Conference to Focus on Trends for Southland

Can Southern California’s diverse economic strength overcome declining defense spending, softening housing markets and transportation problems, and continue to offer opportunities in the area’s real estate market?

“Trends,” a conference sponsored by the Southern California chapters of the Society of Industrial and Office Realtors on March 13 at the Anaheim Marriott Hotel, will focus on these issues as its central theme.

Another key topic to be discussed at the conference is an economic forecast of the five-county area, including business and financial services, wholesale trade and distribution, health services, international trade and employment rates.

The impact of global economics, tax law changes and the new effects of real estate will also be discussed by a panel of experts including keynote luncheon speaker Arthur B. Laffer, creator of the “Laffer Curve,” and Joel Kotkin, West Coast editor of INC. Magazine, who will introduce the “Global 2000” conference theme.

Business trends will be discussed by Jack Keyser, Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce; Sanford R. Goodkin, KPMG Peat Marwick, will speak on “Future Shock,” George Smith, George Smith/Grubb & Ellis Financial Services, will provide a financial overview.

Speakers addressing legal, development, leasing and political issues are Herbert L. Krumsick, J.P. Weigand & Sons Inc.; Steven L. Edwards, O’Melveny & Myers; John D. O’Donnell, O’Donnell, Armstrong Partners; Assemblyman Mike Roos, (D-Los Angeles).

Conference moderator will be Brian Banmiller, business editor of KTVU-TV, San Francisco.