Clinton detailed his activity since leaving the presidency. In addition to working on his memoirs, the talkative ex-president said he has focused his energies on a few key areas including providing economic assistance globally, promoting education, promoting reconciliation with various religions throughout the world and working to combat the AIDS crisis. One example he gave was of the business advice his office provides for small business owners near his Harlem office. "Most jobs are created by small businesses," he added.

Questioned about the job outsourcing situation that has been discussed much in the media this past year, Clinton commented that it's part of the cyclical nature of business and has been going on for years. "What bothers people today is that there is more of it," he said. He noted also that it is happening in high-tech jobs and it's going on now when the economy is in rough shape and there has been job loss. His "if-I-were-president" suggestions for combating the situation include providing tax incentives and being proactive to find out what industries might provide jobs in the future. (See Executive Watch for another take on the outsourcing situation.)

Clinton believes that an industry to watch is alternative energy sources creation and that the US needs to move away from its dependence on old energy sources. "Clean energy can be a $1-trillion market" that could create massive employment, he said. When asked, Clinton said he has no plans to run for the offices of mayor or governor, saying one person in the family in politics is enough. "I want to do the things that I can uniquely do."

John Powers, CBRE's president, New York tri-state region, noted that the Midtown office market is starting the year off well with a number of large lease transactions such as PricewaterhouseCoopers at 300 Madison Ave. and Fairchild at 750 Third. He also noted that any tenants making large deals in Lower Manhattan now will look back in a few years and see "what a wonderful deal they have."

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Clinton Addresses Real Estate Industry

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