NJ-NAIOP valuable real estate resource.

The commercial real estate industry adds a total market value of more than $150.2 billion to the New Jersey state economy--approximately 21 percent of all assessed value.

In this context, the New Jersey Chapter of the National Association of Office and Industrial Properties (NJ-NAIOP) has evolved over nearly four decades as this vital industry's leading voice.

More than 500 members strong, NJ-NAIOP represents a dynamic, evolving trade association that is successfully meeting the challenges of the times. Statewide, NJ-NAIOP is viewed as a key resource and integral partner in the creation and maintenance of the economic health of New Jersey. For real estate professionals, its membership is unmatched by any other commercial real estate organization and provides an invaluable tool for networking, news and education.

In its most visible role, NJ-NAIOP serves as a technical and policy advisory resource for lawmakers regarding important issues concerning commercial real estate. NJ-NAIOP has invested significant resources in advocacy efforts to formulate sound policy, laws and regulations that govern the industry.

According to Mark Yeager, president of The Gale Company and president of NJ-NAIOP, the organization's credibility can be attributed to its focus on being an objective advocate for the industry. "We take what we believe to be moderate but important positions; they are based on well-founded, sound public policy," he said. "We speak as a voice of the industry to legislators and administrators of our state, and we fight for issues we know to be of paramount importance to landlords and owners in the marketplace."

NJ-NAIOP's principal and associate members are involved in all facets of office, industrial and related commercial properties including ownership, management, financing, leasing, master planning, design and construction, and ancillary services. Together, they serve one of the state's most valuable resources--the thousands of growing companies, large and small, that are the key to the future health and growth of New Jersey's economy. NJ-NAIOP's members today own and/or manage nearly 400 million square feet of commercial buildings that house more than 10,000 companies and 600,000 workers.

This incredible presence has contributed to an organization that truly stands out in New Jersey and within NAIOP national, which has 50 chapters throughout North America. In 2004, NJ-NAIOP was recognized as its "Chapter of the Year," and Michael McGuinness, executive director of NJ-NAIOP, was honored as "Executive of the Year."

According to McGuinness, NJ-NAIOP's composition as a member-driven association has been a key to its progress since its beginning in 1970. He also credits the caliber of NJ-NAIOP's membership for its outstanding position.

"The New Jersey chapter is one of my favorites," said Thomas Bisacquino, of NAIOP national. "Others around the country have followed suit, many of them modeling themselves after the outstanding benchmark that our New Jersey members have set."