The 2010 Spring Antique Show at Georgian Place Shops & Office Village

SOMERSET, PENNSYLVANIA – May 27, 2010 – The grounds at Georgian Place were bustling during the Annual Spring Antique Show at Georgian held Saturday, May 22 and Sunday May 23, 2010. Now in its 8th year, this family friendly indoor/outdoor event featured over 75 vendors, offering a wide assortment of quality antiques, decorative arts, and collectibles ranging from the early 1800s to the retro 1950s. The show ran from 9am to 5pm on Saturday and 11am-4 pm on Sunday. The light rain didn’t keep the crowds away as attendance was estimated at over 5,000 for the weekend. According to John Greiner of Cottage Pine Antiques, “In my opinion this was the most successful spring antique show at Georgian Place yet”. Admission to the event was free. The village setting at Georgian Place was the perfect environment to stroll though and browse for something special. In addition to the antique show, there was a delicious assortment of homemade food available, and a variety of local live acoustic bands playing throughout each day on the courtyard lawn, sponsored by blubuaghsmusic.com. Also, a Car Cruise was held on Saturday sponsored by Classic Cruisers Car Club. Starting at noon, antique and classic cars were on display in the parking lot for car enthusiasts of all ages. With so much to see and do, a trip to the Georgian Place Antique Show is always a memorable day out and one you won’t want to miss next year! About Georgian Place Georgian Place consists of approximately 182,000 SF of retail and office space situated around the historic Georgian Inn -- a Georgian Revival Style Mansion built in 1915. Now operating as “The Georgian Inn of Somerset,” with a new business owner/operator, patrons can expect to receive luxury accommodations, fine or casual dining, and a lovely setting for events of all kinds in a building that will take you back to the gilded age. Situated around the Inn are over 13 retailers and many service and office users, which give Georgian Place a true village setting. Included among the retailers and service providers are such leading brands as BonWorth, Factory Brand Shoes, and Vitamin World as well as local favorites such as Somerset Sewing Center, Pet Boutique, Affordable Art, and Precision Fitness. Georgian Place is owned and managed since 2005 by SugarOak, an international real estate investment and management company. SugarOak specializes in revitalizing similar centers around the country by providing retail, service, and office users with an opportunity to lease or purchase ready-to-use space at below market prices. Over the past several years a host of medical and office users have leased or purchased space and numerous independent retailers have opened specialty shops. Recent additions to the center include blubaughsmusic.com, Fresh Eats Bistro, and Edward T. Iseman, Esq. and Laurel Highlands Model Railroad. For more information on Georgian Place see:

http://www.georgianplace.net/

Northern Virginia Building Industry Association Real Estate Outlook Presentation

At a recent Northern Virginia Building Industry Association Real Estate Outlook presentation, it was easy to see where the US housing market is today. It has either hit the bottom, is soon to hit the bottom, or could hit the bottom a second time. Clarity - I love it! Despite the diversity of predictions, and the many unknowns, there are a few things that we can all agree on:

• Interest remain low, and will likely do so for at least the short term.
• Availability of credit to the homebuyer/homeowner is critical to a recovery.
• Job losses must taper off and unemployment must decline for a recovery to be successful.
• The rate of recovery will vary in different regions of the US.
• Population is forecast to grow.

At SugarOak Corporation, we have continued to work with our client’s throughout the housing downturn. Our experienced and talented SugarOak Associates and team members have the flexibility to work on a myriad of residential projects, from small renovations, to new custom homes. At SugarOak, we will continue to work with our client’s to face the challenges ahead. We will provide the quality, craftsmanship, design and price that will make your next project exceptional and affordable.

Best of Reston raises $295K for Interfaith

When Interfaith CEO Kerrie Wilson received a check at the end of the 2010 Best of Reston Awards Gala April 15, she made no attempt to hide her tears.

The annual event raised $295,000 -- money which help Interfaith to continue its work helping the residents of Northern Virginia.

"Tonight's event clearly shows that this community has a heart of gold. How fortunate we are," Wilson said to the black-tie crowd of celebrants, who packed the Hyatt Regency Reston main ballroom.

"And what can you say to these beautiful women," Wilson added, pointing to the successful gala's three co-chairs -- Lynn Gilmore, Northrop Grumman's director of community affairs and philanthropy; Georgia Graves, president at Bridgman Communications Inc.; and Linda Mallison, of SugarOak Commercial Real Estate, who had earlier been described as "Reston's own Dixie Chicks" by the evening's emcee, Phil Tobey.

Founded in 1970 by area religious organizations, Interfaith provides transitional housing, encourages the development of affordable housing, supports the Embry Rucker Community Shelter, furnishes child care at the Laurel Learning Center, offers parent education and support as well as food and financial assistance.

Interfaith's programs served more than 13,000 individuals and families last year. It also recently dedicated its 40th transitional housing townhome.

IREM Takes Commercial Real Estate Issues to Capitol Hill

On May 5, 2010, more than 265 IREM® Members – joined by members of the CCIM Institute – recently visited Capitol Hill to raise awareness of key issues affecting the commercial real estate industry. IREM® Members representing 38 states and the District of Columbia held more than 230 meetings with their respective senators, representatives and their staffs to voice the industry’s concerns about:

• Tax treatment priorities – including capital gains, carried interest, and leasehold improvements
• Commercial mortgage market liquidity priorities – including credit union lending, term extensions, accelerated depreciation, and mortgage insurance.

First District, Virginia Representative Robert J. Wittman, took time out of his busy schedule to discuss these important issues with Executive Council members of Central VA IREM Chapter 38 including 2010 President-Elect Bernardine Cde Baca of SugarOak Management Services, LLC.