Q&A with Myron Rivers of USGBC

You were recently appointed was Executive Director for the Cincinnati Regional Chapter of the USGBC. What does your job entail?
In my role as executive director I am primarily responsible for setting and carrying out the strategic plans and policies in conjunction with the board of directors and the membership. In addition to overseeing the daily operation of the organization there are 4 key areas that my job will focus on:

1) Creating a clear vision that is shared with others in order to provide unity within the organization
2) Engaging the community and developing relationships
3) Managing the financial needs of the organization and leading fundraising efforts
4) Supporting the board of directors

What is your background and how will you use that experience in this new role?
I have spent the majority of my professional career working first the African American Chamber as the Director of Sales & Marketing where I was responsible for crafting and protecting the organizations brand as well as responsible for membership development. I then worked for the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber as the director of economic inclusion where I helped corporations develop or increase the amount of money spent with minority and women owned businesses. My hope is to bring my knowledge of nonprofit management acumen and community experience to help grow the organization.

What exactly does the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) do? What is it’s purpose?
The USGBC is a non-governmental nonprofit who educates and advocates for the addition to the number of sustainable and LEED certified buildings in our region. Our purpose is to transform the way buildings and communities are planned, designed, built, and operated enabling an environmentally and socially responsible, healthy, and prosperous built and natural environment that improves the quality of life.

What do you hope the USGBC Cincinnati Chapter will achieve in the city in the next 6 months, year and 5 years?
In the short term I hope to increase our outreach and help to educate the average Cincinnatian on the benefits of healthier more sustainable buildings. Also I would like to increase the amount of sustainable buildings and homes available to low-to-moderate income individuals and families. In the long term, I hope this chapter can help to make LEED certification a thing of the past; that sustainable design is fully integrated into the DNA and fabric of the built environment in Cincinnati.

How do view the green movement as progressing and changing?
The Green movement is one of if not the most progressive movements of our time. Not long ago the environmental lobby was thought to be for tree-hugging purist and die-hards; that is no longer the case. My 5-year-old is learning how to recycle as part of the regular curriculum in school. The average consumer has the ability to purchase a wide variety of green cleaning products, that use less packaging in a mass produced market. These changes have occurred within the past 5 years. Not to mention the fact that in almost every construction project in any major city there is discussion of LEED, and almost every fortune 500 company has a sustainability report or policy in place. These are all monumental shifts in the way that we approach the endurance of our natural resources in an attempt to save the planet.

How do you view the tri-state’s progress compared to other chapters in the nation?
We are not in a tier 1 market but this chapter has always been ahead of the curve as it relates to progress. Let me to answer this questions with some little known facts:

• Cincinnati was the 8th USGBC Chapter (created almost 10 years ago
  
• Ohio is home to more LEED certified schools than any other state
  
• Cincinnati (per capita) has more LEED certified buildings and LEED accredited professionals than Chicago and New York City
  
• emersionDesign (located within the Hamilton business development center) is home the first LEED Platinum office in the world
  
• Cincinnati was the first (and perhaps the only) city in the country to offer a 15 year tax abatement for the building a LEED certified home

Coupled with a very progressive corporate community Cincinnati is truly on the cutting edge of sustainable and green buildings.

What have you heard about Neyer Properties with regards to being green?
I know that Neyer Properties has a real commitment towards sustainability and being green, in addition to being a member and sponsor of the USGBC. I look forward to working with Neyer properties in creating a more sustainable Cincinnati.

For more information on the USGBC visit: www.usgbc.org

Q&A with Scott Abernethy of Cassidy Turley

With several of our developments getting underway this summer, we decided to interview one the brokers representing these properties. We have had a long standing relationship with Scott Abernethy and are pleased that he is one of the listing agents for our new development, The Greens at Kenwood, along I-71 and Montgomery Road.
Scott Abernethy is a Senior Vice President at Cassidy Turley, located on Fourth Street in downtown Cincinnati. Scott has been with Cassidy Turley since starting his career in the real estate industry in 1998. He is a member of the Society of Industrial and Office Realtors, Cincinnati Board of Realtors, Ohio Association Board of Realtors and the National Association Board of Realtors and a Certified Commercial Investment Member.

1. You are one of the main brokers for our newest development, The Greens at Kenwood. What are you most hopeful for with regards to this development? With all of the negative news surrounding the last large development in Kenwood (Kenwood Towne Place), my hope is that The Greens again proves what a successful office market Kenwood really is. The most challenging aspect of this project is always landing that first, anchor tenant. Once we do, I firmly believe Neyer Properties will experience tremendous success with this project.

2. What other properties have you worked with us on? Our team has been a successful leasing partner for Neyer Properties on several other office projects along the I-71 corridor. These leasing include over 40,000 SF at Blue Ash Corporate Center from 2006 – 2008, and also fully leasing the 20,000 SF office/warehouse property on East Kemper Road. Currently, we continue to lease Blue Ash Corporate Center, Central Pointe on the Lateral, and The Greens.

3. What made you decide to work with Neyer? Easy question: the successful track record that Neyer Properties has put together for its properties makes us want to be their leasing partner whenever the opportunity presents itself.

4. With whom do you work with? I have worked with and continue to work with Dan Neyer, Karman Stahl, Charlie Pond, Jeff Chamot, Amanda Neyer, Eden McDermott, Jared Wendling, and even Bryan Kelly (although that work relates more to betting on the horses at Keeneland).

5. What has been your experience working with Neyer? The Neyer employees are extremely detail-oriented group, very responsive, wonderful marketing, and always professional.

6. How long have you been working with Neyer? Since I got in this business at the end of 1998, I have always been aware of Neyer Properties. I have worked with them as a Tenant Rep starting then, and developed our listing relationship in 2005.
7. What do you like about the relationship? See #5….they make it easier for me to help them lease their properties by responding quickly and appropriately to my requests.

8. Any specific positive experiences? On a personal (fun) level, I enjoy the group at Neyer Properties with the Keeneland outing…3 years in a row, and always a good time. The most recent positive work experience is the marketing we put together for The Greens. This is the best marketing I have seen for any project in my 12 years of working in Commercial Real Estate.

Discussing LEED, Green, & their new headquarters with Paula McIntosh of the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross’s Cincinnati chapter was recently the recipient of the Business Courier’s Green Business Award in Non-Profit Design. As the developer for this project, we opted to interview Paula McIntosh, the Community Presence Officer for the American Red Cross, on what the award means to their organization and what they are continuing to do to keep up that “green mentality.”

1. What is your position at the American Red Cross? I am the Community Presence Officer, responsible for the Health and Safety and Facilities departments. Additionally, I have responsibility for supporting four smaller Red Cross chapters in our 25-county region, which includes territory in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana.

2. Is the new headquarters LEED certified yet? How far along are you in the process? Our LEED documentation has been submitted and we hope to hear any day that we have met the standards for certification at the Gold level. We will let you know as soon as it happens!

3. What type of maintenance is required for the green features? Our HVAC system uses water-cooled heat pumps with filters that must be changed regularly. However, the system is operating extremely efficiently and has saved us a lot of money over the system in our old building. The landscaping is designed to be low-maintenance; however, in last summer’s drought we did need to water more than we had hoped. If this summer brings more rain, we do not anticipate that watering will be required, especially now that plants are more established.

4. The project was recorded to have been nearly $1 million under budget, were you surprised to find this out? We were thrilled that the entire project came in under budget. This was a result of working closely with our outstanding design and construction team to make the best decisions for the building and for our budget. As one of our team members put it, “There is a lot of value designed into the building.” Many of our contractors worked with us on pricing.

5. What does being a recipient of this year’s Green Business Award in Non-Profit Design mean to the Red Cross? It was very exciting and humbling to be chosen for the award. It recognizes the efforts of many people who helped with planning the building and making important choices along the way. We relied heavily on the expertise of our architects Emersion Design, our developer Neyer Properties, and our general contractor Mark Spaulding Construction Company as we managed this process. We are grateful for their help and the help of many others, and hope that other companies and individuals take inspiration from what our organization has been able to accomplish.

6. Besides the green features of your building, as an organization, how are you continuing to “be green”? We routinely recycle paper and plastic and are also participating in a recycling program for printer cartridges. Every month we send our staff tips on how to live green in their own lives, as well as at the workplace. Most recently, we have begun to work with a master gardener from Northern Kentucky University to construct a compost bin for clippings from our trees and bushes. We have also established a Green Facilities Committee comprised of experienced facilities managers and people with construction expertise to help us maintain the high standards we have set.

7. Do you have a favorite thing you like about your new headquarters? What is it? I love the many windows in the office spaces—they let in so much light and the view of our neighborhood. We get to see the houses of Evanston, the newly re-designed Evanston Park, Keystone Parke, and the expressway. It helps us stay connected to our community and the people we serve.

8. Has working in a green building helped you incorporate any “green” aspects into your lifestyle? How so? I’m making more of an effort to save water at home and not being so quick to throw away things that may be old but still have a useful life.

Dan Neyer & Neyer Employees Blogging (Part 3 of 3)

For the final part of our three part series, we decided to see what our fellow employees' favorite projects were. There were several similarities between employees but each had a different reason why it is their favorite.

What has your favorite project been thus far? Why?

The Red Cross building because I’ve been able to see it go up every day since it is right outside of our office at Keystone Parke.

-Eden McDermott

Keystone Parke. Being part of a team that built the first “green campus” in the area was very rewarding. I was also very involved in many of the office selections for the Neyer Properties tenant finish.

-Tracy Russell

The Thanksgiving Food from the Heart Drive [with St. Vincent De Paul]. Because of its success last year, Neyer put two food barrels out this year, one at Red Bank Crossing and one Keystone Parke I. Thanks to our tenants and Neyer employees we filled both barrels. It was touching to see everyone working together to help out people in need. I have been told by several professionals that Dan has a good head on his shoulders and a big heart as well.

-Sally Hauser

I love the glass façade of the Beechmont Racquet Club. The owner wanted not only a “racquet” club but there are additional office spaces for tenants. The Design Center is additionally a unique building with colors of red, yellow and blue incorporated in the outside design. It’s very colorful exterior is easy to see off of I-71. Another is the redevelopment of the Working In Neighborhood office in South Cumminsville. An older Catholic Church converted to office space without destroying the integrity and character of the interior; beautiful painted glass windows, the thick massive woodwork, and the overhead Rosetta window.

-Nancy McCune

The purchase of Ross and Section [Central Pointe on the Lateral]. It is our first Clean Ohio project and therefore has been a great learning experience for me. Another part of this project I enjoy is the future planning of the additional acreage to the south. It is exciting to see all of the moving parts come together.

-Jared Wendling

Keystone Parke because although it is a big, complicated and often difficult project to move forward it has the biggest potential impact on the community of all projects I have worked on.

-Jeff Chamot

I have enjoyed the development of the American Red Cross Headquarters and Disaster Operations center the most, since it is such a unique facility and a unique challenging site. It has served as many stakeholders as any project that we have completed (all of which had differing interests and needs), it is on target for LEED Gold, and it is for an incredible organization.

-Charlie Pond

Dan Neyer & Neyer Employees Blogging (Part 2 of 3)

This time we decided to turn the table back onto those whom we know best, our fellow employees at Neyer Properties. This is the second part of a three part series. As mentioned previously, we asked each employee the same question and ended up with a wide range of responses. We have picked some different people's responses from those who responded in the first question.

What is your favorite thing about working at Neyer Properties?

Neyer has an entrepreneurial spirit that drives the success of the company. That spirit creates development and financial solutions for projects that others outside our organization may not see. It forces me to think outside the box and keep an open mind when analyzing new opportunities as well as existing properties.

-Bryan Kelley

Working with a group of energized, motivated and talented people who are making a very positive difference in the town in which we live, work and play.

-Dan Neyer

All employees have a say and can give input or ideas on a topic or project. I believe since we are a small company open communication between all employees and listening to their input is critical.

-Kathy Hennel

I enjoy the range of responsibilities for which each person is expected to take ownership – this results in a wide range of experience and opens up room for initiative and the ability for employees to take on work that they enjoy.

-Seth Pirie

Dan Neyer & Neyer Employees Blogging (Part 1 of 3)

This month we decided to turn the table back onto those whom we know the best, our fellow employees at Neyer Properties. We asked each employee the same set of questions and ended up with a wide range of responses. This is the first part of a three part series. It is interesting to see everyone’s different perspectives.

What are you looking forward to in the coming year?

I see the coming year as having great opportunities for investment in commercial real estate. I also look forward to continuing our effort to help transform the real estate in our community with our continued emphasis on creating value to the overall community, using real estate as one of the vehicles to help improve the lives and efficiencies of others.

-Dan Neyer, President & CEO

What I am looking forward to in the coming year is Neyer Properties continued success in being a development company that is aggressive in acquisitions and secure financially that both lenders and peers see as a leader in our industry.

-Kathy Hennel, Controller

I’m looking forward to getting a large retail project off the ground that we have been working on for most of 2010. I’m also optimistic about a few other opportunities that involve new development at properties we currently own. Finally, seeing as much of our growth in the near future will come from acquisitions, I’m eager to see what we will come across in 2011. Acquisitions require some-out-of-the-box solutions as we reposition property – and it’s very interesting to be part of that process.

-Seth Pirie, Development Project Manager

Seeing more development and construction activity!

-Jeff Chamot, Land Development Manager

I am looking forward to seeing the results of some of the projects which have been in early phases to date, and for which we have been laying the groundwork to truly partner with end-users, with the hope of beginning construction next year – including The Greens at Kenwood, Central Pointe on the Lateral, Gateway 75, Ridge Pointe, Harrison Greene, Middletown Mall, and others.

-Charlie Pond, Director of Building Development

Q & A with Anne Pond, Vice President of Home Restart

This month we interviewed Anne Pond, vice president of Home Restart. Home Restart specializes in acquiring properties that are distressed and undervalued and restores them to their highest and best use and maximum potential. To date, Home Restart has purchased and renovated seven houses. Pond turns to Neyer Properties for their assistance in approving the purchase and helps manage Home Restart’s financials.

You have experience in real estate, is majority of that with residential properties?
All of my real estate experience centers around residential property. I began investing in real estate on a personal level, and the lessons I learned on my own prepared me to take on this new venture at Home Restart.

What purpose does Neyer Properties serve to Home Restart?

The people at Neyer Properties are a valuable resource to Home Restart. Neyer takes care of the accounting and marketing for Home Restart, and Charlie Pond lends his expertise in construction to assist in the remodeling process.

How far is your area range for homes?

Although I look at properties in the entire Greater Cincinnati Area, we typically stick to certain core, desirable areas, which in the past have included Hyde Park, Oakley and Madeira in Ohio, and Fort Thomas and Edgewood in Kentucky.

How many houses are you currently working on? Optimally, how many would you like to work on at once?

Right now, all of our completed homes have sold, except for one that we recently put on the market in Edgewood, Kentucky. Ideally, I would like to have 3-4 houses in some part of the acquisition/remodeling/selling process.

How have the neighbors responded to your work in their neighborhoods?

I work very hard to make sure I introduce myself to the neighbors and make sure they understand exactly what we are doing to the house. I let them know that we will do a quality job and that we are not just a "paint and carpet" rehabber. I explain to them that what we are doing will bring value to their homes and neighborhood. Ninety-nine percent of the neighbors are thrilled with what we are doing and love watching the house transform from the eyesore of the neighborhood, to the best looking house on the block! They really enjoy touring the house before, during and after the rehabilitation process.

Has anything changed with your approach to buying and selling homes over the course of time you’ve been in business?

Not necessarily, but I discovered very quickly, that, despite the number of foreclosures on the market, it is much more difficult to find a house at the right price than I thought it would be. We follow the philosophy of creating our value, by buying at the right price.

Has it been more difficult to find buyers than you thought it would be?

We have had a lot of success in finding buyers for our houses quickly, relative to the average time that properties are sitting on the market during this real estate "slump" that we are experiencing now.

If an agent is interested in working with you, how should they go about contacting you? What do you need to know?

The agents I love to work with, are ones that are very in tune with a specific community, and aren't necessarily just pulling houses off the MLS for me. They know the ins and outs of the community, and are connected enough to know what's going to hit the market before it hits MLS. Agents interested in working with Home Restart can contact me via email, apond@HomeRestart.com, or call me at 859-816-8424.

What is your hope for the future with regards to Home Restart?

I hope that Home Restart continues to grow and that each year we can do a few more houses than the year before. We have taken our time and have been very selective with houses thus far, to make sure that we have our processes down, and we turn over a quality product. We are equipped to handle even more in 2011, and I'm excited about Home Restart's future.

Specific positive experiences thus far with Home Restart?

My two favorite things in this business are watching the transformation of the house, and meeting the people that will be moving into the house after it is completed. There is always a point during the project, where I think, "Oh my goodness….I sure hope this turns out the way I thought it would…." And it always does! I also love to meet and watch the excitement on the new owners’ faces on closing day. After I pour my heart and soul into a house, I love to watch the new owners make it into their home.

Read more about Home Restart here: http://bit.ly/f8xHRj and visit the Home Restart website here: www.homerestart.com