Statewide Marketing Session for September 2018
Submitted by Louise Norwood
The September Statewide Marketing Session was held on Wednesday, September 26, 2018 at the Matheson Education Suite at 168 South River Road in Bedford. We were treated to an excellent breakfast spread by John Phelan and Dwight Feeney of Enterprise Bank – we missed seeing both of you but duty calls. We appreciated your sponsoring the breakfast and hope to see you this next month. Enterprise services educational institutions, municipalities, businesses, professionals, individuals and non-for-profit organizations in Southern New Hampshire and Northern Massachusetts for the past thirty years. They differentiate themselves by ensuring that all of the Bank’s deposits come from the local communities and are invested back into those same communities. Their personalized service is supported through branch locations within the community which separates their lending institution from their competitors.
Chris Blais of Plum Lending has recently changed career paths and joined the group for the first time. Welcome Chris. Their lending firm offers fixed rates over a twenty year term. They serve a wide variety of property types including but not limited to multifamily, office, retail, hospitality, industrial and mobile home parks. They also partner with other lending institutions for bridge financing. Chris is signing on as one of our newest affiliates. Congratulations, Chris.
Tom Champagne of St. Mary’s Bank explained that they concentrate their lending efforts only in New Hampshire and have the ability of loaning up to seven million dollars. Lines of credit can be made available here locally; independent evaluations can be completed in short order and will make every effort to work with real estate companies to get a loan secured. Tom announced that the Tri-City 2018 Expo is being held September 27th, 2018 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Expo Center in Manchester celebrating thirty years of Business to Business Networking.
Keith Turgeon of Namtek wears many hats but the one in particular that he discussed was their company’s expertise in the realm of internet carriers addressing fiber, broadband whether from Comcast or lesser known brands that may have appeal and better price points. Keith and his associates have profound knowledgeability in the data world and would be willing to sit down with anyone to explain their vital services. Keith is one of our newer affiliates and hopes to meet with many of you who are seeking a firm that requires advice on the worldwideweb, providers and beyond.
Lindsey Goodrich of Berkshire Hathaway Verani Commercial is working with a passive investor seeking a two million dollar project in Southern New Hampshire and continues to scan the marketplace for another investor with a one million dollar pocketbook wishing to locate an asset in either New Hampshire or Massachusetts. Lindsey also pitched a 4,000 s.f. industrial/retail building at Exit 5 having city water, sewer and gas – priced at $575,000.
Marilyn Charbonneau of NBT Bank is the Business Development Officer with offices in Keene, Manchester and Nashua. Marilyn spoke about credit card processing explaining that their system can save significant fees, encourage more business and produce funds immediately. She has seen up to $12,000 fee savings for this merchant service for one company alone. Think of Vital Payment Solutions for your business which delivers cutting-edge technology combined with simple to use features for in store and on the go sales.
Laura Nesmith of Colliers announced that CIBOR Cares is celebrating its tenth anniversary on October 17th from 5 to 8 at Fratello’s Restaurant in Manchester. There are at least four sponsorships up for grabs. Dave Grappone piggy backed saying that the DeStefano/Barrett Legacy Fund will provide a local, worthy charity some dollars to continue their good works. Laura pitched 60 Rogers Street in Manchester on behalf of Doug Martin. This Circa 1900 mill space currently offers 9,500 s.f. of vacant office/R & D/flex space on the second floor at $6.50 psf NNN. In addition Laura touted a great North End office building for sale at $550,000. This 4,800 s.f. attractive office building offers fifteen parking spaces with the added benefit of municipal water and sewer.
Bev Donovan is the Economic Development Director for the Town of Derry and announced several business opportunities in town just south of Route 102. The land area is designated for the small business arena and zoned for small retail or ground up construction. Bev announced that the development people have planned a meet and greet with the economic planning members partnering with code enforcement and chamber members. The “Meet and Greet” will be held on October 23rd at 8:30 with a full breakfast at 14 Manning Street in Derry. All are welcome. Bev gave a shout out to Steve Mangekian for the quick and efficient manner in which he handled an inspection for her.
Dave Fenstermacher of VHB explained that their firm offers integrated services for land development projects i.e. civil, survey, traffic studies and due diligence analysis and all types of environmental assessment, mitigation and permitting. The upcoming MS4 conference has been postponed with a new date to be determined and announced. Throughout New Hampshire 44 municipalities will be impacted by the EPA’s 2016 update to MS4 General Permit requirements. Their multidisciplinary services enable real estate projects to move forward on a timely and expeditious way. David highly recommends Marie Degulis of Secondwind Water Systems for water concerns – she helped resolve a neighborhood water problem for David!
Stepfani Croteau of Allen & Major Associates have locations in Manchester, Woburn and Lakeville, Massachusetts. Their company is a wide spectrum engineering company offering environmental services along with a long menu of real estate oriented, engineering programs. Stepfani announced that they will be hosting a soft opening at their newest development project in Springfield, Massachusetts showcasing a golf club with 4,500 s.f. of lineal sidewalks, day care, a canine facility along with other retail opportunities.
Murray Beaulieu of Boosted Profits Tax Remediation conducts a specialty tax remediation company which offers small incentives that normal CPA’s are not aware of or have any knowledge of. Murray tutored us on the inner workings of cost segregation and how it escalates depreciation to better the bottom line re tax savings. Murray has offered to grab coffee with anyone wishing to learn about this tool of the tax trade.
Cassandra Farley of NAI Norwood Group, Inc. is searching out a 10,000 s.f. industrial building within a twenty minute drive from Manchester. Cassie along with two of her co-workers are marketing a high-end office space on 20 Grove Street in Peterborough. This very unique, 100 year old building was brought to fruition interestingly enough by the same architect of the Empire State Building. Lastly, Cassie pitched a four condo unit building at 4 John Tyler Street in Merrimack both for sale and/or for lease. This hard to find commodity has good price points so give Cassie a call.
Kathy MacKinnon of Masiello Commercial is marketing a 38,000 s.f. industrial warehouse in Hudson having 18’ ceiling clearance at a lease rate of $5.50 psf NNN or for sale at $1,900,000. Welcome, Kathy, and hope to see you at future marketing sessions.
Jamison Bibaud of Masiello Commercial explained that he has much experience in the commercial leasing realm. He has recently listed a mixed use building at 262 Main Street in Tilton right in the heart of downtown having two upstairs apartments with street level retail priced at $150,000. In addition he has posted a land listing comprised of 79 acres at a sales price of $200,000. Contact Jamison for more information.
Chris Pascucci of Masiello Commercial has an active listing at 23 Depot Street in Merrimack comprised of 3,680 s.f. with a host of possibilities as it has a professional kitchen, dock, three restrooms, and double door for additional loading. A nice small industrial/flex unit for sale at $250,000. Chris is also working on the sale of a free standing building at 570 Laconia Road in Tilton having two fully leased, mixed use units being posted at $250,000.
Jay Lee of Berkshire Hathaway Verani commented that there is indeed a premium on the lease rates between New Hampshire and Massachusetts though the gap is closing. Jay also stated that the appraisal business has slowed down as it requires so much work on the part of the appraiser to get to the finish line. Also, interest rates are looming in the background with the promise that they will most likely rise. Southern New Hampshire is at the precipice of running out of land to build much needed housing. Jay wished to reiterate some high profile retail sites – (1) a site in at Exit 5 Rockingham Road (2) a site on S. Broadway in Salem and (3) a site on Amherst Street in Nashua suitable for a pad, build to suit or drive through. Jay’s motto “Looking for retail every day”. Safe travels overseas.
Dave Grappone of KW Commercial expanded on Laura’s comments re CIBOR Cares stating that this worthy charitable arm of CIBOR benefits local charities. If you have a favorite charity, please be in touch with Dave or Laura for an application which will be evaluated by the board. Auction items are still needed for the event i.e. restaurant gift certificates, wine baskets, jewelry, golf tickets or sporting events tickets would be welcomed. Dave has a cash buyer for a piece of land to accommodate a 20,000 s.f. from Manchester down to the Massachusetts. Dave also has a great property that would be ideal for someone in the trades – 1,800 s.f. free standing building at 41 Londonderry Turnpike in Hooksett priced at $279,900. Lastly, Dave wished to let everyone know that he has one of the last offerings at 288 S. River Road for lease – this 3,500 s.f. office suite is being offered at $12.00 psf modified gross plus owner will throw in the first three months’ rent free!
Tad Dziemian of Neighborhood Energy brokers energy primarily to the commercial sector but also deals with residential on a lesser scale. Tad claimed that there was an article in the Manchester Union Leader in regards to the residential power supply with the consumer losing money due to looming regulations that may prevent a homeowner from choosing their electrical supplier. He encourages clients to check their monthly invoice. And though rates continue to rise, Tad can offer methods to amortize your billing more evenly and effectively over either a 12 or 24 month period. In particular Tad likes to work with property managers or landlords to assist in cost avoidance – two of his larger accounts are RJ Finlay and Farley White.
Joe Friedman of Brooks Properties announced that his ownership is seeking 10-50,000 s.f. of office and/or industrial along the I-93 corridor from Bedford to the Massachusetts line. Joe stated that their company has saved a significant amount of money with Tad and his team at Neighborhood Energy. As for Joe’s portfolio of listings, Brooks can offer flex space for as low as $8.50 psf up to brand new built out office for $23.00 psf. Joe commented that he has seen a price increase in rental rates and that tenants are more accepting of annual escalators. These escalators are necessary as the cost of construction and labor have produced a shortage of commercial real estate in the marketplace. Joe passed out a handout with a menu of various properties available for lease and/or for sale from Salem to Hudson including Derry. Call Joe for additional information.
Dan Barufaldi of Dover Economic Development said that there was a great article in Business New Hampshire captioned “Good Things Happening in New Hampshire”. He, too, has seen a rise in construction pricing saying that high bay warehouse is now costing out at $160 per square foot due to the cost of steel and labor. Dover has been experiencing a huge transformation with more mixed use in the vibrant downtown area utilizing the street level as retail and the upper floors providing housing. Two large mills in Dover are also providing additional residential options – that along with the Amtrak Downeaster, Dover is really on the map. Each month Dan publishes a Manager’s Report for the Economic Development Sector bringing the general public up to date with the economic trends in the region – please contact Dan for this timely offering.
Brian Hansen of Team Engineering explained that he monitors the minutes for several towns and says there is a shortage of multi-family and apartments for the general public. Team just recently completed a full inspection for an apartment portfolio in Manchester. Part of the inspection was also preparing a cap expenditure and the associated costs over a span of years which is of an added benefit to the buyer.
Marie Degulis of Secondwind Water Systems commented on how she and Steve Mangekian of Alpha Inspections have worked well together. Marie will be teaching a course the Monday after Thanksgiving so please contact Marie or watch for the announcements through the CIBOR newsletter. Marie also warned that blasting from the road construction out on Route 101 as well as the large redevelopment at Market and Main can cause fracking which in turn can affect the quality of the water. Best to recommend to your clients in these areas to have their water checked.
Petie Cummins of Alpha Building Inspections has just been hired by Steve Mangekian as their new public relations person. This was his first round at attending a marketing session and we hope he will continue to be part of this vibrant group. Petie stated that he looks forward to working with everyone around the table.
Phil Geiger of KW Commercial was formerly in the office design/office furniture industry and will continue under the KW flagship to provide turn-key design services. His role will be to work with clients coordinating build out; interfacing with a general contractor and all other related services. He operated in the Massachusetts market and now looks forward to concentrating his skills in New Hampshire. Phil also looks forward to working with other CIBOR affiliates and other agents to enhance the leasing/selling process of commercial real estate product.
Marie Bodi of CP Management exclaimed that this last orientation seminar was the largest she had monitored with thirty three attendees 12 of which were from KW and 3 people from Masiello alone. The benefits are endless with much market knowledge exchanged between this very diverse group of business people. Marie’s focus at this meeting was to encourage more sponsorships for CIBOR Cares – Steve Mangekian of Alpha Inspections stepped up to the plate as did Brian Hansen of Team Engineering and Tom Champagne of St. Mary’s Bank. The sponsorships will help underwrite the CIBOR Cares event and bring their respective businesses into the limelight. Marie represents CP Management which is a third party management company. They recently took on a portfolio of three properties as the prior company mismanaged the CAM funds so with CP’s expertise, the owner will have better rental collections and better tenancies to achieve higher rental rates.
Bill Jean of Fulcrum Associates is the go to construction resource with an eighteen year, long standing presence in the community. Bill detailed that their role in the construction process is to assist clients in navigating the whole development project from site development, evaluation of the site and establishing all of the proper protocols that are difficult to bring to an end product. Having the resources to deal with tenant improvements and/or ground up development, they can tackle pretty much anything from ground zero. Some of their more recent projects are 160 units in Dover and a stand along emergency building in Dover. Bill also plugged the quarterly meeting/three course credit course being held at the Falls Event Center covering commercial building systems, “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly” with a combined 150 years of knowledgeability on this topic. Bill currently serves as the Treasurer for CIBOR and is thoroughly committed to the organization.
Jeff Boufford of Boyd and Boufford Insurance Agency sells his insurance wares throughout Southern New Hampshire and in particular spoke about being a good resource for site/environmental pollution insurance. Not only is this good for contractors but actually anyone in the commercial venue. In that the rates are dropping for this type of product should be even more motivation to be covered. As Jeff is all about relationships, he can be of great assistance to new buyers for all types of coverage including but not limited to vehicle; home; home contents as well as commercial insurance services of all kinds. Jeff promotes the affiliate committee with new applicants – please see Jeff if you would care to join. Jeff tag lined Bill, Marie and others that CIBOR is a great organization and encourages sponsoring events when possible. He invites anyone wishing to discuss further to sit down for coffee.
Steve Mangekian of Alpha Inspections introduced Petie Cummins as his new full time marketing representative. Petie is a new grad from UNH so is getting in on the ground floor. Steve now has five employees dealing strictly with inspections from York County, Maine to Portland and throughout New Hampshire. In addition he has conducted inspections in Warwick, Rhode Island and the greater Boston area. He is really in a growth mode and is adding another inspector come December. Lastly, Steve feels that he has belonged to many networking groups but finds that the CIBOR group has been the most invigorating and high profile of them all. Good to hear.
Kathryn Bristol of NewVo Interiors can offer up to sixty lines of office furnishings along with space planning in order to create a productive work environment. NewVo is currently looking to hire more designers for their team for the growth projectory they are on. Kathryn announced that NewVo Interiors will be hosting a wine and cheese evening at 60 Rogers Street in Manchester on Thursday, October 25th from 5:00 to 7:00 presenting new solutions to contemporary challenges in the workplace.
Louise Norwood of NAI Norwood Group, Inc. pitched a new listing represented by Joe Robinson and Chirs Norwood – 7 Tallwood Drive in Bow offers affordable, professional industrial condos for sale or for lease. The units are individually priced for lease and the package is being offered at a sale price of $1,250,000. In addition, Louise gave an overview of a property located at 298 Hanover Street in Manchester listed by Chris Norwood and Judy Niles-Simmons. The 9,771 s.f. facility which is in the path of redevelopment was formerly used as State offices and is on the market for $415,000. Lastly, the mission is to lease the last unit at 9 Cedarwood Park in Bedford – this open pallet suite is ready to be fit up to your client’s specifications at a lease rate of $9.50 psf NNN.
We had a good turn out as usual and continue to grow our numbers. The input of information is helpful as we keep the economic news of our region on our respective radars. Looking forward to seeing everyone as well as our new affiliates and commercial members over the next few months. These are busy times which we can all appreciate but this slice of time is well worth your while if you are able to attend. There is always a take away and new friendships to be fostered.
Please don’t forget to bring your hand outs and publications as it pertains to your company or anything that might interest the group.
Sharing knowledge is sharing wealth.
Have a great fall.