So CNL needs to make timely investment decisions that increasingly incorporate sophisticated demographic analyses. These decisions combine basic real estate savvy and highly technical data analysis. But how do you mesh the dirt kickers and the computer geeks? According to Lachiotte, you empower the acquisition professionals themselves to generate standardized reports specifically developed for CNL's acquisition process.

That’s why CNL recently implemented a new, web-based, subscription service from SRC. Libby Duane at SRC describes CNL's application as a highly customized version of DemograhicsNow, which is available to the public and which is also customized for CCIM's Site To Do Business. Lachiotte says that it only took one hour of training for the acquisition folks to become proficient in the new system.

Personal relationships remain the heart and soul of commercial real estate transactions. But presumably timely demographic insight should enable CNL to make even better investment decisions. And in a highly competitive Wall Street environment that is important. The CNL REIT is one of only 228 publicly traded companies (out of 10,000), that has increased its annual dividend (currently 7.4%) for thirteen or more years.

--Peter Pike