from the Korea Times (12/9):
Center of Healthcare, Technology, Tourism
By Park Si-soo
Staff Reporter
"Jeju Island has been portrayed as one of the best tourist destinations with its picturesque green fields and mountains, and crystal blue ocean as a backdrop. Numerous tourists from home and abroad have visited the nation's largest island year round.
But Jeju took a bold step six years ago toward its long-cherished dream ㅡ the Northeast Asian hub of education, healthcare, tourism and high-end technology." ...
"Jeju Free International City Development Center (JDC) was established in 2002 to realize the dream through the ``Jeju Free International City Development Project.''" ...
"According to JDC, it has signed investment contracts worth $1.8 billion with a major Malaysian conglomerate Berjaya for resort-type residential facilities; a memorandum of understanding (MOU) worth $880 million with a U.S.-based entertainment firm GHL for an amusement park; and another MOU worth $330 million with Berjaya." ...
for the complete story
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Dubai reaches new low -- refrigerated beach
Mr. Bergman found this winner -- from the Daily Mail (12/15):
World's first refrigerated BEACH to be built next to luxury hotel in Dubai
By Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 4:26 PM on 15th December 2008
"The world's first refrigerated beach is to be built at a luxury hotel in Dubai so the filthy rich holidaymakers don't burn their feet on the scalding hot sand.
The revolutionary beach will sit next to the new Palazzo Versace hotel and will include a system of heat-absorbing pipes built under the sand and giant wind blowers, designed to keep tourists cool in the searing 40-50C heat." ...
for the complete story
World's first refrigerated BEACH to be built next to luxury hotel in Dubai
By Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 4:26 PM on 15th December 2008
"The world's first refrigerated beach is to be built at a luxury hotel in Dubai so the filthy rich holidaymakers don't burn their feet on the scalding hot sand.
The revolutionary beach will sit next to the new Palazzo Versace hotel and will include a system of heat-absorbing pipes built under the sand and giant wind blowers, designed to keep tourists cool in the searing 40-50C heat." ...
for the complete story
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
San Diego businesses relying on touirsts and the military
from San Diego Business Journal (12/1):
Tourists, Military Patrons Help Business Stay Afloat Along Coast
By - 12/1/2008
San Diego Business Journal Staff
BY MARION WEBB
"The economy has tossed San Diego’s small businesses into rough waters this year and many expect that trend to continue in the year ahead, said the leaders of three coastal chambers of commerce.
The federal government’s financial bailout packages along with the slumping housing market, turmoil in the financial markets and high gas prices have led San Diegans and other beach visitors — from Oceanside in the north down through Interstate 5 communities to Imperial Beach — to cut back on spending. Fewer people enjoyed meals at area restaurants, shopped and visited the region’s attractions." ...
for the complete story
Tourists, Military Patrons Help Business Stay Afloat Along Coast
By - 12/1/2008
San Diego Business Journal Staff
BY MARION WEBB
"The economy has tossed San Diego’s small businesses into rough waters this year and many expect that trend to continue in the year ahead, said the leaders of three coastal chambers of commerce.
The federal government’s financial bailout packages along with the slumping housing market, turmoil in the financial markets and high gas prices have led San Diegans and other beach visitors — from Oceanside in the north down through Interstate 5 communities to Imperial Beach — to cut back on spending. Fewer people enjoyed meals at area restaurants, shopped and visited the region’s attractions." ...
for the complete story
Little Rock ball field bid on by Zoo and University
Arkansas Business (12/1):
UPDATED: Little Rock Receives Four Bids on Ray Winder Field
By Jamie Walden - 12/1/2008 4:45:01 PM
"The city of Little Rock on Monday received four bids to purchase its 3.82-acre portion of Ray Winder Field.
In a meeting on Monday, the University of Arkansas board of trustees approved a $1.1 million bid to buy the city-owned half of Ray Winder Field, and another $1 million to convert the 3.82-acre lot into a parking lot for the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, UA spokesman Ben Beaumont said." ...
"Other Bids
The Arkansas Zoological Foundation, the nonprofit that supports the Little Rock Zoo, bid to build an Asian elephant exhibit that would incorporate the grand stands at Ray Winder Field, zoo spokeswoman Susan Altrui said.
The foundation has bid $0 since the zoo is owned by the city. The property would just change hands in terms of departments.
But the foundation expects to invest $10 million to $20 million in an exhibit that will house four or five Asian elephants." ...
for the complete story
UPDATED: Little Rock Receives Four Bids on Ray Winder Field
By Jamie Walden - 12/1/2008 4:45:01 PM
"The city of Little Rock on Monday received four bids to purchase its 3.82-acre portion of Ray Winder Field.
In a meeting on Monday, the University of Arkansas board of trustees approved a $1.1 million bid to buy the city-owned half of Ray Winder Field, and another $1 million to convert the 3.82-acre lot into a parking lot for the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, UA spokesman Ben Beaumont said." ...
"Other Bids
The Arkansas Zoological Foundation, the nonprofit that supports the Little Rock Zoo, bid to build an Asian elephant exhibit that would incorporate the grand stands at Ray Winder Field, zoo spokeswoman Susan Altrui said.
The foundation has bid $0 since the zoo is owned by the city. The property would just change hands in terms of departments.
But the foundation expects to invest $10 million to $20 million in an exhibit that will house four or five Asian elephants." ...
for the complete story
Florida marinas moving to "rackominiums"
from Boating Industry news (12/2):
Florida marinas modify their sales strategy
Boating Industry
Tuesday December 2, 2008
"TAMPA, Fla. — The rackominium-dockominium concept has been put on hold at the Tampa Harbour Yacht Club, which is turning from sales to leases to stay afloat, the Tampa Bay Business Journal reported in a recent story.
The club — one in a network owned by Yacht Clubs of the Americas — recently decided not to close on any of its preliminary sales of wet slips and rackominiums." ...
for the complete story
*********
from the Tampa Bay Business Journal (12/1):
Friday, November 28, 2008 | Modified: Monday, December 1, 2008 - 5:08 PM
Credit squeeze hammers sales of Tampa Harbour Yacht Club
Tampa Bay Business Journal - by Jane Meinhardt Staff Writer
KATHLEEN CABBLEFriday, November 28, 2008 | Modified: Monday, December 1, 2008 - 5:08 PM
Credit squeeze hammers sales of Tampa Harbour Yacht Club spaceTampa Bay Business Journal - by Jane Meinhardt Staff Writer
"Tampa Harbour Yacht Club will lease instead of sell wet slips and dry storage space.
View Larger TAMPA —The rackominium-dockominium concept is sunk, for now." ...
"“We initially had about 90 sales,” said Jon Finstrom, president of YCOA. “Of these, for a variety of reasons, some couldn’t close and some wouldn’t. We made the decision not to close any and switch to rentals. We are still working through some issues with our lender, which has been a very good business partner.”" ...
"Buying space for a boat at the club as YCOA initially planned was not cheap. Depending on the size and location, rackominiums prices start in the $100,000 range. Wet slips — dockominiums — are priced by the linear foot, with prices ranging from $7,250 to $10,000 per foot."
for the complete story
Florida marinas modify their sales strategy
Boating Industry
Tuesday December 2, 2008
"TAMPA, Fla. — The rackominium-dockominium concept has been put on hold at the Tampa Harbour Yacht Club, which is turning from sales to leases to stay afloat, the Tampa Bay Business Journal reported in a recent story.
The club — one in a network owned by Yacht Clubs of the Americas — recently decided not to close on any of its preliminary sales of wet slips and rackominiums." ...
for the complete story
*********
from the Tampa Bay Business Journal (12/1):
Friday, November 28, 2008 | Modified: Monday, December 1, 2008 - 5:08 PM
Credit squeeze hammers sales of Tampa Harbour Yacht Club
Tampa Bay Business Journal - by Jane Meinhardt Staff Writer
KATHLEEN CABBLEFriday, November 28, 2008 | Modified: Monday, December 1, 2008 - 5:08 PM
Credit squeeze hammers sales of Tampa Harbour Yacht Club spaceTampa Bay Business Journal - by Jane Meinhardt Staff Writer
"Tampa Harbour Yacht Club will lease instead of sell wet slips and dry storage space.
View Larger TAMPA —The rackominium-dockominium concept is sunk, for now." ...
"“We initially had about 90 sales,” said Jon Finstrom, president of YCOA. “Of these, for a variety of reasons, some couldn’t close and some wouldn’t. We made the decision not to close any and switch to rentals. We are still working through some issues with our lender, which has been a very good business partner.”" ...
"Buying space for a boat at the club as YCOA initially planned was not cheap. Depending on the size and location, rackominiums prices start in the $100,000 range. Wet slips — dockominiums — are priced by the linear foot, with prices ranging from $7,250 to $10,000 per foot."
for the complete story
Cranford, NJ redevelopment nearing
from GlobeStNJ (12/1):
December 1, 2008 04:18pm
Redevelopment Deal Said to Be Near
By Eric Peterson
"CRANFORD, NJ-It was designated as an area in need of redevelopment nearly a decade ago, and now a three-acre site along this township’s Rahway River frontage may finally be close to actually getting redeveloped. Garden Commercial Properties has been actively negotiating a redevelopment agreement with township officials," ...
"According to the latest plans unveiled recently by Anthony DiGiovanni, director of development for the Short Hills-based Garden Commercial and a local resident, the riverfront redevelopment plan would encompass 106 residential units, 20,000 square feet of retail space and 14,000 square feet of professional office space" ... "Architectural plans developed by the Union, NJ-based Appel Design Group call for two three-story mixed-use buildings with a four-story residential building to the rear of the site, along with a pair of 3,000-square-foot public plazas. Projected cost of the project has not been released, but according to the source that number could be in the $75-million to $100-million range." ...
for the complete story
According to the latest plans unveiled recently by Anthony DiGiovanni, director of development for the Short Hills-based Garden Commercial and a local resident, the riverfront redevelopment plan would encompass 106 residential units, 20,000 square feet of retail space and 14,000 square feet of professional office space along South Ave., High St. and the river. Architectural plans developed by the Union, NJ-based Appel Design Group call for two three-story mixed-use buildings with a four-story residential building to the rear of the site, along with a pair of 3,000-square-foot public plazas. Projected cost of the project has not been released, but according to the source that number could be in the $75-million to $100-million range.
December 1, 2008 04:18pm
Redevelopment Deal Said to Be Near
By Eric Peterson
"CRANFORD, NJ-It was designated as an area in need of redevelopment nearly a decade ago, and now a three-acre site along this township’s Rahway River frontage may finally be close to actually getting redeveloped. Garden Commercial Properties has been actively negotiating a redevelopment agreement with township officials," ...
"According to the latest plans unveiled recently by Anthony DiGiovanni, director of development for the Short Hills-based Garden Commercial and a local resident, the riverfront redevelopment plan would encompass 106 residential units, 20,000 square feet of retail space and 14,000 square feet of professional office space" ... "Architectural plans developed by the Union, NJ-based Appel Design Group call for two three-story mixed-use buildings with a four-story residential building to the rear of the site, along with a pair of 3,000-square-foot public plazas. Projected cost of the project has not been released, but according to the source that number could be in the $75-million to $100-million range." ...
for the complete story
According to the latest plans unveiled recently by Anthony DiGiovanni, director of development for the Short Hills-based Garden Commercial and a local resident, the riverfront redevelopment plan would encompass 106 residential units, 20,000 square feet of retail space and 14,000 square feet of professional office space along South Ave., High St. and the river. Architectural plans developed by the Union, NJ-based Appel Design Group call for two three-story mixed-use buildings with a four-story residential building to the rear of the site, along with a pair of 3,000-square-foot public plazas. Projected cost of the project has not been released, but according to the source that number could be in the $75-million to $100-million range.
Canadian arts groups, the economy, and Ballet BC lay offs
from the Calgary Herald (11/27):
Arts groups yet to feel impact of downturn
By Bob Clark
November 27, 2008
"In the wake of Ballet BC's decision on Tuesday to lay off its dancers and some of its administrative staff because of the current economic decline, it's mostly a matter of steady-as-she-goes for several of Calgary's largest performing arts organizations." ...
for the complete story
************
from the Vancouver Sun (11/25):
Massive layoffs rock Ballet BC
November 25, 2008
"VANCOUVER - Ballet BC has laid off its entire company. The announcement came Tuesday at a news conference." ...
"With ticket sales down by about $270,000 because of the ongoing economic decline, Ballet BC is hoping that its annual Christmas presentation of The Nutcracker can help save the company’s season." ...
for the complete story
**********
from the Vancouver Sun (11/27):
Many arts groups still flourishing
Ballet BC's layoffs and poor ticket sales not reflective of other arts groups' experiences
By Darah Hansen, with a file from Gerry Bellett
November 27, 2008
"Arts organizations in Vancouver and across the province remained optimistic about their financial futures Wednesday, the day after Ballet BC laid off dancers and staff, citing declining ticket sales linked to the global economic crisis." ...
for the complete story
Arts groups yet to feel impact of downturn
By Bob Clark
November 27, 2008
"In the wake of Ballet BC's decision on Tuesday to lay off its dancers and some of its administrative staff because of the current economic decline, it's mostly a matter of steady-as-she-goes for several of Calgary's largest performing arts organizations." ...
for the complete story
************
from the Vancouver Sun (11/25):
Massive layoffs rock Ballet BC
November 25, 2008
"VANCOUVER - Ballet BC has laid off its entire company. The announcement came Tuesday at a news conference." ...
"With ticket sales down by about $270,000 because of the ongoing economic decline, Ballet BC is hoping that its annual Christmas presentation of The Nutcracker can help save the company’s season." ...
for the complete story
**********
from the Vancouver Sun (11/27):
Many arts groups still flourishing
Ballet BC's layoffs and poor ticket sales not reflective of other arts groups' experiences
By Darah Hansen, with a file from Gerry Bellett
November 27, 2008
"Arts organizations in Vancouver and across the province remained optimistic about their financial futures Wednesday, the day after Ballet BC laid off dancers and staff, citing declining ticket sales linked to the global economic crisis." ...
for the complete story
Monday, December 1, 2008
San Francisco Bay area hotel RevPAR up
from the California Real Estate Journal (12/1):
Bay Area Hotel Market Reported Gains in ADR and RevPAR
"SAN FRANCISCO - Amid Smith Travel Research's negative hotel figures for October, the San Francisco/San Mateo region recorded the nation's third largest gains in revenue per available room and average daily rate so far this year.
The Bay area's RevPAR increased 7.8 percent, its ADR posted a 6.4 percent gain and its occupancy climbed 1.3 percent." ...
for the complete story
Bay Area Hotel Market Reported Gains in ADR and RevPAR
"SAN FRANCISCO - Amid Smith Travel Research's negative hotel figures for October, the San Francisco/San Mateo region recorded the nation's third largest gains in revenue per available room and average daily rate so far this year.
The Bay area's RevPAR increased 7.8 percent, its ADR posted a 6.4 percent gain and its occupancy climbed 1.3 percent." ...
for the complete story
Shanghai breaks ground on tower
from the International Herald Tribune (11/29):
Shanghai to break ground on new tallest building
The Associated Press
Saturday, November 29, 2008
"SHANGHAI, China: Construction projects are grinding to a halt as financing runs dry elsewhere in the world, but in China's biggest city, they are still going strong.
On Saturday, Shanghai officially began work on what will become its tallest skyscraper — a 2,073-foot (632-meter) tower in the city's Lujiazui financial center that will tower over the current highest building, the recently completed 1,614-foot (492-meter) Shanghai World Financial Center.
While China's economy is slowing and exporters are feeling the pinch, the sinuous glass building — to be called the Shanghai Tower — is one of a slew of government-funded construction projects that authorities are using to stimulate growth and create jobs." ...
for the complete story
Shanghai to break ground on new tallest building
The Associated Press
Saturday, November 29, 2008
"SHANGHAI, China: Construction projects are grinding to a halt as financing runs dry elsewhere in the world, but in China's biggest city, they are still going strong.
On Saturday, Shanghai officially began work on what will become its tallest skyscraper — a 2,073-foot (632-meter) tower in the city's Lujiazui financial center that will tower over the current highest building, the recently completed 1,614-foot (492-meter) Shanghai World Financial Center.
While China's economy is slowing and exporters are feeling the pinch, the sinuous glass building — to be called the Shanghai Tower — is one of a slew of government-funded construction projects that authorities are using to stimulate growth and create jobs." ...
for the complete story
Vancouver Olympic hotel space already coming up short
from Google news Canada (11/30):
People lucky enough to get tickets to 2010 Olympics now face hotel hurdle
"VANCOUVER, B.C. — To say thank you for sharing his life, Jeff Barber wants to give his adoptive father the gift of a lifetime - a trip to the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.
The Santa Clarita, Calif., resident is crossing his fingers that he'll find out this week that at least some of the tickets he's requested will come through.
In the mean time he's trying to scale the next hurdle in getting to the Games: Finding a place to stay.
Barber has called area hotels, sent e-mails to everyone he knows asking if they have any friends in Vancouver and even offered his house in California as a swap. He finally posted an online ad asking for help." ...
for the complete story
People lucky enough to get tickets to 2010 Olympics now face hotel hurdle
"VANCOUVER, B.C. — To say thank you for sharing his life, Jeff Barber wants to give his adoptive father the gift of a lifetime - a trip to the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.
The Santa Clarita, Calif., resident is crossing his fingers that he'll find out this week that at least some of the tickets he's requested will come through.
In the mean time he's trying to scale the next hurdle in getting to the Games: Finding a place to stay.
Barber has called area hotels, sent e-mails to everyone he knows asking if they have any friends in Vancouver and even offered his house in California as a swap. He finally posted an online ad asking for help." ...
for the complete story
Cubs bidders down to 3
from Crain's Chicago Business (12/1):
Cubs bidders cut to 3
Dec. 01, 2008
"(Reuters) — At least three groups submitted offers to Tribune Co.on Monday, in the latest round of bidding for the Chicago Cubs baseball team, two sources familiar with the process said on Monday.
Groups led by Tom Ricketts, chief executive of Chicago investment bank Incapital LLC and the son of the founder of TD Ameritrade Holding Corp.; Marc Utay, a managing partner with New York-based private equity firm Clarion Capital Partners LLC; and Chicago real estate executive Hersh Klaff submitted the bids, said the sources, both of whom asked not to be identified because the bidding is still ongoing." ...
for the complete story
Cubs bidders cut to 3
Dec. 01, 2008
"(Reuters) — At least three groups submitted offers to Tribune Co.on Monday, in the latest round of bidding for the Chicago Cubs baseball team, two sources familiar with the process said on Monday.
Groups led by Tom Ricketts, chief executive of Chicago investment bank Incapital LLC and the son of the founder of TD Ameritrade Holding Corp.; Marc Utay, a managing partner with New York-based private equity firm Clarion Capital Partners LLC; and Chicago real estate executive Hersh Klaff submitted the bids, said the sources, both of whom asked not to be identified because the bidding is still ongoing." ...
for the complete story
HNW travelers and the economy
from Hotels (12/1):
Affluent Travelers Less Affected By Economy
-- Hotels, 12/1/2008 9:17:00 AM
"ORLANDO, Fla. (Dec. 1, 2008) - Most travel service suppliers - both domestic and international - will have to work harder in the months ahead to capture a meaningful share of travel demand, according to the results of the most recent "travelhorizons(TM)" survey of U.S. adults conducted the week of October 13, 2008. Co-authored by Ypartnership and the Travel Industry Association in Washington, DC, this on-going national survey of over 2,200 adults explores the travel intentions of Americans during the forthcoming six months." ...
for the complete story
Affluent Travelers Less Affected By Economy
-- Hotels, 12/1/2008 9:17:00 AM
"ORLANDO, Fla. (Dec. 1, 2008) - Most travel service suppliers - both domestic and international - will have to work harder in the months ahead to capture a meaningful share of travel demand, according to the results of the most recent "travelhorizons(TM)" survey of U.S. adults conducted the week of October 13, 2008. Co-authored by Ypartnership and the Travel Industry Association in Washington, DC, this on-going national survey of over 2,200 adults explores the travel intentions of Americans during the forthcoming six months." ...
for the complete story
L.A. Live openings/impact
from the Los Angeles Business Journal (12/1):
L.A. Gets a Live One
By JOEL RUSSELL - 12/1/2008
Los Angeles Business Journal Staff
"L.A. Live passes a milestone this week as five businesses open at the $2.5-billion downtown real estate project, with more coming online before the end of the year." ...
for the complete story
L.A. Gets a Live One
By JOEL RUSSELL - 12/1/2008
Los Angeles Business Journal Staff
"L.A. Live passes a milestone this week as five businesses open at the $2.5-billion downtown real estate project, with more coming online before the end of the year." ...
for the complete story
Florida Marlins stadium stalled
from the Miami Herald (11/26):
Posted on Wed, Nov. 26, 2008
Florida Marlins push back stadium opening to 2012
BY MICHAEL VASQUEZ AND BARRY JACKSON
"The Florida Marlins said their dream 37,000-seat retractable roof stadium won't be ready until Opening Day 2012, a year later than planned, as team officials blamed a legal challenge for pushing back the deadline.
Marlins president David Samson said the stadium's designers thought the ''risk of cost overruns had become too high'' for a 2011 opening." ...
for the complete story
Posted on Wed, Nov. 26, 2008
Florida Marlins push back stadium opening to 2012
BY MICHAEL VASQUEZ AND BARRY JACKSON
"The Florida Marlins said their dream 37,000-seat retractable roof stadium won't be ready until Opening Day 2012, a year later than planned, as team officials blamed a legal challenge for pushing back the deadline.
Marlins president David Samson said the stadium's designers thought the ''risk of cost overruns had become too high'' for a 2011 opening." ...
for the complete story
CA commercial buildings, AB 1103, and energy efficiency
from GlobeSt (11/30):
November 30, 2008 06:51pm
New Law Ranks Commercial Buildings by Efficiency
By Brian K. Miller
"SAN FRANCISCO-A new law on the books means commercial building owners in California are about to see how they stack up against their peers in terms of energy consumption—and so, too, are the buildings’ prospective buyers, financiers and lessees. For owners who have been proactive, the information could push a lot of business their way as businesses look for energy efficient buildings that will help them meet their own sustainability goals. For owners who have not been proactive the imminent list could prompt improvements or result in lower occupancies and lower lease rates." ...
"Under AB 1103, beginning this January, electric and gas utilities are required to maintain records of the energy consumption data of all nonresidential buildings to which they provide service and, upon request of an owner, upload those records to a secure online interactive energy management tool maintained by the US Environmental Protection Agency that tracks and assess energy and water consumption." ...
for the complete story
November 30, 2008 06:51pm
New Law Ranks Commercial Buildings by Efficiency
By Brian K. Miller
"SAN FRANCISCO-A new law on the books means commercial building owners in California are about to see how they stack up against their peers in terms of energy consumption—and so, too, are the buildings’ prospective buyers, financiers and lessees. For owners who have been proactive, the information could push a lot of business their way as businesses look for energy efficient buildings that will help them meet their own sustainability goals. For owners who have not been proactive the imminent list could prompt improvements or result in lower occupancies and lower lease rates." ...
"Under AB 1103, beginning this January, electric and gas utilities are required to maintain records of the energy consumption data of all nonresidential buildings to which they provide service and, upon request of an owner, upload those records to a secure online interactive energy management tool maintained by the US Environmental Protection Agency that tracks and assess energy and water consumption." ...
for the complete story
RTKL closes its sports group
from Street and Smith's Sports Business Journal (12/1):
Architecture firm RTKL closes down sports group led by Turner
Published December 01, 2008 : Page 20
"The slowdown in sports construction has forced architects to lay off designers and support staff. The most noticeable cuts came at RTKL in Los Angeles, which eliminated its sports and public assembly group led by Ron Turner, a company vice president." ...
"“We are no longer in the arena and stadium design business,” McKay said. “It was a spin-off of our mixed-use work, and Ron had a small team working for him. It’s the consequences of the market and the economy.”" ...
for the complete story
Architecture firm RTKL closes down sports group led by Turner
Published December 01, 2008 : Page 20
"The slowdown in sports construction has forced architects to lay off designers and support staff. The most noticeable cuts came at RTKL in Los Angeles, which eliminated its sports and public assembly group led by Ron Turner, a company vice president." ...
"“We are no longer in the arena and stadium design business,” McKay said. “It was a spin-off of our mixed-use work, and Ron had a small team working for him. It’s the consequences of the market and the economy.”" ...
for the complete story
Atlanta Braves debut new, stored-value tickets
from Street and Smith's Sports Business Journal (12/1):
Braves make loaded offer to ticket buyers
By DON MURET
Published December 01, 2008 : Page 04
"The Atlanta Braves are offering stored-value tickets to any fan buying a full-season ticket for 2009 at Turner Field.
The Braves have embraced the new technology after introducing stored-value, or “loaded,” tickets on a limited basis in 2008 for the 1,700 Henry Aaron seats behind home plate." ...
for the complete story
Braves make loaded offer to ticket buyers
By DON MURET
Published December 01, 2008 : Page 04
"The Atlanta Braves are offering stored-value tickets to any fan buying a full-season ticket for 2009 at Turner Field.
The Braves have embraced the new technology after introducing stored-value, or “loaded,” tickets on a limited basis in 2008 for the 1,700 Henry Aaron seats behind home plate." ...
for the complete story
Sacramento posed to benefit from green development
from the Sacramento Bee (11/30):
Sacramento could get boost from green economy
By Jim Downing
jdowning@sacbee.com
Published: Sunday, Nov. 30, 2008 | Page 1D
"For Sacramento, the light at the end of the economic tunnel may be green.
The largest solar-panel factory on the continent is taking shape in McClellan Park. Economic development officials say more than half the companies checking out the region are in clean-tech. And state government is rolling out the nation's most ambitious energy-efficiency and renewable power programs, making it a huge potential ally – and customer – for the green economy." ...
for the complete story
Sacramento could get boost from green economy
By Jim Downing
jdowning@sacbee.com
Published: Sunday, Nov. 30, 2008 | Page 1D
"For Sacramento, the light at the end of the economic tunnel may be green.
The largest solar-panel factory on the continent is taking shape in McClellan Park. Economic development officials say more than half the companies checking out the region are in clean-tech. And state government is rolling out the nation's most ambitious energy-efficiency and renewable power programs, making it a huge potential ally – and customer – for the green economy." ...
for the complete story
Canadian tourism to the U.S. figures released
from the U.S. Office of Travel and Tourism Industries (12/1):
HIGHLIGHTS: 2007 Canadian Visitors to the United States
"Each of nine regions and 18 of 21 states had visitor increases in 2007 over 2006 levels.
The top five destination states were New York, Florida, Washington, Michigan, and California
Florida accounted for 14% of visitors, but 33% of visitor nights.
Ontario is the #1 origin province—producing 8.1 million and 46 percent of all visitors"
for the complete data tables -- includes visitor nights, spending, accommodations, purpose of visit, etc.
HIGHLIGHTS: 2007 Canadian Visitors to the United States
"Each of nine regions and 18 of 21 states had visitor increases in 2007 over 2006 levels.
The top five destination states were New York, Florida, Washington, Michigan, and California
Florida accounted for 14% of visitors, but 33% of visitor nights.
Ontario is the #1 origin province—producing 8.1 million and 46 percent of all visitors"
for the complete data tables -- includes visitor nights, spending, accommodations, purpose of visit, etc.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Greening hotels -- appraisal and tax implications
from Hotel News Resource (11/25):
Haven't Gone 'Green'? It May Mean Property Tax Relief
By Michael Shalley
Date: 2008-11-25
"In these tough economic times, hotel owners need to proactively manage their property tax liabilities. The massive movement toward 'green' construction presents a meaningful opportunity for existing hotels to reduce their property taxes because 'green' has introduced obsolescence into the property tax equation.
How Obsolescence Works
Two types of obsolescence resulting from the 'green' movement affect hotels and, for that matter, all commercial buildings. Functional obsolescence reduces the ability of a building to perform the function for which it was originally designed and built. For example, in the 1950s and 1960s, the market saw swift and substantial functional obsolescence when the innovation of central air conditioning found its way into commercial buildings. Properties that lacked this new feature quickly saw market demand dry up, causing a loss in value." ...
for the complete story
Haven't Gone 'Green'? It May Mean Property Tax Relief
By Michael Shalley
Date: 2008-11-25
"In these tough economic times, hotel owners need to proactively manage their property tax liabilities. The massive movement toward 'green' construction presents a meaningful opportunity for existing hotels to reduce their property taxes because 'green' has introduced obsolescence into the property tax equation.
How Obsolescence Works
Two types of obsolescence resulting from the 'green' movement affect hotels and, for that matter, all commercial buildings. Functional obsolescence reduces the ability of a building to perform the function for which it was originally designed and built. For example, in the 1950s and 1960s, the market saw swift and substantial functional obsolescence when the innovation of central air conditioning found its way into commercial buildings. Properties that lacked this new feature quickly saw market demand dry up, causing a loss in value." ...
for the complete story
Italy's Baglioni Hotels look to expand
from Reuters (11/25):
Italy's luxury Baglioni Hotels get personal as eye growth
Tue Nov 25, 2008 5:34pm EST
By Jo Winterbottom
"MILAN, Nov 25 (Reuters Life!) - As the credit crunch bites into travel spending, an Italian luxury hotel group has embarked on a plan to almost double by 2012, using niche offers that include jewellry consultations or meetings with opera singers.
Italy's Baglioni Hotels group, which has 14 boutique hotels in Italy, France and Britain, is eyeing growth outside Europe aided by a 30 million euros ($38.62 million) investment from Sator, a private equity group headed by Italian banker Matteo Arpe." ...
for the complete story
Italy's luxury Baglioni Hotels get personal as eye growth
Tue Nov 25, 2008 5:34pm EST
By Jo Winterbottom
"MILAN, Nov 25 (Reuters Life!) - As the credit crunch bites into travel spending, an Italian luxury hotel group has embarked on a plan to almost double by 2012, using niche offers that include jewellry consultations or meetings with opera singers.
Italy's Baglioni Hotels group, which has 14 boutique hotels in Italy, France and Britain, is eyeing growth outside Europe aided by a 30 million euros ($38.62 million) investment from Sator, a private equity group headed by Italian banker Matteo Arpe." ...
for the complete story
UT hotels occupancy down
from the Salt Lake Tribune (11/25):
Hotel occupancy slips, but still up over toughest years
Bottom line » Higher nightly room rates help make up the difference.
By Mike Gorrell
Salt Lake Tribune
Updated:11/25/2008 10:02:53 AM MST
"All things considered, a 4 percent to 5 percent drop last month in occupancy rates statewide did not cause many sleepless nights for Utah hoteliers.
"We don't like to see decreases, but it isn't a huge decrease," said Larry Hansen, executive director of the Utah Hotel & Lodging Association, citing October occupancy figures from the Rocky Mountain Lodging Association." ...
"It helps, too, that hoteliers could charge 30 percent more for a room last month than in the grim fall of 2001." ...
for the complete story with a nice chart of state and SLC ADRs
Hotel occupancy slips, but still up over toughest years
Bottom line » Higher nightly room rates help make up the difference.
By Mike Gorrell
Salt Lake Tribune
Updated:11/25/2008 10:02:53 AM MST
"All things considered, a 4 percent to 5 percent drop last month in occupancy rates statewide did not cause many sleepless nights for Utah hoteliers.
"We don't like to see decreases, but it isn't a huge decrease," said Larry Hansen, executive director of the Utah Hotel & Lodging Association, citing October occupancy figures from the Rocky Mountain Lodging Association." ...
"It helps, too, that hoteliers could charge 30 percent more for a room last month than in the grim fall of 2001." ...
for the complete story with a nice chart of state and SLC ADRs
Harrah's in suit over Bahamas resort deal
from Reuters (11/24):
Harrah's sued over Bahamas resort venture-filing
Mon Nov 24, 2008 6:41pm EST
By Megan Davies
"NEW YORK, Nov 24 (Reuters) - Casino firm Harrah's has been accused by its joint venture partner in a $2.6 billion Bahamas resort project of fraud in trying to end their deal to build the resort, according to a court filing.
The dispute is over a deal announced in January 2007 between resort operator Baha Mar Resorts Ltd and casino company Harrah's Entertainment to build a resort in the Bahamas. Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc (HOT.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) was to manage four hotels at the resort." ...
for the complete story
Harrah's sued over Bahamas resort venture-filing
Mon Nov 24, 2008 6:41pm EST
By Megan Davies
"NEW YORK, Nov 24 (Reuters) - Casino firm Harrah's has been accused by its joint venture partner in a $2.6 billion Bahamas resort project of fraud in trying to end their deal to build the resort, according to a court filing.
The dispute is over a deal announced in January 2007 between resort operator Baha Mar Resorts Ltd and casino company Harrah's Entertainment to build a resort in the Bahamas. Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc (HOT.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) was to manage four hotels at the resort." ...
for the complete story
Goldman Sachs on hotel rates in 2009
from Forbes (11/25):
Ahead of the Bell: Lodging companies
Associated Press, 11.25.08, 09:25 AM EST
"Pressure on hotel and timeshare companies is likely to intensify in the near term as businesses attempt to negotiate lower corporate rates and U.S. consumers continue to hold off on travel spending, an analyst said.
In a note to investors late Monday, Goldman Sachs analyst Steven Kent said he expects hotel room rates to suffer as corporate travel managers try to bring down the cost on existing deals and as hotel operators offer price cuts to fill rooms." ...
for the complete story
Ahead of the Bell: Lodging companies
Associated Press, 11.25.08, 09:25 AM EST
"Pressure on hotel and timeshare companies is likely to intensify in the near term as businesses attempt to negotiate lower corporate rates and U.S. consumers continue to hold off on travel spending, an analyst said.
In a note to investors late Monday, Goldman Sachs analyst Steven Kent said he expects hotel room rates to suffer as corporate travel managers try to bring down the cost on existing deals and as hotel operators offer price cuts to fill rooms." ...
for the complete story
Golf spending predicted to fall (ski news also)
from Bloomberg (11/18):
Half of Golfers May Spend Less Because of Recession (Update1)
By Mason Levinson
"Nov. 18 (Bloomberg) -- Almost half of U.S. golfers and skiers likely will cut back spending on their sports because of the recession, according to the Seton Hall Sports Poll.
The poll also found that consumers probably will spend less on tickets to sports events and buy less team merchandise this year because of the economic slump." ...
for the complete story
Half of Golfers May Spend Less Because of Recession (Update1)
By Mason Levinson
"Nov. 18 (Bloomberg) -- Almost half of U.S. golfers and skiers likely will cut back spending on their sports because of the recession, according to the Seton Hall Sports Poll.
The poll also found that consumers probably will spend less on tickets to sports events and buy less team merchandise this year because of the economic slump." ...
for the complete story
Retail holiday sales forecast bleak
from the Chicago Sun-Times (11/20):
Expert: Half of retailers facing crisis in 2009
November 20, 2008
BY SANDRA GUY sguy@suntimes.com
"Retail analyst Britt Beemer forecasted Wednesday that half of today's retailers will be in big trouble some time next year due to the country's financial meltdown." ...
for the complete story
for the detail on the report on which the article is based
Expert: Half of retailers facing crisis in 2009
November 20, 2008
BY SANDRA GUY sguy@suntimes.com
"Retail analyst Britt Beemer forecasted Wednesday that half of today's retailers will be in big trouble some time next year due to the country's financial meltdown." ...
for the complete story
for the detail on the report on which the article is based
NJ redevelopment project announced
from GlobeStNJ (11/26):
November 26, 2008 10:06am
$200M Redevelopment Unveiled
By Eric Peterson
"MORRISTOWN, NJ-Mayor Donald Cresitello has unveiled formal plans for the Speedwell Avenue Redevelopment, carrying an estimated price tag of $200 million. The city council--in its dual role as the redevelopment agency--was slated to vote this week on a redevelopment agreement with Atlanta-based Trammell Crow Residential to set the project in motion, but a failure to generate a quorum because of the holiday week has put that vote off to Dec. 4." ...
"The latest site plan is a slightly scaled back version of an earlier proposal, both designed by the locally based NK Architects. The previous version called for 800 housing units and 75,000 square feet of retail space on 12 acres along Speedwell Ave.; Early and Spring streets; and Clinton Place in this city’s downtown. The new plan--covered in the proposed redeveloper agreement with TCR--calls for 650 residences, 35,000 square feet of street-level retail and office space and 822 parking spaces on a site reduced by about one-third." ...
for the complete story
November 26, 2008 10:06am
$200M Redevelopment Unveiled
By Eric Peterson
"MORRISTOWN, NJ-Mayor Donald Cresitello has unveiled formal plans for the Speedwell Avenue Redevelopment, carrying an estimated price tag of $200 million. The city council--in its dual role as the redevelopment agency--was slated to vote this week on a redevelopment agreement with Atlanta-based Trammell Crow Residential to set the project in motion, but a failure to generate a quorum because of the holiday week has put that vote off to Dec. 4." ...
"The latest site plan is a slightly scaled back version of an earlier proposal, both designed by the locally based NK Architects. The previous version called for 800 housing units and 75,000 square feet of retail space on 12 acres along Speedwell Ave.; Early and Spring streets; and Clinton Place in this city’s downtown. The new plan--covered in the proposed redeveloper agreement with TCR--calls for 650 residences, 35,000 square feet of street-level retail and office space and 822 parking spaces on a site reduced by about one-third." ...
for the complete story
Construction loan default rates up
from GlobeSt (11/25):
November 25, 2008 06:32pm
Condo Construction Loan Default Rate Passes 20%
By Brian K. Miller
"SAN FRANCISCO-In concert with the continuing economic malaise the delinquency rate for all construction and land loans nationally jumped 150 basis points during the third quarter to 9.6%, which equates to $59.5 billion in loans. One year ago, the delinquency rate was 3.2%, or just under $20 billion." ...
for the complete story
November 25, 2008 06:32pm
Condo Construction Loan Default Rate Passes 20%
By Brian K. Miller
"SAN FRANCISCO-In concert with the continuing economic malaise the delinquency rate for all construction and land loans nationally jumped 150 basis points during the third quarter to 9.6%, which equates to $59.5 billion in loans. One year ago, the delinquency rate was 3.2%, or just under $20 billion." ...
for the complete story
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
OC home prices off but market hot
from the Orange County Business Journal (11/25):
OC Home Prices Off 29% from Year Ago; Sales Surge
By Mark Mueller
"The price of an existing Orange County home stands nearly $200,000 below its year-ago price, after slipping another $5,650 in October from September, the California Association of Realtors said on Tuesday.
The median price for an existing stand-alone OC home sold in October was $490,360, a 1.1% decline from September and a 28.6% decrease from a year ago." ...
for the complete story
OC Home Prices Off 29% from Year Ago; Sales Surge
By Mark Mueller
"The price of an existing Orange County home stands nearly $200,000 below its year-ago price, after slipping another $5,650 in October from September, the California Association of Realtors said on Tuesday.
The median price for an existing stand-alone OC home sold in October was $490,360, a 1.1% decline from September and a 28.6% decrease from a year ago." ...
for the complete story
Dubai hotel rates down 30%
from AME Info (11/24):
Dubai luxury hotel rates down 30%
United Arab Emirates: Monday, November 24 - 2008 at 13:53
for the news brief
Dubai luxury hotel rates down 30%
United Arab Emirates: Monday, November 24 - 2008 at 13:53
for the news brief
Dubai meets/sets tourism targets and marketing plan
from Trade Arabia (11/25):
Dubai eyes new tourism strategy
Dubai: Tue, 25 Nov 2008
"Dubai is preparing a new strategy to lure travelers during the global financial crisis and will review its target of attracting 10 million tourists by 2010 and 15 million by 2015, a report said." ...
for the complete story
*************
from Emirates Business (11/25):
Dubai to meet 10m tourist target by 2010
By Shweta Jain on Tuesday, November 25, 2008
"Having received seven million tourists last year, Dubai is on track to meet its target for attracting 10 million tourists by 2010 and 15 million tourists by 2015 despite travel and tourism sectors slowing down, said a top executive at the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM).
"Our tourism target is still intact but what we are doing at the moment is trying to gather information, looking at trends and patterns around the world related to travel and tourism. We are having daily meetings o monitor the same," Khalid Ahmed bin Sulayem, Director-General of DTCM, told Emirates Business." ...
"He added that the strategy would include aggressive marketing programmes for tourist from markets such as Saudi Arabia, Russia, China, and the United Kingdom." ...
for the complete story
Dubai eyes new tourism strategy
Dubai: Tue, 25 Nov 2008
"Dubai is preparing a new strategy to lure travelers during the global financial crisis and will review its target of attracting 10 million tourists by 2010 and 15 million by 2015, a report said." ...
for the complete story
*************
from Emirates Business (11/25):
Dubai to meet 10m tourist target by 2010
By Shweta Jain on Tuesday, November 25, 2008
"Having received seven million tourists last year, Dubai is on track to meet its target for attracting 10 million tourists by 2010 and 15 million tourists by 2015 despite travel and tourism sectors slowing down, said a top executive at the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM).
"Our tourism target is still intact but what we are doing at the moment is trying to gather information, looking at trends and patterns around the world related to travel and tourism. We are having daily meetings o monitor the same," Khalid Ahmed bin Sulayem, Director-General of DTCM, told Emirates Business." ...
"He added that the strategy would include aggressive marketing programmes for tourist from markets such as Saudi Arabia, Russia, China, and the United Kingdom." ...
for the complete story
New Orleans shrinking
from the Times-Picayune (11/23):
THINK SMALL
It's time to get real, experts say: New Orleans is a shrinking city. Redirecting resources can help the city not only survive its population losses, but also thrive.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
By Gordon Russell
"Buffalo. Pittsburgh. Cincinnati.
The poets will never compare them to Paris -- or, for that matter, to New Orleans, the fountainhead of so much American culture.
Still, those humble burgs are New Orleans' peers these days, in at least two important respects: About 300,000 people now call them home, and their zenith, in terms of population, has passed. And cities like these have something to teach New Orleans: how to cope with getting smaller.
It's not easy. Lost population usually translates into widespread blight, crumbling infrastructure, stretched budgets and the loss of civic confidence and clout. But more than three years after Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans must confront the reality of a reduced population, as resettlement has slowed to a trickle." ...
for the complete story
THINK SMALL
It's time to get real, experts say: New Orleans is a shrinking city. Redirecting resources can help the city not only survive its population losses, but also thrive.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
By Gordon Russell
"Buffalo. Pittsburgh. Cincinnati.
The poets will never compare them to Paris -- or, for that matter, to New Orleans, the fountainhead of so much American culture.
Still, those humble burgs are New Orleans' peers these days, in at least two important respects: About 300,000 people now call them home, and their zenith, in terms of population, has passed. And cities like these have something to teach New Orleans: how to cope with getting smaller.
It's not easy. Lost population usually translates into widespread blight, crumbling infrastructure, stretched budgets and the loss of civic confidence and clout. But more than three years after Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans must confront the reality of a reduced population, as resettlement has slowed to a trickle." ...
for the complete story
Dallas may opt for streetcars
from the Dallas Morning News (11/24):
More are jumping on streetcar proposal in Fort Worth
12:00 AM CST on Monday, November 24, 2008
By DEBRA DENNIS / The Dallas Morning News
"FORT WORTH – The old could become new again as Fort Worth looks to streetcars to ease traffic congestion, promote development and help tourists and central-city residents get around.
Last week, city officials hosted three public meetings to gauge interest in the project and found residents receptive to the idea." ...
for the complete story
More are jumping on streetcar proposal in Fort Worth
12:00 AM CST on Monday, November 24, 2008
By DEBRA DENNIS / The Dallas Morning News
"FORT WORTH – The old could become new again as Fort Worth looks to streetcars to ease traffic congestion, promote development and help tourists and central-city residents get around.
Last week, city officials hosted three public meetings to gauge interest in the project and found residents receptive to the idea." ...
for the complete story
Big Bend State park (TX) expanding offering new amenities
from the Houston Chronicle (11/23):
Big Bend state park expands boundaries
With a conservancy's recent acquisition of the 7,000-acre Fresno Ranch, backcountry enthusiasts will have more to explore and a new entry point
By MATTHEW TRESAUGUE
Copyright 2008 Houston Chronicle
Nov. 23, 2008, 11:17PM
"Big Bend Ranch State Park, considered by many the best wilderness experience Texas has to offer, will gain thousands of acres of unspoiled desert backcountry as part of a deal intended to increase public use of the land.
The agreement between the state and a conservation group ends years of speculation over the fate of the 7,000-acre Fresno Ranch, which represents the largest piece of privately held property remaining within the boundaries of Texas' largest state park.
The Nature Conservancy of Texas recently purchased the land for $2.6 million from the estate of a Houston artist for the purpose of transferring it to the state Parks and Wildlife Department, officials said." ...
for the complete story
Big Bend state park expands boundaries
With a conservancy's recent acquisition of the 7,000-acre Fresno Ranch, backcountry enthusiasts will have more to explore and a new entry point
By MATTHEW TRESAUGUE
Copyright 2008 Houston Chronicle
Nov. 23, 2008, 11:17PM
"Big Bend Ranch State Park, considered by many the best wilderness experience Texas has to offer, will gain thousands of acres of unspoiled desert backcountry as part of a deal intended to increase public use of the land.
The agreement between the state and a conservation group ends years of speculation over the fate of the 7,000-acre Fresno Ranch, which represents the largest piece of privately held property remaining within the boundaries of Texas' largest state park.
The Nature Conservancy of Texas recently purchased the land for $2.6 million from the estate of a Houston artist for the purpose of transferring it to the state Parks and Wildlife Department, officials said." ...
for the complete story
WA municipal golf course sold
from Golf Inc (11/25):
$2 million paid for Washington course
November 2008
"The city of Tacoma, Wash., has sold Madrona Links Golf Course in Gig Harbor, Wash., to the Peninsula Metropolitan Parks District.
Sale price for the course was $2 million." ...
for the complete story
$2 million paid for Washington course
November 2008
"The city of Tacoma, Wash., has sold Madrona Links Golf Course in Gig Harbor, Wash., to the Peninsula Metropolitan Parks District.
Sale price for the course was $2 million." ...
for the complete story
Higlands Cove Golf Club (NC) sold, to be made private
from Golf Inc (11/25):
Highlands Cove goes private after sale
November 2008
"Highlands Cove Golf Club in Highlands, N.C., has been sold to Old Edwards Hospitality Group for a reported $5.2 million.
The seller was Highlands Cove Golf Club LLC." ...
for the complete story
Highlands Cove goes private after sale
November 2008
"Highlands Cove Golf Club in Highlands, N.C., has been sold to Old Edwards Hospitality Group for a reported $5.2 million.
The seller was Highlands Cove Golf Club LLC." ...
for the complete story
San Pasqual casino (CA) threatened by intertribal split
from Indian Country Today (11/25):
Tribe’s schism threatens casino
By Victor Morales, Today correspondent
Story Published: Nov 25, 2008
"VALLEY CENTER, Calif. – The latest meditation attempt by BIA officials Oct. 12 to resolve a rift between members of a tribal council has failed, possibly threatening the legality of its lucrative casino operations, a senior BIA official said.
As it stands, the BIA does not recognize the split tribal government of the San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians in inland San Diego County, said James Fletcher, superintendent of the Southern California Agency of the BIA." ...
for the complete story
Tribe’s schism threatens casino
By Victor Morales, Today correspondent
Story Published: Nov 25, 2008
"VALLEY CENTER, Calif. – The latest meditation attempt by BIA officials Oct. 12 to resolve a rift between members of a tribal council has failed, possibly threatening the legality of its lucrative casino operations, a senior BIA official said.
As it stands, the BIA does not recognize the split tribal government of the San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians in inland San Diego County, said James Fletcher, superintendent of the Southern California Agency of the BIA." ...
for the complete story
MI Indian casino profits
from MLive/The Bay City Times (11/25):
Indians share Arenac jackpot
Posted by Helen Lounsbury | The Bay City Times
November 25, 2008 09:31AM
"STANDISH - The economic winter settling across Michigan has yet to chill the casino business near Standish.
Saganing Eagles Landing Casino generated nearly $37 million in net proceeds in the six-month period ending Sept. 30, new figures show.
On Monday, tribal officials affirmed that Eagles Landing continues to surpass planners' expectations." ...
for the complete story
Indians share Arenac jackpot
Posted by Helen Lounsbury | The Bay City Times
November 25, 2008 09:31AM
"STANDISH - The economic winter settling across Michigan has yet to chill the casino business near Standish.
Saganing Eagles Landing Casino generated nearly $37 million in net proceeds in the six-month period ending Sept. 30, new figures show.
On Monday, tribal officials affirmed that Eagles Landing continues to surpass planners' expectations." ...
for the complete story
Cowlitz Tribe and County trying for new pact
from the Columbian News (WA) (11/23):
County-tribe casino deal in works
If new pact will have needed support from board is unknown
Sunday, November 23 | 10:23 p.m.
BY JEFFREY MIZE
"Clark County and the Cowlitz Indian Tribe are making progress toward replacing a casino agreement that was struck down two years ago." ...
for the complete story
County-tribe casino deal in works
If new pact will have needed support from board is unknown
Sunday, November 23 | 10:23 p.m.
BY JEFFREY MIZE
"Clark County and the Cowlitz Indian Tribe are making progress toward replacing a casino agreement that was struck down two years ago." ...
for the complete story
Seminole Hard Rock fights against state-forced closure
from the Tampa Tribune (11/24):
McCollum Tries Again To Stop Blackjack At Hard Rock
By TED JACKOVICS | The Tampa Tribune
"Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum for the third time has sought a temporary closure of the new blackjack and baccarat tables at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino & Hotel in Tampa." ...
for the complete story
for earlier, more complete coverage of the fight
McCollum Tries Again To Stop Blackjack At Hard Rock
By TED JACKOVICS | The Tampa Tribune
"Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum for the third time has sought a temporary closure of the new blackjack and baccarat tables at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino & Hotel in Tampa." ...
for the complete story
for earlier, more complete coverage of the fight
Aecom in the news
from this morning's Los Angeles Business Journal (11/25):
Posted date: 11/25/2008
New Aecom Orders Worth Nearly $180 Million
By DEBORAH CROWE
Los Angeles Business Journal Staff
"Aecom Technology Corp. said Tuesday it received three contracts worth $163 million from the U.S. Air Force, plus a separate smaller contract in Saudi Arabia.
Under the first contract, Aecom, a Los Angeles-based technology company, will provide support for Navy F-18 fighter jets in Lemoore. The other two contracts call for support operations at the U.S. Marine Corps Air Station in Cherry Point, N.C.; and the Marine Corps Logistics Base in Albany, Ga." ...
for the complete story
Posted date: 11/25/2008
New Aecom Orders Worth Nearly $180 Million
By DEBORAH CROWE
Los Angeles Business Journal Staff
"Aecom Technology Corp. said Tuesday it received three contracts worth $163 million from the U.S. Air Force, plus a separate smaller contract in Saudi Arabia.
Under the first contract, Aecom, a Los Angeles-based technology company, will provide support for Navy F-18 fighter jets in Lemoore. The other two contracts call for support operations at the U.S. Marine Corps Air Station in Cherry Point, N.C.; and the Marine Corps Logistics Base in Albany, Ga." ...
for the complete story
Monday, November 24, 2008
Days Inn upscale in China
from NY Times (11/23):
A Hotel Chain Turns Upscale in China
By FRED A. BERNSTEIN
"TRY to picture a Days Inn in a provincial Chinese city. Forget the rows of rooms facing a parking lot — that’s the American version — and think instead of a palatial lobby with marble floors and walls and ornate crystal chandeliers.
Like hotels built in China by other American chains, Days Inns are almost unrecognizable to those familiar with their American counterparts.
But in a country where labor costs are cheap — construction workers earn as little as $100 a month — hotel owners can afford to lay the luxuries on thick. And Chinese customers, “when they hear an American name, expect something special,” said Harry Tan, the chief executive of the Frontier Group and the mastermind behind the expansion of the Days Inn chain in China." ...
for the complete story
A Hotel Chain Turns Upscale in China
By FRED A. BERNSTEIN
"TRY to picture a Days Inn in a provincial Chinese city. Forget the rows of rooms facing a parking lot — that’s the American version — and think instead of a palatial lobby with marble floors and walls and ornate crystal chandeliers.
Like hotels built in China by other American chains, Days Inns are almost unrecognizable to those familiar with their American counterparts.
But in a country where labor costs are cheap — construction workers earn as little as $100 a month — hotel owners can afford to lay the luxuries on thick. And Chinese customers, “when they hear an American name, expect something special,” said Harry Tan, the chief executive of the Frontier Group and the mastermind behind the expansion of the Days Inn chain in China." ...
for the complete story
Saudi Arabia to get 3 Starwood hotels
from Khaleej Times Online (11/23):
Starwood to Open Hotel in Saudi Arabia
"JEDDAH - Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. plans to open three new hotels in Saudi Arabia. It has signed a long-term management agreement with the Alhokair Group to open Four Points by Sheraton Mall of Arabia in Jeddah, Four Points by Sheraton Dhahran and Aloft Riyadh." ...
for the complete story
Starwood to Open Hotel in Saudi Arabia
"JEDDAH - Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. plans to open three new hotels in Saudi Arabia. It has signed a long-term management agreement with the Alhokair Group to open Four Points by Sheraton Mall of Arabia in Jeddah, Four Points by Sheraton Dhahran and Aloft Riyadh." ...
for the complete story
HI projects stopped by Marriott and Starwood
from Pacific Business News (11/21):
Marriott, Starwood stop big Hawaii projectsPacific Business News (Honolulu) - by Janis L. Magin Pacific Business News
"Marriott has halted construction at its $1.4 billion Kauai Lagoons resort project, one of the largest Hawaii construction projects to be interrupted by the ailing national economy.
Starwood Vacation Ownership also has put a $304 million Maui time-share project on hold. Construction on the 1,010-acre Kukuiula project also on Kauai has been scaled back, and work on a new high-rise condominium in Honolulu was cut back considerably a couple of weeks ago.
The decisions to stop or slow work on some of the biggest private construction projects in Hawaii will add to the 36 percent decline in the dollar-volume of building permits in the third quarter." ...
for the complete story
Marriott, Starwood stop big Hawaii projectsPacific Business News (Honolulu) - by Janis L. Magin Pacific Business News
"Marriott has halted construction at its $1.4 billion Kauai Lagoons resort project, one of the largest Hawaii construction projects to be interrupted by the ailing national economy.
Starwood Vacation Ownership also has put a $304 million Maui time-share project on hold. Construction on the 1,010-acre Kukuiula project also on Kauai has been scaled back, and work on a new high-rise condominium in Honolulu was cut back considerably a couple of weeks ago.
The decisions to stop or slow work on some of the biggest private construction projects in Hawaii will add to the 36 percent decline in the dollar-volume of building permits in the third quarter." ...
for the complete story
Green news
Forbes (11/24): wind energy; designer biofuels; ethanol; Abu Dhabi plans world's first car-free, green-powered city
National Real Estate Investor (also in Retail Traffic) (Nov): special feature section on green building
Waterpark Resorts Now (Fall): green initiatives for waterparks
M&C (Oct): greening hotels and their meeting facilities
National Real Estate Investor (also in Retail Traffic) (Nov): special feature section on green building
Waterpark Resorts Now (Fall): green initiatives for waterparks
M&C (Oct): greening hotels and their meeting facilities
Locales news
Business Week (11/17); Middle East-Asia trade and investment links; Bangalore, India tech and development boom
Nevada (Nov): Las Vegas monorail
M&C (Oct): destination guides on: FL West Coast, San Diego, and Mexico
Nevada (Nov): Las Vegas monorail
M&C (Oct): destination guides on: FL West Coast, San Diego, and Mexico
Rec, fairs, waterparks, and mueum news
Venues Today (Nov): equestrian facilities and fairgrounds construction report (with tables of specific facility construction and costs)
Curator (Oct): review of the opening of the California Academy of Sciences; review of the Colorado Plateau Biodiversity Center
Waterparks Resorts Today (Fall): German indoor waterpark; indoor waterpark market steady
World Waterpark (Oct-Nov): greening through landscaping; Hershey waterpark; Copa Copana (Athens, Greece); La Mirada (CA) Regional Aquatics Center; Aquaparque Santa Cruz, Portugal; Raptor Reef indoor waterpark (ID); Wild Waters Mombasa (Kenya)
Venues Today (Oct) attendance/revenues art fairs (table of selected fairs, their attendance, ticket costs, and carnival take)
Curator (Oct): review of the opening of the California Academy of Sciences; review of the Colorado Plateau Biodiversity Center
Waterparks Resorts Today (Fall): German indoor waterpark; indoor waterpark market steady
World Waterpark (Oct-Nov): greening through landscaping; Hershey waterpark; Copa Copana (Athens, Greece); La Mirada (CA) Regional Aquatics Center; Aquaparque Santa Cruz, Portugal; Raptor Reef indoor waterpark (ID); Wild Waters Mombasa (Kenya)
Venues Today (Oct) attendance/revenues art fairs (table of selected fairs, their attendance, ticket costs, and carnival take)
Retail news
Shopping Centers Today (Nov): mall landlords make big opening day plans for new developments; airport retail in emerging markets
Retail Traffic (Nov): TX region review
Value Retail News (Oct): Tanger opens near Pittsburgh (includes list of stores)
International Outlet Journal (Fall): outlet sales up; European outlet plans (with list of planned centers, GLA, and opening date schedule); Romania; Prague's Fashion Arena has great first year; German outlets expand; UK projects (in Kendall and Northern Ireland); Value Retail portfolio posting strong growth and planning expansion; UK outlet sales dominated by fashionistas; outlet opens in Croatia
Shopping Center Business (Oct): Creme de la Creme childhood learning centers expansion plans; Omaha's midtown development review; TX retail roundtable; retail financing questions
Retail Traffic (Oct): military bases provide great sales opps (focus on southeast); Midwest shopping more at local malls rather than regional centers; chain retailers decide on opening new locations
Retail Traffic (Nov): TX region review
Value Retail News (Oct): Tanger opens near Pittsburgh (includes list of stores)
International Outlet Journal (Fall): outlet sales up; European outlet plans (with list of planned centers, GLA, and opening date schedule); Romania; Prague's Fashion Arena has great first year; German outlets expand; UK projects (in Kendall and Northern Ireland); Value Retail portfolio posting strong growth and planning expansion; UK outlet sales dominated by fashionistas; outlet opens in Croatia
Shopping Center Business (Oct): Creme de la Creme childhood learning centers expansion plans; Omaha's midtown development review; TX retail roundtable; retail financing questions
Retail Traffic (Oct): military bases provide great sales opps (focus on southeast); Midwest shopping more at local malls rather than regional centers; chain retailers decide on opening new locations
Conventions, tradeshows, meetings, venues news
Venues Today (Oct): listing of convention center construction with opening date, owner/operator, cost, and features; expansion trends in convention center/meetings market
Tradeshow Week (10/20): Oregon Convention Center gets silver LEED rating; venues companies, Global Spectrum and SMG, move into overseas markets
Tradeshow Week (10/13): CA top tradeshow and conventions; plans for West Palm Beach convention center hotel stalled; Dallas CVB embroiled in fight about convention center hotel plan
M&C (Oct): Hawaii worried about convention industry with death of two airlines
Tradeshow Week (10/20): Oregon Convention Center gets silver LEED rating; venues companies, Global Spectrum and SMG, move into overseas markets
Tradeshow Week (10/13): CA top tradeshow and conventions; plans for West Palm Beach convention center hotel stalled; Dallas CVB embroiled in fight about convention center hotel plan
M&C (Oct): Hawaii worried about convention industry with death of two airlines
Gaming news
Business Week (11/17): Atlantic City casino market
Indian Gaming Today (Nov 2008 special issue of ICT): pros and cons of tribal gaming; Seneca Gaming Corp revenues; Indian gaming market slowdown
IGWB (Nov): Treasure Island Resort and Casino (MN) review; Mohegan Casino of the Wind review
Indian Country Today (11/12): Isleta Casino and Resort review (Albuquerque, NM)
New Orleans City Business (11/3): focus section on gaming including ruminations on whether the Gulf Coast casinos could survive another hurricane
IGWB (Oct): Macau numbers down; Penghu, Taiwan approves resort casino; Sky City Entertainment Group (New Zealand's largest casino operator) profits down; Tinian, Northern Marianas considering 2 casinos; South Korea's National Gaming Control Commission plans to limit annual revenue of gaming industry; Stanley Ho's Lisboa (Macau) seeks to return to prominence; Beijing considers further restrictions on travel to Macau; Seneca casino declared illegal by federal court; Las Vegas Plaza development on hold; Mohegan Sun opens Casino of the Wind; Harrah's fails to land Slovenia deal with HIT Group; Mexican gaming industry
Indian Gaming Today (Nov 2008 special issue of ICT): pros and cons of tribal gaming; Seneca Gaming Corp revenues; Indian gaming market slowdown
IGWB (Nov): Treasure Island Resort and Casino (MN) review; Mohegan Casino of the Wind review
Indian Country Today (11/12): Isleta Casino and Resort review (Albuquerque, NM)
New Orleans City Business (11/3): focus section on gaming including ruminations on whether the Gulf Coast casinos could survive another hurricane
IGWB (Oct): Macau numbers down; Penghu, Taiwan approves resort casino; Sky City Entertainment Group (New Zealand's largest casino operator) profits down; Tinian, Northern Marianas considering 2 casinos; South Korea's National Gaming Control Commission plans to limit annual revenue of gaming industry; Stanley Ho's Lisboa (Macau) seeks to return to prominence; Beijing considers further restrictions on travel to Macau; Seneca casino declared illegal by federal court; Las Vegas Plaza development on hold; Mohegan Sun opens Casino of the Wind; Harrah's fails to land Slovenia deal with HIT Group; Mexican gaming industry
Hotels news
Hotels (Oct): vacation ownership secotr only slightly slowing; Chengdu, China gets mixed-use hotel
M&C (Oct): QE2 to open as a hotel in Dubai; midscale hotel brands growing
M&C (Oct): QE2 to open as a hotel in Dubai; midscale hotel brands growing
Sports news
Journal of Sports Economics (Dec): economic impacts of sports -- featuring CO golf as case study
Los Angeles Business Journal (11/10): L.A. women's pro soccer
Venues Today (Nov): Phillies-Rays Series ticket prices
Nation's Restaurant News (11/3): stadium food concessions retool for new market
Aquatics International (Oct): surge in interest in swimming
Los Angeles Business Journal (11/10): L.A. women's pro soccer
Venues Today (Nov): Phillies-Rays Series ticket prices
Nation's Restaurant News (11/3): stadium food concessions retool for new market
Aquatics International (Oct): surge in interest in swimming
Planning, development, real estate news
Business Week (11/17): colleges, hospitals, and other nonprofits feeling debt squeeze
Retail Traffic (Nov): Carson, CA $850m mixed-use project underway
Indian Country Today (11/12): Cherokee Nation Businesses awarded $60m in tax credits to foster development in northeastern OK; Havasupai announce post-fire economic recovery plan
New Orleans City Business (11/10): NOLA potential master plan given "force of law" in election; NOLA intl airport trying for new carrier leases for the first time since Katrina
CA Real Estate Journal (11/10): L.A. Live Ritz Carlton condo-hotel has sold 50% of its units; Aliso Viejo aiming to be tech hub
San Fernando Valley Business Journal (11/10): Filmtools success in area industry support
Los Angeles Business Journal (11/10): Hollywood retail rebirth on Cahuenga; L.A. bonds passage may foster building boom
Architectural Record (Oct): Greensburg, KS community arts center rebuilt; Gentry, AR library restored as part of downtown redevelopment
Retail Traffic (Nov): Carson, CA $850m mixed-use project underway
Indian Country Today (11/12): Cherokee Nation Businesses awarded $60m in tax credits to foster development in northeastern OK; Havasupai announce post-fire economic recovery plan
New Orleans City Business (11/10): NOLA potential master plan given "force of law" in election; NOLA intl airport trying for new carrier leases for the first time since Katrina
CA Real Estate Journal (11/10): L.A. Live Ritz Carlton condo-hotel has sold 50% of its units; Aliso Viejo aiming to be tech hub
San Fernando Valley Business Journal (11/10): Filmtools success in area industry support
Los Angeles Business Journal (11/10): Hollywood retail rebirth on Cahuenga; L.A. bonds passage may foster building boom
Architectural Record (Oct): Greensburg, KS community arts center rebuilt; Gentry, AR library restored as part of downtown redevelopment
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Caribbean resort troubles
from the AP (11/18):
Crisis in paradise: Meltdown leaves ghost resorts
By DANICA COTO
"PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic (AP) — The ocean glows a milky turquoise. Tiny waves lap at the powder-beige sand, in no rush to reach the line of postcard-perfect palm trees.
Hundreds of luxury villas are positioned to take in the view, but there are no guests. There are no roofs either; neatly tied bundles of red tiles are stacked outside. The wind slams doors and rustles the yellowed newspaper taped to the windows.
The paralyzed work scene at the Cap Cana resort, a development including four luxury hotels, three golf courses and a mega-yacht marina, is a victim of the global financial crisis that has hit the Caribbean's tourism industry especially hard." ...
for the complete story
Crisis in paradise: Meltdown leaves ghost resorts
By DANICA COTO
"PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic (AP) — The ocean glows a milky turquoise. Tiny waves lap at the powder-beige sand, in no rush to reach the line of postcard-perfect palm trees.
Hundreds of luxury villas are positioned to take in the view, but there are no guests. There are no roofs either; neatly tied bundles of red tiles are stacked outside. The wind slams doors and rustles the yellowed newspaper taped to the windows.
The paralyzed work scene at the Cap Cana resort, a development including four luxury hotels, three golf courses and a mega-yacht marina, is a victim of the global financial crisis that has hit the Caribbean's tourism industry especially hard." ...
for the complete story
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