CIM Group, a community-focused real estate and infrastructure owner, operator, lender and developer, and its affiliate the Centennial Yards Company, the master developer of a $5 billion mixed-use development in Downtown Atlanta, announced today that they have entered into a strategic partnership with Project REAP, a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the commercial real estate industry.
REAP (Real Estate Associate Program) offers education, mentoring, and networking for professionals of color in the commercial real estate industry. REAP is supported by industry leaders including commercial real estate businesses and trade organizations and its curriculum covers a variety of real estate fundamentals, including financial analysis, valuation, asset and property management, investment sales, development, market and lease analysis over a 10-week program. Mentors from CIM Group and Centennial Yards will participate in town halls and forums, networking, mentorship, and faculty opportunities.
“CIM Group’s partnership with Project REAP expands our investment in and support for advancing professional growth and leadership opportunities within the commercial real estate industry. Project REAP has a solid track record, delivering on its mission to engage and educate professionals to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion and CIM is proud to join its roster of committed business partners,” said Avi Shemesh, Co-Founder and Principal, CIM Group.
Since 2011, REAP has had an active program in Atlanta providing a well-rounded curriculum and connecting talented professionals from underrepresented populations with career opportunities. Its growing network of alumni and participating commercial real estate businesses is fostering new relationships and business development in the region.
“Our Centennial Yards team looks forward to actively participating in mentoring, educating, and supporting the career growth of underrepresented talent in commercial real estate. We believe that REAP provides a thoughtful program that promotes racial and gender diversity and aids in developing diverse real estate leaders,” said Brian McGowan, President, Centennial Yards Company.
Centennial Yards is one of the largest and most ambitious city center developments in the country, transforming 50 acres in Downtown Atlanta to connect surrounding communities and destinations while creating several new city blocks. The Centennial Yards Company serves as the master developer of Centennial Yards and consists of a partnership between an affiliate of CIM Group and a group led by Tony Ressler.
“This represents a strategic partnership built on shared values. For 24 years, REAP has positioned dynamic professionals of color to enter the field of commercial real estate at every level of the talent pipeline. I’m delighted to work with the CIM Group and the Centennial Yards Company to support its DEI goals,” said Manikka Bowman, Executive Director, Project REAP.
Since its founding in 1998, REAP has worked with more than 1,600 participants throughout the United States and internationally, with many graduates now working for leading industry firms.
About CIM Group
CIM is a community-focused real estate and infrastructure owner, operator, lender and developer. Since 1994, CIM has sought to create value in projects and positively impact the lives of people in communities across the Americas by delivering more than $60 billion of essential real estate and infrastructure projects. CIM’s diverse team of experts applies its broad knowledge and disciplined approach through hands-on management of real assets from due diligence to operations through disposition. CIM strives to make a meaningful difference in the world by executing key environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives and enhancing each community in which it invests. For more information, visit www.cimgroup.com.
ABOUT CENTENNIAL YARDS:
Centennial Yards is a $5 billion mixed-use destination in the Southeast's biggest, most influential market. As one of the largest and most ambitious city-center developments in the country, Centennial Yards will transform 50 acres in Downtown Atlanta to connect surrounding communities and destinations, while creating several new city blocks. Designed by Foster + Partners and Perkins&Will, Centennial Yards offers 12 million square feet of world-class opportunities for dynamic retail, entertainment, commercial office, residential and hotel, as well as a vibrant public realm that will offer open spaces and outdoor gathering spaces to all Atlantans and visitors of Centennial Yards. Anchored by major Downtown sporting and entertainment attractions, including State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium, as well as several MARTA stations connecting the campus with the rest of the city, Centennial Yards will bring increased connectivity, walkability, and 24/7 living to the heart of the city. The Centennial Yards Company serves as the master developer of Centennial Yards and consists of a partnership between an affiliate of CIM Group and a group led by Tony Ressler. For more information visit centennialyards.com.
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