The Hampshire Companies announced that its Founder and Chairman, Jon F. Hanson, has been awarded the NAIOP New Jersey Lifetime Achievement Award. Hanson was presented with the award at NAIOP NJ’s 31st Annual Commercial Real Estate Awards Gala on Thursday at The Palace at Somerset Park in Somerset, N.J.
“Although much has changed about New Jersey in the 60 plus years that my dad has been doing business here, his passion, vision and relentlessness have remained steadfast. These ideals have guided his work each day and allowed him to work with government officials, fellow real estate developers and leading companies to bring tangible and sustainable growth to our state to make it a better place for families and business alike,” said James E. Hanson II, CEO of The Hampshire Companies. “My dad comes to work every day with the same passion and energy as when he first started our company. Everyone at Hampshire has benefitted from my dad’s invaluable guidance. We congratulate him on this deeply deserved honor and thank him for his continued contributions to our organization, our industry and to our state.”
An industry veteran with more than 60 years of real estate investment experience, Hanson is well-known and equally well-respected throughout the industry and the State. As Founder and Chairman of The Hampshire Companies he has built an extensive career, dedicated to bringing tangible economic growth to the Garden State. Additionally, throughout the course of his storied career, he has generously given his time, leadership, and knowledge to a variety of organizations and causes.
Hanson has also built a long history of dedicated civic service, working closely with several gubernatorial administrations on economic development initiatives targeted at bringing tangible, long-term business growth to New Jersey. Under Governor Tom Kean’s administration, Hanson served as Chairman of the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority where he led a number of initiatives, including the negotiations that brought the New York Jets and New Jersey Devils to the Meadowlands.
Later, under the Christie administration, Hanson chaired the Governor’s New Jersey Gaming, Sports and Entertainment Advisory Commission and he led the negotiations with Triple Five on the development of the failed Xanadu project at the Meadowlands, which is currently under construction as American Dream, slated for a 2019 opening. He oversaw the creation of the Atlantic City Development Company (“AC DEVCO”), which has brought significant non-gambling development projects to Atlantic City. Most notable of these is the under-development $220 million Atlantic City Gateway projects that will see an expansion of Stockton University and the construction of a new headquarters for South Jersey Gas Company. AC DEVCO was inspired by Hanson’s work in representing New Brunswick Theological Seminary in their relocation as a part of New Brunswick Dev Co’s, College Hill project, that allowed for the transformative development of Rutgers’ first academic building in New Brunswick in 40 years.
In addition to his role at Hampshire, Hanson currently serves as, Director of Yankee Global Enterprises, and Chairman Emeritus of HealthSouth Corporation and the National Football Foundation and College Football Hall of Fame. Previously, he was lead director for Prudential Financial Inc. In 2011, Mr. Hanson received the B. Kenneth West Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Association of Corporate Directors for his work promoting excellent corporate governance and director accountability.
The NAIOP New Jersey Lifetime Achievement Award is NAIOP NJ’s highest honor and recognizes an individual who has a distinguished and longstanding record of exemplary service to the industry and community, as well as significant personal accomplishments. All nominations were reviewed by the Awards Committee, which selected the honorees.
About The Hampshire Companies
The Hampshire Companies is a full service, private real estate investment firm with assets valued at more than $2.3 billion based in Morristown. N.J. The Hampshire Companies is a vibrant, dynamic organization that combines creative vision and superior execution, thereby enabling it to create and enhance value in real estate investments. Additional information on The Hampshire Companies is available online at www.hampshirere.com.
To stay connected with The Hampshire Companies and for updates on the latest transactions and news follow Hampshire on Facebook (www.facebook.com/hampshireco), Twitter (@hampshireco), and LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/company/the-hampshire-companies).
About NAIOP NJ
The New Jersey Chapter of NAIOP, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association, is the leading organization for owners, developers and related professionals in office, commercial, industrial and mixed-use real estate and the logistics sector. Founded in 1970, NAIOP New Jersey provides unparalleled business development opportunities, professional education and advocacy for our members. NAIOP New Jersey advances responsible, sustainable development that creates jobs and benefits the communities in which our members work and live. For more information about NAIOP New Jersey, visit them at https://naiopnewjersey.wildapricot.org/.
Media Contact:
Dan Johnson
R&J Strategic Communications
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