More than 80 commercial real estate leaders from the Gulf Coast region comprising markets in New Orleans and southern Mississippi and Alabama joined together to form NAIOP Gulf Coast  — the association's 54th chapter — at a meeting on Sept. 10.

During the kick-off program in New Orleans, Townsend Underhill, president and CEO of Stirling Properties, welcomed the group and highlighted the value of launching a Gulf Coast chapter in the region. Michael Hecht, president and CEO of Greater New Orleans Inc., delivered a keynote address on the economic trends impacting the region. NAIOP Chair Brian Walker, president of NAI Burns Scalo, shared NAIOP strategic vision and outlined the benefits available to all NAIOP members, including education, advocacy and business connections.

NAIOP Gulf Coast’s purpose is to support the growth of commercial real estate industry in the Gulf Coast region through effective advocacy of local, state and regional legislation that has a positive impact on the industry. In addition, the chapter will advance the interests of its members on a wide variety of issues and create a strong network for business growth and development.

NAIOP is the leading association of more than 21,000 members with an extensive network of more than 50 chapters across North America that represent the interests of developers and owners of industrial, office and mixed-use commercial real estate. NAIOP provides advocacy, education and business opportunities by connecting members in a powerful North American network in the commercial real estate development and investment industry.

To submit contact information on colleagues and connections recommended for membership in this new chapter, submit them online or contact David Edwards, NAIOP vice president for membership and chapter relations.