Past Event Highlights

Knowledge for CRE Business Strategy – Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (4.5.22)

The DEI Committee organized a training program which focused on DEI basics and strategies as part of their Diversity Equity and Inclusion training initiative. The two-part program was conducted and led by diversity consultant Sherry Snipes of Global Diversity Collaborative.

P3 Partnerships: A Path for Progressive Development (5.18.22)

Last May 18, CoreNet New Jersey’s Education Committee hosted a highly informative discussion on P3 Partnerships. This model of public private partnerships has created opportunities for development throughout the state of New Jersey.

The panel, led by moderator Susan DiGiacomo (Cumming Group), and panel members, Peter Wolfson (Day Pitney LLP), George Thomas Vallone (Hoboken Brownstone Company) and Lara Schwager (PIRHL), discussed some of the most informative content presented by CoreNet NJ in recent years.

Top Golf (4.12.22)

A fun-filled members-only networking event took place last April 12 at the 1776 Top Golf Swing Suite in Morristown. Guests practiced their golf swings while others chatted with fellow members, enjoying the delicious food and cocktails.

Community Food Bank (11.19.21)

Chapter members spent the morning volunteering at the Community Food Bank of New Jersey in Hillside. We were able to fill over 3,000 bags of pasta for those in need. We have come before and enjoy donating our time to this event, especially during the holidays.

State of the Market (9/31/21)

The most talked about segment was NJ's red hot industrial market of which Kevin Dudley is an expert. He said the industrial market has expanded all the way down to exit 2 on the Parkway. He says the returns are so good that a 7-year lease is the new 15-year lease. If you're building a project, you must have ordered your steel already for anyone to take your schedule seriously. Regarding the office market, Erin Moran summarized it as a "contraction market", and that hybrid is a part of every conversation and she shared the amenities packages that a landlord must have in place to lure tenants. Paul Ceppi gave a brief overview of the State's latest incentive program called the Emerge Program. Peter Bronsnick went on record saying "We have the responsibility to return to the office because the ramifications of not doing so, impact the entire economy." This statement drew applause from the attendees. Michael Ferrell gave some insights on the current state of the construction process for projects.

Women Trailblazers

Even though the weather was not the best and the event was moved indoors, the Women Trailblazers storytelling event was a great turnout and enjoyed by all. In the casual setting of En Masse co-working in Morristown we enjoyed an inspiring evening of storytelling and great conversation with Maxine Mann, Laurie Hutner, Kelcia Azevedo and Brittany Messuti, four women that have driven their own path to success. It was refreshing to be able to connect with others in person and enjoy some light fare and beverages as we were able to share stories and connect with people we haven’t seen in a while and meet some new industry peers as well. We were able to collect items to support Dress for Success as a bonus allowing us to give back to the community.

CNG-NJ Sponsor Appreciation Virtual Wine Tasting Event (11.18.21)

As a thank you for their commitment to the CoreNet NJ chapter, our valued sponsors were invited to attend an intimate Virtual Happy Hour & Wine tasting. On a snowy December evening, Master of Wine, Chris Cree, joined us to introduce his selections and provide his insights into the Burgundy region of France: the terroir, the grapes and wine makers. The wine program was followed by questions and networking.

NJ New Economic Development Incentives (2.25.2021)

In February, we were joined by Jay Biggins of Biggin Lacy Shapiro & Co and Anthony E. Pizzutillo, of Pizzutillo Public Affairs LLC to review the newly released New Jersey economic development incentives legislation. Our panelists discussed the opportunities for job creation and retention under the new “Emerge” program, the opportunities for redevelopment under the new “Aspire” program, and the tax credits available for large scale transformative and community anchor projects. Overall, we got a look into what this new incentive package could mean for growth and development for businesses and real estate in New Jersey.

Women’s Group Spring/Summer Breakfast Series, Spring/Summer 2020

The Women’s group ran a series of thought-provoking series focused on wellness and taking control of mental well-being during these difficult times. In this virtual series, certified life coach Brittany Messuti shared the most effective way to get unstuck fast. She teaches how you can actually change, so you are not just constantly treating the symptoms.

Membership Committee Virtual Happy Hours and Coffee Chats

At these bi-weekly events industry leaders are invited to guest host the sessions and speak to the members about timely topics such as, working from home during COVID-19; planning the return to the office; and the office of the future. These networking events are casual and relaxed. The speaker starts with a brief presentation and then opens up the discussion by inviting participants to share their thoughts, concerns and questions. These forums create an informative, intimate haven for members to learn and share with each other. The Coffee Chats were developed with series host, Rob Zuffi, Principal at Robert Derector Associates and they worked with Brent Kozlowski, Business Development Manager at BE Furniture (a Woman-Owned Business Enterprise) to create the bi-weekly afternoon Happy Hours.

4.2020 Virtual RoundTable with Kay Sargent, HOK

As news of people going back to work spread, our industry has been actively researching to find ways to make the office safe. On April 24, CoreNet NJ held a round table discussion on the topic, “What Will Be the Covid-19 Takeaways for the Workplace?” led by HOK Senior Principal and Director of Workplace Kay Sargent. Kay began by giving an overview of the New Now enumerating the physical and behavioral shifts that will be taking place as we venture into designing the workplace of the future. Most of the questions asked by the audience focused on finding solutions to address the immediate need to provide employees with a safe place to work once shelter-in-place has been lifted. As an end note, Kay challenged the community to think outside the box and to seize this time as an opportunity to design spaces that will set us on a path forward to accommodate the new way of work and into the future.

2. 2020 Hi! Tea

The annual Hi! Tea event that brings together the Women’s Group and Young Leaders for a fun and informative afternoon of mentoring and networking in a relaxed and inspiring setting. Mentors from diverse backgrounds will be in attendance to share their industry insights while enjoying light refreshments. This event is exclusive and has limited availability.

1.2020 Behind the Scenes at Amazon

Have you ever wondered how Amazon manages to deliver so many packages with such quick delivery times? Well, on January 21st a group of 35 CoreNet NJ members got a special behind-the-scenes look at the 1.2 million square foot Amazon Fulfillment Center in Robbinsville, NJ. Participants received an exclusive guided tour focused on the process of sorting and shipping all your Amazon packages!

11.7.2019 CoreNet NJ Women’s Group: How Workplace Technology Enhances the User Experience at Verizon

On November 7th, the CoreNet NJ Women’s Group hosted a successful networking event held at the impressive Verizon Headquarters in Basking Ridge. The evening began with a cocktail hour where members and guests enjoyed a colorful spread of fall-inspired hors d’oeuvres paired with delicious wines and desserts specially prepared by Verizon’s in-house chefs. Executive Director Joseph Rossi and Manager of Hospitality Tom Maldrie, two of Verizon’s Global Real Estate leaders, gave an in-depth presentation on How Workplace Technology Enhances the User Experience at Verizon. Inspired by principles derived from hospitality, Verizon created a people-centric platform where it uses technology as a solution to create an environment that positively impacts the human experience in the workplace. The topic aroused much interest from the audience that the presentation ended with a dynamic Q&A. The evening concluded with everyone leaving on a high note. Well done!

For photos, please click on the link.
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/lwkud2lkmej1vb3/AAAHuni41ITkoXc1M18NGGgza?dl=0.

9. 2019 Airplane Pull: Chapter Pulls its Weight to Support Special Olympics

The annual Airplane Pull was hosted at Newark international Airport, which is the ultimate test of strength to benefit the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics. Teams of 20 are put together to try and pull a Boeing 737-824, the N78501 aircraft owned by United weighing over 93,000 pounds without any passengers.

This is the first year the CoreNet Global New Jersey Chapter participated in the event. The chapter entered a team of 14 participants and pulled the aircraft 12 feet in 10.43 seconds. Additionally, they raised $3,866 towards a total of $120,189 from a total of 44 teams. The chapter may have placed 33rd overall, but they placed 6th for the largest team donation.

Special thanks to Shane Whelan from KBA Lease Services who organized the event and was a great team captain. We look forward to seeing more people participate in the annual Airplane Pull in 2020 with a full team of 20 members!

4.11.19 Learning to be Your Authentic Self

Business by Human Design was the topic for the April 11th Women’s Group Breakfast. In this interactive workshop attendees learned about the five different Human Design energy types and how to follow their intuition for success in business and personal life. The simplest way to describe Human Design is that it’s an awareness tool that opens you up to the amazing individual that you are. Human Design reminds us that all you have to do to be a “success” is be your authentic self.

4.10.19 Barclays: Reinventing the New Jersey Office Campus

The amazing Barclays campus in Whippany, New Jersey is no longer just a business campus -- but an EXPERIENCE! On April 10th CoreNet NJ had the opportunity to visit the campus and hear from the project leaders. The reinventing of the New Jersey Office Campus has created a dynamic and flexible workplace. Barclays Capital has given their people an environment where they can innovate and collaborate with each other. The panel was moderated by Scott Lesh, Managing Director, JLL and included several knowledgeable guest speakers, making for another great event with the CoreNet NJ Chapter.

3.28.19 Lessons Learned from Superstorm Sandy

Hosted by Mack Cali, over 40 members and guests enjoyed fantastic views of the NYC skyline and an even more fantastic line up of speakers at the March 28th Hoboken Resiliency Program and Networking Event. Panelists used a case study on how the City of Hoboken has responded years later in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy by implementing key flood protection measures. City resiliency efforts with new construction and existing buildings were discussed and attendees learned strategies on how to design commercial assets to withstand future storms.

Panelists included, Caleb Stratton, Chief Resilience Officer, City of Hoboken; Matt Testa, Construction Director, Bijou Properties; Dean Marchetto, Founding Principal, MHS Architects; and Ann Holtzman, Zoning Officer & Flood Plain Administrator, City of Hoboken.

2.28.19 Women's Group Hi! Tea | Grand Café, Morristown

The CoreNet NJ Women’s Group and the Young Leaders Committee hosted a ‘women only’ event for mentoring and socializing. This interactive program allowed young leaders to exchange ideas and connect with established leaders in the NJ Market. Professional development is an important component of CoreNet NJ. Thank you to our mentors for inspiring our young leaders and helping them to understand how to grow in their careers.

Our mentors included: Mary Beth Sullivan, Teknion; Susan Kupfer, WB Wood; Joy Young, J&J; Brenda Nyce Taylor, Gensler; Allison Arnold, Cadence; Andrea Megnin, Barclays; Jodie Matthews, JLL; Lisa Brinkman, HOK; Marianne Zeller, chapter president; and Sabina Certa, Atlantic Health Systems.

2.19.19 CoreNet New Jersey Chapter
Leadership 2019 Vision Strategic Planning Session

By Julie May, Gunlock

Twenty members of the Executive Committee and Committee Chairs met on Friday, November 2nd at Gensler’s Morristown office to develop a robust agenda for roll out in 2019 that includes trends in technology and real estate, CRE best practices and education, philanthropic initiatives in the community, and leadership training. Inspirational ideas were shared amongst the attendees to continue to bring value to the New Jersey market this upcoming year.

10.24.19 New Member Orientation- “How To Maximize Your CoreNet Membership”

By Julie May, Gunlock

The Membership committee held the bi-annual New Member Orientation- “How To Maximize Your CoreNet Membership” on Wednesday, October 24th at Commercial Furniture Interiors’ (CFI), the Diamond Level Chapter Sponsor, office in Mountainside.

New and prospective chapter members networked with the chapter executive board members and committee chairs in the beginning of the evening, which was followed by an informative program on the membership benefits and how getting involved with committees and events is a great opportunity for career and relationship development, as well as great market insights.

Rich Franklin, incoming Chapter President, from PSE&G kicked off the presentation by sharing his own experiences with CoreNet and his involvement has benefited his career. Each of the seven committee chairs went through how their committees contribute to the overall success of the chapter. It was a great night for all who attended! Thank you to CFI for hosting and our sponsors!

10.11.18 CoreNet Women’s Event

By Julie May, Gunlock

On the evening of October 11th the Women’s Group hosted a panel discussion focused on change management at IMAGINE in Mountainside, NJ. The evening started out with the attendees networking while enjoying some delicious food and wine. After everyone had their fill, the program proceeded with a brief introduction of the space, IMAGINE, by its Executive Director Mary Robinson.IMAGINE is a great organization that provides complimentary grief support to children, young adults and families coping with the death or life-altering illness of a parent, sibling or child. Their space was inviting and certainly felt like a safe haven.

Moderator Melissa Strickland then introduced panelists of the evening; Nancy De Lorenzo (Head of Facilities, Management and Regional Operations, Zurich North America), Marilyn Simone (Program Manager, Campus Interiors, Princeton University), Nathalia Uquillas (Global Real Estate Workplace, Transformation Manager, Verizon) and Joy Young (Senior Manager, Workplace Strategy – Americas, Johnson & Johnson). The panelists talked about the various strategies, methods and tools that they used to help their employees smoothly transition to changes in their workplace environment. They emphasized the importance of having a defined roadmap in implementing the change; to clearly and effectively communicate these changes to employees; to provide adequate support; and to continually engage employees throughout the process so that they feel that they are a part of the overall vision. Overall, the event was a success.Thank you to our Event Sponsors: Allermuir, Haworth, maharam, Star-Lo.

9.26.18 CoreNet New Jersey Honors Its Sponsors

CoreNet New Jersey hosted its annual Sponsor Appreciation Event on September 26, with about 20 members gathering at The Manor in West Orange for lively cocktail hour conversation, followed by an intimate sit-down dinner.

Richard Franklin, Chapter VP/President-Elect addressed the group and extended a sincere “thank you” to the many companies whose support allows CoreNet New Jersey to present an increasingly extensive array of programs and other opportunities for networking and professional development. A long-time CoreNet New Jersey member who also served on the Board from 2001 to 2008, Franklin provided some thoughtful perspective on how the group has evolved over the years and noted how critical sponsorship has been to that evolution.

Avison Young’s Steve Bleiweiss, who chairs the Sponsorship Committee, echoed Franklin’s sentiments: “We appreciate our sponsors’ generous support. We will continue to develop programs and initiatives that deliver value to our sponsors as well as our Chapter members!”

Attendees seemed to share that enthusiasm for CoreNet’s current offerings, with many planning to participate in upcoming events, including the New Jersey Chapter’s Women’s Event on October 11 and the Global Summit in Boston on October 14-17. Not surprisingly, these CRE professionals also discussed various industry issues, from the tech sector’s cultural impact on established companies to the sometimes unexpected challenges of an open floor plan. Additional topics included favorite travel destinations (Germany, anyone?), hot spots in Philadelphia, and a variety of other fun subjects.

Membership Co-Chair Liz Archer from Dewberry Engineers commented, “The Sponsorship Appreciation Event is my favorite CoreNet event, actually, because the sponsors are very serious about their engagement with CoreNet and the discussions and networking tends to be very high-level. With several headquarter offices located in NJ, we have access to some of the CRE profession’s top leaders and it is a very exciting place to be connected.”

8.22.18 CoreNet NJ Summer Social Heads to Jersey City!

By Annemarie Fleming, MovePlan

On August 22nd , the CoreNet NJ Chapter hosted an outdoor Summer Social at the Lutze Biergarten in Jersey City. The weather was perfect for this fresh air gathering of friends, old and new, who enjoyed postcard gorgeous views of NYC. There was plenty of networking going on as the beer taps and wine orders were delivered to the guests who filled plates with summer style treats like pigs in a blanket, veggies and dip, mini crab cakes and other treats. While most guests drove to the venue, some got to enjoy a water view of the festivities on the water taxi ride back to New York City. The turnout was great, with more than 80 members and guests in attendance. Many thanks to the Special Events committee for putting on such an enjoyable gathering.

3.1.18 Bits & Bytes: Cyber Security and CRE: Managing the Risks and Safeguarding Your Business

Over 40 people attended the March 1st Bits & Bytes panel discussion at McCloone’s Boathouse in West Orange for an informative and interesting panel discussion on cyber security. With all of the advancements in technology- mobility and the movement to cloud technology for data storage- individuals and organizations are at a higher risk of being compromised and potentially hacked.

The three panelists- Anupam Goradia, Senior Manager, Cyber & Information Security Services, Withum; Rich Schatzberg, CFO- SWK Technologies; and Don Sebastian, SVP, Research &; Development- NJIT all agreed that building awareness through ongoing education of the types of security risks and how to avoid them was one of the best preventative measures for organizations to invest in.

Emphasis on proactively mitigating risk through infrastructure planning in current and future environments was another topic discussed. As it relates to building and tenant services- safety through building cyber security is a major consideration for organizations leasing space. Security compliances, like System and Organization Controls (SOC) Compliance, is becoming a part of more tenant leases to help with combating exposure. Other security measures discussed were layered security, investing in firewalls, and creating business continuity through data recovery processes.

The evening concluded with wine and olive oil tastings that did not disappoint. had a wonderful selection of a variety of wines that ranged from light body to more robust in flavor- as well as olive oils from different regions.

1.17.18 Vested Outsourcing

Not content to let the snow settle or the ground thaw, we started our programming early in the year with our Vested Outsourcing event on January 17th. The discussion between Louis Fitzpatrick from Novartis and Michael Thompson of JLL was moderated by SIREAS President Ingrid Fenn. With 50 people in attendance the panel quickly morphed into a back and forth discussion between the panelists and the audience about breaking down institutional silo’s and winning buy in throughout the organization. The panelists walked the audience through the Vested process, extending the conversation beyond the Novartis and JLL dynamic and exploring the evaluation process of partnership. Those who braved the elements to join the dialogue were richly rewarded with this inaugural 2018 event.

Past Event Highlights