertigo Real Estate Holdings LP.

“This Palmdale office building represents a tremendous opportunity for an investor to acquire a lucrative and attractive multi-tenant professional and medical office building with upside development potential,” says Stein.

Located at 1529 East Palmdale Blvd., the three-story office building is situated on a 4.09-acre lot along a major east/west commercial corridor. Tenants include Advanced Imaging Center, Antelope Valley Color, Antelope Valley Realty, County of Los Angeles and OTC Medical Management.



Antelope Valley College (photo at left) has requested to expand into an additional 4,700 square feet of the building. Also, plans are in place for a 6,895-square foot retail/restaurant pad on the hard corner as well as a potential 22,900-square foot additional office building towards the rear of the property.

CONTACT:
Stacey Corso
Public Relations Manager
Marcus & Millichap
2999 Oak Road
Suite 210
Walnut Creek, CA 94597
Office: 925.953.1716
Mobile: 415.672.6460
Fax: 925.953.1710
http://www.marcusmillichap.com/

International Hotel Conference Sets Oct. 15-17 for Sixth Annual Event

Expects Record Attendance at Cavalieri Hilton in Rome; Seeks Nominations for “International Hotelier Global Citizen” Award

CHICAGO, Ill., USA/ROME—Officials of the International Hotel Conference are anticipating a record turnout for the Sixth Annual International Hotel Conference, to be held 15-17 October, 2008 at the Cavalieri Hilton (top center photo) in Rome, Italy.

Approximately 550 hotel industry executives from more than 50 countries are expected to attend the event, which will feature 100 key hotel industry speakers.

Among the highlights of the conference will be the presentation of the second annual “International Hotelier Global Citizen” Award. The award honors an international hotelier for his/her leadership in the hospitality industry, as well as humanitarian contributions to society, who is selected by an industry-wide vote of hoteliers.

Last year’s inaugural award went to Hans W.R. Kennedie, president and CEO of the Golden Tulip Hospitality Group.

“The global hotel industry has enjoyed a strong, multi-year period of positive returns,” said Mary Lou Koys and Morris E. Lasky, (photo at left) conference co-chairpersons.

“The challenge in 2008 is to find ways to continue that robust uptrend in the face of more turbulent financial markets and a more uncertain economic outlook," says Lasky. "Growing numbers of hoteliers are looking at multiple global markets to capitalize on opportunities there.

" One of the keys to successful international expansion is establishing strong ties to local business communities. This conference gives participants an opportunity to tap into new resources, expand their contacts and network on a global basis.”

Lasky noted that the “International Hotelier Global Citizen” Award will be presented during the first general session on October 16. The honoree will be selected by an industry-wide vote. The award includes a grant of €5,000, which will be donated to the charity of the honoree’s choice.

Anyone involved in the hotel industry worldwide may submit a nomination of any hotelier of their choice by sending an e-mail to mlasky@aol.com. The nomination must include the person’s basic information and a brief statement about the reason he or she should be selected, based on his/her leadership in the international hotel industry and humanitarian contributions to society. Nominations will be open until June 15, 2008.

The International Hotel Conference is the premier annual gathering of senior level hospitality executives, including owners, operators, brands, leading institutions, bankers, architects/designers, attorneys, brokers and other members of the hotel and related communities.

Additional information about the event, registration, sponsorships and related activities can be found at the event’s Web site http://www.internationalhotelconference.com/, or by contacting the conference organizer, Morris Lasky at mlasky@aol.com.

Media Contact:

Julie Tullbane
Daly Gray Public Relations
T 703-435-6293
F 703-435-6297
julie@dalygray.com