INLAND EMPIRE, Calif. (Sept. 1, 2011)–CREW (Commercial Real Estate Women) Inland Empire’s September luncheon, titled “Environmental Impacts and the Economy,” will focus on California’s environmental laws and their effect on economic and commercial real estate development. The event will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the new Embassy Suites Ontario Airport Hotel, 3663 East Guasti Rd in Ontario.

Michelle Ouellette, Environmental Law & Natural Resources practice group partner at Best Best & Krieger LLP, will be the luncheon’s keynote speaker. Ouellette will examine the current face of environmental law and the impact these laws are having on cities and counties that are looking for ways to expedite real estate development and encourage commercial growth.

“The state’s environmental regulations have added more red tape to commercial development, and slowing much needed real estate and economic growth,” said Judi Staats, president of CREW Inland Empire and economic development manager for the city of Corona. “This luncheon poses the question of whether these laws should be reconsidered in light of today’s economic conditions.”

The luncheon will also feature a special presentation by Michael Zugsmith, chairman of NAI Capital Commercial Real Estate Services. Zugsmith will talk about the connection between commercial real estate and the economy and how their growth depends on each other.

Attendance is $35 for members and $45 for non-members before Sept. 7. For more information and to register, visit www.crew-ie.org.

About CREW Inland Empire

CREW Inland Empire is a member of CREW Network, the Commercial Real Estate Women Network, and is comprised of members serving local San Bernardino and Riverside County markets. CREW Network is the industry’s premier business networking organization with more than 8,000 commercial real estate professionals in 71 major markets across North America. It is dedicated to advancing the success of women in commercial real estate and provides networking, business development, leadership opportunities and professional education. For more information visit, www.crew-ie.org