At Bellevue Square’s Center Court, the September Membership Meeting of the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) focused on the vital topic, “Why Retail is Essential to Thriving Buildings and Cities.” BOMA President Phillip Scott welcomed attendees, followed by Monica Wallace from Kidder Mathews, who moderated the panel discussion.
Panelists included Renée Sunde, CEO of the Washington Retail Association (WR); Alesha Shemwell, WR Board Chairwoman; and Heather Almond from Avison Young. They explored retail’s critical role in the economy and emerging trends. Sunde highlighted retail as the largest private sector employer in the U.S., contributing $5.3 trillion to GDP, and employing 1 in 4 workers. In Washington, retail supports 400,000 jobs and generates $19.8 million in wages.
The panel addressed retailer priorities, including public safety, theft, and organized retail crime, which are impacting profitability and employee safety. Large retailers invest in security technologies, but smaller businesses struggle. In response, WR developed a Guide for Navigating Public Safety and Retail Crime.
Audience feedback praised the event as “valuable, timely, and relevant.” BOMA continues its mission to enhance commercial real estate through advocacy, education, and networking.
