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December 2005 • Volume 2, Issue 12 This issue home | Past issues | Chamber home Consulting Group Advises Chamber On Local Retail Needs, Issues
Retention and development activities within the retail sector in Richardson are a vital part of the Chamber's partnership with the City of Richardson. To focus on activities in this sector, Sue Walker, the lead executive for retail on the Richardson Economic Development Partnership team, created a new advisory group, called the Retail Consulting Group, or RECON. The group was created in February 2004 and has met quarterly since. “Participation in RECON is limited to shopping center owners and managers, leasing brokers/agents who have projects in Richardson, along with retail developers and investors who are committed to Richardson and the development of its retail base,” Walker said. She noted that participation is by invitation. “The mission of the RECON group is to be both a resource and advisor on retail activities in Richardson to the REDP staff, to participate in ongoing communications with the staff and provide insights on retail developments, including feedback on related city policies,” Walker said. “Since RECON participants are active in the retail industry, their opinions and observations help us stay abreast of emerging retail trends and identify new retailers and restaurant types that might fit into the Richardson business environment,” she added. “In addition we provide leads and contacts that we develop to the local leasing brokers to assist their efforts in filling up vacant spaces.” The quarterly luncheon meetings provide an excellent opportunity for the group's members to give updates on their centers, for staff to update members on current City and Chamber activities related to retail, and for a free exchange of ideas on trends and retail possibilities for Richardson. In May 2004, Walker was named to a state-wide leadership position with ICSC (International Council of Shopping Centers), having been selected as ICSC's Texas Alliance Program Co-Chair. She regularly participates in ICSC's national and regional conferences with the top leadership of this 56,000 member organization. With such high visibility in ICSC, she is able to stay plugged into what's happening within the industry and makes extensive contacts throughout the retail development industry. It also helps her to bring attention on the more recent retail development activities in Richardson. Some of the regular members of RECON include: Mike Cagle of the John Bowles Company, which leases four centers in Richardson; Daniel Eng, of T.K. Eng & Associates, which is headquartered in Richardson and owns/leases nine centers in the city; Dick Ferrell of the Dick Ferrell Company, owner of the Richland Village; Sandy Chapman of Quine & Associates, who represents five properties in Richardson and whose company manages/leases more than 100 properties in the D-FW area; David Levinson, senior vice president of The Retail Connection with two properties in Richardson; Bob Reid and Brian Showalter with Reid Properties, owners of the new 190/Central center on the Bush Turnpike near Alma; and Chris Gibbons with Venture Commercial Real Estate, who leases and manages Canyon Creek Plaza. At times, there have been more than 25 attendees at the luncheon meetings. Mike Wanchick, assistant city manager of the City of Richardson and Director of Development Monica Heid also participate in RECON. “We appreciate these and other RECON participants,” said Walker, “for giving their time, observations, advice and feedback on Richardson's retail sector as we work to improve and enhance this sector of the economy for our residents and all those who work and visit the city.” |
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