The Corridor Journal of Strategic Alliances Building Arts & Real Property | Page 9

What is its value to Long Island? My imagination swarms with possibilities. This is the premiere retail event for the tri state area. They also hold a variety of trade events throughout the year and the big global conference is held in Vegas annually. RECon is the name of the global convention held by the ICSC. Here, at this show is the potential to craft a deal, to fill a vacancy, to meet those who are building their portfolios. And here, at this show are the people who can make a big difference on Long Island. How is that accomplished? This is a full day playing the memory card game. Each player brings to the table their portfolio of existing properties for lease or sale and attempts to match it with the franchise, broker, or property owner needs. The game is played all day long in hopes of creating a match; a property match that is. Starbucks, Taco Bell, Quick Chek and all of the expanding retailers are the colorful cards we use to match our properties. It quickly became apparent that Long Island is a great target for expanding retailers, developers and property owners, aka the “players”. Each time a match is made, a chain reaction occurs which has a profound impact on the local economy. The show provides a playing field rich with opportunity to build a retail establishment that will employ an architect, who will pay a commission to a broker, who will use a builder and a painter and an electrician, and will employ staff and play a role in the renewed growth of the Long Island economy. Michel Michael is a commercial agent with and the creator of the LI COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE EXPO. She can be reached at: [email protected]. 9