Despite the month-long partial government shutdown, with those furloughed able to apply for unemployment, the fewest numbers of Americans filed applications for unemployment benefits in more than 49 years, reflecting the continued strength of the labor market.

Jobless claims fell 13,000 to a seasonally adjusted 199,000 for the week ended Jan. 19, the lowest level for initial claims since Nov. 15, 1969, when it was 197,000, the Labor Department said.

So far, the economy is withstanding the extended government shutdown and billions of tariffs placed on U.S. allies and China.

The four-week moving average of claims, considered a better measure of labor market, smoothed out some volatile numbers, falling 5,500 to 215,000.

The federal government has furloughed hundreds of thousands of workers and they will be included in the January jobs numbers.

January’s monthly jobs report will be released on Feb. 1.

PHOENIX, ARIZ. – Transwestern announces it has hired renowned Arizona real estate executive Jim Fijan, who has 35 years of commercial real estate experience, to serve as Executive Managing Partner to drive continued growth in Phoenix while fostering a collaborative and engaging environment throughout the region.

Fijan will work closely with Mark Stratz, Transwestern’s Managing Director and City Leader in Phoenix, to expand the firm’s brand, grow all service lines, recruit rising talent and enhance client service. They will use the firm’s boutique level of customized service for clients with the ability to draw on the national Transwestern platform.

“Changing direction from having my own venture was a lengthy and difficult decision, but the opportunities afforded by Transwestern are a perfect fit,” Fijan said. “Most important to me was joining a company with a purpose and culture that I can identify with – work together, provide extraordinary client service and enjoy our jobs. The quality of Transwestern’s leadership and the entrepreneurial spirit were of significant importance.”

Stratz added, “We are thrilled to welcome Jim to Transwestern. He has an extremely positive reputation in the industry, both locally and nationally, and his expertise will be an immediate asset to our clients. His prestige in the market and desire to mentor young professionals brings tremendous energy to the office.”

Fijan’s exceptional leadership, transactional track record, strong relationships, and commitment to Phoenix and the West are among the reasons he has been named the NAIOP Office Broker of the Year 20 times over his career. Fijan has completed 120 million square feet of transactions with a total consideration of approximately $14 billion. He has obtained record pricing in every submarket in the Phoenix area being recognized as AZRE Magazine‘s Real Estate and Development Broker of the Year and has won six CCIM Forecast events.  Prior to forming Fijan Advisors, Fijan spent 34 years at CBRE as one of their top producing brokers.

Nationally, Transwestern has 33 U.S. offices and differentiates itself through an entrepreneurial spirit of empowering its team members to provide the highest possible level of service for clients. The firm plans to immediately add to the Phoenix office’s current roster of more than a dozen brokers by investing in professionals who align with Transwestern’s culture and service mindset. Transwestern is committed to hiring young talent and developing their skills with seasoned brokers who lead and mentor.

“Jim and his team are the keystone to Transwestern creating a larger footprint in Phoenix, driving valuable business relationships across the country, and influencing our growth strategy in the broader West region,” said Tom Lawyer, President of Transwestern Commercial Services. “Jim is an important addition to our team who will no doubt draw other game-changing talent at this pivotal point in our growth in the West.”

Fijan will bring clients and relationships from his own brokerage firm, Fijan Advisors, to Transwestern. He also brings his son, Jack Fijan, as Director, and Heather Rindo, as Senior Marketing Coordinator. Jack Fijan and Heather Rindo play an integral role in achieving success for clients.  Both are strong communicators with great energy and a desire to grow in the industry.

Jim Fijan has served on the Board of Directors of BBVA Compass Bank, as a regent at Brophy College Preparatory and a capital campaign cabinet member for First Place. He is a graduate of the University of Arizona with a bachelor’s degree in business administration.

The following commercial leases were reported to the Real Estate Daily News for the Tucson Lease Report from January 21-25, 2019.

OFFICE- 7333 E ROSEWOOD ST., TUCSON
CGI Federal, Inc. leased 50,000-square-feet at 7333 E. Rosewood St. in Tucson, from 1510na, LLC.  Greg Furrier, Retail Specialist with Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR, represented the tenant in this transaction.

OFFICE – ST. MARY’S PAVILION, TUCSON
Tucson Physicians Group Holdings pre-leased a 23,000-square-foot medical office in to be built St. Mary’s Pavilion which consists of 55,000-square-feet from PMB Tucson Holdings. Occupancy is projected for June of 2020. David Montijo and Damian Wilkinson of CBRE’s Tucson office handled the transaction.

RETAIL – 3739 N ORACLE RD., TUCSON
Harbor Freight Tools USA, Inc. leased 16,472-square-feet in Northview Plaza, located at 3739 N. Oracle Rd. in Tucson, from Shenitzer Development, LLC.  Northview Plaza, anchored by Pep Boys and Boot Barn, is now 100% leased.  Dave Hammack and Ron Zimmerman with Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR, represented the landlord; David Jarand with Strategic Retail Group, represented the tenant.

INDUSTRIAL – 2155 N FORBES BLVD., STE 101, TUCSON
SOLON Corporation leased 12,083-square-feet at 2155 N. Forbes Blvd., Suite 101 in Tucson, from Forbes Tucson, LLC.  Rob Glaser, SIOR, CCIM, Industrial Specialist with Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR, handled this transaction.

INDUSTRIAL – 1141 W GRANT RD., STE 105, TUCSON
GSET Management Corp., leased 4,831-square-feet at 1141 W. Grant, Suite 105 in Tucson, from Sloat Family Partnership, LLLP.  Stephen D. Cohen and Russell W. Hall, SIOR, GSCS, Industrial Specialists with Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR, handled this transaction.

OFFICE – 6400 E GRANT RD, STE 150 & 160, TUCSON
Muscular Dystrophy Association, Inc. leased 4,059-square-feet at 6400 E. Grant Rd., Suites 150 & 160 in Tucson, from La Mirada, LLC.  Rick Kleiner, MBA, Office Specialist with Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR, represented the landlord in this transaction. [mepr-show rules=”58038″]Asking lease rate: $16.50/ SF / Full service[/mepr-show]

OFFICE – 1132 E BROADWAY BLVD., TUCSON
SAGE Counseling, Inc. leased 2,000-square-feet at 1132 E. Broadway Blvd. in Tucson, from 742 E. Lee Street, LLC.  Ryan McGregor, Office Specialist with Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR, represented the tenant in this transaction.

OFFICE – 3821 W COSTCO DR., ORO VALLEY
Adair Homes of Arizona, Inc. leased 1,680-square-feet in Costco Plaza, 3821 W. Costco Dr. in Tucson, from Bay Shore Oil Company, Inc.  Dave Hammack, Retail Specialist with Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR, represented the landlord in this transaction.

RETAIL – 8060 E 22^ND ST., TUCSON
Gwenna Comier & Gabriel Rios leased 1,200-square-feet of restaurant space at 8060 E. 22nd St. in Tucson, from 8060 E. 22nd St., LLC.  Greg Furrier, Retail Specialist with Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR, represented both parties in this transaction.

RETAIL – 1101 W GRANT RD., STE 207, TUCSON
Burning Desires Hot Air Balloon Rides, LLC, DBO Tucson Balloon Rides, leased 1,200-square- feet at 1101 W. Grant Rd., Suite 207 in Tucson, from Sloat Family Partnership, LLLP. Tucson Balloon Rides provides custom hot air balloon rides in Tucson.  Stephen D. Cohen and Russell W. Hall, SIOR, GSCS, Industrial Specialists with Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR, handled this transaction. [mepr-show rules=”58038″]Asking lease rate: $7.80 / SF/ MG[/mepr-show]

RETAIL – 5049 E BROADWAY BLVD., STE 105, TUCSON
Pima County Free Library District leased 1,120-square-feet at 5049 E. Broadway Blvd., Suite 105 in Tucson, from CFSA Community Campus, LLC.  Ryan McGregor, Office Specialist with Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR, represented the landlord in this transaction.

OFFICE – 5151 E BROADWAY BLVD., STE 1520, TUCSON
Dailyvest, Inc. leased 1,022-square-feet at 5151 E. Broadway, Suite 1520 in Tucson, from Tucson 5151 Investments, LLC.  Rick Kleiner, MBA and Tom Nieman, Office Specialists with Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR, represented the landlord; Jeff Casper with CBRE, represented the seller. [mepr-show rules=”58038″]Asking lease rate: $19.50-$27.00 / SF / full service[/mepr-show]

OFFICE – 5104 E SPEEDAWAY BLVD., TUCSON
Reverly, LLC leased 880-square-feet at 5110 E. Speedway Blvd. in Tucson, from 5104 E. Speedway, LLC.  Ryan McGregor, Office Specialist with Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR, represented the landlord in this transaction.

OFFICE – 13180 E COLOSSAL CAVE RD., STE 130 TUCSON
Vail Floors, LLC leased 804-square-feet at 13180 E. Colossal Cave Rd., Suite 130 in Tucson, from Old Vail Station, LLC.  Roxanne Harding, Retail Specialist with Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR, represented the tenant; Craig Finfrock with Commercial Retail Advisors, represented the landlord.

RETAIL – 1021 N WILMOT RD., TUCSON
Sitavan, LLC leased the former La Salsa building at 1021 N. Wilmot Rd. in Tucson, from Monterey Village, LLC.  The new tenants will be offering an American grill menu.  Greg Furrier, Retail Specialist with Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR, represented both parties in this transaction.

RETAIL – 7225 E BROADWAY BLVD., TUCSON
JoAnn’s has renewed their lease at 7225 E Broadway, located on Broadway Blvd., just east of Kolb Rd.  Andy Seleznov and Melissa Lal with Larsen Baker represented the Landlord. [mepr-show rules=”58038″]Asking lease rate: $14.00 / SF / NNN[/mepr-show]

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