Great News, but. . .

An impressive line-up of experts generally had good things to say about the local commercial real estate market and the factors that strengthen it. Toss in a great breakfast shared over good conversation, and what could be better?

As with many seminars of this type, however, speakers are prone to temper the good news with a caveat or two, and the outlook conference was no exception. Here's a sampling of what guests heard.

"We're seeing our airport statistics going through the roof."

But.

"We can get from the air to the ground. But getting from the ground to the destination is a challenge. It still takes eight to 12 years to build roads."

-John Albion, chairman of the Lee County Board of Commissioners.

"We're well known as a beautiful place to visit and a great place to live."

But.

"There's a lack of a business image."

-Regina Smith, executive director, Lee County Economic Development Office.

"The university is the impetus for growth in the area."

But.

"This is the largest metropolitan area in the country without a school of engineering. FGCU does not have a school of engineering."

But.

"We have plans for a school of engineering."

-Hudson Rogers, associate dean for the College of Business, Florida Gulf Coast University.

"During the past 12 months, the [commercial] market has continued to thrive."

No buts.

-Karen Johnson-Crowther, commercial real estate adviser, Grubb & Ellis|VIP.

-Phil Borchmann