On Wednesday, April 2, the Lambda Alpha International (LAI) FL Suncoast Chapter hosted its third meeting as an official LAI Chapter. The IMPACT article, Announcing the LAI FL Suncoast Chapter, celebrates the chapter charter presented on October 16 at the Annual Gathering in Phoenix.
At the meeting Benderson Development Executive Director of Leasing Mark Chait gave an excellent presentation on University Town Center and Beyond.
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| Kelly Gilliland explains the Integrity Mortgage Capital's business model photo courtesy of Holly Elmore Images |
After welcoming attendees, official meeting emcee, John McCarthy - V.P. for Regional History at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens - thanked IMC Founder & President Kelly Gilliland for her much-appreciated sponsorship.
LAI FL Suncoast Chapter Secretary Sylwia Majewski and John inducted five new members to the thriving new chapter:
- Brad Baker, Serial Tech Entrepreneur and Real Estate Developer
- George Nicolopoulos, Whitney Hancock VP Business Banking
- Robert Lincoln, Attorney at Law Offices of Robert K. Lincoln, P.A.
- John Lambie, Civic Matters Director
- Miles Toder, Senior Commissioned Officer of the US Foreign Service (retired)
The previously mentioned article, Announcing the LAI FL Suncoast Chapter, details the chapter history during the development stage, the keys to success, and future chapter plans.
About LAI
LAI is the honorary global network for thought leaders
in all fields related to the preservation and sustainable development of land.
LAI is a growing network of chapters in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe and Asia. Each chapter offers a wide variety of programs with industry leaders, discussion forums, community service projects and networking events.
Membership is highly selective through a nomination process initiated by an LAI member. Nominees for LAI membership must demonstrate ten or more years of experience in their fields, professional distinction, and outstanding contributions to the community in their field of endeavor.
LAI is committed to excellence and high professional standards to make a difference. A value to members is knowing you are someone who helped make that difference.
University Town Center & Beyond
As one of the nation's largest privately-owned real estate-development companies, Benderson Development (Benderson) is highly influential on Sarasota and Bradenton's commercial real estate landscape. With over 1,000 properties totaling over 55 million-square feet in 40 states, the Benderson portfolio includes retail, office, medical, industrial/warehouse, hotels and multi-family residential properties.
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| Mark Chait answering audience questions. photo courtesy of Holly Elmore Images |
Subsequent to its inaugural 1998 purchase of the old Sarasota Outlet Center and other surrounding properties, Benderson purchased large tracts of land south of University Parkway between 2000-2004. In 2006, the opening of the Super Target served as a catalyst for additional big-box stores as well as local retailers.
When it opened in 2014, the Mall at UTC was a landmark event in the retail industry; the Mall at UTC was the first new enclosed mall in the nation to open in the preceding five years. As the anchor to the UTC District, the Mall at UTC remains a huge success more than a decade later.
Additionally, 2014 marked the grand opening of Sarasota County-owned Nathan Benderson Park (NBP,) a world-class rowing facility. A local economic driver, in 2017 NBP hosted its first World Rowing Championships.
Benderson has extensive regional investments beyond the the UTC District and uses a long-term approach for their investment strategy. Contrary to most developers who sell the properties once construction is complete, Benderson generally holds their developed properties as long-term investments. The 2024 Sarasota Magazine article, Benderson Development Buys Sarasota Retail Strip for $30.5 Million, Glengary Shoppes on South Tamiami Trail—which includes Best Buy and Barnes & Noble—was recently purchased by the developer in an off-market cash deal gives a glimpse of Benderson's tremendous influence on the Sarasota-Bradenton commercial landscape.
After his formal presentation, Mark fielded an array of in-depth questions from the LAI audience.
The HEI album, 04-02-25 LAI FL Suncoast Chapter Meeting, gives a pictorial recap of the empowering meeting.
Nathan Benderson Park
When she returned to her hometown in 2021 after residing in Atlanta for 40 years, FL Suncoast Chapter President Holly Elmore worked closely with LAI At-Large member Tomás Herrera-Mishler, then NBP President & CEO, on a strategic plan to rewild the park grounds. Due to a shift in Sarasota County's vision for the park, the rewilding plans did not materialize.
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| Spanish moss cloaked oak tree @ NBP photo courtesy of Holly Elmore Images |
On Tuesday, November 28, 2023 the underdevelopment LAI Suncoast Chapter hosted their inaugural meeting at the NBP Finish Tower. The meeting was a huge success with over 45 guests in attendance and 13 new LAI members inducted.
The IMPACT article, The Power of LAI Comes to Florida, chronicles the LAI Global Leadership visit to Sarasota as well as the meeting. The HEI album, LAI Suncoast Chapter (underdevelopment) Event, showcases the November 28 event while the LAI Suncoast Tours, Meetings, and Inductions album chronicles the plethora of activities during Global Leadership three-day Sarasota visit.
Future Chapter Plans
With a commitment to four meetings annually with intriguing presentations, the FL Suncoast Chapter announces the Wednesday, June 25 5:30 - 7:30 pm meeting hosted at the Architecture Sarasota facility. Marty Hylton, Architecture Sarasota President, will present on Transforming Places & Inspiring Lives. Registration will open in late May or early June.
