Matt Goode: I've been a member since 1980 and have attended at least two meetings a year. I've missed only three of them. It builds relationships and knowledge. I'm a believer that you get out of something that you put into it. I have relationships and friendships in about every major city and some of the secondary markets across the country. Over the years it's been a significant benefit for wanted to do new ideas and concepts in our business.

GlobeSt.com: What will people be talking about this year?

Goode: It's a continuation of the industrial growth in the United States as compared to the global growth of the industry. There is a resurgence of manufacturing and production in the United States. Part of that is because of the growth in the Far East in the middle class area, and they're able to acquire some of the items that are built there. Now those companies are realizing that you're better off building near your major client base. So your shipping is not as big as an impact.

GlobeSt.com: You're in Chicago. How is that industrial market doing?

Goode: Over the last 18 months, we've bought 22 buildings. We're acquiring significantly in the Chicago area. The majority of our buildings that we buy make things or design products. We own over 1,000 acres throughout Chicago, and we are looking to do build to suits. We see that improving as the vacancy in Chicago decreases and space gets absorbed.