Georgian Place: A mixed use success story

Georgian Place Finished 2012 with a 90 percent occupancy level.

A remarkable achievement when you consider that only four of the original outlet retailers remained at the property when it was purchased by SugarOak Properties in 2005. The property has been successfully re-positioned despite a poor economic climate and the negative public perception of the “failed outlet mall.”

Tonya Spangler, VP of leasing and sales, and Don Lynch, building and grounds supervisor at Georgian Place

Tonya Spangler, VP of Leasing & Sales for SOAR Somerset, an entity of SugarOak Properties has implemented a redevelopment plan that has transformed the property into a mixed use, community center.

“Tonya has done a remarkable job of matching the positive attributes of Georgian Place with some of Somerset’s leading physicians, businesses, charitable organizations and local retailers. She truly deserves a lot of credit for bringing GP back to life,” said Dan Baker, the president of SugarOak Properties.

The highlight of 2012 was the sale of an 11,200 square foot space to the Boys & Girls Club of Somerset. Their new facility is three times larger than their previous location.

The newly built out space is extremely flexible and meets the club’s activity, gym and office space requirements very well. Also contributing to the increase in the amount of space that has been sold, Boyer Financial Planning purchased an additional 2,100 square feet.

Children enjoying the gym area at the Boys & Girls Club
located in Suite 117 Georgian Place, Somerset, PA

New leases were signed with Wilson Creek Energy, Ophthalmic Associates, Community Care, Inc., Appalachia IU8, Polished Professional Nail Spa, PA Elks State Association, and George and Bob’s computer service.

Georgian Place has large, well lighted parking areas, a nicely landscaped courtyard “gathering” space with picnic tables and benches which are enjoyed from April through November or December.

The project is situated on over 40 acres and has two areas currently donated to nonprofit organizations, Somerset County Farmers’ Market and Jager & Friends Dog Park. These agreements are part of the long term vision of a true community center. The crown jewel of the development is the Georgian Inn of Somerset.

This business is thriving under the ownership of Charles and Stephanie Charrie. The Charries have taken pride in operating a first class inn and restaurant. If you haven’t stayed or stopped by for lunch, dinner, or a quick bite at the bar, you’ve got to put this on your bucket list of things to do in Somerset.

The great thing about the mixed use concept is the variety of reasons local residents might have to come to the property. “We have our own little community,” said Donald Lynch, Building and Grounds Supervisor. Donald has been at the project since the new ownership and wears many hats. Don manages all aspects of property maintenance and repairs and construction projects.

“His attentive effort and knowledge have contributed greatly to the success of the project,” said Tonya Spangler. “Don is well versed in construction costs and building codes which adds tremendous value and keeps us competitive,” Spangler said. “I've had ties to the property for over 16 years in various construction capacities,” Lynch commented.

“I've witnessed the changes from decline to the new direction. It’s been very positive in regards to a relationship focus with tenants and owners; and the property face lift. Also, we have been fortunate to work with contractors who are willing to step up to meet our goals whenever they can to help us succeed with the numerous improvement projects we've taken on. At the end of the day, we want the tenant or owner to be happy with it. It’s more than just getting it done.

It’s about the finished result,” he said.

The businesses at Georgian Place indirectly share in the increased mixed-use activity and become more successful as a result. The Retail Merchants Association initiates several community events each year; such as the rapidly growing Scarecrow Festival, and work together on other fun promotions throughout the year.

There are endless opportunities for joint advertising and information sharing. Since the property has been converted to business condominiums, it has become a more involved model of business part­nerships where individual condo owners become partners and have a stake in the entire property.

“Buying a business condo is a great way to create value for your business, and many have crunched the numbers to find it’s less expensive than leasing. The current low interest rates make it even better to buy now,” Spangler said.

For more information visit www.georgianplace.net

Georgian Place Nearly Full

SOMERSET, PENNSYLVANIA – February 22, 2013 
With new deals totaling more than 28,000 square feet, the once-distressed Georgian Place outlet center in Somerset is at 90 percent occupancy, according to Tonya Spangler, vice president of leasing and sales.

New tenants include Wilson Creek Energy, George & Bob's Computer Service, Appalachia Intermediate Unit 8 administrative offices, Community Care Inc., Ophthalmic Associates, Pennsylvania Elks State Association and Polished Professional Nail Spa. The newest condominium owner is the Boys & Girls Club of Somerset County, which purchased more than 11,000 square feet for its new facility.

"We have stuck with our initial plan to create a mixed-use center anchored with medical and professional offices and have been diligent in maintaining existing tenants," Spangler said in a press release. "The project has taken creativity and substantial capital and management investments by SugarOak to be this successful."

In 2005 SugarOak Properties of Herndon, Va., converted the 182,000-square-foot facility into a business condominium, providing office, retail, medical and service users with an opportunity to purchase or lease ready-to-use space.

For more information on Georgian Place or opportunities available for leasing or purchasing space at the center, please call 814-443-3818 or visit our website at www.georgianplace.net

Boys and Girls Club on the Move to Bigger and Better Places - Georgian Place Sells 11,000 Sf to Boys and Girls Club for New Facility

Somerset, Pennsylvania - February 1, 2013 - The Boys & Girls Club of Somerset had a ribbon cutting ceremony this week to celebrate the opening of their new 11,000 SF facility at Georgian Place.  Previously located in the Lion's Club building on West Fairview Street, The Club had outgrown the former facility due to the success of the service and various programs offered to children 6 to 18.  The Club has an ongoing campaign to establish their Growth Fund, which allowed for the purchase of the new facility and will establish an endowment fund to sustain operations of the new facility in the future. 

S

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

The former space provided 3,500 square feet for Club activities. With more than 11,000 square feet, including classrooms, a kitchen, gym, and expanded restroom facilities, the new space will allow the Boys & Girls Club of Somerset County to accommodate more children and expand the programs offered to the youth of Somerset County. "We do not turn any children away here," commented Barbara Knecht, chief professional officer of the Club. "The past two years we have had to have a waiting list, but now we can accommodate everyone on the list as well as additional children and teenagers."

"It's amazing how well this space fit the needs of the club without requiring a major remodel," said Tonya Spangler, VP of Leasing and Sales for Georgian Place. "Having found a user who can benefit from the high ceiling and existing restrooms is fantastic. The club will be a great addition to the Georgian Place community," she said. It is evident by the proudly displayed wall art and pretty pink flowers artfully pasted on the door to the girls restroom that the kids have taken quite a liking to this massive new place to learn and grow.

About The Boys & Girls Club of Somerset County

The Boys & Girls Club of Somerset County is a non-profit organization that supports the youth of our community. It offers a positive environment during the after-school hours. The Club's mission is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens. The Club is open to all youth ages 6-18 currently attending public, private, home or charter schools in Somerset County. On a typical day at the Club, students are provided a small snack, time to complete their homework, and the opportunity to spend time with other kids their age. Office hours are 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and programming is from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

About Georgian Place

In 2005 SugarOak Properties converted the 182,000 square feet former Outlet Center at Georgian Place into a full-service business condominium -- providing office, retail, medical and service users with an opportunity to purchase or lease ready-to-use space at below market prices. The Boys & Girls Club joins businesses including Precision Fitness, Famous Footwear Outlet, Boyer Financial Planning, Pennsylvania Highlands Community College, Fastenal, Paramount Martial Arts, Broken Spoke Mercantile, Vittone Eye Surgical Associates, The Sewing Box Quilt Shop, Laurel Arts Education and Dance Center, Pediatric Care Specialists, Family Behavioral Resources, Wilson Creek Energy and more. 

Crossings Center’s Annual Blood Drive

Norcross, GA - Tenants and the local community are invited to come to Crossings Center on Peachtree Parkway to give “The Gift of Life” on Friday, October 19^th from 11:00am to 5:00pm. Crossings Center has teamed up with LifeSouth and the Bloodmobile to host .

All donors will receive a free Bleed for Your Team T-shirt representing either the Georgia Bulldogs or the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets.

 

Please visit www.crossingscenter.net for more information on the property.     

 

Getting Deals Done in Spalding Exchange Office Park in Norcross, GA

Norcross, GA - August 14, 2012 -
Cole Dermatology, Physiotherapy Associates, Smiles for Kids Pediatric Dentistry and Discover Media are among the recent deals at SugarOak Properties’ Spalding Exchange Office Park in Norcross, pushing occupancy from 40% (when SugarOak acquired the eight-building project eight months ago) to 60% leased.

 

About SugarOak

SugarOak is a full service real estate company offering investment, management, and construction services across multiple property types. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, SugarOak has ownership interests and management portfolios across the US and Canada.

 

Casa Mexico, Lynn’s Furniture and Jewlz at Peach Shops at Byron

BYRON, GEORGIA – August 17, 2012 – Casa Mexico, a family owned and operated restaurant, has renewed their 2,400 square foot lease for another five years - giving their vote of confidence to the SugarOak management team at Peach Shops at Byron.  At Casa Mexico, you will enjoy a wide range of mouth watering Mexican dishes, with generous portions and a friendly staff.

 

Lynn’s Furniture is another family owned business, and new to Peach Shops at Byron having signed a one year lease for 3,520 square feet.  “We have everything you need to turn your house into a home, at great low prices everyday.”  Check Lynn’s Furniture out for items such as children’s high chairs, full bedroom suites, living room ensembles, hall trees and more. 

 

Jewlz, a discount jewelry and accessories store, has signed a three year lease for 3,840 square feet.  Come see Jewlz for designer-like accessories at reasonable prices.

 

About SugarOak

SugarOak is a full service real estate company offering investment, management, and construction services across multiple property types. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, SugarOak has ownership interests and management portfolios across the US and Canada.

Good Growth - Garden and other projects under way at Holland Town Center

Good things are growing in the Holland Town Center.

At the center of the plaza at 12330 James St., local nonprofit group Eighth Day Farm is cultivating 1.3 acres of asphalt into an urban garden. The group hopes to see a produce stand go up in July or August, where consumers can buy vegetables.

The thriving farm is a metaphor for the liveliness that developers hope the once-struggling mall will embody.

And it’s just one face of a visible transformation that the property is undergoing in the hands of the Virginia-based SugarOak Management, a property development firm. A major tenant, an independent Planet Fitness franchise, opens this week in 22,000 square feet of space. Harvest Antiques and Collectibles and Home Decor, a tenant at the center for 16 years, is moving to a more desirable location.

The Holland Town Center is in the third year of a roughly five-year turnaround plan, according to Town Center spokesman Drew Durham. The signs of progress are easy to see.

From pavement to vegetables

“We’re growing a variety of things,” said Jeff Roessing, farm manager and sole full-time employee of Eighth Day Farm. Besides a small number of strawberries, “it’s pretty much all annual vegetables, with a few herbs.”

Roessing said that the Holland Town Center requested the partnership and paid for most of the materials needed to - in reverse of the familiar song - produce a gardener’s paradise where someone else had already put up a parking lot. Eighth Day Farm, which farms at a total of three sites in the Holland area, is now seeking to further develop the Town Center farm. The farm is seeking to raise $16,000 in donations through the social media funding website kickstarter.com.

Originally called the Holland Outlet Center, the property was purchased in July 2009 for $2.8 million by SugarOak Management, according to Holland Township records.

The owner will have invested an additional $2.75 million in the property by the end of 2012, according to Durham. Besides the cost of carrying the property, the money was spent on improvements to the buildings and site and tenant improvements.

Mixed-use projects

“It’s a big job remodeling and improving over 200,000 square feet,” Durham said. A new access road built in 2010 provided closer access to shops on the west side of the open-air mall. The company also has begun rebuilding the building facades throughout the mall. One is finished and another is being completed.

The new owners’ vision is for a mixed-use property, and they’ve attracted a spectrum of tenants. Lakeshore Electric Cars and Golf Carts and Cassidy Rae Studio, a hair salon, rank among the most recent tenants, Durham said. Existing tenants like West Michigan Flooring and Harvest Antiques & Collectibles & Home Decor are relocating or expanding.

Harvest Antiques is preparing to move to a better location, after operating as an antique mall for 16 years in the Holland Town Center.

In the past, they had to compensate for an out-of-the-way location by advertising campaigns, said manager Dave Rosenberger.

“We’ve done fine and we’ve made it through the bad times, but this should be a shot in the arm,” he said. The new location by the Center’s pond, visible from restaurants, is highly desirable.

“For pretty much the first time in eight years, we’re going to have walk-by traffic,” Rosenberger said.

About Holland Town Center

If you would like more information about Holland Town Center, please contact Drew Durham at 616 566-2039or go to www.hollandtowncenter.com

About SugarOak

SugarOak is a full service real estate company offering investment, management, and construction services across multiple property types. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, SugarOak has ownership interests and management portfolios across the US and Canada.

Planet Fitness named as major tenant at Holland Town Center

Holland - Holland Township’s historically under-occupied Holland Town Center today announced a major incoming tenant.

An independent Planet Fitness franchisee is finishing construction for a 22,000 sf fitness center in the Holland Town Center, 12330 James St., Holland MI

“We are trying to reach a broad population in Holland, from college students to mature adults who have never used a gym,” the franchisee wrote in a statement attributed to Russel Lewis, general manager of the Holland location. “Many of our members have been away from a health club or are somewhat put off by the traditional definition of a gym.”

The New Hampshire-based Planet Fitness franchise has more than 500 locations nationwide. The co-ed clubs, which are open and staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, are marketed as non-intimidating workout environments.

Originally an outlet mall called the Holland Outlet Center, the property was purchased in July 2009 for $2.8 million by the Virginia-based SugarOak Management, a property development firm, according to Holland Township records.

The property’s retail slots were less than 50 percent occupied in 2009, said Holland Town Center spokesman Drew Durham. Today, he said, occupancy is about 65 percent.

“They’ve invested quite a bit of money to upgrade that,” Durham said. “They purchased it extremely cheaply.”

A new access road built in 2010 provided closer access to shops on the west side of the open-air mall. The company also has begun re-building the shop facades throughout the mall, Durham said.

The vision is to create a “user-friendly, mixed-use” development with a variety of service, retail and office tenants,” he said.

Two of the original factory outlet tenants, GAP and Carter’s Children’s Wear, still are in the development.

Planet Fitness has opened a small office on site to pre-sell memberships, which start at $10 a month.

When construction is finished, the tenant will occupy the building on the southwest side of the center. A grand opening event is being planned for early July.

About SugarOak  -

SugarOak is a full service real estate company offering investment, management, and construction services across multiple property types. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, SugarOak has ownership interests and management portfolios across the US and Canada.

Super Shoes Opens In Old Courthouse Square Shopping Center, Martinsburg WV

DONE DEALS: GEORGIAN PLACE SIGNS NEW LEASES

Somerset, Pennsylvania – January 11, 2012 – Georgian Place Shopping & Office Village is pleased to announce they have signed a wide variety of new deals to ring in the New Year on a positive note. “The fourth quarter had strong activity, involving over 30,000 SF of space, which so far generated over 15,000 square feet of leases and purchase agreements, said Tonya Spangler, Vice President of Leasing and Sales for the center. “We are pleased to be working on details to solidify the remaining deals.”

The new leases are a mix of office and specialty retail, which continues to follow the strategic direction set forth by the owners of Georgian Place. Among the signed deals are, Fastenal, opening in February in Suite 403, Penn Highlands College Somerset Center, opening this month in Suite 315, Insurance Services, now open in suite 405, The Sewing Box Quilt Shop, now open in suite 311, and So Let’s Sew, opening later this month in suite 307. The Sewing Box Quilt Shop carries high quality cotton fabric for quilting, craft, and sewing projects, among other related accessories and gifts. So Let’s Sew will be the area’s Viking sewing machine dealer and both stores will conduct a variety of classes and work together to offer the best in sewing expertise and supplies in the entire region. Insurance Services, under the management of Mary Seng, will offer Somerset additional insurance choices. Fastenal will move their retail store in February, expanding the inventory to accommodate their customer base, while Penn Highlands is very excited to be able to offer a brand new space and amenities for their students. “This move is precipitated by our growth in Somerset County, said Pennsylvania Highlands Community College President Dr. Walter Asonevich. “This move will increase our number of classrooms from 2 to 3 and will also provide improved parking for our students.” Penn Highlands will seek additional location approval from Middle States Commission on Higher Education which will allow the College to offer degree completion at its’ Somerset site.

While new businesses were moving in, two existing specialty retailers expanded at the center. Pages & Light Used Books expanded to suite 314 to provide room for greeting cards, jewelry and gifts, and It’s New To You quality consignments moved to suite 415 and will expand the business to include even more items, including women’s clothing and accessories. In addition, a purchase contract was executed for the sale of an additional business condominium space to Michael Boyer, for the expansion of Boyer Financial Planning; and another condominium purchase agreement for a 5,000 square feet unit is planned to close in the first quarter. Also, formal letters of intent have been issued to “lease up” an additional 10,000 SF. This new activity will bring the facility to over 85% occupied.

“The center brings together many of the best businesses in the area, all in one convenient place, said Spangler. “It has been really exciting to see it evolve in the way we had planned.”

About Georgian Place:

In 2005 SugarOak Properties converted the 182,000 square feet former Outlet Center at Georgian Place into a full-service business condominium -- providing office, retail, medical and service users with an opportunity to purchase or lease ready-to-use space at below market prices.

The new retail and office Tenants join Precision Fitness, Famous Footwear Outlet, blubaughsmusic.com, Cottage Pine Antiques, Broken Spoke Mercantile, Interim Healthcare, Vitamin World, Springleaf Financial, Laurel Arts Education and Dance Center, Pediatric Care Specialists, & Family Behavioral Resources, to name some of the over 35 shops and businesses at Georgian Place.

About SugarOak:

SugarOak is a full service real estate company offering investment, management, and construction services across multiple property types. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, SugarOak has ownership interests and management portfolios across the US and Canada.

Realty Capital Announces Over 17,300 sf of Signed Leasing Deals

ORLANDO, FLORIDA - November 2011: Realty Capital is pleased to announce the following leasing activity at Florida Mall Business Centre in Orlando and 2699 Lee Road in Winter Park.

Maxium Healthcare renewed 2,199 square feet at 2699 Lee Road in Winter Park. The renewal is for five years. Realty Capital’s Senior Vice President, Elliott Jamison, CCIM, Vice President, Robbie McEwan and Associate, Nathan Eissler, represented the landlord. Todd Davis with Colliers International, represented the tenant.

Kelly Services renewed 3,160 square feet at the Florida Mall Business Center located at 1650 Sand Lake Road in Orlando. The renewal is for one year. Realty Capital’s Senior Vice President, Elliott Jamison, CCIM, Vice President, Robbie McEwan and Associate, Nathan Eissler, represented the landlord.

Ethos Staffing leased 2,549 square feet at the Florida Mall Business Center located at 1650 Sand Lake Road in Orlando. The lease is for three years. Realty Capital’s Senior Vice President, Elliott Jamison, CCIM, Vice President, Robbie McEwan and Associate, Nathan Eissler, represented the landlord.

Personnel One renewed 1,650 square feet at 1650 Sand Lake Road at the Florida Mall Business Center in Orlando. The renewal is for three years. Realty Capital’s Senior Vice President, Elliott Jamison, CCIM, Vice President, Robbie McEwan and Associate, Nathan Eissler, represented the landlord. Duke Briggers with Swerigen Realty Group, represented the tenant.

Telemundo renewed 6,157 square feet at 1650 Sand Lake Road Florida Mall Business Center in Orlando. The renewal is for five years. Realty Capital’s Senior Vice President, Elliott Jamison, CCIM, Vice President, Robbie McEwan and Associate, Nathan Eissler, represented the landlord.

TAM Brazilian Airlines, GAIA, Inc, Diamond Walk-In Clinics and Hospitality Staffing Solutions leased a total of 5,010 SF at 1650 Sand Lake Road in Orlando. Realty Capital’s Senior Vice President, Elliott Jamison, CCIM, Vice President, Robbie McEwan and Associate, Nathan Eissler, represented the landlord.

SugarOak is a full service real estate company offering investment, management, and construction services across multiple property types. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, SugarOak has ownership interests and management portfolios across the US and Canada



SugarOak Announces Acquisition of Spalding Exchange Office Park in Norcross, GA

Herndon, VA - October 26, 2011 - SugarOak, a Virginia based owner/developer of commercial properties, announced the acquisition of the Spalding Exchange Office Park, 55,000 sq ft, in Norcross, Georgia.

Spalding Exchange is located off of Holcomb Bridge and is comprised of eight separate, Williamsburg style buildings. 

“We see tremendous upside potential for Spalding Exchange” said John MacDonell, asset manager for SugarOak. “We will move aggressively to revitalize the property and are confident it can once again be one of the premier office parks within the area.”

SugarOak is a full service real estate company offering investment, management, and construction services across multiple property types. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, SugarOak has ownership interests and management portfolios across the U.S. and Canada.

It's All in the Details -- in McLean, Va.

 At SugarOak, we are committed to meeting your needs with personalized service. The key to our success is a blend of quality craftsmanship, professionalism and a willingness to go the extra mile to fulfill your expectations. 

An example of such was the remodel and addition on a 1920s home, which brought us a new carpentry challenge. While simple in appearance, this beautifully understated arched opening to the porte-cochère was anything but simple. Prior to construction, the architect casually commented that he thought that “any good carpenter could do this,” but we knew that it would take one of the best and most experienced carpenters to achieve this detail.

Look closely and you will see that the cedar shakes are bent in two directions, and that the shakes have varying radius bends. Our site superintendent, a highly accomplished carpenter named Steve, designed and built a custom steam box, fueled by a water filled turkey fryer. He experimented by steaming and bending red and white cedar shakes to see which bent better across the grain.

He then created a custom press box to bend the shakes across the grain and a series of jigs to bend them with the grain. The steaming process started long before the arch was installed, as it took many days to steam and dry small batches of shakes.

Once dry but prior to installation, the shakes were primed on all sides. The arched shakes required slight beveled rips on both sides – a couple of degrees – to keep the joints consistent to the run.

The carpenter started installation at the center and worked towards each corner. Even steaming could not get a shake to accommodate the complex intersection vertical to the arch. Since lacing the shakes was not an option, a mitre was required. The verticals were coped into the arch and back cut to get the tightest possible fit. The arched shakes were similarly coped into the vertical sides. The end result is a stunning sweep of shakes that both curve into and rise up and over across the arched opening.

SugarOak has been building luxury custom homes, additions and remodeling since 1983. We firmly believe that building your “dream” home should be a thoroughly enjoyable experience. The SugarOak advantage is our team of professionals who provide an integrated, cooperative approach to the design and construction process.

If you would like more information about SugarOak Custom Homes, please contact Josila Smith at 703 435-9335 or go to http://www.sugaroak.com/



Janet Northcutt's kindergarden class enjoys the new slides at Daleville Elementary School



DALEVILLE -- Daleville Elementary School students have a new way to have fun on the playground. SugarOak Holdings last spring donated seven "like-new" slides from the playground area at the former Daleville Outlet Mall-turned-business park, now known as Heartland Business Center.

Daleville's Parent-Teacher Organization, with $10,000 already set aside to get new playground equipment, was able to refurbish the slides to almost new condition.

With the supervision from American Playground, Eagle Scout Brad Edwards helped organize the installation of the slides last month.

"I just really wanted to help the elementary school kids. I wanted to give them something they could get exercise on and have fun on," Edwards said.

"We haven't had slides for a while, so it's really great to have these. The students really love them. They line up waiting to use them," Assistant Principal Kim Beard said.

The installation of the slides took two weeks, around 20 volunteers and 12 hours of work, and was completed Sept. 17.

"My favorite part is being able to see all the kids playing on [the slides], and know that I made that possible," Edwards said.

175 recently hired for IBM customer service center at Heartland



Heartland Business Center
9301 S Innovation Drive, Daleville IN



DALEVILLE, Ind. — With the recent announcement of IBM’s new customer service center employing 175, the Heartland Business Center is nearly full.

The 220,000-square-foot business center was once an outlet mall and has been developed into a business center over the past several years, said Terry Murphy, vice president of the Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development Alliance.

About 20,000 square feet remains at the center.

IBM opened its first business center three years ago and is now located both at the Heartland Business Center and in the 63,000-square-foot space it shares with Jarden Home Brands that was once Burlington Motor Carriers’ corporate office.

“IBM is one of the most globally recognized companies in the country,” Murphy said. “For them to have a growing presence here in this part of the country is great. It gives instant name recognition for companies looking to locate here and expand. We are encouraged by the fact that a company of the caliber of IBM has made a substantial investment in this community and continues to grow.”

IBM doesn’t disclose the number of employees at its centers, but the company has about 700 employees in Daleville. The new, trained employees began work Monday.

“This expansion gives us the opportunity to work for future projects,” Murphy said. “Other corporations can see we are a community that has a successful track record. That’s a plus for us.”

The Heartland Business Center is a boon for central Indiana, Murphy said, pointing out it is a great synergy of businesses and a good way to reuse an existing facility.

IBM officials have said their desire to expand locally came from their satisfaction of the local job force.

“IBM opened its first center on Commerce Drive three years ago,” said Kent Holcomb, IBM senior state executive. “(Monday’s) announcement is directly tied to the skill of our employees and superior customer service being delivered in Daleville.”

One of IBM’s consumer electronics customers in Daleville has been given the Call Center Excellence Award North America, which ranks it as one of the top five companies in the country for consumer feedback. The award is sponsored by the International Quality and Productivity Center and is based on consumer satisfaction survey ratings. And company officials have said that IBM’s work for health care providers — the company doesn’t disclose company names — has increased productivity by 38 percent and maintained quality measurement at more than 99 percent for more than 160,000 clients.

Murphy said the Alliance, Delaware County commissioners and Delaware County Redevelopment Commission all were critical to making the expansion happen. The Redevelopment Commission approved the use tax increment financing funds as an incentive to help bring the new jobs and investment to Daleville.

IBM is now one of Daleville’s biggest employers and other incentives could bring its employment levels to as high as 1,000.

In addition to the area’s quality work force, Holcomb said the company decided to expand in Daleville because of the business environment in the area is a positive one and because the first center has been so successful — in terms of productivity, efficiency and customer service satisfaction.

It was a “natural next step forward,” he said.

The employees at the center are customer service representatives providing technical support for consumer electronic products, Holcomb said. The center also provides health care processing directly assisting more than 150,000 clients of a major insurance company so the customers can receive payments on claims.

Heartland Business Center is managed by SugarOak.  SugarOak is a full service real estate company offering investment, management, and construction services across multiple property types. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, SugarOak has ownership interests and management portfolios across the US and Canada

On the Rise to Once Again Become Two of the Premiere Office Parks in Norcross, GA

Norcross, GA- Acquired in April 2010 as part of the newly formed SOF Real Estate Fund, Crossings Center on Holcomb Bridge and Crossings Center on the Parkway are in the process of aggressively being repositioned to once again become two of the premier office parks in the area.  Façade and interior renovations combined with new landscaping and signage are just a few of the improvements.  The recent upgrades and change in leasing strategy have produced results.  Multiple new leases have been completed to date totaling over 32,000 square feet, which equates to over a 20% increase in occupancy, from 48% to 69%.   Twelve renewals have also been completed totaling over 42,000 square feet.  Leasing and management now looks to maintain the momentum through the Fall and into 2012.  Please visit www.crossingscenter.net for more information on the property.     

Exercise your mind and body at the new Paramount Martial Arts Center at Georgian Place

For Master Barbara Hauger, the dream of starting her own school to fulfill the mission of improving lives through the martial arts has become a reality. An instructor since 1986, Barbara has recently taken ownership of the school she previously managed: the new Paramount Martial Arts Center located at 113 Georgian Place in Somerset, PA. The new 3,500 ft. facility has a bamboo training floor and a full-view parent seating area. The building is handicapped accessible with an entrance right off the parking lot. Tonya Spangler, Vice President of Leasing & Sales for SOAR Somerset, LLC said the Martial Arts facility is a great addition to our mixed-use community center comprised of medical offices, professional services, and one of a kind shops.

Barbara started taking Tae Kwon Do classes in 1983, and received her 1st Dan Black Belt in 1986. She achieved her current rank of 6th Dan in 2006 from Master Ted Hillson, South Central Tae Kwon Do Association. Master Hauger teaches this Korean art at the Paramount Center because it provides major physical benefits and healthy releases for everyday stress and tension.

Paramount Martial Arts Center has something for everyone—from tots to teens to adults! The perfectly structured programs help people develop confidence, self-discipline, and respect, as well as improve coordination, balance, and agility. The family that kicks together has fun together as they learn this centuries-old discipline that develops the mind, body, and spirit and encourages a balance of knowledge, strength, and honesty.

The public is invited to a Grand Opening Celebration on Saturday, September 17, 2011. The schedule of events is as follows:

9:15-9:45 a.m. Tot’s Class

10:00-11:00 a.m. Junior’s Class

11:00 a.m. Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

11:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Celebration Workout (students & guests welcome)

1:00 p.m. Demonstration in the Courtyard (weather permitting)

Paramount Martial Arts Center

Barbara Hauger

113 Georgian Place, Somerset, PA 15501

814-443-4591

814-442-7173

info@paramountmartialarts.com

http://www.paramountmartialarts.com/

For more information, contact Master Barbara Hauger at 814-443-4591, or log on to www.paramountmartialarts.com. Learn self-defense and get a new sense of self.

Come for Fall Family Fun at the Scarecrow Festival

The cooler weather and brilliant colors of fall blanketing the Laurel Highlands once again welcomes the annual Scarecrow Festival at Georgian Place. Scheduled for Saturday, September 17 from 10AM to 6PM, the event, held rain or shine, comes to life through the collective efforts of the various merchants of Georgian Place, Laurel Arts and the Somerset County Farmers’ Market vendors. Admission and parking are free of charge.

Visitors of all ages will enjoy the popular Scarecrow Contest, the heart of the festival. Strolling through the courtyard, festival guests can take in nearly 50 handcrafted scarecrows on display and competing for over $1500 in cash prizes in three categories: 1. Business (open to all for-profit organizations); 2. Non-Profit (including youth groups, schools, churches, etc.); 3. Individual and/or Family. In addition, visitors are encouraged to cast a vote for the People’s Choice Award throughout the day. Winning entries will be announced near the end of the Festival, though all scarecrows will be on display through Saturday, October 2. Groups interested in entering a scarecrow may obtain an entry form and details by calling 814-443-3818. Entry forms due by September 5.

A full schedule of family fun, guests can expect to be delighted throughout the day with festivities including a scarecrow making workshop, pumpkin painting, wandering live scarecrows, a quilt show and sale, a petting zoo, live entertainment and the opportunity to design your own carved gourd. Visitors may also indulge their taste buds in the flavors of the season at one of the onsite food vendors. Another new feature for 2011 includes the addition of crafters demonstrating and selling their wares throughout the festival. Also new to the festival this year, guests may pose for a memorable photo with a giant 200 pound pumpkin!

The scarecrow making workshop, hosted by Laurel Arts staff and volunteers, teaches participants how to create a unique, life-size scarecrow to take home just in time for the autumn season. All scarecrow building materials are included at a nominal fee, with proceeds to benefit Laurel Arts. No reservations are needed for this first-come, first-served activity. Laurel Arts, a local non-profit organization, works to foster the visual and performing arts in Somerset County.

Pumpkin painting will take place on the courtyard from 11AM until supplies run out. Brushes, paint and pumpkins, locally grown by vendors of the Somerset County Farmers’ Market, will be provided free of charge for children 12 and under. The Farmers’ Market will also be open during the festival between 9AM and 1PM, where you’ll find quality, farm fresh goods at reasonable prices, including beef, pork and lamb, vegetables and fruit, plants, honey and maple products and baked goods.

Meadowbrooke Gourds, specializing in raising, drying and crafting gourds for all seasons at their farm in Carlisle, PA, will be joining the festivities for the first time this year. Visitors will have a chance to select a dried gourd of their choice and then come up with a one-of-a-kind design, limited only by imagination. Meadowbrooke’s very best craftsmen will be on hand to carve the design into the gourd. All ages and levels of artistic skill are encouraged to try this activity! Gourd prices range from $5 and up.

The 2011 Scarecrow Festival is co-sponsored by Somerset Trust Company and Georgian Place. For more information or a complete schedule of the day’s events, call 814-443-3818. Check out the 2011 Scarecrow Festival at Georgian Place fan page on Facebook for regular updates and news about the event.

Currently seeking vendors—crafts, pottery, jewelry, folk art, metal & wood, florals, textiles, food and more. Please call 814-233-9959 or 814-701-2064 for details and to reserve a space.

DOG PARK GROUND BREAKING AT GEORGIAN PLACE

Somerset, PA --- August 29, 2011 --- A group of loyal dog owners have joined forces to develop a park for off-leash, owner-supervised, canines. Wings of Change, Inc., a nonprofit 501 © (3) was formed in 2010 to create the first off-leash dog park in Somerset County. Approximately 5.4 acres of land at Georgian Place will be developed by the organization to provide a safe place for dog owners to legally exercise and socialize their dogs off leash. Use of the park will be free of charge. The community is invited to attend the ground breaking to be held on Thursday, September 1st at 6:00 pm. Those in attendance will get to see the site and a sneak peek at the construction plans. “I am excited about the new dog park”, said Jim Atchison, Founder and President of Wings of Change, Inc. “Thanks to the generosity of SOAR Somerset, LLC, owners of Georgian Place, who have provided us a beautiful site to create Jager & Friends Dog Park we could have a dog park open by next spring. It is a very peaceful and relaxing area overlooking Lake Somerset. We couldn’t ask for a better site.”

The dog park will be completely fenced in. The dogs will be required to be on-leash except when they are in fenced in off-leash areas. Three different fenced runs will be provided: one for dogs over 30 pounds, one for under 30 pounds, and one for smaller dogs under 10 pounds. The entrances will have a double gate to provide safety for dogs and owners while entering and exiting the area. Features and amenities will be include handicapped accessible restrooms, 24 hour surveillance, information kiosk, registry and rules, waste bag dispensers, picnic tables, and walking trail surrounding the park. The supporters are planning to include recreational activities and awareness programs about responsible dog ownership, canine health, acceptable behavior skills, the importance of socialization, and proper human-canine park etiquette. Tonya Spangler, Vice President of Leasing and Sales for SOAR Somerset, LLC, said “We are confident the park will be a first-class operation, with good oversight and management. A dog park is a great community attraction and amenity, not only for local residents to enjoy, but for travelers to our town. We are happy to be in a position to provide this land to help make this project possible.”

Jager and Friends Dog Park is looking for financial support from local businesses and individuals who have an interest in becoming members and volunteers. The Somerset Co. Chamber of Commerce has indicated it will provide its full support for this project. According to the Executive Summary for Wings of Change, Inc., the dog park is expected to enhance tourism in Somerset County. Many travelers today travel with their pets, mostly with dogs. There are no off-leash dog parks between Shippensburg and Monroeville where travelers can stop and exercise their dogs. This will give them the opportunity to take advantage of our local shopping, restaurants, and many other activities.

Wings of Change, Inc.’s Board of Directors have established a timetable for the construction of the park. The land donation was step one. The long term agreement will now allow Wings of Change to request local and regional grant monies. Installation of the fence is the next priority. The grand opening and start of educational programs is planned for spring 2012. The park will be sustained through grant programs, donations and volunteers. The long-term operating costs for this project are expected to be minimal, approximately $3,000 per year for insurance, utilities, and supplies. The bulk of the capital cost for the project, approximately $95,000, is needed to build the enclosure and kiosk structure, install utilities, and obtain benches, water fountains, etc. Capital cost funds are being solicited from state, regional, and local grant-making organizations, businesses, foundations, and individuals who support the park’s ideals. In addition to the site donation, the local community has already contributed $4,700 of donations to date. Additional monies for capital costs and operating funds will be raised from annual memberships and community fund-raising activities as the project matures. Help has already been secured for many projects through the two local prisons, members, Somerset County parole office, and local construction businesses.

For additional information, please contact Jim Atchison at 814-279-5439 or email jnatchison@verizon.net. Please join us for the ground breaking on Thursday, September 1st at 6:00 pm to view the site and construction plans for the facility.