It seems to be agreed that the economy will not truly heal until the jobs come back. Will this solve long-term problems? That depends on what kind of jobs come back. Building new weapons systems keeps people busy and gives them money to consume imported goods and local services. Does it really help things in the long run? It uses vast amounts of energy and natural resources and causes unbelievable pollution. What could be accomplished investing the same amount of money in infrastructure and education?
For one thing, the only way we can lower our Gini coefficient is to improve our educational system. There are plenty of people who are well qualified to get a “good job in a cotton mill”. The problem is there are no cotton mills. My dad’s first question when he was examining a new business opportunity was. “How will this make people’s lives better?” He knew that a business model based on providing benefits was saleable. What are the problems our world and our country are facing in the near and distant future? What are the skills and technologies needed to deal with these issues?
Directing our money and our energy into solving these problems will provide jobs and get the economy moving in a sustainable direction. New weapons systems will not.
David Segrest, CCIM, CIPS, CEA, TRC, is a REALTOR in Charlotte NC. His web page is http://www.segrestrealty.com. His email address is david@segrestrealty.com.
Showing posts with label Infrastructure. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Infrastructure. Show all posts
Monday, October 18, 2010
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Infrastructure, Trade & International Real Estate(Pt. 2)
Infrastructure, Trade & International Real Estate (Part 2)
I once had a listing in a small country in the West Indies. I spent a night there to understand the listing and get a perspective on marketing it. Getting there required a flight to San Juan, Puerto Rico and an overnight stay. The next morning a prop jet carried me to the capitol of this island. A 3 ½ hour drive by jeep fording a small river twice got me to the property.
It was a wonderful home, built into the side of the mountain. Solar heat and electricity and spring water were not just adequate; but exceptional. By walking about 2/10 of a mile to the top of a hill I was able to use my cell phone.
Going back required the same drive. The overnight stay was in the capital of this country in a fairly primitive beachfront hotel instead of San Juan. The flight back to San Juan started with a hand search of my baggage in the public part of the airport and a repeat performance on the secure side of the airport. In San Juan the flight connected on the same day. It was a great trip and a wonderful experience. I never sold the property. What do you think was the problem?
David Segrest is a REALTOR in Charlotte NC. His website is http://www.segrestrealty.com His email is david@segrestrealty.com
I once had a listing in a small country in the West Indies. I spent a night there to understand the listing and get a perspective on marketing it. Getting there required a flight to San Juan, Puerto Rico and an overnight stay. The next morning a prop jet carried me to the capitol of this island. A 3 ½ hour drive by jeep fording a small river twice got me to the property.
It was a wonderful home, built into the side of the mountain. Solar heat and electricity and spring water were not just adequate; but exceptional. By walking about 2/10 of a mile to the top of a hill I was able to use my cell phone.
Going back required the same drive. The overnight stay was in the capital of this country in a fairly primitive beachfront hotel instead of San Juan. The flight back to San Juan started with a hand search of my baggage in the public part of the airport and a repeat performance on the secure side of the airport. In San Juan the flight connected on the same day. It was a great trip and a wonderful experience. I never sold the property. What do you think was the problem?
David Segrest is a REALTOR in Charlotte NC. His website is http://www.segrestrealty.com His email is david@segrestrealty.com
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Infrastructure, Trade & International Real Estate (Pt. 1)
Infrastructure, Trade & International Real Estate (Part 1)
In an earlier blog, the relationship between container facilities and trade was discussed. What happens to the trade articles after they reach the (air)port? They have to go somewhere. Even if intermodal facilities are available there still must be a way for the trucks and trains to disburse the goods or bring in goods for shipment. Whereever highways and rail lines go the demand for real estate increases. The prices increase too.
Other infrastructure is necessary as well. Manufacturing facilities need electricity and water. Delivery systems need fuel. The lack of available generating power has slowed growth on the border of the USA and Mexico. Manufacturers have actually built facilities that they could not operate. The business parks advertize available power. Several parks may be advertizing the same power. Users who do not check with the utility producers and reserve capacity may find themselves unable to operate.
In Brazil much of the electricity comes from hydro-electric plants. When there is a drought power is short and many companies have to work at reduced output. Using a competent real estate professional can help avoid these problems. I can introduce you to someone.
David Segrest is a REALTOR in Charlotte NC. His website is http://www.segrestrealty.com His email is david@segrestrealty.com
In an earlier blog, the relationship between container facilities and trade was discussed. What happens to the trade articles after they reach the (air)port? They have to go somewhere. Even if intermodal facilities are available there still must be a way for the trucks and trains to disburse the goods or bring in goods for shipment. Whereever highways and rail lines go the demand for real estate increases. The prices increase too.
Other infrastructure is necessary as well. Manufacturing facilities need electricity and water. Delivery systems need fuel. The lack of available generating power has slowed growth on the border of the USA and Mexico. Manufacturers have actually built facilities that they could not operate. The business parks advertize available power. Several parks may be advertizing the same power. Users who do not check with the utility producers and reserve capacity may find themselves unable to operate.
In Brazil much of the electricity comes from hydro-electric plants. When there is a drought power is short and many companies have to work at reduced output. Using a competent real estate professional can help avoid these problems. I can introduce you to someone.
David Segrest is a REALTOR in Charlotte NC. His website is http://www.segrestrealty.com His email is david@segrestrealty.com
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