NEW YORK CITY-Free rent and tenant improvements top the list of the giveaways owners are offering to keep their vacancies down.

CHICAGO- Although vacancy rates are up in most city and suburban office markets along with a flattening of rental rates, Equity Office Properties Trust reports first-quarter funds from operations were up 13%.

MINNETONKA, MN-Long-time employee Ron Hunter, who started with the chain 28 years ago as a part-time waiter, wins the Esprit Award for his work at the Radisson Governors Inn - Research Triangle Park in North Carolina.

WHITE PLAINS-International manufacturing firm Nippon Kayaku America has renewed its lease a year ahead of time at 711 Westchester Ave.