Latest news with #MichaelMoriarty
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
OneHolyoke to host event on community challenges amid federal cutbacks
HOLYOKE — OneHolyoke Community Development Corp. will host a lunch event — 'Building & Sustaining Livable Communities' — on June 16 that will address challenges and opportunities for Gateway Cities amid federal cutbacks and economic uncertainty. Speakers at the event at the Wyckoff Country Club include U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, who will headline the event, Michael Moriarty, executive director of OneHolyoke, who will serve as moderator, Richard Sullivan, president and CEO of the Economic Development Council of Western Massachusetts, and Elise Rapoza, senior research associate at MassINC Policy Center. Topics will cover the role of resources, innovation, advocacy and how working together can addressing the current economic challenges. Rapoza will present her report on fostering mixed-income neighborhoods. The event begins at 12 p.m. with a suggested donation of $50, which includes lunch. Registration is available at Read the original article on MassLive.


Nylon
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Nylon
Hong Kong Disneyland Turns 20: A Magical Milestone Worth Celebrating
As the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle twinkles under the Hong Kong sky, there's an extra spark in the air. The beloved Hong Kong Disneyland isn't just celebrating another year; it's marking a spectacular 20th anniversary! For two decades, this compact yet utterly charming Disney park has been on the travel list for those in the region — especially Singaporeans, considering we're just a short flight away. From its humble beginnings, Hong Kong Disneyland has grown into a vibrant tapestry of beloved stories and thrilling adventures. We've seen it evolve, adding new lands, exhilarating rides, and dazzling entertainment that keeps raising the bar. And for its 20th birthday, the celebration has gotten bigger than ever. Toy Story Land at Hong Kong Disneyland. NEW SHOWS, MERCHANDISE AND F&B The official celebration will kick-off on 28 June 2025, and there will be so much going on, starting with the all-new 'Friendtastic' Parade, which will be the largest-ever parade at Hong Kong Disneyland, and features a whopping 11 party floats. Here's a sneak peek at 3 parade floats from Mickey and Friends, Encanto, and Turning Red. You'll see your favourite characters, including Mickey who will be performing live drumming during the parade. Then there's the Disney Friends Live: Party at the Castle! This is an all-new anniversary-only Castle Stage show that will be presented for a limited time. It brings together beloved Disney Friends and Princesses for a high-energy, fun-filled party experience. At the famous Pavilion, Hong Kong Disneyland will present, Momentous: Party in the Night Sky, a light and drone show that's upgraded with additional stories, projections, and drone choreography. This immersive experience extends with mapped projections from the castle down the entire length of Main Street U.S.A. And of course you can also bet on special anniversary merchandise that collectors will absolutely love, plus unique food and beverage offerings created just for this anniversary. Special edition Hong Kong Disneyland 20th anniversary pins. We spoke with Michael Moriarty, the Managing Director of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, and he shares that the park is a top tourist destination in Southeast Asia, with one out of every three visitors from Singapore to Hong Kong planning to visit the park. And to manage demand at this popular attraction, there will be a focus on Disney's premier access, VIP tours, and multi-tier pricing. The multi-tier pricing structure, which varies based on calendar dates, helps manage demand and ensures a great guest experience. Despite price adjustments, the lowest price has been maintained for five years. Additionally, a reservation system has been introduced to prevent overcrowding and enhance the experience, especially on busy days. The World of Frozen in Hong Kong Disneyland. FOR SINGAPOREANS But beyond the newness, what truly makes Hong Kong Disneyland special for us Singaporeans, is that it's the perfect blend of familiar Disney charm with a distinctly Hong Kong flavour. It's the manageable size that allows you to truly soak in the entire atmosphere without feeling overwhelmed — perfect for a long weekend getaway. Furthermore, there's the impeccable service, the delicious local food options mixed with classic theme park fare (like the Turkey Leg!), and the incredible efficiency that makes navigating the park a breeze. At the 20th anniversary celebrations at Hong Kong Disneyland. As we look forward to the celebratory year ahead, it's the perfect excuse to plan that magical escape. Whether you're a seasoned park-hopper or planning your very first visit, Hong Kong Disneyland's 20th anniversary promises an unforgettable experience. So pack your bags (keep them empty for all the souvenirs!), get ready for some dazzling fireworks, and prepare to make new cherished memories. Here's to 20 years of dreams coming true! BOOK YOUR TRIP Booking tickets for Hong Kong Disneyland on the app. You can book your Hong Kong Disneyland experience through and collect Trip coins, find the best deals, and book flights, hotels and other activities through the platform. You can check out some of our recommendations here: Keep an eye on direct flight deals to Hong Kong. And for the best experience, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring or autumn) to enjoy pleasant weather and potentially smaller crowds. Happy anniversary, Hong Kong Disneyland!


Forbes
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Hong Kong Disneyland Resort's 20th Anniversary Starts June 28
Mickey Mouse kicks off Hong Kong Disneyland Resort's 20th anniversary Since Hong Kong Disneyland Resort opened on September 12, 2005, guests have enjoyed the park's unique way of telling Disney stories. Now, the Disney park in Hong Kong, China, is set for a big year in 2025, and it all starts with the kickoff of its 20th anniversary celebrations on June 28. Highlights of the year-long celebration include new entertainment and the largest parade in the park's history. Michael Moriarty, managing director of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, said in a press release, 'We're thrilled to kick off The Most Magical Party of All on June 28. Our incredible cast members are putting their all into getting everything ready for the year-long party. This milestone celebration will be filled with immersive entertainment, extraordinary moments, and boundless Disney magic and surprises — we cannot wait to welcome everyone from around the globe to [Hong Kong Disneyland Resort's] most unforgettable celebration yet.' A General view showing Hong Kong Disneyland on April 28, 2023 in Hong Kong, China. (Photo by Vernon ... More Yuen/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Over the past few years, the park has undergone plenty of expansions and refurbishments, but one moment that has set up Hong Kong Disneyland Resort for its next chapter is its new castle. For the park's 15th anniversary, Sleeping Beauty Castle got a major upgrade, becoming the Castle of Magical Dreams, which is inspired by 13 Disney princess stories. The Castle of Magical Dreams marked the first time any Disney castle has been transformed from representing one princess to highlighting multiple. In fiscal year 2024, the resort welcomed a historic 7.7 million guests to the park, increasing park attendance by 21% over the previous year. That led to a cumulative attendance of over 106 million people since the park opened in 2005. 2024 also led to a historic level of net profit, HK$838 million (about $108 million in US dollars), which represents a 54% increase year-over-year. This high profit was partly due to the opening of the park's Frozen-themed area, World of Frozen, in November 2023. A new nighttime spectacular will debut at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort as part of the resort's 20th ... More anniversary. As the 20th anniversary looms near, the Castle of Magical Dreams is set to be the backdrop for much of the entertainment during the celebration. 'Guests will embark on a day-to-night magical party that builds excitement as the day unfolds,' shared Paul Rivet, executive Director of Entertainment at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, in a press release. 'Our 20th anniversary celebration also showcases how Disney entertainment has evolved to new heights. Get ready for three unmissable entertainment experiences, from our brand-new anniversary-only castle stage show, largest-ever parade to the grandest nighttime spectacular in [Hong Kong Disneyland Resort's] The biggest entertainment offering during the 20th anniversary is going to be the new 'Friendtastic! Parade.' This all-new parade is the largest in park history, at around 30 minutes with 11 floats themed to Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios films like Zootopia, Big Hero 6, Up, and Toy Story. The parade will also feature over 100 performers, including more than 30 Disney characters like Mickey and Friends, Duffy and Friends, and Disney Princesses. Throughout the day, Hong Kong Disneyland Park visitors can see the anniversary-exclusive show, 'Disney Friends Live: Party at the Castle!' The 15-minute show will feature pop music, dancing, interactive moments with characters, giant balloons and more. At night, guests can catch 'Momentous: Party in the Night Sky!' The nearly 30-minute nighttime spectacular takes place from the Castle of Magical Dreams all the way down Main Street, U.S.A. The show will feature eight highly technical elements, including large-scale 3D projection mapping, drones and water projections. Duffy and Friends-themed afternoon tea sets will be available during Hong Kong Disneyland's 20th ... More anniversary. No Disney party is complete without themed food and drink. At Hong Kong Disneyland Resort's 20th anniversary, the park will debut more than 80 new food and beverage items, including a Duffy and Friends-themed afternoon tea and themed family feasts with flatbreads and drinks. The kickoff of the anniversary will also bring six new anniversary-specific merchandise collections to the park. These exclusive initial collections will feature more than 300 new items. Both of these are easy ways for Hong Kong Disneyland Resort to make more money in a market that keeps growing. In fiscal 24, per capita guest spending grew by 28% over the previous year. With these new offerings, guest spending should continue to increase. With everything coming to the 20th anniversary celebration, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort's momentum is strong going into the next 20 years of storytelling.


Biz Bahrain
27-02-2025
- Business
- Biz Bahrain
Investcorp Grows U.S. Industrial Portfolio with Acquisitions in Minneapolis & Baltimore
Investcorp, a leading global alternative investment firm, today announced that it has acquired two industrial portfolios in the Minneapolis and Baltimore markets for a gross transaction value of over $335 million. The acquisitions bolster Investcorp's strategy to expand its presence in key U.S. industrial markets with significant population bases, diversified economies and resilient tenant demand. The portfolios comprise a total of 27 properties and 2.7 million square feet, and include: Minneapolis Industrial Portfolio, a 17-building portfolio spanning nearly 1.9 million square feet; and Baltimore Industrial Portfolio, a 10-building portfolio totaling approximately 881,000 square feet. Yusef al Yusef, Global Head of Distribution at Investcorp, said, 'The evolution of supply-chain logistics over the past several years has continued to support demand in the U.S. industrial sector, which has retained its strong fundamentals throughout market cycles despite broader economic volatility. With e-commerce showing no sign of slowing and a lack of new supply for infill and urban products, we continue to believe in the long-term viability of the asset class.' As of Q4 2024, market rent growth over the past three years averaged 13.4% in Baltimore and 11.4% in Minneapolis, outpacing the average of 9.3% in the top 50 U.S. metropolitan areas, according to Green Street Advisors. Minneapolis is anchored by a diverse economy with robust labor dynamics, hosting 17 Fortune 500 companies including Target Corporation, Best Buy Co., Inc., 3M Company and General Mills, Inc. Baltimore has seen a recent influx of companies due partially to its pro-business environment, and major corporations such as Optum, Inc., Jones Lang LaSalle Inc. (JLL), Under Armour, Inc. and Morgan Stanley & Co. call the city home. 'The Minneapolis and Baltimore portfolio acquisitions offer us a unique opportunity to scale our presence in two markets with highly diversified tenancies,' stated Michael Moriarty, Managing Director and Head of Commercial Acquisitions at Investcorp. 'The properties making up each of these portfolios feature favorable characteristics such as high average clear heights, ample loading docks, plentiful parking and convenient locations proximate to major thoroughfares, employment centers and residential neighborhoods, ensuring they'll be able to serve the needs of a wide variety of tenants. We look forward to continuing to seek attractive industrial investment opportunities in fundamentally strong markets with proximity to established population bases across the U.S.' Investcorp is among the top-5 largest cross-border buyers of U.S. real estate over the past five years, according to Real Capital Analytics. The firm's U.S. real estate strategy invests primarily in the industrial and residential asset classes, with 98% of its portfolio consisting of these property types. Additionally, in 2024, the Investcorp real estate team placed at number 51 on PERE's PERE 100, one of the most prominent rankings of real estate equity investment managers in the industry. Since 1996, Investcorp has acquired approximately 1,400 properties for a total value of over $26 billion.


Mid East Info
26-02-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Investcorp Grows U.S. Industrial Portfolio with Acquisitions in Minneapolis & Baltimore - Middle East Business News and Information
Transactions totaling over $335 million bolster the firm's strategic presence in well-established Midwest and Mid-Atlantic markets Manama, Bahrain– Investcorp, a leading global alternative investment firm, today announced that it has acquired two industrial portfolios in the Minneapolis and Baltimore markets for a gross transaction value of over $335 million. The acquisitions bolster Investcorp's strategy to expand its presence in key U.S. industrial markets with significant population bases, diversified economies and resilient tenant demand. The portfolios comprise a total of 27 properties and 2.7 million square feet, and include: Minneapolis Industrial Portfolio, a 17-building portfolio spanning nearly 1.9 million square feet; and Baltimore Industrial Portfolio, a 10-building portfolio totaling approximately 881,000 square feet. Yusef al Yusef, Global Head of Distribution at Investcorp, said, 'The evolution of supply-chain logistics over the past several years has continued to support demand in the U.S. industrial sector, which has retained its strong fundamentals throughout market cycles despite broader economic volatility. With e-commerce showing no sign of slowing and a lack of new supply for infill and urban products, we continue to believe in the long-term viability of the asset class.' As of Q4 2024, market rent growth over the past three years averaged 13.4% in Baltimore and 11.4% in Minneapolis, outpacing the average of 9.3% in the top 50 U.S. metropolitan areas, according to Green Street Advisors. Minneapolis is anchored by a diverse economy with robust labor dynamics, hosting 17 Fortune 500 companies including Target Corporation, Best Buy Co., Inc., 3M Company and General Mills, Inc. Baltimore has seen a recent influx of companies due partially to its pro-business environment, and major corporations such as Optum, Inc., Jones Lang LaSalle Inc. (JLL), Under Armour, Inc. and Morgan Stanley & Co. call the city home. 'The Minneapolis and Baltimore portfolio acquisitions offer us a unique opportunity to scale our presence in two markets with highly diversified tenancies,' stated Michael Moriarty, Managing Director and Head of Commercial Acquisitions at Investcorp. 'The properties making up each of these portfolios feature favorable characteristics such as high average clear heights, ample loading docks, plentiful parking and convenient locations proximate to major thoroughfares, employment centers and residential neighborhoods, ensuring they'll be able to serve the needs of a wide variety of tenants. We look forward to continuing to seek attractive industrial investment opportunities in fundamentally strong markets with proximity to established population bases across the U.S.' Investcorp is among the top-5 largest cross-border buyers of U.S. real estate over the past five years, according to Real Capital Analytics. The firm's U.S. real estate strategy invests primarily in the industrial and residential asset classes, with 98% of its portfolio consisting of these property types. Additionally, in 2024, the Investcorp real estate team placed at number 51 on PERE's PERE 100, one of the most prominent rankings of real estate equity investment managers in the industry. Since 1996, Investcorp has acquired approximately 1,400 properties for a total value of over $26 billion. About Investcorp: Investcorp is a global investment manager specializing in alternative investments across four asset classes : Private Equity (Mid-Market Buyouts, Growth Investments, and GP Staking), Real Assets (Infrastructure and Real Estate), Credit (CLOs, Broadly Syndicated Loans & Structured Credit, and Middle-Market Direct Lending), and Liquid Strategies (Absolute Return Investments and Insurance Asset Management). Since our inception in 1982, we have focused on generating attractive returns for our clients and seeking to create long-term value in our portfolio companies by adopting a disciplined investment process, employing talented professionals, and utilizing the resources of a global institution with an innovative approach. We invest capital in our products and strategies, aligning interests with our clients and other stakeholders. We pursue sustainable value creation through our investments and in the communities in which we operate and take pride in partnering with clients to deliver tailored solutions for their needs. Today, Investcorp manages $55 billion in assets, including assets managed by third party managers. Investcorp has 14 offices in the US, Europe, GCC and Asia, including, India, China, Japan and Singapore and employs approximately 500 people from 50 nationalities globally.