by David Chapman
Staff Writer
Dr. Edward Gordon began his presentation by telling audience members it wasn’t his intention to give everyone indigestion so early in the morning. While Gordon’s hard-hitting speech might have made some reflect on an upcoming workforce shortage, Dr. Henry Fishkind’s subsequent presentation might have provided relief to those in the real estate business.
Gordon and Fishkind, along with Mayor John Peyton spoke at the 11th Annual First Coast Real Estate Economic Outlook Conference and Expo at the Hyatt on Wednesday.
“Today it’s my role to change your perspective,” said Gordon, author of the “The 2010 Meltdown.”
The book and presentation discussed how retiring baby boomers and the lack of highly-skilled young people to fill their jobs in a rapidly growing technological world, will create a job crisis in the form of a disappearing workforce.
“We love technology, the Blackberries, laptops, all of it,” said Gordon. “But we can’t make them because they’re (baby boomers) retiring.”
Gordon offered some solutions to help a worldwide problem. One is a call to communities and workforces to create non-government organizations that will garner support for programs that aid future high-skilled workforces. Another needed step, Gordon said, is the need to replace the educational system, as literacy rates and reading levels are below standards and many American workers are lacking the skills they need to succeed in these high-skilled jobs.
“Community activism,” said Gordon. “That’s what you’re here for, you want to make a change.”
Dr. Henry Fishkind also spoke during the expo, giving the audience some encouraging news during his in-depth forecast for real estate growth in northeast Florida.
“It is sad, it is painful, but it is not getting worse,” said Fishkind, explaining in his forecast that 2006 was a low point in the real estate market and in 2007 the housing bubble should deflate. Fishkind stated that the market should stabilize over the next year, which he says will help the economy.
Fishkind also believes 2007 will be a great year for commercial and industrial properties and was enthusiastic about how Cecil Field is progressing.
“It’s really coming to life,” said Fishkind, who admitted to gasping when he first heard the former naval base with its large workforce was closing, but now he likes the direction it is going in, “It’s going to be a real plus for this community.”
Peyton also spoke during the event, touching on the Blueprint for Prosperity initiative, to raise income of Duval County residents. Peyton also discussed the growth of the port industry, stating that Jacksonville will be the third largest port on the east coast within 10-15 years.
The event was attended by over 700 people. Norman Gregory was the 2007 Conference Chairman.