Duncan of George Comfort & Sons to be honored at March of Dimes 2009 Real Estate Award Breakfast

Peter Duncan, president and CEO, George Comfort & Sons, Inc., will be honored at the March of Dimes 2009 Real Estate Award Breakfast for his outstanding commercial real estate activities that have significantly enhanced the local community. The 14th annual breakfast will be held on Dec. 10 at 7 a.m., at the Hilton Stamford, 1 First Stamford Pl. "Peter Duncan is a hardworking leader, well-known in this industry for his commitment to excellence both in his profession and in the surrounding community," said Ed Tonnessen, executive managing director & national director, Jones Lang LaSalle Inc., and chair of the March of Dimes breakfast committee. "He's a notable gentleman worthy of the praise that comes with this distinct honor." Duncan is a supporter of community involvement and serves on the board of directors at the Grand Central Partnership, a Business Improvement District located in and around Grand Central Terminal, and the Realty Foundation of N.Y. George Comfort & Sons began a relationship with the March of Dimes 15 years ago and bolstered its commitment to the nonprofit when the firm hosted the Northern Westchester March of Dimes Walk America (now March for Babies) at one of its properties, The Manufacturer's Outlet Center in Mount Kisco. In May, High Ridge Park, a property co-owned by GCS and RREEF, spearheaded the first Stamford March for Babies for the March of Dimes which raised over $100,000 for the nonprofit organization. Duncan joined GCS in 1982 and became president in 1995. He has over 25 years experience in commercial real estate acquisition, financing, repositioning, management and leasing, all at GCS. Since taking over leadership of GCS, he acquired and redeveloped many of the company's owned properties, totaling over $3 billion in value, and has expanded operations from New York City to Washington, D.C., Stamford, Conn., Princeton, N.J., and most recently, Beverly Hills, Calif. Duncan specializes in upgrading properties to their full potential. Driven by opportunity, he targets under-performing properties and seeks to transition them into high-achieving assets. Professional commitments include membership in the Real Estate Board of New York and he is a licensed commercial broker in New York and New Jersey. Duncan received a bachelor's of arts in American Studies from Trinity College and is a championship sailboat racer.