Nearly 1,000 commercial real estate professionals came together to pay tribute to The Beal Companies, recipient of the 2009 Distinguished Real Estate Award presented at the NAIOP Massachusetts Annual Awards Gala. The Beal Companies was selected for achievements in real estate, charitable activities, and community betterment. Also honored that night with a special Public Service Award was John Fish, chairman and CEO of Suffolk Construction.
Presenting the award to the Beal Companies was Kevin McCall, president of NAIOP Mass. and the CEO of Paradigm Properties, who said, "Those who earn this award are exemplary firms who conduct themselves with integrity and professionalism, create value through the real estate they develop, and contribute broadly to the well being of the Commonwealth. Judging by the number of you in the room this evening, you share our pride in honoring The Beal Companies."
Geoff Witheford, senior vice president of Bovis Lend Lease, a close business partner of The Beal Companies and the gala's Platinum Sponsor, gave a moving tribute to the firm, praising them for their passion and dedication to quality. On hand to accept the award were brothers Bruce and Robert Beal, chairman and president, respectively, along with senior executives Peter Spellios, Steve Faber, and Mike Manzo, who as the longest-serving member of the firm was given the honor of delivering the firm's acceptance speech.
"The Beal Companies is no stranger to difficult times," Manzo told the audience, noting that since the 1880s, they had operated through 27 recessions and depressions. "During these periods of economic contraction, the Beal Companies has grown carefully and thoughtfully. We knew there would be opportunities, new and exciting projects we could sink our teeth into - our corporate memory, our cumulative experience told us so."
To those struggling with the current economy, which he said was "frozen solid like our New England lakes in the dead of winter," Manzo offered encouragement: "Lately I have been hearing a faint sound; it's the sound of ice cracking. The long deep freeze is coming to an end. Our business won't be the same as it was a few years ago, it never is, but there are great opportunities and rewards as commercial real estate springs back to life. Get out there and seize the opportunities!"
Also honored that evening was Suffolk Construction's CEO, John Fish, who is well-known for his extensive civic and charitable work, most recently through his firm's Red Blue Foundation, which assists underserved children through educational programs and community initiatives. Peter Palandjian, chairman CEO of Intercontinental Real Estate, and the sponsor of the Public Service Award, praised Fish for his willingness to "roll up his sleeves and get to work" while he is still relatively young, rather than waiting untill retirement to give back to the community.
Speaking of Fish's many contributions to the community, McCall described him as "a force of nature," noting his particular devotion to the needs of children and families. "He has created a culture of community involvement at Suffolk," said McCall. "He is incredibly skilled at encouraging local business and political leaders to join him in his efforts, making him one of the most influential philanthropists in our industry and our community."
Held at the Westin Waterfront Hotel, the event was packed with industry leaders eager to show their support for the honorees and to network at what has become one of Boston's premier events. The evening's platinum sponsor was Bovis Lend Lease; gold sponsors included: Anglo Irish Bank, Bank of America, The Beal Companies, Mintz, Levin/ML Strategies, The Related Companies, Suffolk Construction Company, and William Berry Son.
In honor of The Beal Companies, NAIOP Mass. announced it was making a contribution to the United Way of Mass. Bay and Merrimack Valley, which brings communities together to help improve people's lives and strengthen neighborhoods. In keeping with the honorees tremendous commitment to the community, it was also announced that NAIOP Massachusetts has joined with Building Impact's R.E.Action 2010: The Real Estate Year of Community Service, serving as an industry partner.
NAIOP Mass. is a leading voice for commercial real estate and represents the interests of companies involved with the development, ownership, management, and financing of commercial properties. NAIOP's 1,300 members are involved with more than 180 million s/f of office, research development, industrial, mixed use, retail and institutional space in the Commonwealth. In addition to providing outstanding education and networking opportunities, NAIOP advances responsible commercial real estate development and advocates for effective public policy. For more information, visit www.naiopma.org.