HOBOKEN, N.J., Oct. 1, 2009 – Successful commercial real estate professionals, brokers, owners and suppliers recently enjoyed an evening of networking aboard “Destiny,” one of the newest private yachts on the Hudson. The joint event between Industrial and Office Brokers Association of the New York Metropolitan Area (IOREBA) and Industrial/Commercial Real Estate Women, Inc. (ICREW NJ) attracted nearly 200 individuals.

The featured speaker, Jerry Zaro, Chief of Governor Corzine’s Office of Economic Growth, provided an overview of the many programs and incentives that the state offers. Chief Zaro touched upon the current challenge of unemployment across the country and encouraged the audience to continue looking for new economic development opportunities. He also spoke about the plans through the Office of Economic Growth to ensure that New Jersey will lead the region and the nation out of the current recession.

“We all understand that this is a time of crisis,” Zaro noted. “This is also a time of maximum opportunity and a time for bold action. The best thing you can do right now is examine the foundation of your business and build on it. That’s what we are doing in Trenton.”

During his remarks, Chief Zaro also highlighted the Economic Stimulus Act of 2009, which Governor Corzine signed in July, while mentioning a third bill is being planned. Although he cited New Jersey’s approval process and tax issues among the state’s biggest obstacles for businesses, he closed by noting “the worst is clearly behind us. With your help, we will seize the opportunity to ensure that New Jersey sets the example – the model – for emerging quickly from the grips of the recession and successfully navigating our way out of this economic storm.”

“Our members are very focused on networking with each other, and they really appreciated the opportunity to share market knowledge, deal updates and commercial real estate news with the members of ICREW who joined us,” stated Charles Logan Jr., president of IOREBA and president and chief executive officer for The Aztec Corporation. Logan further noted that “this event was quite successful with more than 180 attendees and will be the foundation to build on in the future possibly adding another organization to the event for next year’s 2nd Annual IOREBA & ICREW Boat Cruise.”

“Jerry Zaro’s presentation was informative and beneficial to all of our members who attended,” noted Annette Murray, president of ICREW NJ. “The format, on this luxury ship, with the New York and New Jersey skylines as a backdrop on a beautiful fall evening created a very relaxing venue.”

ICREW NJ is a member organization of CREW Network (Commercial Real Estate Women Network). CREW Network is the industry’s premier business organization dedicated to the advancement of women in commercial real estate. Member organizations are comprised of over 8,000 members who represent every discipline within the industry and are located in 67 major markets across North America.

Senior council members were in attendance, including Dave Zimmel, who coordinated with the governor’s office and Jerry Zaro to speak at the event. New associate members present included Phil Desmond, Fania Roofing; Stephen Olefson, Denholtz Associates; and Andrew Picard, Sterling Management.

Charles Logan announced, “IOREBA would like to invite all those interested to join and become an active participant in this growing and progressive networking real estate organization.” He further stated, “The annual fees are among the least expensive of all similar groups.” Applications can be filled out online at www.IOREBA.com. Sean Brady, who is IOREBA’s vice president, has made it his mission to make the membership process easy to join and participate.

With roots dating back to 1927, IOREBA is one of the nation’s largest regional commercial real estate groups; its more than 300 members conduct business in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Connecticut.

IOREBA is dedicated to providing the brokerage community with a forum for networking, education and training. A mix of brokers, developers, service providers, attorneys and those in related real estate industry support services comprise its diversified membership. The organization’s monthly meetings and events feature distinguished speakers, while its popular networking events include an annual Developer’s Night and a Golf, Tennis and Dinner Outing. To learn more about becoming an IOREBA member, visit www.ioreba.com/membership.html.

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