EDITOR'S VIEW

s if corporate real estate executives weren’t busy enough these days, many are now tasked with generating cash for their organizations. They have long been charged with making nonperforming assets perform, improving the balance sheet wherever possible and integrating the property portfolio with corporate objectives. But cash generation?

      It turns out that’s exactly what’s most on the minds of the corporate real estate executive participants on a recent conference call on which future Industrial Asset Management Council (IAMC) Professional Forum themes were discussed. It’s a little ironic. On the one hand, cash is hard to find, or the real estate managers wouldn’t be looking so hard for it. On the other hand, it seems a lot of cash will soon be hitting the streets thanks to all the new spending programs coming out of Washington.

      Obviously, corporate real estate departments at industrial companies are not the intended recipients, but lots of alternative energy initiatives around the U.S. are, including those under way at many readers’ organizations. States have been cultivating renewable energy companies and initiatives for years, to the extent that energy grids are maxed out and backlogs of solar panels and other alternative energy components are being reported. Still, as Ohio Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher explains in the Governor’s Cup cover story (congratulations again, Governor Strickland), his state’s $1.57 billion economic stimulus bill is helping advanced energy emerge as one of his state’s most successful industry sectors. It’s not a stretch to conclude that this activity is a factor in Ohio’s winning its third Governor’s Cup in a row.

      Alternative or renewable energy will only grow in importance as the new administration pegs economic recovery to, in large part, investment in the sector and as the call for U.S. energy independence grows louder. My colleagues and I are committed to helping our readers make sense –and strategy –out of all that’s going on in this critical component of the economy. There is plenty of intelligence on the topic already available in our print and online archives, and there’s more on the way.

      There’s a lot going on in this area, so here’s how to stay current: (1) read publisher and Conway Data founder McKinley Conway’s “Project New America,” a blueprint for U.S. energy independence and job creation, at www.sitenet.com; (2) watch for Site Selection‘s new online monthly newsletter devoted to energy-sector developments; (3) look for regular and thorough coverage of energy projects in every issue of Site Selection; and (4) plan to participate in an IAMC Professional Forum, where corporate sustainable development –and tips for generating cash –are sure to be on the program.

      Till next time,

      Mark Arend