Brenda Ezell in Jacksonville Business Journal

The 2012 CREW Jacksonville President, Brenda Ezell, was mentioned and her photo included in an article in the Jacksonville Business Journal in the December 30, 2011 edition on Foreclosures, bankruptcies keep local firms busy  See mention below:

"Brenda Ezell, owner of Ezell Law Firm PA, said employment lawyers were also busy in 2011 — another outgrowth of the recession — and became more engaged in advising their clients on social media-related issues."

CREW Jacksonville 10-Year Anniversary Kickoff

On Tuesday December 6^th, CREW Jacksonville held its annual holiday event featuring an art auction and raffle benefiting PACE Center for Girls Jacksonville.  The event also served as the kickoff to its 10-year anniversary as a CREW Network Chapter.  The Past Presidents of CREW Jacksonville were recognized at the event and Lori Avampato with Rolland, DelValle, & Bradley, Inc., and 2004 CREW Jacksonville President, recognized the founding and charter members of CREW Jacksonville.  Rhetta Nussbaum, the 2003 CREW Jacksonville President, recognized Sarah Kelly with Wayne Automatic Fire Sprinklers, the 1999 CREW Orlando President, with an award for being a key player in assisting with the formation of CREW Jacksonville.  The evening was filled with networking, fun and laughter.  Laura Gonzales with BBVA Compass, 2011 President of CREW Jacksonville and Brenda Ezell with Ezell Law Firm, 2011 President-Elect of CREW Jacksonville made a presentation of notable events occurring over the past 10 years with a peek into 2012.  The event ended with a champagne toast given by the CREW Jacksonville Past Presidents and a new chapter song, “Sweet Home Northeast Florida.”  There is much excitement surrounding the celebration of CREW Jacksonville’s 10-Year Anniversary.

Is that who I think it is?!

Yes, I believe it is.  Former CREW Jacksonville President, Terry Durand, may think she's in disguise, but she can't hide from us!  It's the trademark hairstyle.

Terry is pictured here as part of an article written in the Jacksonville Business Journal about networking at Everbank Field http://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/print-edition/2011/12/09/huddle-up-networking-abounds-at.html.

CREW Jacksonville's Lisa Robert Spotlighted in the Jacksonville Business Journal

CREW Jacksonville's Lisa Robert has been promoted to vice president of transportation at RS&H.  To read more about Lisa, please click on the link below.

http://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/print-edition/2011/12/02/spotlight-hard-hat-gives-way-to-a-suit.html?s=print

PACE Center for Girls, Jacksonville salutes CREW

2012 Economic Outlook

CREW Jacksonville held their monthly lunch meeting on Tuesday, November 1st at Maggiano’s in the Jacksonville Town Center.  The speaker was Ignacio San Martin, a principal economist with BBVA Compass.  CREW also incorporated speakers from The PACE Center for Girls, CREW Jacksonville’s philanthropic partner, and the Jacksonville Aviation Authority (JAA), CREW Jacksonville’s Diamond annual sponsor.

Rosa Beckett, a representative from JAA and CREW Jacksonville member gave a short presentation on JAA’s impacts on our local real estate market including a video highlighting the organization’s commitment to success in our local economy.

2nd Annual Fall Classic Charity Cornhole Tournament

CREW Jacksonville Gives Awards

At the CREW Jacksonville luncheon on October 11, 2011, three dynamic women received awards to celebrate their hard work and devotion to CREW.  These women were nominated by CREW Jacksonville members. 

In the category of Most Connections, Heather LePetrie won the award for the CREW Jacksonville member who made the most business, professional or personal connections among members of the Chapter in 2011.

In the category of Most Active New Member (less than two years), Jody Brooks won the award for the individual who had attended the most CREW events, had the most committee participation or had otherwise taken the fullest advantage of CREW benefits in 2011.

In the category of Wonder Woman, Maryanne Hewitt won the award for the CREW Jacksonville member who has gone above and beyond in their support of CREW and involvement in 2011, positively impacting CREW Jacksonville and its members with their energy and focus.

Congratulations ladies, and thank you for your dedication to our chapter!

Delegates Wrap Up Successful Year for the Network

Addressing the 2011 Council of Delegates at the recent Fall Leadership Summit & Council Meeting in Washington, D.C., CREW Network President Collete English Dixon recognized delegates for their role in leading a successful year for the organization, “Your leadership, participation and forward-thinking are the reason we lead the Network that works.” Among its exhaustive list of accomplishments include the development of gold standards for chapters, the launch of CREW Network’s executive level mentoring program, the development of two Playbooks; Gold Standard Chapter and Programs, and the development of CREW Network’s fifth white paper. 

CREW Jacksonville Visits Saft

CREW Jacksonville held a tour of the new 235,000 square foot Lithium Battery plant “SAFT” at Cecil Commerce Center on Tuesday, September 20, 2011.  The program began at 11:00 at the Commerce Center’s Conference Center.  Dixie Contract Carpet, Inc. was the sponsor of the event.  Catering was by Sonny’s Bar BQ.

The event commenced with CREW Jacksonville Laura Gonzales’ opening remarks and recognition of CREW’s sponsors.  Suzanne Cortina from King Engineering gave the Invocation and Pledge.  Maryanne Hewitt from Dixie Contract Carpet gave a short presentation on the sponsoring company including that they were the flooring contractor on the SAFT building project.  She also showed a video of a custom logo installation at FSCJ Deerwood campus.

Peter Denoncourt joined other SAFT colleagues to welcome the group.  He gave a brief history of SAFT and an explanation of the power capabilities of their battery technologies as well as their new building including a video of all sectors of the company.

There was a question and answer session with Peter wherein he talked about the 279 new jobs SAFT is bringing to the Jacksonville area and how most of those which have been filled were filled with local individuals.  He also talked about the one-mega-watt of power that is produced by their solar panel installation on their roof.  This installation is the largest solar panel installation in the Southeastern United States.

The tours ensued in groups to the factory.  Most of the manufacturing of the batteries is performed in an encapsulated space with tight environmental controls.  Relative humidity is kept at nearly 1%.  Employees who work in this environment must do so in short increments as their skin can start drying out (chapped lips, itchy noses).  The groups were taken through the entire battery manufacturing process from copper and aluminum sheets thinner than a piece of hair, to coating, coiling, capping and containing, helium testing and transport by robotic vehicle to storage racks.  Most of the battery making is performed by robots.  Human interaction is contained to the first few stages of production.

SAFT has international presence in the market.  They have even supplied the longest running lithium battery that is in some satellites in space!  The event was exciting and informative!

CREW Network Convention & Marketplace News

Several newsworthy announcements were made during the 2011 CREW Network Convention & Marketplace including the introduction of the 2012 CREW Network Board of Directors, Impact Award winners, CREW Network scholarship recipients and the winner of CREW Network's top honor, the Achievement of Excellence Award.

Please click on the news releases linked below to learn more.

·         2012 CREW Network Board of Directors

·         2011 CREW Network Impact Award Winners

·         2011 CREW Network Scholarship Winners

·         2011 CREW Network Achievement of Excellence Award Winner

CREW Jacksonville Celebrates with Brenda Ezell

On September 1st, Brenda Ezell was celebrated along with 24 other leading Jacksonville women in the

8^th annual Women of Influence celebration for Northeast Florida.  These distinguished female leaders are recognized for their mentorship of employees and team members, for partnering with their clients to provide a better service experience, and for positioning their companies for growth.  In addition, each of them is involved with her community through various outreach efforts.

Brenda is CREW Jacksonville's President Elect.  Several of CREW Jacksonville's members, along with Brenda's family and staff were in attendance.  We're very proud of you, Brenda!

CREW Jacksonville’s President Elect Named in Top 25 of Most Influential Women

Brenda Ezell, Ezell Law Firm PA, President Elect of Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) Jacksonville, was recently named as one of Northeast Florida’s most influential women.  Congratulations Brenda!

Delegates Take Step Closer to Defining the Gold Standard Chapter

Chapter leaders assemble in Las Vegas for Spring Leadership Summit & Council Meeting

Denise Kahler

Marketing and Communications Director

CREW Network

What defines a CREW Network Gold Standard Chapter?  Delegates attending the recent 2011 Spring Leadership Summit & Council Meeting in Las Vegas came one step closer to answering that question.

Under the leadership of CREW Network President Collete English Dixon, delegates first began discussing the concept of a “gold standard chapter” at the 2011 Winter Meetings in New Orleans. The results of those discussions revealed a strong consensus that a gold standard chapter should meet established criteria for the following four priorities: quality membership, stature/profile/recognition, financial stability and member opportunities.

2011 CREW Network Convention Highlights

  

The 2011 CREW Network Convention & Marketplace, held in the power center of the U.S., is going to power you up and help you kick your business into high gear! It’s time to re-energize our industry and discover new opportunities that are emerging.

This event will deliver the critical information you need to give your business a competitive advantage,  will bring you face to face with the power players doing the deals, and will awaken your competitive drive through the sheer energy of this event.

Check out what we have planned!

Featured Speakers

• Norah O’Donnell, Chief White House Correspondent for CBS News, principal substitute anchor for Face the Nation, and contributor for the award-winning 60 Minutes – O’Donnell will take a hard look at the lack of diversity in U.S. elected positions by analyzing why America’s office holders lack diversity, global insight into diversity and how the Obama administrations diversity will likely affect public policy.
• Sheila Johnson, Entrepreneur, Co-founder, Black Entertainment Television, and President, WNBA’s Washington Mystics – Johnson will share her lessons learned as a groundbreaking leader including how to get in the door, and how to create a new door when necessary; why it’s crucial to take calculated risks while owning your mistakes and why there's no such thing as a straight line when it comes to business success.
• Diane Swonk, Chief Economist & Senior Managing Director for Mesirow Financial  - As one of the most sought-after economists in the world, Swonk will cut through the noise and help us all figure out just what’s really going on  with the U.S. economy and how it will impact the commercial real estate industry.
• Andrew Ross Sorkin, New York Time’s Chief Mergers & Acquisitions Reporter & Columnist, author of the New York Times bestseller, Too Big to Fail – Sorkin will take you behind the scenes in Washington and the ongoing debate over financial reform, while making a persuasive case that the center of power on Wall Street has now moved to the Capitol.
• Linda Rabbitt, CEO, Founder, Chairman and CEO, rand *construction corporation – Rabbitt will take you into her world of starting and operating a successful woman-owned business in the construction sector; what it takes to succeed and what she believes all women must do to realize their goals.

CREW Jacksonville Members - Here's An Easy Way to Help PACE Center for Girls!

New Blue Cross social media campaign rewards nonprofit agencies that net most votes

Article by Dan Scanlan

Florida Times Union - 6/14/11

A Jacksonville-based insurance company’s new social media program is in “pursuit” of nonprofit agencies to award $3,000 a month to the one with the most public votes. Runners-up get $1,000 each.

Called The Pursuit, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida’s campaign rewards nonprofits that help Floridians in their pursuit of health.

Organizations that have created health, wellness, educational or social empowerment opportunities throughout the state are posted each month on the Blue Cross Facebook fan page. Florida residents can vote for the nonprofit they like best, said Sarah Hande,  Blue Cross sponsorship and events specialist.

“This gives them a way to connect with us, and it also gives them a chance to learn more about us as a company and know that we are more than just a health insurance company,” Hande said. “By hosting this on Facebook and social media channels, it lets us reach a broader audience.”

To be eligible for Pursuit, the nonprofit agency must have its headquarters in Florida and serve Floridians. It must be vetted for fiscal responsibility and have a functional website that can promote its mission and participation in the Pursuit program so each can get votes.

Here are the organizations featured in June and open for votes:
 — Best Buddies, a global volunteer movement that creates friendships, employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
 — Equality Florida, a civil rights organization working to get full equality for the state’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender residents.
 — PACE Center for Girls, a prevention, diversion and early intervention program serving girls ages 12 to 17 in 17 locations across Florida.

The first phase is set to run through the end of this year for 30 agencies.

“We hope to continue it in 2012, that hasn’t been decided yet,” Hande said.

To vote for a winner and learn more about the agencies and the Blue Cross Pursuit program, go to www.facebook.com/BCBSFL.

CREW Jacksonville supports PACE Center for Girls.

CREW Jacksonville June Luncheon "Regional and State Economic Development Update"

It was a room full of “people in the know” with respect to what the big picture holds for North Florida’s economic and growth future.  CREW Jacksonville hosted their monthly luncheon at Maggiano’s at the Town Center and featured four guest panelists – Kirk Wendland, President of the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce; Steve Rieck, Executive Director of the Nassau County Economic Development Board; Amy Evancho, President and CEO of the Florida Economic Development Council and Marty Wilson, Vice President of Competitive Programs and Policies, Enterprise Florida, Inc.  The moderator was Lindsey Kimball, CEcD, Senior Vice President of Economic Development for Infinity Global Solutions, LLC (IGS), the lunch sponsor. 

The discussions ranged from local initiatives for business growth and job development to state incentive policy developments, departmental restructuring and where the money will be in the future to support growth in the Northeast Florida business market.  Duval and Nassau counties are strongly relying on the growth and expansion of the Jacksonville and Fernandina ports, including logistical strength with our commercial airport systems and railways in place.  Jacksonville Aviation Authority representative Rosa Beckett discussed the strength Jacksonville has with its airport presence – Jacksonville International, Craig Airfield for private and executive flights, Herlong Field for recreational flight and Cecil Field, which is strengthening its foothold as the commercial and industrial flight center.  Nassau County initiatives included laying the groundwork to attract companies to house their business and industrial operations in its Northwest Sector near I-95.  St. Johns County initiatives referenced the low ratio of commercial and industrial to residential sectors citing the popular “work in Jacksonville but live in St. John’s County” adage.  The Duval County school system was noted as a primary reason for business executives to prefer to live in St. John’s County. 

Questions from the audience provoked response from panelists on how Duval County can change the perception that its schools are sub-standard and how to change legislative holds on alternative energy incentives for the sunshine state.  In summary, many audience members were left with big picture directives to ponder as well as an inside tract to what each community is focused on for its future development.

CREW Jacksonville holds monthly lunch events on topics affecting the commercial real estate market.  For more information on dates and topics, please visit our website at www.crewjax.org

Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) Jacksonville held their monthly luncheon Tuesday, May 3^rd at Maggiano’s in the Town Center.   The event was well attended and highlighted a popular topic for Jacksonville and surrounding area residents.  The question of whether or not dredging will occur in time to capture the Panama Canal expansion benefits was posed to a panel of port development experts: Steve Ross, Army Corps of Engineers, Project Manager; George D. Gabel, Jr., Holland & Knight LLP, Partner and Logistics Advisory Group;  Nancy Rubin, JAXPORT, Director, Communications and Public Relations; and Yemisi A. Bolumole, Ph.d, CTL, Kip Research Fellow of Logistics, UNF.  The panel discussion was moderated by Jody Brooks, Esq. with the Allen Land Group.  The panelists quickly took charge of the direction of the discussion affirming strongly that there is no question of IF. 

The “when”and “how” are being determined by tests whose results are not yet available.  However, JAXPORT doesn’t even consider a back-up plan. It is dredge or nothing.  The Army Corps of Engineers is evaluating dredging by the foot - for every foot of depth, they are calculating the economic benefits to the nation and the region.  All panelists had a positive outlook on this expansion taking place, though the timeline is placed out into 2015 for an approval.

Utilizing a port in Jacksonville, FL has many benefits.   JAXPORT is very lucky to have land that can be developed into terminals. Many ports like Miami are "landlocked" and cannot expand.  The infrastructure package is important to the success of the port as well.  Without expanded roadways and on-dock rail the port cannot operate efficiently.  CSX has allotted $40 million to connecting rail to the ports and Cecil Field provides companies with air freight capabilities.  Money has been allocated to fund the Mile Point fix and the first phase of the project should also be complete in early 2012.

The event was covered by the press.  To read the story, click on the link:

Daily Record Story

How the Commercial Real Estate Indusrty is Using Social Media

CREW Jacksonville April 2011 Lunch and Learn

“How the Commercial Real Estate Industry is Using Social Media”

Speaker: Jan Korb

CREW Jacksonville’s April lunch meeting was held at Maggiano’s at the St. John’s Town Center and was an informative look at social networking and its relevance in the real estate market.  Jan Korb, founder of BroadBased Communications, Inc., a marketing communications and public relations firm, presented the group with eye popping statistics on the monumental growth and impacts social networking has had on our society on a private and professional level in general.  She then provided examples of real estate firms who are using social networking to help contribute to their bottom line.  She showed us that the Jacksonville area is far behind when it comes to utilizing social media for business purposes.  This can be an opportunity for those firms in the area who are willing to jump in the game!

Jan showed us how the successful firms who are using social media are using it – which sites are used most, what sites are appropriate for specific types of content.  She also showed the audience how to pinpoint their target outcomes by utilizing the sites who best serve the type of interaction they are after.  Jan also noted several sites that her firm has been “watching” and provided her predictions on which will become the next big social networking vehicle.

Attendees were all abuzz after the presentation, eager to ask questions about how to become more active in social media for their organizational marketing purposes.   If you are interested in contacting Jan for more information on how social networking can benefit you and your organization, you can email her at jkorb@bbased.com.

CREW Jacksonville is a highly creative and spirited group of real estate professionals and related industry representatives dedicated to advancing the success and fostering the development of professional women in the commercial real estate industry.  For more information on CREW Jacksonville and other upcoming events, visit www.crewjax.org or contact us by email at: crewjacksonville@gmail.com

Healthcare: The Rx for Commercial Real Estate

On March 1st, CREW Jacksonville featured industry experts, Fran Pepis, Colliers International Northeast Florida and Dave Collins, Lincoln Properties, Property Manager for Memorial (HCA) to discuss the impact healthcare has had on commercial real estate including trends in office locations, size and amenities, how technology has affected medical offices and hospital design and predictions on demand for new medical space of all types (office, large hospital, urgent care, specialty, etc.)  The moderator for the event was Teresa Durand, Auld & White Constructors and former President of CREW Jacksonville.

The audience was educated about many of the challenges facing private practitioners, including difficulty in getting financing, business headaches, and finding it harder to compete against hospitals.  Many of them are leaving their private practices to join hospitals who are investing in medical office buildings and locating them where the population is.  Many of these physicians are sharing office space.

The presenters reported that there are 16 nursing colleges/universities in Jacksonville, four that opened in the last 2-3 years.  Additionally, there are 16 dialysis centers, four that opened in the last year.  There is ripple effect on peripheral businesses.  We're seeing an increase in medical/nursing education, physical therapy and chiropractic.  He feels a medical school in Jacksonville should be rallied and that UF is endorsing it.

The event was heavily attended by a mix of CREW members and guests.  CREW hosts regular lunches on real estate topics throughout the year.  Visit the calendar of events on their website www.crewjax.org.

Congratulations to Leigh Gunn, Group 4 Design Inc. for her nomination to the Jacksonville Business Journal’s “40 Under 40.”  Leigh is on the Board of Directors for CREW Jacksonville and serves as Membership Director.  She has been selected as one of 40 of Northeast Florida’s brightest, most-promising professionals for the 2011 40 Under 40 list.

Congratulations Leigh!!

February Brown Bag Luncheon

Tuesday, February 15^th was wellness day for many CREW Jacksonville members!  The first 2011 CREW Jax members only brown bag lunch was held at Dixie Contract Carpet, Inc. and featured a presentation by Heather LePetrie from Better Living.  Heather’s presentation went beyond your typical “eat more fruits and vegetables and exercise more”.  Heather discussed the issues women face particularly and reminded the all female audience of the importance of taking time for yourself.  “If your emotional, physical and spiritual needs are not met, you begin to fill the holes with food, which can make us gain unhealthy pounds.”  Heather said.  Beyond filling our primary needs, she pointed out that we are all individuals with our own specific food tolerances and intolerances and what is power food to one can be poison to another.  There is no “one size fits all” diet, and dieting doesn’t work in the long run for most people.  Therefore, Better Living works with each individual to customize an eating and lifestyle plan particular to their needs.  Heather announced that Better Living will start a CREW members focus group whereby she will meet regularly with the group to coach them collectively on eating and lifestyle changes and where the CREW members can support one another in their Better Living journey.  If you or a friend are interested in this program, contact Heather LePetrie at (904) 312-0826.

 

CREW Jacksonville is Represented at National Winter Conference

Lauren Parsons Langham and Brenda Ezell Left Front, Pam Ricard Back Right

Lauren Parsons Langham

Pam Ricard

10 Body Language Mistakes Women Leaders Make

 Carol Kinsey Goman, Troy Media, Financial Post · Thursday, Jul. 15, 2010

There are two sets of body language cues that followers look for in leaders: warmth (empathy, likeability, caring) and authority (power, credibility, status). Although I know several leaders of both sexes who do not fit the stereotypes, I’ve also observed that gender differences in body language most often do align with these two groupings. Women are the champions in the warmth and empathy arena, but lose out with power and authority cues.


All leaders are judged by their body language. If a female wants to be perceived as powerful, credible, and confident, she has to be aware of the nonverbal signals she’s sending. There are a number of behaviors I’ve seen women unknowingly employ that reduce their authority by denoting vulnerability or submission. Here are 10 body language mistakes that women leaders commonly make.

CREW Wage Gap Study in the December Issue of Buildings Magazine

  Click the thumbnail or here to go to the issue.