For the first time ever, we held two CERC SiteFinder Showcase events, which highlights our sustained commitment to delivering valuable information to the local commercial real estate and economic development communities throughout Connecticut. I was also pleased to kick off the first CERC SiteFinder Membership Appreciation Day at the Lyman Orchards Golf Course, where SiteFinder members were treated to a great day of networking and golf to acknowledge and show CERC's gratitude for the investment and roles they play in the economic success of our state.
What was your most notable project, deal or transaction in 2014?
As an economic development organization, it is our mission to assist in activities that result in the attraction of businesses to Connecticut, as well as the retention of companies already here. To me, our role in assisting Praxair - who will build their new world headquarters in Danbury and plan to hire 120 new employees - retain its presence in Connecticut stands out as a project in 2014 that I'm proud of.
What are your predictions for commercial real estate in 2015?
I believe Connecticut will continue to see a great deal of interest from international companies looking to establish a distribution and manufacturing presence in the United States. Also, with increasing interest and investments from the pharma/biotech industry, we'll continue to see a demand for real estate that lends itself suitable for research and development use.