The Annual Awards of Excellence
The Annual Awards of Excellence Gala is the signature event of CREDA Northeast Florida (formerly NAIOP NEFL) is held each spring to honor the "Best of the Best" in Northeast Florida's Real Estate Industry.
LOCAL CONTRIBUTIONSThe gala spotlights the deals, developments, and people shaping the First Coast, reinforcing the chapter's role as the premier trade association serving Greater Jacksonville.
MERIT-BASED HONOREESWinners are determined through a rigorous, merit-based process meaning that applications are submitted, finalists are vetted by a judging committee through interviews, and the strongest projects and professionals are recognized.
INDUSTRY IMPACTThe local awards raise the profile of the region's market, celebrates the visionaries and difference-makers behind major projects, and provides one of the year's most valuable networking opportunities for business leaders across every facet of commercial real estate.
INCLUSIVE CATEGORIESAward categories include Land, Office, Industrial, and Retail/Mixed Use/Multifamily Deal of the Year; New Construction and Renovation/Build-Out Project of the Year; Broker of the Year and Rising Broker of the Year; Developer/Owner of the Year; Associate Member of the Year; and Developing Leader of the Year.
Previous Honorees
2025
Industrial Deal - Imeson Park South, Phoenix Products
Office Deal - Haskell Headquarters
Land Deal - NXTPoint Logistics, Airport Commerce Center
Improvement/Buildout - The Raven Jax
Retail/Mixed-Use Deal - Publix at Pearl Square
Buildout Project - Jacksonville Operations Center
Renovation/Redevelopment - Feeding Northeast Florida Headquarters
New Construction <15M - Stone Climbing Gym
New Construction >15M - VyStar Skyscape Entrance and the J.Wayne & Delores Barr Weaver Manatee River Habitat
NAIOP Collaboration Award - Imeson Landing Business Park Development Building 100-500 by Merrit Properties
Developer/Owner - VanTrust Real Estate
Broker - Luke Pope, JLL
Rising Broker - Francesca Neuman
Developing Leader - Gina Allegrini
Associate Member - Jenn Jelinek, McCurdy Walden
Chapter Merit Award - Jake Ammon, Franklin Street
Lifetime Achievement Award - Jim Sebesta
Klechek Award - Steve Kelly
2024
Industrial Deal - Project BobCat Cisco Dr
Office Deal - CCRM Gate Parkway
Land Deal - Eastport Logistics Park
New Construction or Redevelopment Project - Westlake Commerce Center Building 1
Retail/Mixed-Use Deal - Five Points Theater
Buildout Project - Jacksonville Operations Center
Developer/Owner - VanTrust Real Estate
Broker - Luke Pope, JLL
Developing Leader - Tanner Lee, Colliers
Associate Member - Jenn Jelinek, McCurdy Walden
Chapter Merit Award - Corey Smith, Native Flooring
Lifetime Achievement Award - Kate Clifford, Strategic Sites
Klechek Award - Carol Worsham