SW Valley Times

In the hopes of offering an avenue for communication amidst the chaos of COVID-19, a Phoenix-based public relations firm is creating a resource for commercial real estate professionals to keep in touch. 

According to Biz Journals, Danielle Feroleto, president of Phoenix-based Small Giants, has created and launched AECRE Connect — an online resource where professionals from the area can ask questions, provide answers, recommend best practices, share calendars and more. 

“We wanted to create a central hub,” Feroleto said. “All the updates and changes almost drew more anxiety, and communication almost added to the panic and concern.”

Rather than looking for information in emails and scrambling to adapt to the times, AECRE Connect provides users with updates and guides for rescheduling previously planned in-person meetings, or generating new virtual meetings or events. 

Rather than just updating professionals, Feroleto wanted to offer more resources to make the transition smooth. 

AECRE Connect has video updates from an array of association leaders. These leaders include Cheryl Lombard, president of Valley Partnership, and Dan Puente for Arizona Builders Alliance.

While AECRE Connect has updates on the national scale as well, it is mostly aimed to focus on Phoenix and Denver, as many of the firm’s clients are located within those cities. 

Feroleto is committed to making sure that those who need access to AECRE Connect can have it without any difficulties and as such has made the site free and available for anyone to use. Due to the overwhelmingly positive response to the site, Feroleto said, it is possible that they will keep the site running after the COVID-19 crisis is over, as it may provide extra connection potential and flexibility for those in the industry who need it. 

“If the traction continues and people can network and connect in person again, it’s something that will live in perpetuity,” Feroleto said.