Members of Central New Jersey Commercial Real Estate recently volunteered at Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County’s Red Bank Clubhouse at 138 Drs James Parker Blvd. in Red Bank, where they helped transform an outdoor patio and activity space that’s integral to the organization’s summer camp season. — Courtesy: CNJCRE

By Joshua Burd

In Monmouth County, an area that’s become a new frontier for many developers, new investment is coinciding with growing ties between commercial real estate and community leaders.

Look no further than the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County’s Red Bank Clubhouse, where industry professionals recently volunteered to transform an outdoor patio and activity space that’s integral to the organization’s summer camp season. That meant everything from weeding, planting and clearing overgrowth to mulching, digging and refreshing the area, allowing staff members to focus their time and resources where they matter most — delivering educational, recreational and youth development programs that help thousands of local children build confidence, develop life skills and reach their full potential.

Organized by Central New Jersey Commercial Real Estate, a networking group, the July 10 event has helped provide an attractive space for recreation, learning and community-building.

“CNJCRE has grown into one of central New Jersey’s most active commercial real estate networking organizations, bringing together professionals who share ideas, strengthen business relationships and support the communities in which they live and work,” said Doug Twyman, a senior managing director with Colliers and founder of the networking group. “While much of New Jersey’s commercial real estate activity is concentrated farther north, the organization has become an important hub for professionals throughout central New Jersey who are committed to both industry collaboration and civic engagement.”

According to CNJCRE, the group represents a cross-section of the commercial real estate industry — including developers, architects, engineers, attorneys, brokers, lenders, contractors, environmental consultants and other industry professionals. Its latest volunteer effort also reflects a meaningful connection between the two organizations: One of CNJCRE’s active members, Adam Taylor, is CEO and president of the Red Bank-based creative agency known as Splendor and was recently elected board president for Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County.

That made it a natural fit for him to help coordinate the service project.

“Commercial real estate is ultimately about building stronger communities,” Taylor said. “On this day, our industry wasn’t focused on buildings or transactions. We were focused on creating a better environment for local children. Seeing so many professionals give their time, energy and expertise to an organization that changes lives every day was incredibly rewarding.”

Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County serves more than 1,800 young people each year through after-school programs, summer camps, academic support, leadership development, health and wellness initiatives and mentoring opportunities, according to a news release. The organization works to ensure that every child has access to a safe, supportive environment where they can learn, grow and succeed.

The service project also comes as Monmouth County draws increased interest from developers, investors and businesses as the region continues to grow and major projects, including Netflix’s new production campus at Fort Monmouth, move forward. As that momentum reshapes the local economy, efforts to strengthen the communities and institutions that support Monmouth County families become even more meaningful, the organizations said, adding that CNJCRE members are helping ensure that the region’s growth benefits not only businesses and property owners, but also the children and families who call it home.

“We’re incredibly grateful to every member of CNJCRE who rolled up their sleeves and volunteered,” said Daniel Rivera, chief operating officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County. “Projects like this allow our team to dedicate more attention to serving the young people who walk through our doors every day. Their generosity will have a lasting impact on our members and families.”