WINE & WOMEN

What better way for CREW women to grab a glass of Riseling than to have some of DFW CRE?s top guys serve it? That was the philosophy of Arledge Partners Real Estate Group prez Susan Arledge (here with Colliers International's McKay Heim at the semi-annual wine and networking event on Thursday at Ryan Manor). Above, Integrated Design Group's Lea Yaest and Structure Tone?s David Snyder, who came up with the idea several years ago. Twice annually, the trio hosts a wine and networking party. It started as an excuse to get together and drink good wine, but now it's progressed (now there's a buffet) into mentoring younger women entering the CRE industry. Susan says you have to create relationships early; it's too late if you start only once you need them.

We grabbed the stewards in the kitchen (briefly leaving many wine glasses empty) for a quick pic. Here's Henry S Miller Investments prez Robert Grunnah, Leslie Enterprises (and developer of Frisco Square) prez Jim Leslie, Susan, StructureTone?s Eric Hage, Paredigm Initiatives prez Chris Ryan (whose home, Ryan Manor, was host for the event), KDC's Paul Rowsey, Lea, Magellan Real Estate prez Phil Baker, Integrated Design Group principal Jack McCarthy, and Arledge Partners Real Estate Group's Jeff Pappas.

Dallas Regional Chamber's Jessica Heer and Nancy Davis flank Telios biz dev wiz Deborah Kirksmith. Telios is working on two downtown revitalization projects: the Continental Building, which is a 300k SF residential and retail project and the old LTV Building, which is 500k SF project slated for retail, hotel, and office. The firm's also wrapping up a $135M BIM-driven healthcare project.

Chris (wearing his late father?s kilt, which has been in the family for more than 60 years) introduced Dallas Symphony Orchestra concertmaster Gary Levinson and students from the lan International Music Festival. The music festival brings students from around the world to train. Two student concerts remain on Tuesday and Thursday at the Cathedral of Hope at 7:30 pm. In May, Chris was named one of the top five most philanthropic men in Dallas in the One Man Dallas competition. We think tipping another glass of Chardonnay Sonoma County Ma Belle-Fille 2008 for a tired reporter is a fabulous cause.