ICSC World Summit – Shanghai, China
I just recently returned from the ICSC World Summit in Shanghai, China, where worldwide trustees gathered for a meeting.
I was asked to take part in one of the panel discussions to talk about Stirling Properties and the risks, challenges, and opportunities of being a private, regionally-focused real estate firm that deals in multiple property types.
In contrast, others on the panel were CEOs of large public REITs and foreign-based development firms who discussed the same issues from their vantage points.
Needless to say, my perspective was starkly different from theirs in many aspects.
Interestingly enough, several other trustees approached me afterwards to say how much they envied our position of being able to grow in our own backyard and carve a unique niche for ourselves.
What was amazing was that these comments came from some of the largest multinational retail developers in the world.
Sometimes going halfway around the world helps us to focus even more clearly on our own backyard.
President’s Message: Optimism and Growth at ICSC
Having recently returned from Las Vegas where I attended my 25th consecutive International Council of Shopping Centers Convention, I am struck by several themes that continued to emerge for me.
The upbeat mood and sense of optimism was widespread and apparent, a stark contrast to the mood two years ago. Convention attendance improved again this year which kept our booth buzzing with retailers, lenders and investors looking to learn more about our properties and services.
The amount of new development activity that we have in progress is incredible. Our colleagues in other regions were amazed to hear about the number of projects we currently have in the pipeline. Our markets are attracting a lot of attention both from new retailers entering for the first time, and from those looking to expand their footprints.
New Orleans, in particular, is in a sweet spot unlike I’ve ever witnessed in my career.
Now, more than ever, the importance of a strong brand is paramount to success in today’s environment. In order to attract capital, gain the confidence of retailers and navigate the complexities of a new development, it is crucial to have a strong track record and a well-respected brand.
I was once again reminded how strong our Stirling brand has become, in every niche we occupy, both locally and nationally.
While there are many uncertainties on the horizon – capital availability and terms, internet sales’ impact on bricks and mortar stores and consumer confidence; I believe we are well situated to weather those uncertainties and continue to experience new growth and prosperity.
Stirling Properties’ Marty Mayer to Serve on ICSC’s Worldwide Board of Trustees
COVINGTON, Louisiana – (June 1, 2011) Marty Mayer, President and CEO of Stirling Properties, has been appointed to serve on the International Council of Shopping Centers’ (ICSC) Worldwide Board of Trustees. The appointment became official during ICSC’s Annual Meeting of Regular Members, which was held during ICSC RECon in Las Vegas, Nevada on Monday, May 23, 2011.
Fifty-two voting members from South America, Mexico-Central America, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Canada, Asia and the United States make up the Board of Trustees. Mayer is one of 12 new trustees appointed to serve a three year term.
As a member of the Board of Trustees, Mayer is charged with establishing policies and governing all matters for ICSC’s worldwide members as well as assisting ICSC in the implementation of its mission statement.
“It is a great honor to be selected by ICSC to be one of the 52 worldwide trustees,” stated Mayer. “To be among such a distinguished and accomplished group of individuals who have contributed so much to our industry is most certainly due to the reputation of Stirling Properties and my associates who have been so involved since the company’s inception.”
Mayer is currently a member of ICSC’s Open Air Center Committee in which he was the Co-Chairman of from 2008 to 2010. Previously, he served as the Louisiana State Director and the Louisiana State Operations Director for ICSC.
