About NAIOP Central Florida

Dear Members of NAIOP Central Florida and Esteemed Board Members,

As the year 2024 has closed and we begin a New Year in 2025, I am filled with gratitude as I reflect on all we have accomplished together as an association. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as your president this past year, and I am excited about the bright future that lies ahead for NAIOP Central Florida.

In 2024, we saw tremendous growth and engagement within our membership. From networking events to impactful educational programs, NAIOP Central Florida has consistently delivered value to our members and partners. A few highlights from this year include:

  • Expanding Educational Offerings through our Programs Committee: We hosted several top-tier educational events and panels featuring industry leaders, providing members with critical insights and actionable strategies to navigate the ever-evolving commercial real estate landscape.
  • Successful Relationship Building: We hosted developer showcase events to solidify our efforts in the development community.
  • Successful Advocacy Initiatives: Our advocacy efforts at the local and state levels continue to amplify the voice of the commercial real estate community, ensuring that our industry’s concerns are heard and addressed. Our board of directors have the attention of political lawmakers and decision makers locally and at the state level.
  • Innovative Networking Opportunities: From signature events like the Annual Awards Gala to unique, industry-specific mixers, we created spaces where meaningful connections were forged, fueling collaboration and growth across our membership.
  • Community Impact: Our commitment to giving back was evident through various philanthropic initiatives, including partnerships with UCF Real Estate program.

As we reflect on these achievements, it is equally important to look forward with optimism. NAIOP Central Florida is well-positioned for sustained growth and continued influence in the commercial real estate industry. Our strategic initiatives and strong financial health ensure we can adapt to future challenges while seizing new opportunities.

I am delighted to share that the association will be in exceptional hands under the leadership of our incoming president, Jody Barry. Jody brings a wealth of experience, vision, and passion to this role, and I have no doubt that he will continue to build on the solid foundation we have established together. His dedication to fostering growth, innovation, and collaboration within NAIOP Central Florida will be instrumental in driving our association to even greater heights.

To our board members, committee leaders, and volunteers, thank you for your hard work, dedication, and vision. To our members, your engagement and enthusiasm are the lifeblood of our organization, and your trust in our leadership inspires us to aim higher every day.

As I transition from this role, I do so with deep appreciation for the relationships formed, the challenges overcome, and the progress we have made together. It has been a truly rewarding journey, and I am excited to remain an active participant in NAIOP Central Florida as we continue to thrive.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve, and for all that you do to make this association extraordinary.

With gratitude and best wishes,

Justin W. West
{Immediate Past} President, NAIOP Central Florida
2024

Who We Are

Mission

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.

Vision Statement

Commercial real estate solutions meet the changing demands for how people work, live, shop and play.

History

NAIOP, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association, is the leading organization for developers, owners and investors of office, industrial, retail and mixed-use real estate. NAIOP comprises 19,000+ members and provides strong advocacy, education and business opportunities through a powerful North American network.

NAIOP began in 1967 and has retained through all these years its core group of developer members. The association began as a small group of owners and developers of industrial parks in the eastern U.S. who formed the National Association of Industrial Parks (NAIP) to facilitate a forum for the open exchange of information on development. They also had a need for standardized covenants and restrictions, building requirements, and beneficial legislation and taxation. Nine individuals first met on September 12, 1967, in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania.

Reflecting changes in membership, NAIP became NAIOP (National Association for Industrial and Office Parks) in 1976. In 2009 NAIOP dropped the words behind its acronym, which no longer reflected its current membership composition. Over the years, NAIOP has attracted members who are committed to excellence, entrepreneurial in spirit, and want to reach new heights in building excellence.

NAIOP is a leading commercial real estate industry provider of unparalleled networking opportunities, educational programs, research on trends and innovations and strong legislative representation.

NAIOP's sister organization, the NAIOP Research Foundation, is one of the industry's leading think tanks dedicated to conducting research assessing the trends, economic viability and needs of the built environment.

In 2017, NAIOP celebrated its 50th anniversary with a year-long recognition of the association's impact and the leaders who have driven our success.

What We Do

 

Creates Professional Recognition and Business Opportunities 

  • The leading organization for developers, owners, and investors of office, industrial, retail, and mixed-use real estate.
  • Network with the industry's leading professionals.

Connects Members from across North America 

  • Our network of 51 strong chapters connects members from all across North America. Our Chapters offer easy access to market education, personalized networking opportunities and legislative efforts in your community on a local level. See what’s happening in our chapters today.
  • The NAIOP Membership Directory unites more than 20,000+ members in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

Provides Cutting-Edge Educational Programs

  • Gain industry insight through educational programs that advance your career. 
  • Our array of educational opportunities span from Speaker Series breakfasts and luncheons, Up Close Events, Project Spotlights, Major Programs, as well as socials and community based events.

Delivers Strong Legislative Representation

  • NAIOP promotes effective public policy through our grassroots network to create, protect and enhance property values. 
  • Helps you advance legislative initiatives, such as real estate taxation issues, locally, state-wide, and on Capitol Hill.

Leads the Industry in Research

  • The NAIOP Research Foundation is one of the industry's leading think tanks dedicated to conducting research assessing the trends, economic viability and needs of the built environment. 
  • The Foundation produces forward-looking studies and vital reports that identify future development opportunities, assess employment trends and reveal the vital role commercial real estate plays in the economy.
  • The Foundation's research projects support developers, owners and others involved in commercial real estate to meet and exceed the needs and expectations of our communities, now and in the future.