News

Jeff Dowd, an audit principal in Reznick Group's Chicago office, led Real Estate Bisnow's Chicago Industrial Summit on January 19. Focused on equity, debt and customer demand, the panelists discussed how the Chicago industrial market is different than other business centers. Capital markets, leasing, sales and development all were included while speaking to topics such as:

• When will spec development come back?
• What does leasing and absorption look like locally and nationally?
• What submarkets have demonstrated healthy fundamentals in 2011 and are poised for future development?
• What is the national outlook going forward, and what are the key drivers?
• What lies ahead for CMBS, and how will this factor into industrial development?
• How are the uncertainties of socioeconomic and political climates across the nation and world affecting outlook?

In addition to Dowd, the panelists included:

• Johannson Yap, Chief Investment Officer, First Industrial Realty Trust
• James Clewlow, Chief Investment Officer, CenterPoint Properties
• Robert Clark, Chairman, Founder & CEO, Clayco
• Robert Smietana, Vice Chairman & CEO, HSA Commercial Real Estate
• Mark Saturno, COO, McShane Development
• Mark Goode, Founding Principal, Venture One Real Estate
• David Reahl, Executive Director, North Central Region, USAA Real Estate Company
• Michael Chivini, EVP, The Pizzuti Companies
• David Riefe, Senior Vice President, Prologis
• Jim Dieter, Executive Vice President, Cushman & Wakefield

Read more information on the summit.