Company News

Rick Gillham Speaks at IREM

Rick Gillham, President of Gillham, Golbeck and Associates was the featured speaker at the March 11, 2008 meeting of the Institute of Real Estate Management in Dallas. His topic, "What a Difference a Year Makes," included the following observations.

Emerging trends in the 2008 commercial real estate market will be characterized by uncertainty and challenges, particularly in regard to supply/demand fundamentals, capital flows and growing unemployment.

"There may be a shift ahead," Gillham said, "but not a collapse of commercial real estate. Texas, in particular, is better positioned for a recession than in the past."� He indicated that the outlook is generally positive among industry leaders because:

• Unemployment rates in Texas are lower than the national average.
• The top five cities in the nation for projected job growth in 2008 are all in Texas.
• The Texas market is not burdened with excess space.
• Frugal lenders are keeping the lid on construction.

Mr. Gillham's "Best Bets for 2008," included the following comments:

• Deal brokers had their day; now property management and leasing businesses have a chance to shine.
• Owners will earn value from working properties and attracting tenants.
• Finding efficiencies and building tenant relationships become priorities.