A Dallas-Fort Worth networking group is making some changes to cast a wider net, but the goal remains the same—to bring together those who work in commercial real estate development.
Formerly the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP), the organization has moved to the name Commercial Real Estate Development Association (CREDA) to extend its reach beyond the industrial and office space.
CREDA is both a national and local organization leading the way for connecting developers, owners, and investors of office, industrial, retail and mixed-use real estate. With over a 20,000-member network in the U.S., Mexico and Canada, the organization provides advocacy, education and business opportunities in the commercial real estate development and investment industry.
CREDA has three chapters in Texas: Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston and Austin. The local DFW chapter has continued to steadily grow over time, and now, it hopes to reach even more.
“We used to have 285 members, and now we’re over 600,” said DFW Chapter Executive Lori Stone. “It’s been steady, organic growth over the last 20 years, including new members and current members coming back each year.
“There are several other professional networking associations in the market, but we’re unique in that about half of our membership are developer companies including recognizable names such as Hillwood, Trammell Crow, Prologis and Granite Properties,” she added. “Our roster includes many other developer companies which is attractive to all the companies who want to do business with these types of companies.”
Bringing together professionals in the commercial real estate development
And that’s exactly what CREDA DFW does. The nonprofit organization focuses on creating a space for industry professionals to network with several special events, including topic specific lunch programs, an annual golf tournament, clay shoot, comedy night, spring concert and an end of year awards event.
These events are open to both members and non-members who are part of the industry, which helps build their network further. Because the organization is national, members and non-members have access to industry specific conferences in other major cities, with networking opportunities and information sharing always a priority.
“The commercial real estate industry is a small, fairly tight-knit community in our market.” Stone said. “Getting people in places where they can meet each other is a positive for those who want to expand their network versus trying to meet people in the industry on their own. CREDA provides a platform for connecting and collaborating.”
This is especially true for all of those who have and continue to move into the DFW region as it booms into even more of an economic hub.
Developing young leaders in the commercial real estate industry
CREDA DFW works not only to bring the most senior executives in the industry together, but also some of its youngest. In fact, almost 40% of the chapter members are 35 and under, thanks in part to the Developing Leaders program.
“It’s very important for the up and comers to have a path where they can meet people in the commercial real estate industry and expand those relationships as they move forward in their careers. This pipeline will feed the future of the industry and provide the fresh ideas and energy to sustain it,” Stone said. “People are moving here from all over the country, and if you’re a young person in this industry, it’s a plus to plug into a group where you can start meeting people right away.”
Developing Leaders allows the organization’s youngest members to network directly with some of the most senior tenured members in the commercial real estate industry. The group also has their own board of directors, with the president automatically earning a spot on the executive board of the DFW chapter.
“The quality of people that lead this group is so strong and each year they contribute more to the overall association. I continue to be very impressed with all of them,” shared Stone, who is the board advisor and serves as a liaison between Developing Leaders and the executive board.
A philanthropic-focused organization
As a nonprofit organization itself, CREDA DFW also has a focus on philanthropic endeavors, donating over $145,000 in 2025 and over $350,000 to the DFW community in the last five years.
Much of this is raised through their events, where a percentage of proceeds go to charities and organizations decided upon yearly by the board of directors.
Their annual golf tournament helps raise money for college scholarships while this year’s sporting clays tournament will benefit The Kukhoma Project in Zambia, Africa, and a local group called In My Shoes, that help teen mothers who have been victims of abuse or are homeless.
“Everything we do has a philanthropic bent to it and we are glad to be able to give money to many deserving groups,” Stone said.
CREDA DFW also participates in legislative advocacy, serving a strong presence and voice for the commercial real estate development industry locally in Austin and nationally in Washington, D.C.
How to get involved in CREDA DFW
To become a member of CREDA DFW, complete the online application or a printable form. There are membership categories and dues based on if you’re the first member from your organization or an affiliate member, a Developing Leader, a public official or a student.
Find more information about CREDA DFW, visit them online at credadfw.org.
Author
Tara Jones is a nationally award-winning journalist with experience in multiple editorial leadership roles. As a reporter, she has covered everything from sports and entertainment to city government and breaking news. Her work in digital journalism and start ups has earned her national recognition by both the Local Media Association and Editor & Publisher. Now, Tara specializes in Search Engine Optimization and creating original and engaging branded content stories, working with brands to share their stories.