Charlotte Economists, Bankers and Real Estate Professionals to Examine 2015 Outlook

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Jan. 21, 2015 - PRLog -- For the first time since the Great Recession of 2008, the U.S. economy has gained a strong momentum that foreshadows 2015 as an exciting and pivotal year. Amid a flurry of recently announced plans for new office towers uptown that highlight Charlotte’s role in this recovery, the larger context remains a mystery: What’s next and how sustainable is this re-energized commercial real estate market?

A panel of respected experts from various industries will examine current and prospective trends at the eighth annual Outlook on the Commercial Real Estate Market forum, sponsored by the accounting firm of GreerWalker LLP (http://www.greerwalker.com) and the law firm of Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP (http://www.kattenlaw.com). The free, invitation-only event is Monday, Jan. 26 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Ritz Carlton Charlotte, 201 East Trade St.

The panelists have a particular understanding of – and connection to – the local market outlook. C. Walker Collier III is partner at Trinity Capital Advisors, which in October announced plans for a 14-story office tower at Morehead and South Tryon. Collier has 13 years of experience in real estate; he leads Trinity Capital’s sourcing, structuring, capitalization and due diligence efforts.

All panelists bring specialized knowledge that’s conducive to a strong record in forecasting market developments. Panelist Kevin Thorpe, chief economist and principal at Cassidy Turley, last year was named Top Forecaster in the U.S. by the National Association for Business Economics. He is frequently quoted in publications including The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post.

Panelist Elizabeth Wilson, chief credit officer in commercial real estate at Fifth Third Bank, also has been a senior credit risk executive with the bank. Given Urban Land Institute’s 2015 projection of a nationwide increased appetite for risk in commercial development, she’s well positioned to speak to Charlotte’s possible direction.

GreerWalker Partner Jonathan McLester notes that the event “is a major networking opportunity for the Charlotte business community that brings together economists, bankers and real estate professionals. This diversity of expertise can also provide insight as to impacts of key market variables such as job growth; a resulting higher demand for space that limits supply and allows property owners to increase rents; and the crucial factor of relaxed credit terms.”

Amid a backdrop of such favorable conditions, possible questions for discussion may include: What are some remaining stumbling blocks in accessing loans? How does Charlotte protect against overbuilding? Which areas of the region have the brightest short- and long-term potential? Will Charlotte be on a par with, ahead of, or behind national growth trends?

“The collaboration between Katten and GreerWalker provides the Charlotte business community with the opportunity to examine the impact of the real estate industry on our regional economy”, said Dan Huffenus, Katten’s Charlotte managing partner. “We look forward to discussing the current boost in the local real estate market and its influence on the rapidly changing real estate and capital markets in 2015.”

Because the event is free of charge, attendees will be encouraged to donate to Community Link (http://communitylinknc.org/), a local nonprofit that enables individuals and families to obtain and sustain safe, decent and affordable housing.

About GreerWalker

Founded in Charlotte in 1984, GreerWalker provides assurance, accounting, tax and business advisory services to a diversified client base of privately held middle-market companies doing business throughout the Carolinas and around the world. Affiliates include GreerWalker Wealth Management and GreerWalker Corporate Finance. For more information about the firm, call 704-377-0239 or visit greerwalker.com.

About Katten

Katten’s Real Estate practice, which was named a 2015 “Best Law Firm” in Real Estate as part of the U.S. News-Best Lawyers^® ranking, is one of the largest and most sophisticated in the United States. Katten attorneys provide the legal advice, industry-focused experience and business savvy necessary for success in today’s rapidly changing real estate and capital markets. The firm’s integrated team of insolvency, tax, litigation, corporate, securities and public finance professionals provides a full range of transactional and dispute resolution services. Katten is a full-service law firm with more than 650 attorneys in locations across the United States and in London and Shanghai.

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