NACORE examines corporate real estate execs role in enhancing profitability.

Corporate real estate executives play a critical role in shaping the future of companies, improving image and increasing profitability, according to five speakers at the recent NACORE New York City Chapter luncheon, who related experiences to an audience of professionals that came to hear about the transactional process and its impact on the total organization.

Representing some of the most prestigious companies in New York City and the world, the speakers were: James F. Doran MCR, director of commercial property management for the Parish of Trinity Church; Glenn J. Elliott, senior vice president of real estate services for Reuters; Francesco A. Noseda, senior vice president of development for Swissotel; John J. Cannon, principal of RAK Group, formerly director of real estate marketing at Icon International; and Cesar Jacques Chekijian MCR, senior vice president of Chase Properties Group.

With 25 years in corporate real estate, the past 16 years at Chase Manhattan Bank, Cesar Chekijian adheres to the vision of aiming high to manage real estate in a way that increases earnings per share.

"The key is a focus on exceeding expectations," said Chekijian. "We can be a part of management by taking a business approach to creating value and saving dollars." Chekijian, a past recipient of the NACORE award for Outstanding Real Estate Executive, is responsible for the Chase Corporation's portfolio of operational and income properties throughout the world, including 1,300 locations, 38 million square feet in 57 countries and 40 states.

Glenn Elliott is overseeing Reuters' new building project at 3 Times square. The project, being developed in cooperation with the Rudin Organization, was conceived through use of a matrix of alternatives, which Elliott described as a blueprint that involved an assessment of existing space, mechanical requirements, and telecommunications needs vital to the business, as well as other criteria.

"Corporate real estate executives play a strong role in the decision-making process of structuring a sound real estate transaction," noted Elliott, formerly a deputy commissioner in charge of real estate for the City of New York. "We strive to become an integral part of the company by achieving objectives that cut costs, lift employee morale and increase profitability goals."

When Francesco Noseda joined Swissotel in 1997, he stepped into a market where significant opportunities were present. He is currently focusing on corporate acquisitions and analysis for the hotel chain.

John J. Cannon is a founder of the RAK Group. At Icon, he was responsible for acquisition, management and disposal of corporate properties.

James F. Doran, MCR, the 1997 recipient of NACORE's award for Outstanding Real Estate Executive, has senior management responsibility for maintaining and enhancing the overall value, appeal and cash-flow of Trinity Church's commercial properties. He oversees 27 buildings and six million square feet of commercial office space owned by the Parish. Trinity is currently developing Hudson square, converting light industrial space to commercial use.

NACORE, the international corporate real estate association, provides quality professional education programs to over 3,500 corporate real estate executives and service providers through disciplined course work, symposiums, workshops and focus groups.

The New York Chapter of NACORE hosts monthly luncheon meetings at The Yale Club, featuring leaders in the industry who can provide valuable information to real estate professionals and their service providers. The next meeting is scheduled for Friday, October 30th on the "Three P's of Real Estate Presentation: Preparation, Programs & Pictures.

The luncheon is from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at a cost of $55 in advance and $65 at the door. To register, contact Tamara Beck at [phone].