Lynn University | Page 2 | Your Delray Boca

2 June, 2016 2 2 Comments

Why Wait for Valentine’s Day?

June 2, 2016 By Jeff Perlman 2 Comments

Assets.
When we think of Boca and Delray’s assets we might think of beaches, Atlantic Avenue, Old School Square, maybe the Boca Resort and universities.
Assets all.

Valuable– in some cases historic– and of course cherished and appreciated.
But people are also assets and we are certainly blessed in that regard as well.

I just think that sometimes we lose sight of the special people, because– let’s face it– the whiners, complainers, haters, bullies, nitwits and nasties can eat up a lot of our time and energy. That’s why it’s important to pause and remind ourselves that indeed there are good people in our lives and communities quietly doing yeoman’s work not because it’s a photo op, or they are getting rich or because they are self-serving but simply because they are good people who care. We’ve done this before on the blog with a group of people and we will do it again. Luckily, we have an endless list of people to love, cherish and appreciate. So if your name isn’t below, it’s not because we don’t appreciate and love you. We do. Just give us a little time to catch up.
Here’s a look at a few human assets that make our community sing.
Gary Eliopoulos–architect, dad, savior of historic homes, former city commissioner and the funniest man I know (and I know funny people). Gary and I grew up together in Delray. We were in the same Leadership Delray class way back when and I’m a proud member of his occasional happy hour group at The Sail Inn (a Yankee bar) where Gary, a Red Sox fan, holds court and keeps us laughing. And you can’t put a price on that. He’s also an amazing architect who adores Delray Beach and we love him back.
Bob Barcinski-Mr. B as he is affectionately known served as assistant city manager during a golden age of Delray retiring a few years back before an adoring crowd at the golf club. Bob was never comfortable with attention, deflected credit and was loyal to his boss, his employees and his community. He’s a happy grandpa these days who can still be found at the counter of the Green Owl. If you worked with Bob, you realized how great he was. He got it done. And done well. Without fail. Every single time. If you want to pick a guy to be in a foxhole with look no further than Mr. B.
Evelyn Dobson-director of the Community Land Trust and past Northwest Neighborhood leader, Evelyn is a passionate crusader for homeownership and neighborhood revitalization. She quietly gets it done. Take a drive through the neighborhoods where the Land Trust has built homes and you will see success and families transformed through the pride of homeownership. Evelyn is one my heroes.
Pame Williams–Pame works for the City of Delray and has also been active in the community for decades. Whether it’s volunteering at events or working to improve her neighborhood you can always count on Pame and she’ll always make you smile. She will also put you in line if you misbehave. I like that. Little known fact: she secretly likes Neil Diamond.
Gary Ferreri-a detective and union leader, Gary has a reputation for always going the extra mile. Whether it’s helping a neighborhood or speaking out on behalf of his fellow officers Det. Ferreri is a leader. He has a lot of fans in Delray. He has unlimited potential because he’s smart and has a heart and feel for the community he protects and serves.
Linda Ripps -founder of Golden Retrievals, a Boca based rescue organization for my favorite breed. Linda has a heart of gold too. She’s rescued retrievers locally and from far flung places like Korea too. Her work not only saves great dogs but it enriches families beyond measure. I’m reminded of her big heart every day when I’m greeted by 90 pounds of love and hair named Teddy.
Kevin Ross–the visionary president of Lynn University, Dr. Ross has never been afraid to shake up his curriculum and look outside for inspiration which he then brings back to Lynn so his students can benefit. I admire that ethos and it ensures that Lynn will disrupt not be disrupted. I love working with Kevin. He inspires because he aspires: for his students, his faculty, his friends, his alumni and his community.
Mike Covelli–a talented land planner and designer, Mike always makes his projects stronger. One of the smartest people I know. Every time I speak to Mike I learn something I never knew before. He has insights and sees things in a very unique way. He makes every project he touches infinitely better and he’s a good guy too.
Tony Allerton–I’ve known Tony for close to 30 years and he’s always been a leader and a gentleman. The founder of The Crossroads, Tony’s leadership has helped people for decades and his organization serves almost 1,000 people a day. Think about that times 35 years. Tony’s passion for people in recovery who are trying to reclaim their lives knows no bounds. He has quietly made a profound impact on countless families.
Tim Snow-Tim is just one of the good guys. As head of the Boca-based George Snow Scholarship Fund (named after his father) Tim leads a 34 year old fund that has awarded more than $8 million in scholarships to deserving students in our community. He has changed so many lives through the gift of education.
It’s all about the people. We hope to spotlight many more in the future columns.

8 February, 2016 0 Comments

On Doc’s, Real Estate & The Importance of Libraries

February 8, 2016 By Jeff Perlman Leave a Comment

Random thoughts on Disparate Subjects…

Real estate prices in Delray Beach and Boca Raton can be mind boggling.
We’ve all seen the headlines regarding Doc’s, the Sundy House, the Green Owl and Huber’s Drugs.
Big prices. Huge bets being made by deep pocketed people.
These are iconic properties and as such important.
Change is also important and inevitable but it’s also critical that a city hold onto to its history, it’s look and it’s feel.
While I cannot begrudge property owners for selling their land for big prices I think there are two concerns that cities can address–they’re not easy challenges and the solutions are imperfect but worth considering.

Those concerns are affordability and design.
Maintaining affordability in a sizzling market is not easy–market forces are strong and difficult to buck. But there are some strategies cities can deploy to ensure that mom and pop merchants can remain viable.
On the residential front tools such as density bonuses can be used to ensure at least some affordability.
Delray has also done yeoman’s work by creating and supporting a very effective Community Land Trust in which a non-profit entity buys land, develops property and places the land in a trust to ensure affordability in perpetuity. Homeowners own the homes but the land remains in the trust and increases in values are capped.
One wonders whether a similar approach can be taken to commercial property–an expensive proposition no doubt but it might be something to explore for culturally important properties.
Other tools include historic designations which would not cap appreciation of values but would control what can happen to a property if it is bought and redeveloped. If properties are not already designated historic, property owners often balk at seeking the designation because it hinders development. This is not a phenomenon limited to developers, we’ve seen single family neighborhoods rebel when the historic word is used.
I always felt CRA’s could be used to strategically acquire properties so that the city can control their disposition.
While there are some constraints and limitations (including the Sunshine law which makes it hard for CRA’s to move on land discreetly) there’s no doubt that CRA’s can and have bought important properties enabling cities to shape the future look, feel and use of land and districts.
I think an opportunity was missed to purchase the warehouses in the Artist’s Alley neighborhood. If the CRA had grabbed that strategic real estate to go along with their wise purchase of the Arts Warehouse there’s no doubt we could have had a sustainable arts district–our version of Wynwood which could have been placed in a trust and managed by another entity.
Instead, the battle between community desires and market forces will persist and we all know the win loss record on that front isn’t good. Delray’s track record is actually better than most cities in this regard as a result of visioning efforts and CRA investments. When you own properties you can control their destiny. The City Commission would be wise to tighten their relationship with the CRA, get on the same page and work together on these types of initiatives.
The other tools available to cities worried about gentrification are to develop design guidelines to stop or mitigate generic architecture and to encourage the development of other shopping districts so that as areas heat up, independents have a place to go.
Delray’s brave decision to narrow Federal Highway has converted that stretch from a highway to a neighborhood street opening up commercial possibilities. South of the avenue and other nooks and crannies may also offer opportunities now that Atlantic Avenue and Pineapple Grove’s prices have soared. Of course, with prices exceeding $1 million on acre on US 1 it won’t be easy.

Libraries are cool
We had an opportunity to attend the 10th annual Laughs With the Library event at the Marriott featuring the terrific Bobby Collins.
If you haven’t seen Bobby perform, put it on your bucket list. He’s a comedian’s comedian.
A large crowd turned out to support our library. That was heartening to see.
Lots of rumors are swirling around the library including making it a city department. That would be a mistake.
The Delray Library has a rich history and it’s location is ideal to serve the community. It also happens to be a beautiful place.
Is there a place for a library in the 21st Century? Yes, as a community hub, intellectual center, lifelong learning facility and a place for children and families to develop and indulge a love of books and reading. That’ll never go out of style.

Real estate buzz at Lynn

A few weeks ago, Lynn University President Kevin Ross convened a round table to discuss the creation of a real estate program at Lynn.
I was privileged to attend the small gathering and encouraged to start spreading the word. So I will. Gladly.
I’m a huge Lynn fan and a big admirer of Dr. Ross who is entrepreneurial and innovative. He’s a leader. And I like leaders.
The idea is not fully hatched yet but there’s a resolve and a commitment to create a boot camp program to teach skills to those passionate about real estate.
Executives from GL Homes, Kayne Anderson, Avison Young are at the table and there is a huge need to train people in all aspects of the profession.
Since growth and development are always at the top of the list in Boca and Delray it’s important to train a new generation in skills ranging from design, transaction, land use, resiliency, environmental sustainability, urban planning and more.
There’s also a screaming need to elevate the dialogue around these issues. Here’s predicting that Lynn will lead the way.

27 April, 2015 2 2 Comments

A Tech Cluster in the Works

April 27, 2015 By Jeff Perlman 2 Comments

Lots of tech news happening in these parts

Is a tech cluster forming in South Florida?
It sure seems that way according to new research by real estate firm CB Richard Ellis.

Four cities in the Sunshine State made the top 50 list of tech clusters in the most recent survey of technology activity nationwide.

Miami ranked 50^th, Fort Lauderdale 48^th, Orlando 47^th and Tampa 36^th in a report card issued by CBRE that includes a range of factors measuring office space, tech jobs, tech degrees and technology investment.

CBRE cited Miami as a particularly fast rising city based on the growth of its millennial population and the explosive buzz around the eMerge conference.

Just like South by Southwest put Austin on the global map, eMerge is creating a brand for Miami.

Closer to home, we are seeing efforts at local universities begin to gain traction.

Lynn University has developed a very close relationship with Apple, with regular site visits by key Lynn leaders to Apple’s plush campus in Cupertino. The relationship is developing new and innovative ways to deliver higher education and promises to make Lynn a global leader in the emerging field. Lynn will have a presence at eMerge to discuss its ambitious and exciting plans.

FAU is also ramping up its efforts with the launch of Tech Runway (full disclosure, I sit on the Tech Runway Advisory Board) and the success of the FAU Research Park which is growing companies including Dan Kane’s latest Modernizing Medicine.

Even the Internet Coast, which was quiet for a while, has re-emerged with a lot of activities and events.

In Delray, technology based firms are quietly setting up shop, attracted by the vibrancy of Atlantic Avenue.

Even off the avenue, we are witnessing some interesting office plays, including a beautiful space operated by Regus (a co-working firm) on Congress Avenue in the newly purchased Arbors building.

Downtown, the 55 Delray building is a virtual beehive or entrepreneurs and Atlantic Plaza boasts the presence of Domain Holdings and Bidtellect, companies founded by the super entrepreneur (and all around cool guy) John Ferber (fuller disclosure, I performed John and his lovely wife Jenna’s wedding ceremony at the Seagate Club a few years back).

Boca Raton has a rich tech heritage as the birthplace of the IBM PC.

Many of the former IBMers remained in the area. Former IBM Boca President Pete Martinez is one of those who stayed here. He’s got a new start-up called Game Changing Technologies that is worth keeping tabs on.

All of this is good news for our community as we diversify the economy beyond real estate, construction and tourism.

16 February, 2015 0 Comments

Breaking From the Competitive Herd

February 16, 2015 By Jeff Perlman Leave a Comment

Harvard Professor Youngme Moon visited Lynn U. last week. Her book is a seminal study of how companies can break from the competitive herd.

Harvard Business School Professor Youngme Moon wrote one of the best business books in recent times. The kind of book you keep going back to because it contains amazing insights and information.

“Different” is an elegantly written treatise on how to break away from the competitive herd and build a company that is different and meaningful.

Last week, thanks to President Dr. Kevin Ross of Lynn University I had a chance to meet Professor Moon and listen to her wow the crowd at the “Dively Lecture Series” at the magnificent Wold Performing Arts Center at Lynn.

In an engaging talk that covered “different” companies such as Ikea, Twitter, Google and “the Mini” Cooper, Dr. Moon laid out a compelling case for why we long for brands and experiences that are different and meaningful not stale and boring.

Too many brands are of the “me too” variety touting qualities such as “new and improved” or “cheaper and faster”; for the consumer it’s all a blur.

But the outliers, the companies that truly stick out, have an attitude that makes them stand out and break away from the herd.

Can you imagine pitching an idea for a furniture store that would only feature one type of design (Scandinavian), would offer stores with virtually no sales associates and force you to build the furniture yourself?

On top of that, the furniture would be the opposite of durable; in fact, it would be borderline flimsy. It would be like opening a restaurant without waiters and asking customers to cook their own food.

But that model describes IKEA which has become a global brand and an immensely popular destination for shoppers.

Ikea is different.

Dr. Moon says brands that are different say yes to things that nobody else says yes to and no to things that nobody else before them said no to. They flip conventional wisdom on its head.

At first, many of these ideas seem crazy and or wrong. A social network limited to 140 characters? A car that is so small that it can fit inside an SUV? How about an internet portal with a lot of white space that offers nothing but search? No ads, no sports scores, no weather, no news. And by the way, what is a Google?

Often times, different brands focus on the negative characteristics of their products. Remember the first Mini ads…a bill board that said this: XL, X, M, S and Mini…smaller than small. The car, with no brand awareness in the states and a limited ad budget in a crowded field of trucks and SUVs sold like hot cakes.

As CEO of a hot sauce company (Tabanero) and as someone involved with a beverage brand (Celsius) –both ridiculously crowded categories– Dr. Moon provides both inspiration and a challenge: how to be different?

But it’s really more than a challenge isn’t it? It’s more of a mandate. It’s be different or fail.

And so I thought a lot about Dr. Moon’s theories and I’ve concluded hat her thinking is apropos for a whole lot of endeavors.

Lynn University gets “different”. Dr. Ross and his team have innovated with curriculum, campus design and technology and they’ve created value and an experience for students and faculty that is different and constantly improving.

Cities too have to be “different” or succumb to the mind numbing sameness of the 21^st Century landscape.

Dr. Ross introduced me to Professor Moon and in our conversation he described Delray as a different kind of place, an innovative city. He’s right, of course.

And being “different” is a journey not a defined destination, you have to constantly iterate and evolve. You have to think and not allow success, fear, change or complacency stop you from being different.

Different stands out. Different create value. Different is what we are looking for.

8 December, 2014 0 Comments

Vision

December 8, 2014 By Jeff Perlman Leave a Comment

Progress is not a zero sum game

I just read a wonderful interview with Dan Gilbert in The Wall Street Journal.

Gilbert, founder and CEO of Quicken Loans and owner of the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers, is doing remarkable work in downtown Detroit breathing new life into a city that has given bad times a new definition.

Gilbert is acquiring tons of real estate in the downtown core with the ambitious goal of not only bringing Detroit back as a world class city, but making it better than it ever was.

I wouldn’t bet against him or his $1 billion investment.

Civic pride+smarts+capital+ passion x powerful ideas=transformation. Whether you are talking about Delray Beach, Boca Raton or Detroit.

Forty miles south of here you can feel the energy that is transforming Miami into a city that matters in finance, technology, fashion, food, education, medicine, music, design, retail and art.

From the power and reach of Art Basel to the emerging tech scene in Miami Beach, Miami is on the move led by a new generation of entrepreneurs supported by veteran business leaders and philanthropic interests such as the Knight Foundation.

I’m hoping that last week’s announcement by the Schmidt Family Foundation –which stepped up with the largest gift in FAU’s history –is only the beginning of a movement to transform Palm Beach County.

We have to get in the game.

The bar has been raised on success in the 21^st Century and cities and regions that understand this and act will be the winners while complacent cities will wither and die.

Big cultural and demographic changes are under way whether we like it or not. These are seismic changes, irreversible and we are not immune, even though some of us wish we were or think we are.

Ignore the rise of the millennial generation and you will be like the staid old restaurant that catered to an old crowd and then wondered why business dried up when their customers died off.

Miami—busy, noisy, traffic choked, diverse—gets it.

Civic leaders like Manny Medina have stepped up to make it happen, funding and mentoring promising entrepreneurs. The Knight Foundation has also been a major player supporting the growth of an entrepreneurial ecosystem and cultural offerings which create a sense of place and artistic vibrancy.

Art Basel has become an international phenomenon not only supporting the art world, but also becoming a launching pad for brands and products eager to reach an audience of international influencers.

Recently, I had an opportunity to visit ROKK3R Labs, an innovative Miami company that “co-builds” tech companies. Their Miami Beach office is a bee hive of energy and ideas attracting local talent and people from all over the world.

Remember that name, because ROKK3R is going to be a game changing engine for South Florida and other markets.

Locally, FAU’s Tech Runway and Research Park are promising efforts with big upsides. Lynn University’s new business school and creative partnership with Apple is also something to watch closely.

But….

Palm Beach County has to make a decision.

Does it want to be a resort type place driven by tourism, retirees and service industries, namely food, beverage and hospitality?
Or does it want to really engage and become a dynamic region attracting start-ups and the next generation of creative and business leaders?

It doesn’t have to be an either or choice? You can remain attractive to retirees and tourists and still plan for the future which should include strategies to give our children opportunities right here at home.

You can invite economic growth without sacrificing affordability or creating traffic driven by sprawl like development (see: Valley, Silicon.) We don’t have to look and feel like Miami; we can shape our growth and destiny by creating great places, promoting walkable mixed use neighborhoods and embracing vibrancy, art and commerce.

But it requires leadership, people like Dan Gilbert and progressive leaders and visionaries who can take already great places and make them even better and more sustainable.

The question is who will step up? Because the opportunities are huge.

18 June, 2014 2 2 Comments

Water Cooler Wednesday: Lynn University Business School Key Addition

June 18, 2014 By Jeff Perlman 2 Comments

Lynn is making waves in local and regional business circles

Lynn University is a local gem and an emerging player in the region’s business community.

Under the leadership of President Kevin Ross, the small university on Military Trail in Boca Raton, has become a hotbed of innovation thanks to a unique curriculum and a strong commitment to using technology to deliver education through a partnership with Apple.

Lynn has also earned a national profile as the host of a 2012 Presidential Debate.

The school is making a splash in business education circles as well with a competitively priced MBA program and the construction of a new business school.

The International Business Center will be a state of the art facility that will fit in nicely with other new buildings on the campus, most notably the stunning Wold Performing Arts Center, site of the debate.

Construction continues at a steady pace on the International Business Center (IBC). The building, which will be three stories when finished, is expected to be completed by the fall. Right now construction crews are fitting the glass panels surrounding the building.

“The building will be a magnificent addition to our campus and will offer our students a first class learning environment,” said Gregory Malfitano senior vice president for development and administration.

Here’s a closer look at the building’s progress and features.

LEED PLATINUM CERTIFICATION

The IBC is designed to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) platinum certification, which is the highest level of certification awarded by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC).

IBC To achieve this one of the systems being installed, called chilled beam, is a type of highly efficient air conditioning that works by piping chilled water to each room. In addition, an energy meter is being installed, allowing Lynn to monitor the amount of energy saved each month and compare it to similar buildings on campus that use traditional air conditioning systems.

The IBC is designed to take advantage of natural sunlight as a lighting source, which decreases the need for artificial lighting and in turn saves energy. The building is estimated to save 40% in energy and 50% in potable water use compared to similar traditional buildings.

BUILDING FEATURES

Spread over 32,000 sq. ft., the building’s features include:

10 classrooms
10 study rooms
1 idea lab
1 investment center
32 staff and faculty offices

The International Business Center also features state of the art technology for video-conferencing and collaboration.

The Business School recently lost its dean, Tom Kruczek, who became president of Notre Dame College in Cleveland, Oh., but expects to have new leadership in place soon.

Boca Raton’s business scene is rapidly taking shape with FAU’s new Tech Runway, Lynn’s new business school, programs such as the Boca Chamber’s Young Entrepreneur’s Academy and efforts such as MedUTech, which emphasizes the city’s strengths in medicine, education and technology. Spanish River High’s Entrepreneurship Career Academy and Boca High’s renowned STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) program are also valuable building blocks.

Local business leaders are also encouraged by recent election results in Boca, in which pro-business candidates won seats on the council.

9 August, 2013 0 Comments

Tickets Available For Lynn Theater Series

August 9, 2013 By Jeff Perlman Leave a Comment

Tap: The Show is one of the highlights of Lynn’s new season.

It’s not too early to book your social calendar for the 2013-14 theater season.

Season subscriptions and individual show tickets are now available for the popular Libby Dodson’s Live at Lynn theater series at Lynn University in Boca Raton.

Scheduled headliners at the impressive Wold Performing Arts Center include a return visit by the Capitol Steps, a book musical featuring songs by Johnny Cash, a tribute to the Bee Gees, a salute to tap dancing, four Broadway headliners and the Tony Award-winning Sweet Charity.

“Once again, this year’s Live at Lynn Theatre Series will host six amazing shows that will delight entertainment fans of all ages. Anyone who loves beautiful music and dance, all brilliantly performed by top-tier talents, should plan now on attending every knock-out production,” said Jan McArt, producer and director of theatre arts program development.

The Capitol Steps will perform on Saturday, Oct. 19 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 20 at 4 p.m. This show puts the “mock” in democracy. Capitol Steps was born in 1981 when some senate staffers wanted to stage a nativity play, but in the whole Congress they couldn’t find three wise men or a virgin. So, they dug into the headlines and created song parodies and skits that convey their special brand of satirical humor.

Ring of Fire, based on music by Johnny Cash, will be performed on Saturday, Nov. 9 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday Nov. 10 at 4 p.m. This toe-tapping, book musical features 14 performers, including two-time Grammy Award winner Lari White and Tony Award winner Jarrod Emick. Coming from Broadway, this theatrical delight includes 38 hit songs by the legendary man in black.

Tap: The Show will be performed on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2014 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 5 at 4 p.m. This nonstop, rhythmic energy show is wrapped in dazzling costumes and backed by a soaring orchestral score. An extravaganza of award-winning dancers and singers, this show brings you re-creations of Broadway show-stoppers, soft shoe, flamenco, Irish step and more.

Stayin’ Alive One Night of the Bee Gees will be performed on Saturday, Feb. 15 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday Feb. 16 at 4 p.m. This show pays homage to one of the most legendary groups of all time, the Bee Gees, who provided the soundtrack to the blockbuster disco flick, Saturday Night Fever. Three talented singers will rekindle the magic memories of numerous mega-hits such as “How Deep is Your Love.” (Where have you gone Karen Lynn Gorney?)

Sweet Charity will be performed on Saturday, March 15 at 7:30 p.m. and again on Sunday, March 16 at 4 p.m. Winner of five Tony Awards, this tender, poignant and consistently funny show created by Neil Simon follows the love-challenged misadventures of Charity Valentine, a “lady of the evening” who always gives her heart and her earnings to the wrong man. The tuneful score by Cy Coleman and Dorothy Fields includes “Hey, Big Spender” and other audience favorites.

It’s a girls night out on March 29 and 30 with Broadway headliners Christine Andreas (La Cage aux Folles), Andrea McArdle (Annie), Maureen McGovern (Little Women) and Faith Prince (Guys and Dolls). This show presents these four award-winning show biz veterans performing some of the biggest hits from Broadway. Performance times for “4 Girls 4” are Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 4 p.m.

Also during 2013-14 season, the Wold Performing Arts Center will be home for the “American Songbook Series,” featuring musical tributes by Marshall Turkin and the Classic Jazz Ensemble to immortal songwriters and singers including George Gershwin (Nov. 3); Marvin Hamlish, Dave Brubeck and Whitney Houston (Jan. 12); the music and times of African-Americans and all that jazz (Feb. 2); Cole Porter (March 9); and Jerry Herman (April 27). All performances are at 4 p.m.

The 750-seat Wold Performing Arts Center, located on Lynn University’s campus in Boca Raton, is easily accessible by both I-95 and Florida’s Turnpike.

Season subscriptions are now available at a 25 percent discount: $225 for orchestra seats (regularly $300) and $202 for mezzanine seating (usually $270). Individual show tickets are $40 for box, $30 for orchestra and $25 for mezzanine.

Both season subscriptions and individual show tickets can be purchased by phone at (561) 237-9000, online at give.lynn.edu/theatrearts or at the box office at the Wold Performing Arts Center.