The New York City chapter of NAIOP, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association, has received two Chapter Merit Awards - the 2011 Chapter of the Year as well as one for Best Developing Leaders Program - during the NAIOP Chapter Leadership & Legislative Retreat (CLLR), which was held February 6 - 9 at the Capital Hilton. The Chapter Merit Awards are a traditional highlight of the event, which brings together more than 300 chapter leaders and executives throughout North America. "This recognition is a gratifying achievement for the NAIOP NYC chapter and we are honored to receive these two awards," said Brian Robin, executive VP and COO of Monday Properties and 2012 president of the New York City Chapter of NAIOP. "We have a dedicated group of volunteer leaders who strive to provide our membership with legislative advocacy, informative events, as well as forums to build their professional networks. In 2011, the chapter enjoyed its most successful year of operation and increased membership by 40%." Some of the chapter's accomplishments of 2011 were engaging a professional association management company and hiring a New York state lobbyist in Albany, and holding numerous networking, educational and advocacy events. The chapter's Developing Leaders Committee is led by co-chairmen Scott Sherman, Senior Associate - Acquisitions, Thor Equities, LLC and Joseph Neckles, Vice President - Acquisitions, Lexington Realty Trust. The committee doubled the number of members over the last year and significantly contributed to the growth of the chapter as a whole. Programs in 2011 included the popular Executive Speaker Series as well as a sold-out presentation from developer Silverstein Properties followed by an exclusive tour of the World Trade Center site. Due to overwhelming demand, the event was open to all NAIOP NYC members and prospective members. The annual CLLR gathering provides educational sessions and the review of the legislative and political processes from keynote sessions throughout the three-day event. Concluding the event, NAIOP NYC leadership met with several U.S. Representatives and with aides for Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Charles Schumer to discuss the government issues affecting the New York real estate industry. To join and learn more about the many events and programs planned by NAIOP's New York City Chapter, please visit www.naiopnyc.org. For additional information, please contact the chapter's Executive Director, Elysha Chang at [email protected] or 212-450-7300. About NAIOP NYC Founded in 2008, the New York City Chapter of NAIOP represents NYC's most respected commercial real estate companies and is NAIOP's fastest growing chapter. The chapter provides members unparalleled industry networking, educational and socially conscience programs and events, in addition to advocating for effective legislation on behalf of its members. The Developing Leaders program is dedicated to providing emerging industry professionals, aged 35 and under, with programs and educational services that further their growth and business development within the real estate industry. About NAIOP NAIOP, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association, is the nation's leading trade association for developers, owners, investors and other professionals in industrial, office and mixed-use commercial real estate. Founded in 1967, NAIOP is comprised of more than 15,000 members in 56 North American chapters and provides networking opportunities, educational programs, research on trends and innovations and strong legislative representation. For more information, visit www.naiop.org. ###