The Ballad of IAMC
By Mark Lofthus
Positively Minnesota
Presented at the Fall Forum
September, 2009

Lyrics:

A long, long time ago, I can still remember how the meetings used to make me smile; and I knew if I had my chance, I’d network with my peers and talk finance, and consider ROI, for awhile; but the research council got much bigger, so enormous that I figured, my gold badge wouldn’t serve me, I’d have to hide to stay free; I don’t remember if I cried, when IAMC came alive, but something touched CRE inside, when IAMC was born.

Chorus: So we, agree, it’s I-A-M-C, bringing wisdom to the real estate community; with people of industrial pedigree, stay united till the day that we die, keep focused till the day that we die . . .

Were you in Charleston, S.C.?; with the dirty dozen led by Pat McKee, if Bob Zane and Jim Martin tell you so; and we know CRE plays an active role, to manage risk and save the corporate soul, while analyzing options to lease or own; now there’s global insight in the air, and “Get Some Help” is sweet perfume we share; we dream about the bottom line, maybe Sarbanes-Oxley will turn out fine; Jims’ Alexander and Winter and Charles McSwain, supported by an Angel of Fortenberry fame, IAMC’s winning the game, for manufacturing hearts and minds.

Helter, skelter, in a San Diego rain swelter, the Conway staff found an alternate shelter, and ushered us back inside; so come on Pete be nimble, Pete be quick, Pete Garra teach industrial cash flow schtick, to keep the balance sheet on the positive side; you’ve gone nearly everywhere for us: Memphis, Phoenix, and St. Louis; Oklahoma was more than OK, Midwest development leads the way; and now you’ve come to Minnesota and you’re not alone: an incredible turnout – in Bret Favre’s new home; we welcome you from wherever you roam, to Minneapolis and St. Paul.

I met a man who did some deals, served his clients well with development zeal, and he just smiled and turned away; but before he left he said now it’s up to you, Steve Zeller, Doyle Shea, Rick Little too, to carry on the mission we’ve begun; and in the streets IAMC will rejoice, this recession will end, we’ll have new choice; not a negative word needs to be spoken, the conference hall is open; and the values here are straight and clean – competition, investment, the American dream; they’ve served us well in good times and lean, thank you, IAMC