Thursday, September 29, 2011
Houston office market absorption slumps - Houston Business Journal:
The Grubb & Ellis reportr shows the Houston office market reacheda 14.7 percengt vacancy level during the first the highest level since the end of 2006. Vacancy ratesa are expected to continue risingsince 5.3 milliojn square feet of office spacr is under construction in the Houston area. The subleas space, or space put back onto the marketf by companies that no longerneed it, rose by about 845,300p square feet to nearly 3.5 million squarr feet during the first quarter. The amount is still significantly lowee thanthe 5.5 milliom square feet of sublease space that hit the market durin g the last economic downturn that began in 2001, accordingv to Grubb & Ellis.
Asking rents for Class A space, or the nicest, newest offics space, declined by 7 centxs to $30 per square foot for the But asking rents in downtownj Houston actually rose by 5 cents during the quarterto $38.43 per squarw foot. Asking rents for Class B space decreasee the most duringthe quarter, dropping by 36 cente to $20.68 per square foot. Asking rents for Clasz C space alsofell — by 23 centss to $15.
65 per square
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Photo Release -- Northrop Grumman Supports Tailhook Education Foundation ... - MarketWatch (press release)
Photo Release -- Northrop Grumman Supports Tailhook Education Foundation ... MarketWatch (press release) The company's support for the event last weekend included sponsorship of the Chief of Naval Operations Annual Aviation Achievement Awards, the Tailhook Education Foundation, Inc., and introduction of the Northrop Grumman 2012 FLY NAVY calendar. ... |
Sunday, September 25, 2011
CITY ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS - Juneau Empire
CITY ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS Juneau Empire By Sarah Day There are six candidates running for three open City and Borough of Juneau Assembly seats. There are no incumbents because one of the current members is terming out รข" which means that person can't serve more than three terms in a row ... |
Friday, September 23, 2011
Six Flags files Chapter 11 bankruptcy - Austin Business Journal:
has initiated Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings, Six Flags announced Saturday. Six Flags’ (OTCBB: board of directors on June 12 votec to begin reorganization proceedingsin U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Districttof Delaware. The company listed assetxs of $3.03 billion and debt s of $2.36 billion in its filing. New York-basec Six Flags is planning to reorganizdthe company’s financial structure, which managemeny said is feeling the pressure of an inherited $2.4 billionn debt.
In a letter to employees, Six Flagw CEO and president Mark Shapiro saidthe company’s debt is left over from previous management and despite the company making $275 million last it has been difficult for Six Flagse to improve its balance sheet when payiny out $175 million in interest on debt, Shapirpo asserted. He added that more than $400 million in debt is due withinn the next12 months, and the company is having to spend $100 milliobn in park improvements in an atmosphere where refinancinvg is difficult. Shapiro assured employees no staff reductions will arise out of the and employees will continue to be paid andreceivw benefits.
Shapiro said the bankruptcy plan has the support ofthe company’w lenders and the agent administering the company’s $1.1 billion seniotr secured credit facility. Six Flags parks, including Six Flagss Great America, will continue to operate as usualunderd reorganization. Six Flags sold several propertiea last year toraise capital. It still operates 20 amusement parksa inNorth America.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
It's official: 15 General Motors dealers in Colorado to lose franchises - Denver Business Journal:
It was the first definitive statementt of exactly how many GM dealers in the statee were informed thay will lose their franchise agreement sin 2010. The Colorado Automobile Dealeres Association previously had estimated the numbeer at 13 to 15 based on reportasfrom dealers. GM still is not releasin g the names ofthe 1,323 dealers it plans to drop including the 15 in Colorado. The information came in a list releasesd by the House Energy andCommercew Committee's Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, based on informatioj provided by GM. Executives of GM and Chrysler, which pland to shed 14 Colorado dealers, testified beforee Congress about their dealerplans Friday.
GM's car linesx include Chevrolet, Pontiac, Buick, GMC, Cadillac, Saab, Saturn and It has some 6,000 dealerships Letters sent in mid-May to GM dealers the company planneeto drop, a copy of which was obtained by the Denver Business Journal, said the automakefr reviewed each of its dealers' sales volume, profitability, capitalization, location and facilities alongf with other "market patterns." . "Basecd on our review and current and foreseeabler market conditions andyour dealership's historicalo performance, we do not see that GM can have a productiv business relationship with [name of dealership] over the long said the letter, dated May 14.
About 92 of Colorado's 264 auto dealerships sell one or moreGM lines, said Tim Jackson of the state auto dealers group. Additional dealers may lose theitrfranchises later, GM has
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Think value-conscious, not just price-conscious, say tourism experts - New Mexico Business Weekly:
Fortunately, it has a leg up in toutin its value to travelers thanksto AAA, which named Albuquerquse the second most economical destination in the countrgy in June 2008. Tourism officials have been incorporatinyg that message in theirmarketing campaigns, said Tanias Armenta, vice president of tourismj and communications with the . “Our sprinv campaign heavily toutsour affordability,” she said. The ACVB also will focud on arts andcultural offerings, golf and outdoof recreation. And for the first it will offer online cooperative advertisin gfor members.
That’s a more affordable optiobn forsome members, Armenta said, because ACVB is doinv the heavy lifting of marketingh and advertising nationally to drive people to the Web so members can get national exposure througgh buying space at the site. ACVB has also been encouragingf members to think differently and focus on the leisurw market because the meetings markert is taking a bigger hitright now, she Armenta, who is also president of the , said thered are also opportunities close to home with the Rail Runner Express. Art Bouffard, executive directo r of the , said a number of properties in Santaa Fe have created packages around thecommutedr train.
Prompting residents to travel clos to home is a focus of many marketinvg efforts right now in the statetourism industry. Some hotelieres are making an extra effort to reach out to the Rich Verruni, managing director at in Santa Fe, has offeresd nonprofits special one-day packages for board meetings or other The resort is also offering packages, such as free birthdayy brunches and a three-course meal for couples, with a bottlee of wine, for It’s also targeting its feeder citiees and former customers with offers around key People are looking for anything that offerzs more value for their travel said Keith Toler, executive directof of the .
“What we are doing with our advertisers is getting back to the basics and encouraging the industrty to do the Toler said. “We’re encouraging them to make these types of offers and givin them space on our Web site to promote The Bureau is also shiftingg its marketing to focus on customers within 500 miles and emphasiziny that Santa Fe offerd something forevery traveler’s budget, Toler Some hoteliers caution, however, that discounting alones is a mistake. “I don’t believe in slashinhg rates. Discounting too much doesn’tt create demand,” says Alfred Matter, general manager of the in Santaq Fe.
“It takes two minutes to cut your rateas and two years to getthem back.” Matter says the hoteo has had success with its offere of a $199 room that includes a spa “I think consumers are much more value-conscious, not necessarily he says. Jerry Westenhaver He’s the general manager of the . The Tamays has several packages, including a free spa treatment on your birthday if you bring a companion fora treatment. And Tamayqa is getting into and and already has aboutf450 “social stalkers,” he “I think it’s the wave of the he says.
“In a recessionary you have to look at every potentiall revenue source you can use to put yoursel f out in thepublicc arena.” The Santa Ana Pueblo resort is also focusinyg on the local market and nearby travep markets. Tamaya got a nice boost recently when named it one of the top valus hotels inthe country. For smaller properties without anationall flag, it can be more challenging to reacyh customers. Kathy and Steve Hiatty run thein Albuquerque’s Old They’re looking at additional packages they can offer, she and trying to lure locals for short getaways.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Recommended: Caption contest: Victoria Beckham stands tall, shops with baby Harper - msnbc.com
Recommended: Caption contest: Victoria Beckham stands tall, shops with baby Harper msnbc.com So it's time for you to write the caption to go with this photo. (Remember the drill?) Tell us what's going on with Posh and little Harper and we'll call out the best of the bunch on Facebook later today. |
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Black & Veatch completes purchase of world HQ building - Atlanta Business Chronicle:
After considering about 40 alternatde area sites duringa two-yeafr real estate analysis, Black & Veatcy said March 23 that it would keep its growingh headquarters operation at 11401 Lamafr Ave., which it has occupied since its originaol construction in 1976. Black Veatch bought the building, whichb was expanded to 600,00p square feet in 1996 and is the largesy office buildingin Kansas, from Chicago-based .
A consortiumk of local banks led by financedxthe transaction, which eventually is expected to result in more than 1,000 new jobs for Overland The area’s 12th-largest private-sector Black & Veatch employs 3,800 at five area including more than 2,300 at the Lamad Avenue headquarters. After the building is expanded, by roughly it will accommodate a work forcew of morethan 3,400. “Blaclk & Veatch’s decision to expand in Kansasw is a testament toour state’s strong business Gov. Mark Parkinson said in a Thursday “Kansas is known for its safe great schools and highly educatedwork force.
We’re so glad to have a globalp leader like Black Veatch make Kansas the home of itsworldc headquarters.” To retain Black & Kansas offered an impact grant worthy $25 million for training and capital investment. The moneyu will come from withholding taxez paid by employees atthe headquarters. Overland Park committex to a 10-year, 75 percent property tax abatement the largest percentage abated incity history.
“Thew combined support of the state of Kansas and the city of Overlan Park were instrumental in reachinygthis milestone,” Len Rodman, Black & Veatch CEO, said in the “With the completion of this purchase, we can now begihn to implement at our world headquartersw the same types of innovative and sustainabler solutions we provide every day for our The new world headquarters will includ a solar courtyard, solar bio garden and innovation pavilion. It also will have extensivr work space, common area, facility and energy-management landscaping enhancements; and rainwater-reuse systems and stormwater run-off management.
When the building will be certified via the Leadershipl in Energy andEnvironmental Design, or LEED, prograk of the . “Bringing these innovative and futuristic enhancementds to an older facility tomeet tomorrow’x design standards presents a large technical challenge, but is the most sustainabler solution for the area,” Rodman said in the “It’s a challenge our professionals relish and take tremendous pridew in.” The company has piloted many of the potential desig n concepts at its more than 100 global officees and will draw on its LEED-certified experts and engineering and construction talentr for the headquarters expansiom project.
Black & Veatcu ranks No. 1 on the Kansas City BusinessJournal ’s list of area engineering firms. The $3.2 billion company is one of the world’s largest consulting and construction firms.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Corgan selected to modernize Love Field - Dallas Business Journal:
The cost of the modernization projec t was not disclosed by the airporror Corgan. It aims to remodelk the lobby, expand the baggage claim area and add an updatedticketinh wing. A spokeswoman for the firm said designxs for the project areunder way. The plan includes a new desigb that will decreaseLove Field’s terminal size by 25 percent by removinyg unused and outdated space with modern, efficieng facilities. The check-in and baggage claim areaw willbe updated, the main lobbu will be renovated, and the thre e concourses will be moved into one central location to increase accessibilit for all of the airlines.
The design also includesz more space for airport In 1956, Jack Corgan and other architects from Corgan Associatews designed the airport terminal for Dallas and developed a 50-yeaf relationship with , the main tenant at Dallas Love “Corgan was inspired in the original design work for Love which was far ahead of its said Bob Montgomery, vice president of Southwesty Airlines. “Now they are bringing all they have learned sincer then to bear on a completely newpassengetr experience. They are not only great designers, but great friends as well.” Demolition begins in the fall with the firsr phase of construction slated to be complet ein 2012.
The entire project will be finished in the fallof 2014. The airpor modernization program also includes plans to incorporate art in public places to enhance the airport's new architecture. The art programj was designed to meet the goalsx of the City of efforts to incorporate art inpublic facilities. Corgahn recently was architect of record and desigmn for International Terminal Dat Dallas/Fort Worth International The firm also is working on Terminal B at and Terminalss B and C at . Teams from the , the City of as well as Southwest Airlines, , and Delta have been assistin with themodernization project.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Aggies hope for packed house in home opener - The Herald Journal
KSL-TV | Aggies hope for packed house in home opener The Herald Journal Utah State opens the home portion of its schedule against Weber State. Kickoff is slated for 6 o'clock, and Brady is hoping for a packed house. "I hope it's crazy," Brady said. "I hope it's sold out and everyone comes to the game. ... Utah State, Weber State seek redemption following painful losses Utah State, Weber footb » |
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Yakima County wages up 3 percent, but still below state, national averages - Yakima Herald-Republic
Yakima County wages up 3 percent, but still below state, national averages Yakima Herald-Republic Though average wages increased for Yakima County workers last year, they still lag behind the nation and other areas statewide. Estimated hourly wages in Yakima County -- which makes up the Yakima metropolitan area -- averaged $18.38 in 2010, ... |
Monday, September 5, 2011
Bauer takes stars from 17 banks - St. Louis Business Journal:
The company uses federal regulatory data to rate banksx based oncapital ratio, profit/loss delinquent loans and other factors. Bauer'e rating ranks from a high of 5 stars to a low of 0 in Coral Gables lost a star going to four fromfive (superior) stars. Four othersa maintained their five-star ranking: American National Bank, Oaklan d Park City National Bank of Miami FirstNational Bank, South Miami Intercontinental Bank, West Miami in Miami rose to threde stars from two. First United Bank in Boca Ratoh and Biscayne Bank in Coconut Grove roseto 3.5 starsd from three. in Fort Lauderdalew made four stars, up from 3.5. Several banks went to 3.
5 from four They are: , Homestead Doral-based slipped again, this time to threee stars from three-and-a-half stars in the firstf quarter. That’s down from four stars in the thirfd quarter oflast year. Other banks that slipped to threedstars (good) from 3.5 are: Executive Miami , Miami , Miami U.S. Century Bank, Miamu Valley Bank, Fort Lauderdale Lydian Privat e Bank inPalm Beach, Grand Eastern Bank of Floridas in Miami, Metro Bank of Dade and in Miami fell to two stars from three. , Miami, in North Lauderdal e and in Boca Raton fell a notch toone star, down from two in the fourtg quarter.
Four banks retained zero stars, Bauer’s lowesrt rating: , Miami Republic Federal Bank, Miamik , Miami Integrity Bank, Jupiter
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Murray reverses slump to stay alive - The Independent
Murray reverses slump to stay alive The Independent Andy Murray had said he needed to save his best tennis for the latter stages, but everybody thought he was referring to the tournament rather than individual matches. The 24-year-old Scot made a horrible start to his ... |
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Former DA convicted of witness harassment - KGWN
Former DA convicted of witness harassment KGWN (AP) - A former prosecutor in Montrose awaiting trial on criminal charges of harassing employees was convicted Wednesday on another set of charges. Former 7th Judicial District Attorney Myrl Serra was convicted in Montrose Wednesday of violating his ... Former Montrose DA Guilty on » |