Exec leads NAIOP in new direction

     When a part of the valley ceases to resemble a lunar landscape and starts to sprout homes, an onslaught of business properties -- commercial, industrial and office -- usually is not far behind.
      One trade association that oversees business development is NAIOP, the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties.
      A sign pops up on a corner alerting the public that the property is being considered for development and anyone interested should call land agent John Doe at XYZ Properties. Neighbors speculate on the type of business that will follow, hoping for a grocery store and video rental shop, but not necessarily in that order.
      The public usually can rest assured that said John Doe is a member of NAIOP, which means he is trained and obligated to follow certain industry guidelines.
      The association, which was founded in 1967, comprises more than 8,000 members in 47 chapters throughout North America. The Southern Nevada chapter, established in 1986, is the fastest growing in the nation. In 1990, there were 80 members; 10 years later there are 360. Members are developers, owners, investors and asset managers in commercial real estate.
      Up to this time, the association was all-volunteer, with appointees browbeating their fellow members to serve on committees and perform fund-raising and lobbying duties.
      However, the growth of the valley, the industry and the association prompted the hiring of the group's first executive director, who brings more than 30 years of real estate experience to the table.
      Micki Johnson has worked locally at Fidelity National Title, Stewart Title, Chicago Title and Nevada Title. Among her awards are President's Special Award and Associate Member of the Year for the Southern Nevada Home Builders Association; and national NAIOP's Outstanding Chapter President.
      Rick Smith, president of the local chapter, praised Johnson's involvement on the board of directors and her tenure as chapter president.
      "Micki was a natural and easy choice," Smith said. "She brings a great depth of understanding for our purposes ... is well-known within the real estate community and truly a delightful person."
      I second the motion on her being delightful. Johnson has a ready smile and handshake, and is ready and willing to answer any and all questions.
      As executive director, she will be a member of the board and involved with implementing mission and goals. She will lobby on local, state and national levels and raise funds to enhance the group's budget and political contributions. Johnson also will serve as the chapter's local media and municipal spokesperson.
      She has the bonus of working with some of the top business people in Southern Nevada, including Michael Newman and Tim Snow, who are members of the National Board of Directors and serve on pivotal committees.
      Congratulations, Micki. The chapter couldn't have a more capable representative, and Las Vegas is fortunate to have you overseeing the association.
      Carmel Hopkins, Real Estate Product Manager for the Las Vegas Review-Journal and Las Vegas Sun, can be reached at 380-4574. Her e-mail address is Carmel_Hopkins@lasvegasnewspapers.com. Snail mail is P.O. Box 70, Las Vegas, NV 89125.

Real Estate home