News
THE RETAIL NETWORK
February 23, 2009
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| Almost a year old, 350-member non-profit The Retail Network is growing every day. Friday, we met with founders Jayson Siano of CB Richard Ellis, Stu Fagen of The Fagen Group, and Josh Weinkranz of Kimco Realty, who are focused on putting the group on the map this year—they tell us they won't be satisfied until all retail real estate-focused professionals in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut are members. |
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| TRN was created when they realized there wasn't a retail-specific group focused on the metro area. They filled the void by bringing retail-related brokers, landlords/developers, retailers, architects, and the allied trades to network and do deals. This is just another way to generate business in a slowing economy, they say, but with a fun, fresh approach. The usual dress code? Business trendy, so rip off those ties or break out those suit jackets and jeans. |
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| It held its first event at the Garden City Hotel in October. Over 350 professionals attended; they only expected 200 (including Josh's second child, was due that very night, but was kind enough to wait). Its '09 calendar kicks off April 22 at the new Citi Field, with proceeds going to a number of charities. Meanwhile, the founders are quite busy: Stu started his own shopping center investment firm in January and has a new bulldog, Ginger; while Jayson just returned from a trip to Paris with his girlfriend. We trust they checked out the retail. |
