Quarterly: Spring 2000 - GWCAR - Greater Washington Commercial Association of REALTORS

CBQ >> Spring 2000 Issue

GWCAR Regional Breakfast Meetings Address Today's Hottest Commercial Topics

This spring's GWCAR regional breakfast meetings covered major issues facing brokers today, from transportation to telecommunications. The DC, Maryland, and Virginia regional breakfast meetings also give GWCAR members an opportunity to share ideas with other brokers.

Telecommunications and Commercial Real Estate

The Virginia Regional Meeting, held May 11th at the Tycon Courthouse, provided an in-depth look at telecommunications technology and commercial real estate. Christy Cooper, director of real estate for OnSite Access, was the guest speaker at the breakfast. Ms. Cooper explained telecommunications services, including voice, Internet and data, and the various technologies providing those services. The Virginia regional meeting was sponsored by Cushman & Wakefield.

Is Congestion Driving Prosperity Away?

The effect of the Washington area's high traffic volume on business was the topic of the April 25th Maryland regional breakfast meeting. William Lecos, senior vice president of the Washington, DC Board of Trade was the guest speaker. Mr. Lecos discussed how options, such as the Inter-County Connector and alternate routes, can help alleviate the area's congestion and minimize the negative effects on business. The breakfast was sponsored by the Michael Companies.

New Developments North of Massachusetts Avenue

The May 4th DC Regional Breakfast Meeting featured Dr. Marc Weiss, Chairman of the Action 29-New York Avenue Metro Station Corporation. Dr. Weiss discussed the momentum toward approval of this project, and predicted that groundbreaking will happen this November.

Attendees learned that the General Services Administration has funded the new headquarters for the Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms and Tobacco, which is a new 325,000 square foot facility slated for completion in 2003.

The meeting also featured Brendan Owen and Mark Mallus of CB Richard Ellis, who discussed Doug Jemal's 350,000 square foot renovation of the old People's warehouse. The breakfast was sponsored by Fitzgerald Movers.