(L-r) Ashley Gosse of Holder Properties and Alan Cooper of Midlands Biz.

Last week on Wednesday evening, August 26, the impressive scale of Aspyre apartments lent an attitude of aspirations among the members of the local chapter of the Urban Land Institute, the cooperative organizational arm of real estate developers.

The membership list, besides developers, includes architects, planners, bankers, real estate lawyers, construction contractors, practically all the disciplines in the building industry. In S.C. the two other chapters are the Coastal Region and the Upstate Region.

Lee Mashburn of Mashburn Construction, Midlands chair, led the meeting by reminding the members and their guests of the ULI mission statement: "ULI is a trusted idea place. Urban Land Institute provides leadership in the responsible use of land and in creating and sustaining thriving communities worldwide."

The ULI's six main functions can be readily itemized: (1) bringing leaders together, (2) fostering collaboration, (3) exploring land use and development issues, (4) advancing policies and practices, (5) sharing knowledge, and (6) creating a global network with local impact.

(L-r) Jason Allen and Alan Kahn of Kahn Development.

The Midlands chapter started the 2008- 2009 program with a September visit by USC President Harris Pastides, who discussed the impact of USC on the surrounding region from the Innovista to the suburbs of the greater Columbia region.

To start the 2009- 2010 program, coming up on September 24 with breakfast at 7:45 am is "Engaging Stakeholders in the Development Process" at Seawell's across Rosewood Drive from the State Fairgrounds. John I. Knott, president and CEO of the Charleston- based Noisette Company, popularly called the Godfather of ULI in S.C., will bring his personal experiences and lessons learned to the lectern.

For more information, go to: southcarolina.uli.org

(L- r) Tina Marshall of Edens & Avant, Courtney Cockfield, and Lee Mashburn of Mashburn Construction. (L- r) Cleve Walker of Quackenbush Architects, Mary Beth Sims Branham, and Lisa Kerr Lyles of LSSP Architects. (L- r) Rosemary Bryant of Holder Properties and Pat Mason of Carolina Living.