Members of the Lake Cities Allies organization recently attended the International Council of Shopping Centers Deal Making Convention in San Antonio.

In a combined effort, the cities of Corinth and Lake Dallas and the town of Hickory Creek shared a booth representing the Lake Cities area in promoting the Economic Development Retail opportunities here.

Attending the convention were Hickory Creek council members Lynn Clark and Rick Fengler, consultant Barry Steele, landowner and entrepreneur Ron Furtick. Corinth EDC Coordinator Dallas Magera represented the City of Corinth and Lake Dallas City Manager Earl Berner represented Lake Dallas.

Furtick, who owns several large tracts of land in Hickory Creek has been independently attending the meeting for several years to keep updated on trends in the industry, take advantage of networking opportunities, and to market his property.

"The experience was a very positive. Partnering with our sister cities gives us a depth and a range that none of the cities individually can offer. While the demographics of each city is very similar, it's obvious that each city and town have something unique to offer a retailer or other business owners. While we have witnessed an explosion of retail growth to the north and south of us, it is apparent that developers must have somewhere to go if they want to build, and it just so happens that the Lake Cities is one of the few locations along the I 35E corridor with any land left. That's a pretty good place to be, I believe," Clark said.

"I think it was a very benefcial trip for us," Magera said. "Now that the word is getting out that Corinth, as a city has made an investment in upgrading and improving our infrastructure, things are starting to move fast for us. There seems to be a great deal of interest in our city now, and that was a theme repeated a great deal at the convention," Magera said.

Magera said she has found the idea of marketing the entire area as a whole to be beneficial to each city. "I know that when I get a call from a developer who is looking for a particular type of property or scenario, If those needs can't be met in our city, I am happy to refer him or her to a neighbor that may possibly have what they need," Magera said.

Berner said he works in the same fashion when he fields calls from developers.

"Well of course I consider my own city first. You have to be crazy not to do so, but if we just can't find a fit, I'd much rather see that business go over to Corinth or Hickory Creek rather than going to Lewisville or Denton, Berner said.

"At least if we keep the sales taxes and jobs here in our area, the entire Lake Cities area will benefit. We have a shared school district and public library and there are many other ways we are linked," Berner said. "It just makes good business sense and it's a part of being a good neighbor," Berner added.

During the convention Berner said the city received several inquires which appear to be promising.

"Right now, it looks like we came away with some news, but you just have to visit with the developers and make sure you are all on the same page," Berner said.

Founded in 1957, the International Council of Shopping Centers was founded in 1957, and is the global trade association of the shopping center industry. With over 70,000 members in the U.S., Canada and more than 80 other countries, the association includes shopping center owners, developers, managers, marketing specialists, investors, lenders, retailers and other professionals as well as academics and public officials.

The organization links with more than 25 national and regional shopping center councils throughout the world.

ICSC goals include advancing the development of the shopping center industry and to establish the individual shopping center as a major institution in the community by promoting the role of shopping centers in the marketing of consumer goods and services.