LAS VEGAS—Sources GlobeSt.com <b>EXCLUSIVELY</b> spoke with in preparation for the upcoming ICSC RECon event say activity has picked up year over year since 2007. One source says now is the time to take advantage of opportunity.

LAS VEGAS—Stan Johnson Co.—just one of the many firms attending ICSC's RECon conference next week here in Las Vegas—is eager for the face time with both new and existing clients.

LAS VEGAS—In preparation for ICSC RECon next week, Nadel Architects' Greg Lyon <b>EXCLUSIVELY</b> tells GlobeSt.com that we can expect a far greater presence on the leasing floor of new ground up retail destinations under development than seen since the onset of the recession.

SAN FRANCISCO—According to JLL research, the total high-tech venture capital funding during Q1 2014 was $1.4 billion, accounting for 30% of all VC-backed funding in Silicon Valley.

SANTA BARBARA, CA—GlobeSt.com <b>EXCLUSIVELY</b> learns that a 1.76-acre site here, originally slated to be an auto park, will soon become affordable senior housing, with groundbreaking expected in 2015.

SAN DIEGO—GlobeSt.com <b>EXCLUSIVELY</b> learns that he will serve as managing director and chief investment officer and will be responsible for overseeing the company's investment activities and capital relationships.

SAN DIEGO—The firm buys Atlas at Carlsbad, a 246,668-square-foot building in a market that “currently has no new spec construction” says one source.

ROHNERT PARK, CA—In an <b>UPDATE</b> to a previous story, Meridian COO, John Pollock tells GlobeSt.com that in an environment of declining reimbursements, critical mass, efficient operation, and geographic expansion are becoming increasingly important to providers.