CAP, CREW Announce Panelists for Downtown Development Day

October 13,2010

Central Atlanta Progress, in partnership with Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) of Atlanta, has set the line ups for the breakout panels at CAP’s Eighth Annual 2010 Downtown Development Day, which will take place Nov. 4 at AmericasMart Building 2 WestWing. Experts from Cousins Properties, Forest City Enterprises, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Atlanta Development Authority and other esteemed companies will offer their knowledge and insight into what’s happening in Downtown. The panels will run concurrently from 10:45 a.m.-12 noon.

Panel 1 will discuss how to attract retail and residential development to Downtown. Panelists include Jim Borders, CEO, Novare Group; Michael I. Cohn, executive vice president retail investments, leasing and asset management, Cousins Properties; Sarah Kirsch, senior principal, RCLCO; and Harvey Rudy, senior director of development, Barry Real Estate Cos. The panel will be moderated by Herman H. Howard, vice president - Atlanta regional practice leader, HOK.

Panel 2, “Land of Opportunity: Underutilized Parcels in Downtown,” will look into the available land downtown and what might be developed there. Panelists are Jennifer Ball, vice president of planning, Central Atlanta Progress; Emerick J. Corsi, executive vice president of development, Forest City Enterprises; Tyrone Rachal, senior development manager of tax allocation districts (TADs) and NMTC programs, Atlanta Development Authority; and Jeffrey L. Warwick, market executive, Bank Of America Merrill Lynch. Tony Wilbert, president, Wilbert News Strategies, will moderate the panel.

Panel 3 will discuss how to boost Downtown’s economy in 2011 through hospitality, tourism and nightlife. The panelists will be William Pate, president and CEO, ACVB; Erica Qualls, general manager, Atlanta Marriott Marquis and chair of Atlanta Hotel Council; Matt Ruppert, proprietor, Noni’s Italian Bar & Deli; and R. Mark Woodworth, executive vice president, Colliers PKF Consulting USA. Tony Conway, president and owner, A Legendary Event, will moderate this panel.

Preceding the panels, Bernie Marcus, chairman of The Marcus Foundation, will give the keynote address where he will discuss the economic impact of the Georgia Aquarium on the city and state and how the attraction has created a destination to inspire visitors to visit and stay Downtown. Marcus is well known for funding the Georgia Aquarium in downtown Atlanta. Early next year, the aquarium open its new $110 million dolphin exhibit expansion that he also funded.

Central Atlanta Progress President A.J. Robinson will provide updates on Downtown’s newest developments and those in the planning stages. He’ll also discuss how Downtown is on the cutting edge of new technology, upgrading its infrastructure and becoming a preferred destination for Atlanta’s young and hip residents.

“Downtown is emerging as the place to live, go to college and do business in Atlanta,” Robinson said. “Downtown Development Day gives us the opportunity to spotlight what’s occurring and share our success stories.”

At the event, Robinson will present the Downtown Atlanta Economic Impact Award, and Atlanta magazine Publisher Sean McGinnis will present the Atlanta Downtown Design Excellence Award.

Following the program, attendees will have the opportunity to take an optional bus and walking tour of Downtown Atlanta. The tour will allow Atlanta’s real estate community and Downtown stakeholders interested in the area’s future the opportunity to discover the city’s new and exciting changes.

The event will also feature an expo to showcase new and planned real estate projects as well as Downtown-focused initiatives. The expo provides a great opportunity to network within the industry and business community.

Event sponsors include: Gold: Lanier Parking and AmericasMart; Silver: Barry Real Estate Companies, Georgia Power, Reznick Group, Richard Bowers & Co. and Cousins Properties; Bronze: Atlanta Development Authority, Walter P. Moore and Associates, Epstein Becker Green, Stites and Harbision, PLLC, and Wilbert News Strategies.

To purchase tickets or a sponsorship, go online or contact Tahmida Shamsuddin at 404-658-5982 or tahmida@atlantadowntown.com with any questions.

About Central Atlanta Progress:
Founded in 1941, Central Atlanta Progress is a private nonprofit community development organization providing leadership, programs and services to preserve and strengthen the economic vitality of Downtown Atlanta. With a board of directors of Downtown’s top business leaders, CAP is funded through the investment of businesses and institutions.