Rockport’s distinctive residential development, Royal Oaks, has announced that Richard Dias Construction Company, a builder in the South Texas Coastal Bend area for over 27 years, has joined forces with the developers of Royal Oaks to be one of the preferred home builders in the Royal Oaks community.

Richard Dias Construction Company is building an approximately 3,400 square foot spec home on one of the oak-studded lots overlooking Aransas Bay. In addition, Richard Dias, the owner of Richard Dias Construction Company, is building his personal residence in Royal Oaks.

“I’ve been building homes along the Texas coast for over 27 years, and Royal Oaks is in a class of its own,” says Dias. “Royal Oaks has it all – a desirable Rockport/Fulton location with wonderful views of the bay, the classic windswept oaks this area is known for and quality and attention you simply cannot find anywhere else, with easy access to Highway 35 and the Aransas County Airport.”

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Archstone, a leader in apartment investment and operations, announced Nikita Bell of Atlanta, Georgia, as the winner of a smart fortwo pure coupe in the “Archstone 2010 Go Green, Get Smart Contest.” The eco-friendly vehicle giveaway was part of Archstone’s national “Earth Day Leasing Expo,” which encouraged residents and the community to adopt eco-friendly lifestyles.

Bell, a new resident of Archstone’s Westchester at Clairmont apartments in Atlanta, was surprised with the news as she was greeted by Archstone representatives who presented her with a brand-new, 2009 smart fortwo pure coupe. A local television news station was on site to capture her reaction.

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LifeShield Security, the world’s first all digital home security system today announced the closing of its second round of funding. Formerly InGrid Home Security, LifeShield is the first national, professional grade and professionally monitored wireless security system that is easy to set up through a simple “plug and protect” process. LifeShield boasts superior protection and the best value in home security.

Since December 2009, LifeShield has raised nearly $11 million in business enterprise funding through two separate funding events. First round investors were Associated Partners, CenterPoint Ventures, Novak Biddle Venture Partners, Novitas Capital and former NutriSystem CEO Michael Hagan. Second round investors include earlier investors Associated Partners, CenterPoint Ventures, Novitas Capital, and Michael Hagan, with new additional funding coming from First Round Capital, MHS Capital, and NewSpring Growth Capital.

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CN Dragon Corporation announced on May 21, 2010, the acquisition of CNDC Corporation (“CNDC”), a diversified lodging development, management and consulting group. CNDC is engaged in the investment and development of upscale hotels, resorts, residential and commercial properties throughout China.

According to management, CNDC’s growth strategy is directed towards establishing the company’s lodging business, through placing strategic investments in China’s fast emerging second-tier cities. The company’s target within the next 12 months is to acquire parcels of land in China to develop into luxury lodging and commercial properties; offering upscale real estate and hospitality services to savvy investors and consumers. The company plans to achieve this through utilizing its established network in the property and hospitality industries, which it has built over the years through its hotel consulting business.

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Inland Real Estate Acquisitions announced today the $67 million acquisition of two high quality shopping centers on behalf of Inland Diversified Real Estate Trust, Inc. (“Inland Diversified”). Draper Crossing in Draper, Utah, a 166,845-square-foot grocery-anchored shopping center, was purchased for $23.5 million. Regal Court in Shreveport, La. a 343,457-square-foot shopping center anchored by JC Penny, was acquired for $43.5 million.

Located around 20 miles from Salt Lake City at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, Draper Crossing was constructed in 1998 and expanded in 2003. The shopping center was 96 percent leased at closing and is anchored by Smith’s Food & Drug, a subsidiary of Kroger, one of the nation’s largest retail food companies. Other tenants include TJ Maxx, Quizno’s and AllState.

“Draper Crossing is a wonderful property to mark our entry into the Western U.S.,” Lazarus said. “The Utah job market has remained strong, particularly in Salt Lake City. Draper Crossing is in one of Salt Lake Valley’s largest and fastest-growing east-side retail corridors and we’re currently considering additional acquisitions in the area.”

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A month after severe flooding left major portions of the city under water, Nashville’s business, tourism, entertainment and nonprofit communities are continuing to lead efforts to return a sense of normalcy to Tennessee’s capital city.

While flood relief efforts will continue for months to come for those hardest hit, the markers of progress in Nashville are widespread, and the message from both the Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau and Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce to out-of-towners is clear: “Nashville is open for business, so come and see us.”

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