Fall 2012 - CREW Orlando

INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Letter from the President............. 1
Celebration of Champions........... 2
UCREW™...................................... 3
CREW Member News................... 4
Member Services.......................... 5
New Members............................... 6
From the Podium (August)........... 8
From the Podium (July & June)... 9
Educational Update.................... 10
Sponsor Spotlight....................... 11
Our 2012 Sponsors..................... 13
Save the date for these
great events...
NATIONAL CONVENTION
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
For 25 years, CREW Orlando has enjoyed
the benefits of building a powerful network
among its membership, but the local network
is only a piece of the opportunity that exists
for you as a member of CREW. In October,
YOUR national networking partners will
meet in Chicago for what is one of the
most powerful ways to take advantage of
your membership. When I attended my first
national convention I was hesitant to make
the initial investment of time and money. I’d
always heard great things, but I felt that since
I worked in Florida, I would likely get my
opportunities from spending my money and
time attending events in-state.
1,000 attendees last
year, there are 1,000
plus opportunities
awaiting you in
Chicago.
Last year, Anne
Spencer wrote a
wonderful article with
tips to have a great
MARY PAT DUNLEAVY
convention. I thought
2012 CREW ORLANDO
it would be worth
PRESIDENT
repeating as a great
“how to” list for getting the most out of your
time in Chicago.
TEL 407.926.4120 | FAX 407.236.0430
[email protected]
1. Bring business cards.
2. Bring comfortable shoes.
3. Connect with CREW Network members in
your company – if you work for a firm with
Q: Did I get opportunities that translated
offices across the country.
into “real” revenue for me in Florida?
4. Connect with CREW Network members
who you’ve never met…in advance (by
A: Yes! I’ve had 5 – 10 referrals and sent
going over the registration list).
them all to clients in my Florida network, so
5. Connect with other business associates
we all benefited from my networking.
you’ve worked with, but never met in
Q: Did I find it personally beneficial?
person.
6.
Get plenty of rest BEFORE the
A: Yes! The speakers, the panelists and the
conference.
workshops all left me with pages and pages
7.
Follow up afterward with all of your new
of notes. I brought back ideas that I was
contacts (writing notes on the back
able to share with our staff in Florida and
of business cards is a good way to
I learned a lot from the presentations, so I
remember them).
was more informed.
8. Tell your boss and your coworkers about
Q: Overall, was it worth the investment
your success.
of time and money?
Now that you have a testimonial from me about the
value of the convention and a “how to” list from
A: Absolutely! I am part of a vibrant and
growing local chapter that is connected to a Anne, you have nothing holding you back. See
vibrant, growing national organization. It is you in Chicago!
_________________________________________
a powerful feeling to understand the scope
Mary Pat Dunleavy
of YOUR CREW network and with nearly
2012 CREW Orlando President
WWW.CREWORLANDO.ORG
FALL 2012
OCTOBER 24-27
2012 CREW Network Convention &
Marketplace | Hilton Chicago
More Information
Register For This Event
ANNUAL EVENT
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3
8:00 am - 1:00 pm
1st Annual UCREW - University
Outreach Program
TLC Engineering for Architecture
More Information
Register For This Event
________________________________________
Luncheons are held at The Citrus Club
18th Floor, The Citrus Center,
255 S. Orange Ave.
________________________________________
CREW Orlando Programs, Networking, and
Lunch Meetings: 3rd Wednesday of the
Month, 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Please visit our website at
www.creworlando.org
for details on specific events.
CREW ORLANDO
Commercial Real Estate Women
37 N. ORANGE AVE., SUITE 500
ORLANDO, FL 32801
Thankfully, I decided to go for it, and I can
honestly say I won’t miss another national
convention again.
9th Annual
Celebration
of Champions
“Celebrating
25 years of
women’s growth
in commercial
real estate”
& 25th Anniversary Event
The CREW Orlando Annual Celebration of
Champions Event is scheduled for Friday, November
9th from 5:30 to 9:30 PM at the Citrus Club in
Downtown Orlando. This year’s event will celebrate
the successes of our members in commercial real
estate in the Central Florida community. Come and
celebrate CREW Orlando’s 25th anniversary event
with special 25th anniversary award categories,
a fabulous silent auction and networking with the
most successful women and men in commercial real
estate in Central Florida.
For sponsorship information,
contact Christine Elias.
WWW.CREWORLANDO.ORG
HONORING:
Rising Star
Member of the Year
Company of the Year
Outstanding Achievement Award
Community Impact Award
Networking Deal of the Year
President’s Award
NEW Award Category!
NEW Award Category!
FALL 2012
2
1 ST ANNUAL UCREW ™ PROGRAM!
Help the next generation of interior
designers, attorneys, bankers, brokers,
and environmental consultants get
involved! This year, CREW Orlando is
offering a program designed to introduce
college students to career opportunities
in commercial real estate: UCREW™.
Our goal is to inspire the next generation
by introducing them to the veterans of
the CREW Orlando network, get them
involved, and show that support can lead
to success.
Join us for this year’s 2012 UCREW™
interactive program as we introduce
young women in Central Florida to the
exciting career possibilities commercial
real estate can offer. This event will
allow participants to hear first-hand from
working professionals as they discuss their
roles in this cutting edge industry and learn
from their experiences how to take the first
steps towards a successful career.
When:
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Check-in: 8:00 AM
Where:
TLC Engineering for Architecture
Magic Room - 11th Floor
255 S. Orange Avenue, Suite 1600
Orlando, FL 32801
Who:
Share this information with college-aged
women who could benefit from the
program.
Cost: FREE! Continental breakfast and snacks
will be provided.
How:
If you are interested in participating,
please contact:
Christyne Albury
407-237-1737
[email protected]
Participants will have the opportunity
to recruit potential interns during the
event. This is a great opportunity to
find and nurture new talent from the
beginning!
This unique event will also include a tour
of the construction site for the new Dr.
Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in
Downtown Orlando.
WWW.CREWORLANDO.ORG
FALL 2012
3
CREW MEMBER NEWS
SIGNATURE SYSTEMS
COMPLETES DISNEY PROJECT
Signature Systems of Florida recently
completed the low-voltage electrical fire
alarm installation project for Disney’s Art
of Animation Resort (DAAR). Disney’s
newest resort encompasses 1,120 suites
and 864 rooms featuring the décor of
various Disney-themed movies. Signature
Systems of Florida contracted with Tri-City Electrical
Contractors, and Hardin Construction is the general
contractor. The contract was valued at $465,000.00.
CHRISTINE ELIAS
APPOINTED TO USGBC
TOWER REALTY PARTNERS
NEGOTIATES NEW LEASE
Tiffany Zullo of Tower Realty Partners, Inc.
negotiated a seven-year lease for 7,233 square
feet of office space at Century Plaza, located at
135 West Central Boulevard. The tenant is the
Association Law Firm.
REBECCA STEIN
TIFFANY ZULLO
Tower Realty Partners
HUNTONBRADY COMPLETES
HEALTHCARE PROJECT
HuntonBrady Architects
recently completed
Christine Elias, Director of Marketing Signature
a 6,000 square feet,
Systems of Florida and current CREW Orlando
eight-bed, pediatric
Board Director at Large was recently appointed Vice
bone marrow transplant
Chairperson of The US Green Building Council of
unit on the fifth floor
Central Florida. Christine held the Secretary Position
of Florida Hospital for
in 2011, as well as being the USGBC Brevard Branch
Children in Orlando, Florida. The hospital is the
liaison for the Chapter since 2010.
only one in Central Florida to offer this advanced
treatment exclusively to children. The firm designed
CHRISTINE ELIAS
highly specialized, sterile and comfortable rooms
Signature Systems of Florida
for the specific needs of patients who are severely
immunocompromised
and vulnerable to
FDG {CREATIVE} HONORED WITH AWARDS,
infection.
OPENS NEW OFFICE
Stephanie Darden, president and creative director of FDG {creative}
has been recognized as one of Orlando’s Top 40 Under 40 winners
for a third time.
FDG {creative} opened a second office in New Orleans in June.
Since completing their first project in the Crescent City (http://
ColumbiaParc.com) their New Orleans portfolio has expanded
and now includes branding and strategic marketing for new developments
underway with McCormack Baron Salazar, Volunteers of America Greater New
Orleans, Columbia Residential, and the Housing Authority of New Orleans. They
were also awarded the social media and media planning services account for
Super Bowl 2013, which takes place in New Orleans next year.
VOA NAMED AMONG
“BEST PLACES TO WORK IN 2012”
STEPHANIE DARDEN
FDG {creative}
VOA was named among the “Best Places to Work in
2012” by the Orlando Business Journal’s annual survey.
The survey, released in late July, is designed to honor
the area’s leading employers. Selected companies are
those that go beyond the norm to foster an enjoyable and
meaningful work environment for their employees. VOA
ranked third among only eight small firms (with 10-50
employees) named in this year’s survey, reaching a score of nearly
97% out of a perfect 100 for employee satisfaction.
BEVERLY BELL
VOA
WWW.CREWORLANDO.ORG
KAREN MOOREFIELD
HuntonBrady
Architects
SPECTRA CONTRACT
FLOORING AWARDED
PLANET HOLLYWOOD
PROJECT
Spectra Contract Flooring is
pleased to announce that it
was awarded the
Planet Hollywood
Headquarters
project. Working
in conjunction
with Cushman
& Wakefield’s
Corporate Occupier and
Investor Services group,
Spectra participated throughout
the design development
phase of the project and was
ultimately awarded the contract
for Division 9-Flooring. This
19,400 SF space is located
in the Millenia Park area. The
headquarters space is very
contemporary, yet classic. The
interior design and finishes
reflect Hollywood’s core
business brand.
LIBBY WINGARD
Spectra Contract Flooring
HENSEL PHELPS AWARDED NEW
PROJECT AT HYATT GRAND CYPRESS
On July 9, 2012, Hensel Phelps Construction Co. received
the Notice to Proceed from Hyatt Development for the
Hyatt Grand Cypress Pool Renovation project located in
Orlando, next to Walt Disney World. The project includes
the renovation of an 800,000-gallon half-acre lagoon-style
pool with 12 waterfalls, several grottos, spa tubs, a brand
new rock-climbing wall, an interactive water feature, a new
waterslide, a kid-friendly heated pool, all of the surrounding
pool decks, landscaping, as well as rock-themed retaining
walls. This oasis is the first part of Orlando’s Top 5-Star
Resort plan. With a construction
start date of August 13, 2012, the
project is in close coordination
with resort staff for minimal
disruption to guests. The project
will be completed in February of
2013, just in time for spring break.
MACKENZIE ARNOLD
Hensel Phelps Construction Co.
FALL 2012
4
MEMBER SERVICES
CREW Orlando Spa Day
SATURDAY, AUGUST 25TH
CREW Members Relax and Refresh
On Saturday August 25th, fifteen CREW
Orlando members participated in CREW
Spa Day at the Orlando Peabody
Hotel. The pay-your-way event was
open to all CREW Orlando members
who serve on a committee. From
facials to massages and pedicures,
CREW members had the chance to
relax and refresh, and then join together
for a private lunch overlooking the Spa’s
courtyard serenity pool.
The Peabody Spa is one of Orlando’s newest
day spas, and is certainly world class in its decor, its
amenities and its service. Many thanks to Jennifer Barrows of
Herman Miller for putting together such a pleasantly memorable experience for
CREW Orlando’s committee members.
Upcoming Event:
Your Member Services Committee has been hard at
work developing some interesting, informative and fun
activities and events for our chapter.
Fourth Quarter Members Only Event: A
Taste of Winter Garden: Something Old,
Something New, Something CREW!
LATE NOVEMBER/EARLY DECEMBER
6:00 TO 8:30 PM
This event, hosted and sponsored by R.C. Stevens, will
feature tours of the Bond Building located in the heart
of historic Winter Garden. This is an excellent example
of a successful adaptive reuse project. R.C. Stevens will
be conducting tours of the historic Bond Building, and
Laura Barbero-Buffa will lead break-out sessions on
how to better utilize new media outlets to increase your
business opportunities. Participants will then embark
on a traditional pub-crawl at some of the fabulous new
eateries and bars in beautiful Winter Garden. For more
information, please contact Libby Wingard of Spectra
Contract Flooring at: [email protected].
WWW.CREWORLANDO.ORG
Drawing Held
Thursday,
October 25, 2012
during the 2012
CREW Network
Convention held in
Chicago, IL.
CREW Network
Foundation
®
CLICK HERE to ENTER TODAY
The 501(c)3 philanthropic arm
®
of CREW Network
FALL 2012
5
GREETINGS
FROM YOUR MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
From the perspective of your membership
committee, CREW Orlando certainly knows
how to mark a milestone year! How, you
ask? By getting a record number of topnotch, local CRE professionals to join in our
celebration! That’s right, we not only met the
special membership goal set by the board
for our chapter’s Silver Anniversary year . . .
but we kept right on going!
record-setting month with 17 new member
applications submitted to the board for
review - and we didn’t stop there. With
special mid-year membership rates, diligent
follow-up of prospective members by
the membership committee, and maybe
even the tail-end of the reCREWtment
Campaign, CREW Orlando’s total
membership exceeded 150 by August!
It seemed that as the temperature rose this
summer, so did the number of applications
for membership. In fact, July alone was a
A huge congratulations to our dedicated
membership committee for their hard work,
but even more so, a big THANK YOU to
each member of our chapter who recruited
new members by their testimony and
passion for the organization.
Welcome to our new members! We
traditionally hold an annual new member
breakfast to welcome everyone and
introduce CREW while networking with
each other. Because of our huge 2011/2012
number we had to expand our planning.
New members will receive an invitation to
the New Member Cocktail Welcome on
October 10th, 2012, hosted at Ember with
hors d’oeuvres and beverages. The evening
will include two round-table introduction
scrambles to get the networking going.
WELCOME NEW 2012
CREW ORLANDO MEMBERS!
Help us celebrate a
banner 25th anniversary
year and this remarkable
achievement by warmly
welcoming the following
members to our chapter:
SARAH L. RIFFE
TARA B. BLEAKLEY
Scientist, AerostarSES, LLC
Marketing Specialist of TLC
Engineering for Architecture, Inc.
AerostarSES, LLC is a full-service environmental,
engineering and remediation firm providing a
broad range of services to commercial, industrial,
and governmental agencies located throughout
the United States.
TLC Engineering for Architecture, Inc.
is one of the largest MEP and structural
engineering firms in the country dedicated
to sustainable design.
I joined CREW to meet other career driven women
and become more active in marketing. I hope to
expand my network and connect with new people
on the commercial side of my industry.
_____________________________________
I became a member of CREW to build my
professional relationships and gain further
insight on the Central Florida Commercial
market.
_____________________________________
REBECCA F. STEIN
ALEXANDRA S. WINSLER
TIFFANY LEE ZULLO
Property Manager, Tower Realty
Partners, Inc.
Associate at Real Estate Research
Consultants, Inc. – A GAI Company
Director of Leasing, Tower Realty
Partners, Inc.
Tower Realty Partners, Inc. is an
investment firm focusing on valueadded opportunities throughout
Florida. It offers a full spectrum of real
estate services to complement its
investment strategy, including property
management, development, leasing,
and ownership.
Real Estate Research Consultants provides real
estate and economic advisory services to public,
institutional, and private clients throughout the
United States and Caribbean basin. RERC
supports the needs of its clients through
customized, innovative solutions that address a
variety of complex, high profile real estate and
planning needs.
Tower Realty is a commercial real estate
investment firm that specials in identifying
undervalued assets and increase their
value through aggressive leasing,
renovation, and capital investment
strategies. We currently own over 3 million
square feet of office properties throughout
the state of Florida.
I joined CREW to become more
familiar with the Orlando market and
commercial real estate in general and
to cultivate new business relationships.
I joined CREW to grow my professional network
in the Orlando area and beyond. I hope to
contribute to and benefit from the strength of the
organization and its members.
I joined CREW for business network
opportunities with other professionals in
my field as well as relationship building.
WWW.CREWORLANDO.ORG
continued on next page
FALL 2012
6
WELCOME NEW 2012 CREW ORLANDO MEMBERS!
CONTINUED...
M AKE TH E
M O S T O F YO U R
M E M B ER SH IP
JOIN A
COMMITTEE
Finance
Programs
Sponsorship
CREW Careers
Golf Tournament
Membership
Communications/
Public Relations
Member Services
Community
Outreach
To join a committee, contact
Jan Rothfeld, Creative Space +
Management,
at [email protected]
LAURA M. LINTON
LISA RICHARDS
Development Coordinator,
Tijuana Flats Burrito Co./Tibby’s
New Orleans Kitchen
Business Development Manager, R.C.
Stevens Construction Company
Tijuana Flats Burrito Co. is an
innovative and fresh Tex-Mex restaurant
known for its friendly and relaxing
atmosphere. Tijuana Flats is rapidly
expanding throughout the southeastern
United States. From the creators of
Tijuana Flats, Tibby’s New Orleans
Kitchen is an authentic New Orleans
style restaurant, blending food, funk,
music and soul. The growing concept
has future plans for expansion.
As a new member of CREW, I hope
to expand my professional network,
develop as a young professional,
and become actively involved in the
organization.
__________________________________
SUSAN ELLIOTT-RINK
Director of Business
Development, EDC Group
EDC Group (Environmentally Dedicated
Contractors) has a nationwide footprint
(based in Longwood, FL) comprised
of three divisions: Commercial
Construction including design and
build, Facility Maintenance serving
property management companies and
businesses, and Energy Optimization
where we are partnered with Lockheed
Martin.
I joined CREW to connect with other
professionals in the commercial
real estate industry and explore
opportunities to collaborate and
support one another’s growth.
R.C. Stevens Construction Company is a design
builder and general contractor specializing in
healthcare, process & manufacturing plants and
other commercial projects.
I joined CREW to inform others as to the services
R.C. Stevens Construction Company offers and to
learn about what others in the organization do in
order to gain future business relationships.
_____________________________________
CINDY COLVIN
First Vice President, CRE Special Assets
Officer at SunTrust Bank
SunTrust bank provides deposit, credit, trust and
investment services to a broad range of retail,
business and institutional clients. Other subsidiaries
provide mortgage banking, insurance, brokerage,
investment management, equipment leasing and
capital market services.
I joined CREW to meet other professionals in the
market to establish a solid network and derive long
lasting professional relationships.
_____________________________________
STEPHANIE SHINN DARDEN
President + Creative Director of FDG
{creative}
FDG {creative} is a woman-owned, Orlando-based
branding, social media, and marketing agency that
has been creating award-winning campaigns and
initiatives for a diverse array of national clients since
2002.
I joined CREW to forge strong relationships with
women who are passionate about setting new trends
in the way real estate is positioned and marketed.
continued on next page
WWW.CREWORLANDO.ORG
FALL 2012
7
WELCOME NEW 2012 CREW ORLANDO MEMBERS!
CONTINUED...
GERMAINE A. RUSNIC
CHRISTINE L. WEINGART
Vice President, Treasury Services at Urban
Trust Bank
Associate attorney at Dean
Mead in the Tax Department.
Urban Trust Bank is a federally-chartered community
bank headquartered in Lake Mary, Florida. Our
Commercial team has over 100 years of combined
banking experience and provides relationship-focused
banking with local decision-making and expertise ~
and we are lending!
Dean Mead is a business law firm
that provides full-service legal
representation to businesses and
individuals throughout Florida..
I joined CREW to develop strong relationships and
business partnerships with other professional women
in the community. Thanks to everyone for the warm
welcome to CREW!
I joined CREW to expand my
relationships with other professional
women in the Orlando area and to
connect to the community.
FROM THE PODIUM
AUGUST
Pushing Southwest: The Imperial Connection
The August luncheon featured a great discussion
about opportunities in Polk County. The panel was
moderated by Cecelia Bonifay of Akerman, and
included Carl Mulac, president, AV Homes; Tom
Sunnaborg, vice president of land development and
management, Mosaic; and Todd Dantzler, chairman
and District 4 Commissioner Polk County. This
dynamic panel reviewed the great activity in Polk
County. Mosaic’s project, Streamsong Resort, is
developed on reclaimed phosphate mining land
with opportunities to provide environmental and
economic sustainability. AV Homes’ project in
Poinciana, Solivita, has increased activity in the
last year. Other positive things to come in the
Poinciana area include SunRail, the new Poinciana
Parkway and other potential roadway links that
connect the area to the Turnpike. The program
ended with a presentation from Chariman Dantzler
on the other great things happening in Polk County
such as Florida Polytechnical University and CSX
development.
WWW.CREWORLANDO.ORG
Both Mr. Sunnaborg
and Mr. Mulac
agreed that Polk
County is a great
place to do business.
Polk County has
prepared with
proper infrastructure
development and is
poised to explode.
Polk County remains
a place where they are
prepared to work fast
to get things done.
The Central Florida
Development
Council Annual
Meeting,
“Night of Celebration”
The Central Florida Development Council Annual
Meeting, a “Night of Celebration” will be held
on Friday, September 28, 2012 at the Lakeland
Center Sikes Hall. Reception begins at 6:00 p.m.
and the program at 7:00 p.m. Live entertainment
and dancing begins at 8:30 p.m. For more
information and to purchase tickets, click here.
FALL 2012
8
FROM THE PODIUM
JULY
“Unlocking Your Inner Talents”
More than 80 CREW
members and guests met in July to hear the
motivational words of Dr. Colleen Ramos.
Dr. Ramos, Associate Dean of the College
of Business and Management at DeVry
University, outlined some of the tenents of
the book StrengthsFinder 2.0. Cards were
also drawn to gift several copies of the book
to attendees.
During her speech, Dr. Ramos
explained that everyone has 34
strengths or talents and our personal
top five are so individual that there is
only one person out of 275,000 with
the same top five. What we do with
these strengths and how we make
them work for us is the philosophy
of Donald Clifton – the “father of
strengths-based psychology.” Clifton
explains that, “individuals gain more when
they build on their talents, then when they
make comparable efforts to improve their
areas of weakness.”
Dr. Ramos then went on to connect the
understanding of talents and strengths to
our careers and workplaces. She asked,
“How much money do we spend on areas
of weakness?” She noted that strengths
and talents are motivating forces for
our employees and when you have staff
members with differing talents you can
“close the gap” between them and build
on those synergies. Once you realize that
differences are powerful and you have the
ability understand your own strengths, you
can then see the talents of your clients and
capitalize on that information.
Dr. Ramos encouraged all attendees to read
StrengthsFinder 2.0 and take the assessment
in order to determine our personal strengths
and then get out there and use them.
Thank you to R.C. Stevens Construction
Company for sponsoring our July
program!
FROM THE PODIUM
JUNE
International Investment in Commercial Real Estate:
Bringing the World to Central Florida.
The June luncheon opened our eyes to the new
global economy. The topic was International
Investment in Commercial Real Estate: Bringing
the World to Central Florida. The presentation
was provided by Jacqueline Bozzuto, partner at
Lowndes, Drosdick, Doster, Kantor & Reed, PA
and George Livingston, CIPS, vice chairmen of
Green Global Investments. Due to circumstances
beyond his control, Steve Graul, CIPS TRC CDPE,
vice chairman of Orlando Regional International
Council could not attend.
According to our speakers, foreign investors
to the Florida market, and more specifically
Central Florida, are driven by geography, direct
flights, need for visas, severity of immigration
restrictions, and other security issues. Once
foreign investors are identified, they usually fall
into one of two categories: 1) those who want
to move their families here and become U.S.
citizens; and 2) those that are only looking for
WWW.CREWORLANDO.ORG
investment opportunities. It is that first
category of investors that are potential candidates
for the EB-5 program (fifth employment-based
preference). Bozzuto and Livingston explained
the detailed program as one established by
Congress that allows foreign nationals to seek
investment opportunities in the U.S. market and
create American jobs. This helps put them on
a fast track to obtaining green cards. Investors
who take part in the EB-5 program are looking
for opportunities for education, security of their
families, areas less congested, and those with
less government involvement.
Our speakers ended their presentation with
tips on where to look and how to do business
with foreign investors coming into our market.
Suggestions included:
• Local chambers
• Orlandoedc.com
• Local foreign councils
• Brokers representing foreign nationals in
residential transactions
• International Committee of Realtor’s
• International Real Estate Federation
• Association of Foreign Investors in Real
Estate (AFIRE)
Bozzuto said to make sure you “understand the
model.” Knowing what they need and how they
are accustomed to doing business is the key to
forging lasting relationships with foreign investors.
Thank you to Lowndes, Drosdick, Doster,
Kantor & Reed, PA for sponsoring the
June program!
FALL 2012
9
2012 C R EW O R LA N D O
B OARD O F D I RE C T O R S
PRESIDENT
Mary Pat Dunleavy
Fidelity National Title Group
(407) 246-8696
[email protected]
PRESIDENT-ELECT/DELEGATE
Mya M. Hatchette, Esq.
Winderweedle, Haines, Ward & Woodman, P.A.
(407) 423-4246
[email protected]
SECRETARY
Wanda G. Riley
Cushman & Wakefield of Florida, Inc.
(407) 541-4387
[email protected]
TREASURER
Arden P. Griffith, CPA
R.C. Stevens Construction Company
(321) 281-5320
[email protected]
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
Jacqueline Bozzuto
Lowndes, Drosdick, Doster, Kantor & Reed, P.A.
(407) 418-6207
[email protected]
DIRECTOR OF
PROGRAMS
DIRECTOR
OF INTERNAL
Anne Deason Spencer COMMUNICATIONS
Cushman & Wakefield
Stephanie Weidner
(407) 541-4434
Landis
anne.spencer@
Professional Service
cushwake.com
Industries, Inc. (PSI)
(407) 304-5560
DIRECTOR OF
stephanie.weidner@
SPONSORSHIP
psiusa.com
Kelly Eger
American Environmental
Consultants
(407) 718-8802
[email protected]
DIRECTOR OF
EXTERNAL
COMMUNICATIONS
DIRECTOR OF
COMMUNITY
OUTREACH
R.L. Haines Construction,
LLC
(407) 384-1908
[email protected]
Christyne Albury
SunTrust Bank, Inc.
(407) 237-1737
christyne.albury@
suntrust.com
DIRECTOR OF
MEMBERSHIP/
DELEGATE
Lydia Wing
Geotechnical and
Environmental
Consultants, Inc.
(407) 898-1818
[email protected]
DIRECTOR OF
MEMBER SERVICES
Elizabeth B. Wingard
Mimi Flatley
DIRECTOR OF NEW
MEDIA
Laura Barbero-Buffa
BASE Consultants, P.A.
(407) 442-2697
lbb@baseconsultantspa.
com
DIRECTOR AT LARGE
Christine Elias
Signature Systems of
Florida
(407) 644-8990
celias@
signaturesystemsfl.com
DIRECTOR AT LARGE
Heather M. Himes, JD
Akerman Senterfitt
Spectra Contract Flooring (407) 419-8566
(407) 475-1144 (253)
heather.himes@akerman.
libby.wingard@spectracf. com
com
DIRECTOR OF GOLF
TOURNAMENT
Hannah Wickham
Brasfield & Gorrie
(407) 562-4500
hwickham@
brasfieldgorrie.com
WWW.CREWORLANDO.ORG
EDUCATIONAL UPDATE
Let’s Learn About Liens
In the world of commercial real estate
there are all types of liens (a form of
security interest granted over property
to secure the payment of a debt) that
can attach to real property – and there
is often confusion about differences
between liens. This article discusses
the differences between liens and
the searches necessary to ensure the
removal of liens from a title insurance
policy. If a lien is filed against a property,
then potentially it can be foreclosed
in a manner similar to a mortgage
foreclosure. We will discuss three types
of liens here: (1) Special Assessment
Liens (“Special Assessment Liens”), (2)
liens under Chapter 159 of the Florida
Statutes, specifically Section 159.17
(“Chapter 159 Liens”), and (3) liens
under Florida Statutes Section 162.09
(“Code Enforcement Liens”).
Special Assessment Liens
Florida’s Home Rule permits local
governments to collect charges from
property owners for services and
capital improvements through non
ad valorem special assessments
(“Special Assessments”). These Special
Assessments are similar to taxes and
show up in the “non ad valorem” section
of a tax bill issued by the county. Ad
valorem meaning “to the value”, which
are the property taxes that go to the
value of your property, and non ad
valorem being the assessments on
services that do not go to the value
of the property. Special assessments
are permitted for services (such as fire
and garbage services) or for capital
improvements (such as construction
of roads, fire stations and stormwater
facilities).
In order to avoid a Special Assessment
Lien recorded against a subject property,
a title agent must only obtain a search
of the special assessments applicable to
the subject property, which are typically
included on the tax bill.
Chapter 159 Liens
Chapter 159 Liens are imposed by a
municipality on property that is served
by any municipal water, sewer or gas
system. Chapter 159 Liens secure the
charges for these services until they
are paid in full. Chapter 159 Liens have
the same priority as state, county and
municipal taxes. However, Chapter 159
Liens are not included on the tax bill
issued by the county. Unfortunately,
Florida Statutes Section 159.17 makes
no provision for the timing of when
the Chapter 159 Lien will attach to the
property. Therefore, it appears that
the lien may attach when the service
charge is assessed to the property by the
municipality. Hence, if the Chapter 159
Lien is delinquent for more than thirty
(30) days, it can be foreclosed upon the
subject property, just like a mortgage.
In order to ensure that a Chapter 159
Lien does not attach, the title agent
must only obtain a search of the utility
services provided to the subject property
to confirm there are no outstanding
charges. If charges are pending against
the subject property, then the charges
must be paid at closing.
Code Enforcement Liens
Code Enforcement Liens arise when
the Code Enforcement Board of a
municipality or a county finds that
a violation or a repeat violation of
the municipality or county’s code of
ordinances has occurred on a subject
property. These violations can include
animal violations, abandoned vehicles,
lot mowing, property maintenance issues
and unsafe structures. If, after due
notice and hearing, a Code Enforcement
continued on next page
FALL 2012
10
EDUCATIONAL UPDATE
GOLD SPONSOR
Board finds a violation to be
irreparable or irreversible in
nature, it may order the violator
to pay a fine. Thereafter, a
certified copy of an order
imposing the fine (which may
include repair costs) can be
recorded in the public records
and will constitute a lien
against the subject property on
which the violation exists and
upon any other real or personal
property owned by the property
owner.
GOLD SPONSOR
Once a Code Enforcement Lien
is recorded against a subject
property, it will show up as an
exception on the title insurance
commitment. This exception
for a Code Enforcement Liens
cannot be deleted from the
title insurance commitment
until the fine is paid and Code
Enforcement Lien is released
by the municipality or the
county. Further, if the Code
Enforcement Lien is for an
ongoing violation (such as
an unsafe structure), the title
company will likely require
that an exception remain
on the title insurance policy
for the ongoing violation,
unless the title agent receives
confirmation from the
municipality or the county that
the subject property has been
brought into compliance (such
as the unsafe structure being
repaired or demolished).
Search for Liens
There are private companies
that provide lien searches
throughout Florida, such as
Abramowitz Tax and Lien
Service, Inc. and Property
Debt Research. These
companies usually conduct
what they call “Municipal Lien
Searches”, which include real
estate property taxes, code
violations, open permits,
special assessments, water
charges, sewer charges, gas
charges and garbage charges.
These Municipal Lien Searches
are a source of revenue for
municipalities and counties;
accordingly, the price of a lien
search will vary based upon
the municipality, the type and
location of the subject property
Leslie Candes
Associate
Holland & Knight
If you
have an
education topic that you’d
like to share with the
CREW membership, please
email your information to
Mimi Flatley.
The deadline to submit for the next issue is:
October 22, 2012
DO YOU HAVE
NEWS THAT
YOU’D LIKE TO
SHARE WITH
YOUR FELLOW
CREW ORLANDO
MEMBERS?
WWW.CREWORLANDO.ORG
We are excited to hear any of your success
stories, members working with members,
and company announcements.
Send stories and press releases to:
Mimi Flatley
RL Haines General Contractor
(407) 384-1908 or
[email protected]
FALL 2012
11
PLATINUM SPONSOR
PLATINUM SPONSOR
SPOTLIGHT ON OUR SPONSORS
WWW.CREWORLANDO.ORG
FALL 2012
12
T HANK YO U TO O UR 20 12 S P O N S O R S
P LA T I N U M S PONSORS
www.fntgflorida.com
www.cliftonlarsonallen.com
www.akerman.com
www.lowndes-law.com
www.rcstevens.com
www.rlhaines.com
www.whww.com
G OLD SP O NSORS
www.coreroofingsystems.com
www.bakerlaw.com
www.curtissecurity.com
www.cdsorlando.com
www.cushwake.com
www.deanmead.com
www.hermanmiller.com
www.spectracf.com
www.shuffieldlowman.com
www.windowinteriors.com
www.4fbi.com
www.signaturesystemsfl.com
www.workscapes.com
P H OT O G RAP HY PART NE RMED I A P A R TNER
www.macbethphoto.com
www.bizjournals.com/orlando
CREW ORLANDO PRIVACY STATEMENT
Our privacy policy now has a permanent place on the CREW Orlando web site. For detailed information on how CREW Orlando and CREW Network protect your personnel information and images, go
to http://www.creworlando.org/pdf/CREW%20ORLANDO%20PRIVACY%20STATEMENT.pdf. Please direct any questions or comments to Chris Blair at CREW Network, as indicated.
WWW.CREWORLANDO.ORG
FALL 2012
13