As we emerge from the recession, Central Florida's hallmark economic drivers, including tourism and hospitality, as well as the niche industries, such as biomedical and the tech scene, are leading recovery. A powerful lineup from CRE, economic development groups and the governmental space, will lead the discussion on what is driving Florida's future.

PHOENIX—James DuMars, senior vice president and managing director of NorthMarq Capital's Phoenix office arranged $43 million in financing for seven shopping centers.

PHOENIX—CBRE has hired first vice presidents Brian F. Raczynski and Tim Watters, two tenured, well-respected commercial real estate professionals, to join the firm's office services group in Phoenix.

SAN DIEGO—Increased job growth over the past 12 months is contributing to a shift in the behavior of Generation Y renters, who are beginning to make a more pronounced impact on the rental market, says one source in this EXCLUSIVE column.

DALLAS--Institutional Property Advisors (IPA), a division of Marcus & Millichap, will exclusively list the Variant Portfolio.

HOUSTON--Catalyst Property Solutions and Hot Ocean have merged.

AUSTIN--Sizmek, the ad management platform company, has moved its Dallas headquarters to Austin.