The Chester County Commercial Industrial Investment Council (CII Council) recognized real estate leaders for excellence and collaboration in their transactions last year at the organization’s Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon on Tuesday at Waynesborough Country Club in Paoli.

“Each year, the Board of CII Council celebrates our members’ successes in closing commercial and industrial lease and sale transactions,” said CII Council President Theo P. Notaras of Bennett Williams Commercial. “This year is no exception, as those winners recognized in each category — including the Best Collaboration Award, which highlights the value of CII Council membership and its networking — worked to close over $82 million in Chester County real estate transactions.”

The award winners for 2023 were:

• Office Sale Award: Bill McGeehan, Continental Realty
• Office Lease Award: Stacy Martin, Hankin Group
• Office Lease Award: Jeff Duffy, Vista Realty Partners
• Retail Sale Award: Bill Hess, Bennett Williams Commercial
• Retail Sale Award: Tommy Ciccarone Jr., Bennett Williams Commercial
• Retail Lease Award: Bill Hess, Bennett Williams Commercial
• Industrial Sale Award: Jim Lees, Swope Lees Commercial Real Estate
• Industrial Lease Award: Mitch Reading, Tactix Real Estate Advisors
• Flex Sale Award: Andrew Carlino/Eric Kuhn/Andrew Turner, Pillar Real Estate Advisors
• Flex Lease Award: Jake Doyle, Tri State Commercial Precision
• Commercial Land Sale Award: Kevin Flynn Jr., The Flynn Company
• Distinguished Honors/Best Collaborative Use: First Eastern Development Company, Heliplex, Meridian Bank, Chester County Economic Development Council, Commonwealth Land Title Insurance Co.

In addition to the awards program, attendees of the luncheon heard from this year’s keynote speaker, Jerry Sweeney, the President and CEO of Brandywine Realty Trust. The CII Council annually invites a distinguished speaker to share insights related to commercial and industrial real estate with its members and luncheon attendees.

“We are honored to have Jerry Sweeney join us,” said Notaras. “During his leadership of Brandywine Realty Trust, since founding the company in 1994, he’s overseen the company’s growth into one of the largest, publicly traded, full-service, integrated real estate companies in the U.S. It’s terrific to hear from someone so passionate about creating thoughtful, dynamic spaces that have had such a positive impact on our surrounding communities and who is guided by a deep commitment to responsible, equitable development and business practices. In Philadelphia, Jerry has led the launch of a comprehensive $16.4 million Neighborhood Engagement Initiative focused on creating jobs, enhancing diversity in the building trades, creating affordable housing, and fostering community engagement activity.”

The CII Council has had many prominent speakers in the past, including Ward Fitzgerald of EQT Exeter, economists Mark Dotzour (Texas A&M) and Peter Linneman (University of Pennsylvania), and Anthony J. Hayden, the Principal and CEO of Maguire Hayden Real Estate Company.

The economic activity in the Chester County real estate market is an indicator of the regional successes of the Greater Philadelphia suburban market.

“Chester County’s strong economic position continues to make it a positive place to start and grow businesses,” said MaryFrances McGarrity, Senior Vice President of Business Development Services at the Chester County Economic Development Council. “The CCEDC congratulates the members of the CII Council for their efforts in these transactions and for their role in growing our local economy.”

At the meeting, the CII Council welcomed Jake Doyle to its Board of Directors.

“Jake will be vital to our association as he will be forming a Young Professionals Group within the CII Council,” said Notaras. “His role will be to help recruit younger brokers to join the CII Council. We could not be more thrilled to have Jake join our board.”

The CII Council also thanked Cat Bianco, David Farrington, and Tom Walsh for their years of service to the board.

Since its founding in 1988, the CII Council has worked to promote collaboration, education, and networking among its members and the business communities they serve. This constructive interaction assures continued success for all and helps keep Chester County one of the fastest-growing, economically vibrant, and business-friendly counties in Pennsylvania.

Learn more about the Chester County Commercial Industrial Investment Council.