One Mann's Opinion

Welcome to the April issue of Mann Report — your go-to guide for the latest happenings in commercial real estate. Spring is here, which I think is great for those of us in commercial real estate. Although everything still isn’t “coming up roses” in regards to the economy, the days are longer and warmer, and it’s the perfect season to show off property and get deals done right.

Our cover story this month is on M&T Bank, who is already helping its commercial clients seal deals from Western New York State down to Virginia. But in our feature article, writer Peter Haas speaks with M&T’s major players about the bank’s work with not-for-profits in particular and how M&T’s commitment to these groups is allowing them to blossom.

We also have profiles on: Edmond Levy, Cornerstone Property Group; Miguel Valcarcel, GKV Architects; Gus Ezcurra, Advanced Telemetry; Jerry Welkis, Welco Realty Inc.; Ofer Cohen, TerraCRG Commercial Realty Group; and Victor Menkin, Menkin Realty Services.

Spring is also a great time to get out there and do some networking. I suggest joining a real estate trade association (or two) to get the most bang for your buck. One of the most prestigious real estate trade associations in New York, as well as the state’s first, is the Real Estate Board of New York, a.k.a. REBNY. I know many of you are already members, and that is why I am proud to present photos from REBNY’s 114th Annual Banquet in the opening pages of our photo events section. The banquet, held at the New York Hilton, feted Mary Ann Tighe and her appointment as the first female REBNY chairman.

Other fun events we bring to you this month include: real estate veteran David Steiner’s 80th birthday celebration, which was held at Steiner Studios and attended by such notables as Governor Jon Corzine and actress Valerie Harper; Skyline Developers and Newmark Knight Frank’s joint super bowl buffet, which was hosted by Orin Wilf and Billy Cohen at the recently refurbished 1040 Avenue of the Americas; State of Israel Bonds’ Real Estate and Construction Division Luncheon, which honored William Macklowe, chairman and CEO of Macklowe Properties; and the American Jewish Congress’ 45th Annual Financial Services Industries Awards Luncheon, held at The Pierre with 400 guests in attendance.

If you are interested in meeting and mingling with the best and the brightest in real estate — which I’m sure you are — I encourage you to attend the Mann Foundation’s Fifth Annual Mann of the Year Awards on April 19th at Cipriani 42nd Street. You can expect a fabulous evening full of great food, great drinks and great people. And as you celebrate, you will be aiding in the discovery of a cure for Alzheimer’s because proceeds from the event will benefit the Alzheimer’s Disease Reasearch Center at Mount Sinai.

Can’t wait to see you there!


Regards,
Jeff