looking forward, page-29

For what its worth ... bit of reading for the fellow MIX peoples... all to be taken with a pinch of salt of course.

This one mentions I-80 corridor nearby (south of Lake Michigan) and I-55 which is very nearby to the 3145 Central property for sale.

http://www.rejournals.com/2011/10/03/large-block-spaces-scarce-in-i-80-corridor/

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The next one has some good thoughts, especially in reply to the following questions....

What about the national infrastructure? What are corporate concerns with overall infrastructure in this country?

When you look at the intermodal activity, are you optimistic about the future of the logistics industry in Illinois?

Productivity is better than it has ever been, but the workforce is stagnant. Do you see manufacturing having a chance to grow in the future?

You said that Washington is not the only problem, but a strong public-private partnership would be beneficial. If Washington could do one thing right now, what would you recommend to spark confidence?

We’re built on competition, but it’s a global world. Illinois competition against Indiana takes place, but the fact of the matter is we are all competing against countries like China.......

http://www.rejournals.com/2011/10/03/crisis-of-confidence-corporations-holding-back/

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The next one points to diminishing benefits of utilizing cheap overseas labour markets - when coupled with increased transport costs and the like. US may be in for a re-birth of its manufacturing??? This article deals with I-39 corridor west of Lake Michigan and MIX assets - but well and truly in the same mid-west area. Wishful thinking, or a good chance?

http://www.rejournals.com/2011/09/27/i-39-corridor-attracts-international-firms-and-manufacturers-as-activity-increases/

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The next ones high-lights the value of nearby rail networks - as oil/transport costs rise in future years of demand - a big factor in MIX property value (location in relation to transport hubs). A bit of a stretch - as China has also ramped up its infrastructure - and a lot is much newer that of the USA?? USA still a huge consumer.

http://www.rejournals.com/2011/09/26/migration-absolute/

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This one has some encouraging points in regards to USA tech ability and the "true"(?) meaning of "losing jobs" to overseas manufacturers. Though this does not automatically mean more jobs....

http://www.rejournals.com/2011/08/02/made-in-america/

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Maybe the following gives some hope to MIX tenants at 1750 South Lincoln Drive (Newell Window Furnishings)???

http://www.bnet.com/blog/business-myths/one-corner-of-real-estate-and-construction-thats-thriving/1282?tag=content;drawer-container

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This one highlights the fact that while USA unemployment has risen slightly on latest figures - the Chicago area figures have stayed the same. Comforting?

http://www.55industrial.com/uploads_library/Chicago%20Industrial%20Trends%202Q%202011.pdf

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A decent report on the Logistics Industry in USA - Chicago area looking relatively strong.

http://www.55industrial.com/uploads_library/NationalLogisticsTrendsReport_2011.pdf

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One very random one - the Panama Canal. As the newspapers continue to tell us the world has no more money - big things are still being built. The following is from some random classifieds site - go figure - but gives some idea of the scale of the Panama Canal project. This will undoubtedly create work for the USA as rail and ports are upgraded/modified. Interesting points regrading east coast USA ports and larger warehouse inventories from this and other articles regarding Panama Project. The world is a mess - but is not over just yet?! In many ways (long term) the effect of this project will filter down and affect our MIX.

http://www.encuentra24.com/content/panama-en/business/view/the-expansion-of-the-panama-canal-and-its-impact-on-the-world-economy