An interesting idea for interesting economic times…  The town of Berkshire, Massachusetts decided in the Fall of 2006 to start printing their own form of currency. Berkshire Inc., a local non-profit organization, teamed up with local businesses, banks, and other non-profits to launch Berkshares. This genius idea has created a sense of empowerment for the community & possible economic independence for  local businesses and merchants. Is it an option for Reno?

We could call it “RenoBucks” , where the Buck stops here! Any thoughts?
Check out the links below for more information in the BerkShare!

http://www.berkshares.org/ 

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/#30421140

A good community, as we know, insures itself by trust,
by good faith and good will, by mutual help,
A good community, in other words, is a good local economy.

-Wendell Berry, from “Work of Local Culture”

-dubbed a “great economic experiment” by the New York Times

      Congratulations to Fenell & Associates’ Cathy Shanks for winning “Rookie of the Year” at the 4th Annual Summit Awards this Saturday the 25th in Reno, Nevada. The theme was 1930′s flapper & gangster style (think Bonnie ; Clyde & Dick Tracy). Shanks award criteria was based upon gross commissions and number of deals in 2008. The ”Rookie” status also means Broker of only 12 months! Great Job Cathy! Keep up the hard work!  The Summit Awards, held at the Silver Legacy’s Grand Exposition Hall,  celebrated Developers, Brokers, Property Managers, and all other facets of Commercial Real Estate.

Ron Boles, CCIM, with Fennell & Associates, commercial real estate solutions, has represented Clarkson Plaza, LLC in the sale of 3004 Kietzke Lane, a 25,000 square foot shopping center anchored by Big-O Tires.  The purchase price of $3,975,000 was obtained despite the last minute pull out of the buyer’s lender.  Seller financing was the key to making this transaction work in today’s market.

Aaron Smith, a Commercial Agent with Fennell & Associates, commercial real estate solutions in Reno, Nevada, has successfully represented Swoon in leasing their new store in the Plumbgate Shopping Center, 530 W. Plumb Lane, Suite E.  Swoon is a fresh take on the bridal salon for Reno’s modern and sophisticated brides.  Swoon features designer gowns from New York, San Francisco, and Canada.  It is the creation of Reno native and San Francisco bridal veteran Michelle Depoali.  Swoon will be opening on September 23, 2008.

Fred Miller, SIOR and Cathy Shanks, CPM successfully represented a digital printing firm from Rochester, New York in locating and leasing a facility in the Reno/Sparks market.  The printing company will occupy 32,000 square feet to service west coast customers.

Ron Boles of Fennell & Associates, commercial real estate solutions in Reno, Nevada has represented Baring Village LLC in the purchase of 720 Baring Village, a 16,000 square foot shopping center for $2,650,000.  The transaction structured by Ron included a 1031 trade of a 50% interest in an office building with a lease back as a down payment.  The financing by Bank of America included tenant improvements for vacant space in the center that the new owner will be using.

Fennell & Associates, commercial real estate solutions of Reno, Nevada is pleased to announce that Harvey Fennell & Tom Eberle have successfully represented their client, Magnolia Village, in the leasing of 1,900 SF of boutique space.  The space was leased to a high end retailer specializing in men’s and women’s running equipment and apparel.

Tom Eberle has recently listed the building at 3127 S. Virginia Street for sale or for lease.  The property has excellent visibility on one of the busiest thoroughfares in Reno.  Contact Tom Eberle at 775.850.3117 for more information.