Charlotte...Recession-proof?
I've always told people moving to Charlotte. If there is such a thing as a Recession proof city Charlotte N.C. is it! As our national economy teeters with the Big "R", I begin to self examine that statement and just hope for the best. We aren't bullet proof or waterproof or even invinca-bullish (my new coined phrase-word). But I do feel it is important to understand that Charlotte's financial core, heath care anchors, industrial and transportation sectors are all affected, but in varying degrees. |
Most of Charlotte corporate line-up is Global and that can be a good and bad thing. What's most important though is that we need to keep an eye on our Community fabric, our neighbors, our friends, our college buddies, our newcomers and our less fortunate. Not everyone will tell you up front that the economy has slowed their business down and that their expense side is way of whack both corporately and personally. Not many folks will share with you that they fear the loss of their job or may have even lost one. What to do? Try your darnedest to come alongside them to support them before it gets too deep. Tactfully get creative with them to encourage, energize and synergize them when their personal & business creative juices are just not flowing. Find out what they are passionate about and gently point into potentially toward a new journey. The boot strap pulling you do for others could received and viewed as a gift of Hope for them and you.
Our Company has some slow-downs in some areas and steady business in others. For that we are thankful. I have looked back over the past 13 years when I've routinely had a Latte 4 times a week at about $3.50 a pop. (As my buddy Steve says that's a lot of after tax cash-flow.) This routine all started at Disneyland in 1995, while taking the CCIM Refresher course and CCIM Exam. Due to the economy no truthfully my economy I'm looking carefully at the big expenses and the little ones too. I'm down to one $1.87 cup of Joe with room for cream from Mr. Schultze's Empire, but not to worry, every now and then I'll treat myself to a Grande one pump, non-fat, no whip mocha --that's when I have a gift card! Next time I see ya I'll buy one for you--if I have a gift card. As Charlotte's boat sways a bit in the upcoming months, try to steady it for those you see need it. 'The Tipping Point' of care and proactive support you can offer may just amaze you on how you will positively impact someone in need. Choosing to make our Community Fabric out of Kevlar can strengthen our ties together. We can't do it alone. By the way some really great things are happening with Urban Ministries and the Homeless Community, which is our Community too.
I would like to take time to thank a few talented Tenant Reps for helping us this past quarter. First I would like to thank Faith Lampkins & Jubal Early of Lincoln Harris for bringing a 10,000 square foot office lease to Tyvola Executive Park. An announcement will be forthcoming as to their Clients identity. And Airport 85 has just welcomed Geotechnical Consultants brought by Rob Speir of Keystone Partners. Rob we appreciate all that you done for us and with us over the last two years. We need your help to keep this momentum going.
On another front, I would also like to thank Charlotte City Council for being bold enough to provide progressive leadership in approving dollars to study the North and Northeast Mass Transit Lines. We are very supportive of our mass transit effort in Mecklenburg County and beyond.
That's all for now. Have a great spring. Take care.
Have a great week!
Preston “Fred” Griffith
Director of Marketing,
Griffith Real Estate Service
Executive Vice President,
E.C. Griffith Company
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