Everett Mayor Stephanson
The National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP) recognized leadership in commercial real estate development at its November Night of the Stars event in Bellevue. Among the night’s winners were Mayor Ray Stephanson and Lanie McMullin, Everett’s economic development director, who were jointly honored as NAIOP’s Public Officials of the Year for Washington state.
The annual event celebrates distinguished companies, real estate projects and developers that exemplify excellence in the field of real estate and development. The award committee evaluates nominees against criteria such as impact on the community, market adaptability and ingenuity.
Shannon Underwood, of Underwood Gartland Development, was president for the Washington state NAIOP chapter in 2006 and is a current member of the government affairs committee that nominates candidates. “NAIOP seeks to acknowledge those individuals who have changed the face of a jurisdiction in which they have influence,” said Underwood. Underwood helped present the awards to Stephanson and McMullin.
The Mayor was celebrated for his efforts to promote job growth and encourage economic development, particularly at the city’s aerospace and advanced manufacturing cluster. Stephanson was also recognized for his attention to expanding higher education opportunities in the region, a major focus since taking office in 2003.
“[Mayor Stephanson emphasizes] the importance of jobs and higher education as the building blocks to sustained economic growth,” said Underwood. “We are always wishing for leaders who understand the value of these building blocks and the importance of economic growth, and who are willing to work in the government arena.”
McMullin has made her mark not only in Everett, but in more than 130 cities around the country. In Everett, McMullin’s achievements include facilitating the development and construction of several downtown attractions, including the Everett Performing Arts Center and KIDSTAGE, The Schack Art Center and Artspace lofts, and the year-round farmers market that will open next spring, as well as supporting the growth of Everett’s major industry sectors.
“Ms. McMullin was chosen because she is a visionary who took a multi-faceted approach to making Everett the vibrant city it is today,” Underwood said.
Other award categories included historic renovation of the year, retail development of the year, office development of the year, and developer of the year.
Established in 1967, NAIOP is a national organization that invites driven developers, owners and investors of all realms of real estate to become members in order to network and develop professionally in their field. For a full list of the 2014 honorees for Washington state, visit www.naiopwa.org/assets/docs/Newsletters/14%20nov_the%20deal_final.pdf.
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December 2, 2014
Everett, Everett Economy, Everett Government