Message from the President

To say that October 2008 has been a wild ride for investors would be a fantastic understatement. In the first few weeks of October the stock and securities markets have witnessed their biggest drops and spikes in the history of the Dow Jones. The scale of the federal government’s response at $700 billion is almost beyond comprehension.

Mercifully, the commercial real estate market in the Greater Long Beach area has been relatively stable. To be sure, we feel the turbulence. The emotional uncertainty is not helpful; however, the fundamentals of our market are adding a bit of calm to this storm. While we are experiencing a correction in some sectors, it is moderate and measured.

On my desk there are several expansion plans in the form of lease proposals, two start-ups and several well-established businesses looking to relocate to superior locations.

Remarkably, the entrepreneurs are staying focused on what they do best and how to serve their customers. It is my privilege to assist them in making informed decisions in their commercial real estate transactions. They have displayed tremendous courage in moving forward with their dreams of opening and expanding their businesses, belief in their talents and abilities, a driving desire to help their clients and confidence in our nation’s entrepreneurial platform. If ever a client deserves honest, straightforward counsel in the turmoil of our current financial situation, it is now.

I want to spread this message of hope to other members of the business community. As I see it, my role is to present a clear and viable path in helping the business owner with commercial real estate transactions. Your preparation, along with solid advice, will help you and your clients to win in this market. Your Long Beach Commercial Real Estate Council is comprised of talented and dedicated professionals, in both the private and public sector, who believe that the current climate is a favorable combination of circumstances, time, and place that will yield unique opportunities for commercial real estate investment.

Free Seminar – November 19, 2008

Long Beach business owners that are currently leasing their business real estate and want to exercise the dream of property ownership will want to attend a free lunch seminar on Wednesday, November 19, at The Grand in Long Beach. The Long Beach Commercial Real Estate Council, partnering with the Long Beach Chamber of Commerce, Bank of America, the Economic Development Bureau of the City of Long Beach and others, Truth be told, there are good values in property out there and available capital in the federal SBA or Small Business Administration loan program to assist business owners with purchasing their business property.

For more information on this event, click here: http://www.lbcrec.com/en/cev/19

I have assembled a panel of lenders, accountants, attorneys, city staff, real estate brokers and planning commissioners to present their expertise to you - the business owners in our community.

Attending this seminar, you will learn how to:

§         secure SBA financing and preferential loan programs

§         take advantage of tax credits in the Enterprise Zone

§         acquire grants and other development programs offered by the City of Long Beach

§         determine and obtain the appropriate zoning for your business