March 09 CIAA Newsletter
Content
“Our Profit is Your Success”
An Affiliate Of
March 2008
Vendor Council is Hard at Work!
A big “THANK YOU!” to The Apartment Finder, First Advantage SafeRent, Reliable Construction, Simply Clean, Des Moines 360, Baker Interiors and Sudzy’s for sponsoring lunch and refreshments for our “Fair Housing and Beyond” attendees. Your generosity helps keep costs down for our members’ continuing quest for knowledge!
Golf Outing Date Announced! June 12, 1:00 shotgun, Toad Valley. If you were there last year, you know what a good time this was! Food, fun, prizes, networking, and most importantly, refreshments! Even if you don’t golf, come hang out. There’s plenty of fun to go around!
Upcoming Events
Vendor Council Thursday, March 12 Chicken Coop, Noon Human & Civil Rights Symposium Wednesday, March 18 DM University 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. $25 for CIAA members! Fair Housing & Beyond Tuesday, March 24 West Des Moines PD 10:30 am - 4:00 p.m. Email registration request
CIAA Tradeshow Planning Underway! Don't travel to ends of the earth looking for professional products and services - this fall the CIAA Vendor Council is bringing a world of possibilities to you on October 22nd at the Sheraton in West Des Moines. Plan to attend as we go "Around the World" of property management. Let CIAA be your guide as you meet new people, network with colleagues, and discover what new treasures your vendors have in store for you! Since food and drink is vital to any adventure, complimentary appetizers and beverages will be served. Pack lightly for this trip as you’ll need to leave plenty of room for souvenirs and prizes from this year's show. World travelers, who visit every vendor with proof of a stamped passport, will be eligible to win $1,200! Additionally, fun seekers who correctly answer the questions on the Travel Trivia Quiz have a chance to win $300! Mark your calendars and make plans to wander the world of professional possibilities with CIAA this October! Be sure to check your email and CIAA Newsletters for updated details.
April
Leasing 101 “It’s a Jungle out there, so we’re going Back to Basics” Venue and time TBA
May
“Zap the Gap” “Solving the MultiGenerational Puzzle” May 14, Sheraton Hotel West Des Moines
Inside Your Newsletter:
Education Update / Special May Session 2009 CIAA Board Members Legislative Update New Members, Announcements 23rd Annual Symposium on Human & Civil Rights Vendor Spotlight - CertaPro Painters Vendor Listings NAA Connect
Committee Announcements
Education Committee
“Fair Housing and Beyond” will be presented March 24 at the West Des Moines Police Department conference room from 10:30 - 4:00. Registration is closed for this class “Leasing 101” will be presented in April; time and venue TBA.. This seminar is free to all CIAA members! We’re changing it up this year and it’s going to be an exciting and informative session that is perfect for all your new leasing people as well as anyone who is getting complacent or who may just want a refresher. The basics have always been the basics, and the “old-timers” are here to help!
Coming May 14th!
“Us old farts need to keep in touch, not only with our members and employees, but also our customers."
The quote above is from an audience member at the Illinois Movers' and Warehousemen's Association after hearing Meagan Johnson present "ZAP THE GAP," How to Solve the Multi-Generational Puzzle."
Zap The Gap: Solving the Multi-Generational Puzzle
Have you noticed that many of the Generation X'ers and Generation 2000 people don't seem to have the same work ethics and habits as Traditional and Baby Boomer employees? Are they sometimes tougher to manage? You will learn to identify and understand the differences between the generations, retain and develop young star performers, and create a work environment where young people will want to give their best.
2009 Board Members and Committees
President Rick Koontz, Signature Place Vice President Jennifer O’Brien Konior, TAB Properties Treasurer Lori Young, BH Management Secretary Heather Benton, Rosemont Place
Page 2
Past President Melissa Johnson, Olde English Village Vendor Council Co-Chairs Tom Newton, Gorman Roofing Mary Spain, Apartment Finder Education Committee Chair Mary Spain, Apartment Finder
Legislative Committee Chair Jennifer O’Brien Konior, TAB Properties Membership Committee Chair Lori Young, BH Management Public Relations Committee Chair Ellen Wade, The Des Moines Register
Website: www.ciaahq.org
Committee Announcements
Legislative Committee
Legislative Update – We’re Working Hard for YOU! The Legislative Committee has been busy this past month making sure the Legislature hears our concerns and support. Private Cause of Action (SSB 1037/SF 178): Committee Member Rick Koontz testified in front of a Senate Judiciary Subcommittee to voice the CIAA’s concerns on SSB 1037/SF 178, a consumer fraud/private cause of action bill which allows consumers to sue for damages caused by fraudulent acts. Property management companies are currently governed by the Iowa Code Section 562A, the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. In certain situations under SSB 1037/SF 178, a consumer could bring a fraud suit against a management company when the management company was strictly complying with Section 562A. Due to Rick’s testimony and the hard work of our lobbyist Mike Triplett from our lobbying firm, the Hultman Company, language was added to the bill to exclude such conflicts of interest when an entity is complying with a different section of law. SF 178 passed through the Senate Judiciary Committee and is now awaiting a vote on the Senate Floor. Plumber’s Licensing Bill (SSB 1102): The Plumber’s Board is seeking to expand upon current licensing statutes requiring all contracted plumbing work be done by licensed plumbers. This would include all plumbing work done in residential rental communities. Combining our efforts with other associations, an amendment was included which will exclude routine maintenance as currently defined by the Public Health Department that does not change the original design or construction and allow for facility maintenance licenses which entail considerably less requirements to obtain (4 hours of classes every two years and a $25 fee). An additional amendment offered by Legislative Chair Jennifer O’Brien Konior would allow each licensee to oversee up to two nonlicensed individuals and seems likely to be included in the bill as well. This bill is still in serious negotiations and we will keep you updated on its progress. As always, if you have any questions about issues or bills that might be appearing, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected].
Announcements, Positions, and Postings
New Vendor Members
Concentra Medical Centers
Hubbell Apartment Living would like to welcome Dawn Schrauth as On-site Manager at Rosemont Place Apartments, James Taylor as Maintenance Technician at Sutton Hill Apartments, and Chuck Ess as Maintenance Technician for Rosemont Place Apartments. The Peterson Companies would like to welcome Nick Fitch as our newest addition to the Olde English Village maintenance team. Page 3
Special March Event!
In lieu of a membership meeting, the CIAA is encouraging all members to attend the Human & Civil Rights Symposium on March 18. CIAA is a sponsor for the day’s events and Mary Spain will be presenting one of the workshops. Because we believe this is an extremely important event, we’ve arranged a 50% discount for CIAA members! Your cost for the day is only $25 which includes lunch. Spend the day or a few hours. There are workshops to help you with the impact of issues we face on a daily basis in property management.
23rd Annual Symposium on Human & Civil Rights
Weathering the Storm: Preserving Human Rights in Tough Financial Times Des Moines University • 3200 Grand Ave. March 18, 2009 · 9 am-4 pm Sponsors: Central Iowa Apartment Alliance · Central Iowa Society For Human Resource Management Des Moines Human Rights Commission · Greater Des Moines Friends of Human Rights · Iowa Civil Rights Commission · Urbandale Human Rights Commission · West Des Moines Human Rights Commission
Keynote Presenter
Stella J. Adams, Founder/CEO of S J Adams Consulting, a research and policy development firm focusing in the areas of fair housing and fair lending. Ms. Adams has served on the Federal Reserve Board Consumer Advisory Council advising the Board on the exercise of its responsibilities under the Consumer Credit Protection Act. As Chair of the Community Affairs and Housing subcommittee, Adams led the discussions on strengthening HOEPA (Home Ownership Equity Protection Act) to protect consumers from Predatory Lenders. Ms. Adams has testified before Congress on many occasions and is the recipient of the 2006 Individual Achievement Award of the International Association of Official Human Rights Agencies, 2005 Civil Rights Award granted by the National Association of Human Rights Workers, and has received the 2004 HUD FHEO Pioneer Award for her work in fighting predatory lending and the 2004 National Fair Housing Alliance Fair Lending Advocacy Award. A day of workshops and presentations addressing a broad variety of human & civil rights topics include:
• Straight Talk About LGBT Issues in the Workplace • Fair Housing and Rental Property Management • Immigration 101: New Iowans Living & Working in Iowa • Education in the 21st Century: Stresses & Strategies • LGBTQA Students in Iowa: Challenges & Potential • Housing Crisis: Market Decline & Foreclosure • Implementing 2008 Changes to the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) • The Intersection of Fair Housing & Homelessness • Housing Supports & Poor Economic Times • Competency Building for Local Human Rights Commissioners • Addressing Life Without Parole for Child Offenders in Iowa • Equal Work for Unequal Pay: Disparities between Men & Women in 2009 • Handling Debt & Protecting Your Home • Health Care of All? Issues and Opportunities for the Underserved For information: Mikel Johnson ([email protected]), (515) 237-1482
Page 4
Email: [email protected]
Vendor Spotlight
CertaPro Painters
CertaPro Painters is the fastest growing residential and commercial painting contractor in Des Moines, as well as one of the largest. CertaPro takes a proactive approach to property maintenance through pride in what we do, as well as continuous improvement. Here is what sets us apart from our competition: We are a customer service company that provides exceptional quality in painting. We deliver on all of our promises and answer to your unique needs. We have the process down and the project under control. We communicate with you regularly during the job. We have a two-year written warranty on our workmanship. We have full workers compensation and general liability insurance-you take no risks. We have hundreds of written references from our previous customers. We have a 99% referral rating.
515-243-2591
The color of Life. The Color of Quality. The color of certainty.
Need a Vendor? Call a Member First!
A+ Lawn & Landscape Abendroth & Russell, P.C. A.Q. Allstate Pest Control American Family Insurance Jared Frank Agency Apartment Finder Big Green Umbrella Media Bragg Handywork Carpet Pro - Baker Interiors Carpet Source Central Iowa Duct Cleaning CertaPro Painters Coinmach Corporation Concentra Medical Centers Cort Furniture Rental Des Moines 360, Inc. The Des Moines Register DeWitt Painting Diamond Vogel Paints First Advantage SafeRent Furniture Options Gorman Roofing Services Hard Tops of Des Moines ICS Advanced Technologies Jetz Service Co. Johnstone Supply Lawns Plus Marsden Building Maintenance Nationwide Office Care Phillips Floors RealPage, Inc. Red Capital Group Reliable Construction Select Van & Storage Shelton Painting Sherwin Williams Floor Coverings Sherwin Williams Paint Sears Commercial Simply Clean State Farm Insurance Glen Waterhouse III Stew Hansen’s Dodge City-Jeep Stitzell Electric Supply Co. Sudzy’s Carpet Cleaning Tenant Data Waste Connections Waste Management Wayout Consulting Services Vendor contact information can be found on the CIAA website: Vendor Website Page
Page 5
To Become A Vendor Member Contact:
Rick Koontz at 515-226-2100 Tom Newton at 515-883-0838 [email protected] [email protected]
Connect With NAA
NAAEI Debuts New CAPS Program
By Ron Shelton, CAPS 2009 National Apartment Association Chairman of the Board Amalgamated Management Corp.
T
he National Apartment Association’s Education Institute’s (NAAEI) new and improved Certified Apartment Manager (CAPS) designation program was debuted by the Lubbock Apartment Association with rave reviews from Dr. Bill Nye, who instructed the course over a one-week period. Nye reported that on a scale of one to 10, the new CAPS is a 9. The CAPS program is an in-depth review of property management principles and techniques as used by the
NAAEI Hires National Maintenance Trainer
NAAEI is pleased to announce that Pablo Paz, CAMT, has been hired as its new National Maintenance Trainer. Paz will travel to affiliates across the country to instruct the new CAMT curriculum. He will continue to reside in Houston. If you are interested in having Paz teach CAMT in your area, please contact Kim McCrossen at 703/797-0610 or kimmccrossen @naahq.org.
Green Experts to Speak at Conference
The 2009 NAA Green Conference & Exposition is fast approaching, and now is the time to take inventory of the apartment industry’s investment in energy efficiency and green design. The conference, April 28-29 at the LEED-certified Phoenix Convention Center, will feature green industry expert speakers addressing how “going green” can save property managers and developers money. On Tuesday, April 28, Nate Kredich, Vice President of Residential Market Development, U.S. Green Building Council, will moderate a panel of apartment industry leaders in a general session titled “Doe Green Make Sense For You?” In a separate session April 28, Robin Pharo, President, Healthy Home Reports LLC, will elaborate on the National Green Building Landscape and review how green certifications programs work, why they are gaining popularity and where the green movement is headed. In an education session Wednesday, April 29, led by Theodore K. Toon, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Affordable Housing Preservation, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development;and Alyssa Quarforth, Program Manager, EPA ENERGY STAR Commercial Properties, conference attendees will learn about the roles that federal government agencies, the EPA and HUD have taken in providing programs that assist apartment housing providers in their greening efforts. For registration, hotel, exhibition and sponsorship information, visit www.naahq.org/events/green.
professional supervisor. Individuals interested in offering CAPS at the affiliate or regional level can contact NAA’s Kim McCrossen at 703/797-0610 or kimberly [email protected].
Card Check Highlights Available to Members
NAA’s Government Affairs Department has made available to NAA members materials discussing the implications of the potential Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) (more commonly known as “Card Check”), and how it might affect the apartment industry. This information may be accessed at www.naahq.org/government affairs/issues/GeneralBusiness/Documents/CardCheckLegislationCo uldBeBadNewsforApartmentIndustry.pdf. Card Check potentially would give the option to remove the secret ballot process, eliminates the necessity of informing ownership that their company is the object of an effort to organize their employees and requires that a contract be agreed to within 120 days or else the company must enter into mediation where nonnegotiable terms are placed in effect for a minimum of two years. For additional information, visit the Coalition for a Democratic Workplace at www.myprivateballot.com.
An Affiliate Of
March 2008
Vendor Council is Hard at Work!
A big “THANK YOU!” to The Apartment Finder, First Advantage SafeRent, Reliable Construction, Simply Clean, Des Moines 360, Baker Interiors and Sudzy’s for sponsoring lunch and refreshments for our “Fair Housing and Beyond” attendees. Your generosity helps keep costs down for our members’ continuing quest for knowledge!
Golf Outing Date Announced! June 12, 1:00 shotgun, Toad Valley. If you were there last year, you know what a good time this was! Food, fun, prizes, networking, and most importantly, refreshments! Even if you don’t golf, come hang out. There’s plenty of fun to go around!
Upcoming Events
Vendor Council Thursday, March 12 Chicken Coop, Noon Human & Civil Rights Symposium Wednesday, March 18 DM University 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. $25 for CIAA members! Fair Housing & Beyond Tuesday, March 24 West Des Moines PD 10:30 am - 4:00 p.m. Email registration request
CIAA Tradeshow Planning Underway! Don't travel to ends of the earth looking for professional products and services - this fall the CIAA Vendor Council is bringing a world of possibilities to you on October 22nd at the Sheraton in West Des Moines. Plan to attend as we go "Around the World" of property management. Let CIAA be your guide as you meet new people, network with colleagues, and discover what new treasures your vendors have in store for you! Since food and drink is vital to any adventure, complimentary appetizers and beverages will be served. Pack lightly for this trip as you’ll need to leave plenty of room for souvenirs and prizes from this year's show. World travelers, who visit every vendor with proof of a stamped passport, will be eligible to win $1,200! Additionally, fun seekers who correctly answer the questions on the Travel Trivia Quiz have a chance to win $300! Mark your calendars and make plans to wander the world of professional possibilities with CIAA this October! Be sure to check your email and CIAA Newsletters for updated details.
April
Leasing 101 “It’s a Jungle out there, so we’re going Back to Basics” Venue and time TBA
May
“Zap the Gap” “Solving the MultiGenerational Puzzle” May 14, Sheraton Hotel West Des Moines
Inside Your Newsletter:
Education Update / Special May Session 2009 CIAA Board Members Legislative Update New Members, Announcements 23rd Annual Symposium on Human & Civil Rights Vendor Spotlight - CertaPro Painters Vendor Listings NAA Connect
Committee Announcements
Education Committee
“Fair Housing and Beyond” will be presented March 24 at the West Des Moines Police Department conference room from 10:30 - 4:00. Registration is closed for this class “Leasing 101” will be presented in April; time and venue TBA.. This seminar is free to all CIAA members! We’re changing it up this year and it’s going to be an exciting and informative session that is perfect for all your new leasing people as well as anyone who is getting complacent or who may just want a refresher. The basics have always been the basics, and the “old-timers” are here to help!
Coming May 14th!
“Us old farts need to keep in touch, not only with our members and employees, but also our customers."
The quote above is from an audience member at the Illinois Movers' and Warehousemen's Association after hearing Meagan Johnson present "ZAP THE GAP," How to Solve the Multi-Generational Puzzle."
Zap The Gap: Solving the Multi-Generational Puzzle
Have you noticed that many of the Generation X'ers and Generation 2000 people don't seem to have the same work ethics and habits as Traditional and Baby Boomer employees? Are they sometimes tougher to manage? You will learn to identify and understand the differences between the generations, retain and develop young star performers, and create a work environment where young people will want to give their best.
2009 Board Members and Committees
President Rick Koontz, Signature Place Vice President Jennifer O’Brien Konior, TAB Properties Treasurer Lori Young, BH Management Secretary Heather Benton, Rosemont Place
Page 2
Past President Melissa Johnson, Olde English Village Vendor Council Co-Chairs Tom Newton, Gorman Roofing Mary Spain, Apartment Finder Education Committee Chair Mary Spain, Apartment Finder
Legislative Committee Chair Jennifer O’Brien Konior, TAB Properties Membership Committee Chair Lori Young, BH Management Public Relations Committee Chair Ellen Wade, The Des Moines Register
Website: www.ciaahq.org
Committee Announcements
Legislative Committee
Legislative Update – We’re Working Hard for YOU! The Legislative Committee has been busy this past month making sure the Legislature hears our concerns and support. Private Cause of Action (SSB 1037/SF 178): Committee Member Rick Koontz testified in front of a Senate Judiciary Subcommittee to voice the CIAA’s concerns on SSB 1037/SF 178, a consumer fraud/private cause of action bill which allows consumers to sue for damages caused by fraudulent acts. Property management companies are currently governed by the Iowa Code Section 562A, the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. In certain situations under SSB 1037/SF 178, a consumer could bring a fraud suit against a management company when the management company was strictly complying with Section 562A. Due to Rick’s testimony and the hard work of our lobbyist Mike Triplett from our lobbying firm, the Hultman Company, language was added to the bill to exclude such conflicts of interest when an entity is complying with a different section of law. SF 178 passed through the Senate Judiciary Committee and is now awaiting a vote on the Senate Floor. Plumber’s Licensing Bill (SSB 1102): The Plumber’s Board is seeking to expand upon current licensing statutes requiring all contracted plumbing work be done by licensed plumbers. This would include all plumbing work done in residential rental communities. Combining our efforts with other associations, an amendment was included which will exclude routine maintenance as currently defined by the Public Health Department that does not change the original design or construction and allow for facility maintenance licenses which entail considerably less requirements to obtain (4 hours of classes every two years and a $25 fee). An additional amendment offered by Legislative Chair Jennifer O’Brien Konior would allow each licensee to oversee up to two nonlicensed individuals and seems likely to be included in the bill as well. This bill is still in serious negotiations and we will keep you updated on its progress. As always, if you have any questions about issues or bills that might be appearing, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected].
Announcements, Positions, and Postings
New Vendor Members
Concentra Medical Centers
Hubbell Apartment Living would like to welcome Dawn Schrauth as On-site Manager at Rosemont Place Apartments, James Taylor as Maintenance Technician at Sutton Hill Apartments, and Chuck Ess as Maintenance Technician for Rosemont Place Apartments. The Peterson Companies would like to welcome Nick Fitch as our newest addition to the Olde English Village maintenance team. Page 3
Special March Event!
In lieu of a membership meeting, the CIAA is encouraging all members to attend the Human & Civil Rights Symposium on March 18. CIAA is a sponsor for the day’s events and Mary Spain will be presenting one of the workshops. Because we believe this is an extremely important event, we’ve arranged a 50% discount for CIAA members! Your cost for the day is only $25 which includes lunch. Spend the day or a few hours. There are workshops to help you with the impact of issues we face on a daily basis in property management.
23rd Annual Symposium on Human & Civil Rights
Weathering the Storm: Preserving Human Rights in Tough Financial Times Des Moines University • 3200 Grand Ave. March 18, 2009 · 9 am-4 pm Sponsors: Central Iowa Apartment Alliance · Central Iowa Society For Human Resource Management Des Moines Human Rights Commission · Greater Des Moines Friends of Human Rights · Iowa Civil Rights Commission · Urbandale Human Rights Commission · West Des Moines Human Rights Commission
Keynote Presenter
Stella J. Adams, Founder/CEO of S J Adams Consulting, a research and policy development firm focusing in the areas of fair housing and fair lending. Ms. Adams has served on the Federal Reserve Board Consumer Advisory Council advising the Board on the exercise of its responsibilities under the Consumer Credit Protection Act. As Chair of the Community Affairs and Housing subcommittee, Adams led the discussions on strengthening HOEPA (Home Ownership Equity Protection Act) to protect consumers from Predatory Lenders. Ms. Adams has testified before Congress on many occasions and is the recipient of the 2006 Individual Achievement Award of the International Association of Official Human Rights Agencies, 2005 Civil Rights Award granted by the National Association of Human Rights Workers, and has received the 2004 HUD FHEO Pioneer Award for her work in fighting predatory lending and the 2004 National Fair Housing Alliance Fair Lending Advocacy Award. A day of workshops and presentations addressing a broad variety of human & civil rights topics include:
• Straight Talk About LGBT Issues in the Workplace • Fair Housing and Rental Property Management • Immigration 101: New Iowans Living & Working in Iowa • Education in the 21st Century: Stresses & Strategies • LGBTQA Students in Iowa: Challenges & Potential • Housing Crisis: Market Decline & Foreclosure • Implementing 2008 Changes to the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) • The Intersection of Fair Housing & Homelessness • Housing Supports & Poor Economic Times • Competency Building for Local Human Rights Commissioners • Addressing Life Without Parole for Child Offenders in Iowa • Equal Work for Unequal Pay: Disparities between Men & Women in 2009 • Handling Debt & Protecting Your Home • Health Care of All? Issues and Opportunities for the Underserved For information: Mikel Johnson ([email protected]), (515) 237-1482
Page 4
Email: [email protected]
Vendor Spotlight
CertaPro Painters
CertaPro Painters is the fastest growing residential and commercial painting contractor in Des Moines, as well as one of the largest. CertaPro takes a proactive approach to property maintenance through pride in what we do, as well as continuous improvement. Here is what sets us apart from our competition: We are a customer service company that provides exceptional quality in painting. We deliver on all of our promises and answer to your unique needs. We have the process down and the project under control. We communicate with you regularly during the job. We have a two-year written warranty on our workmanship. We have full workers compensation and general liability insurance-you take no risks. We have hundreds of written references from our previous customers. We have a 99% referral rating.
515-243-2591
The color of Life. The Color of Quality. The color of certainty.
Need a Vendor? Call a Member First!
A+ Lawn & Landscape Abendroth & Russell, P.C. A.Q. Allstate Pest Control American Family Insurance Jared Frank Agency Apartment Finder Big Green Umbrella Media Bragg Handywork Carpet Pro - Baker Interiors Carpet Source Central Iowa Duct Cleaning CertaPro Painters Coinmach Corporation Concentra Medical Centers Cort Furniture Rental Des Moines 360, Inc. The Des Moines Register DeWitt Painting Diamond Vogel Paints First Advantage SafeRent Furniture Options Gorman Roofing Services Hard Tops of Des Moines ICS Advanced Technologies Jetz Service Co. Johnstone Supply Lawns Plus Marsden Building Maintenance Nationwide Office Care Phillips Floors RealPage, Inc. Red Capital Group Reliable Construction Select Van & Storage Shelton Painting Sherwin Williams Floor Coverings Sherwin Williams Paint Sears Commercial Simply Clean State Farm Insurance Glen Waterhouse III Stew Hansen’s Dodge City-Jeep Stitzell Electric Supply Co. Sudzy’s Carpet Cleaning Tenant Data Waste Connections Waste Management Wayout Consulting Services Vendor contact information can be found on the CIAA website: Vendor Website Page
Page 5
To Become A Vendor Member Contact:
Rick Koontz at 515-226-2100 Tom Newton at 515-883-0838 [email protected] [email protected]
Connect With NAA
NAAEI Debuts New CAPS Program
By Ron Shelton, CAPS 2009 National Apartment Association Chairman of the Board Amalgamated Management Corp.
T
he National Apartment Association’s Education Institute’s (NAAEI) new and improved Certified Apartment Manager (CAPS) designation program was debuted by the Lubbock Apartment Association with rave reviews from Dr. Bill Nye, who instructed the course over a one-week period. Nye reported that on a scale of one to 10, the new CAPS is a 9. The CAPS program is an in-depth review of property management principles and techniques as used by the
NAAEI Hires National Maintenance Trainer
NAAEI is pleased to announce that Pablo Paz, CAMT, has been hired as its new National Maintenance Trainer. Paz will travel to affiliates across the country to instruct the new CAMT curriculum. He will continue to reside in Houston. If you are interested in having Paz teach CAMT in your area, please contact Kim McCrossen at 703/797-0610 or kimmccrossen @naahq.org.
Green Experts to Speak at Conference
The 2009 NAA Green Conference & Exposition is fast approaching, and now is the time to take inventory of the apartment industry’s investment in energy efficiency and green design. The conference, April 28-29 at the LEED-certified Phoenix Convention Center, will feature green industry expert speakers addressing how “going green” can save property managers and developers money. On Tuesday, April 28, Nate Kredich, Vice President of Residential Market Development, U.S. Green Building Council, will moderate a panel of apartment industry leaders in a general session titled “Doe Green Make Sense For You?” In a separate session April 28, Robin Pharo, President, Healthy Home Reports LLC, will elaborate on the National Green Building Landscape and review how green certifications programs work, why they are gaining popularity and where the green movement is headed. In an education session Wednesday, April 29, led by Theodore K. Toon, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Affordable Housing Preservation, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development;and Alyssa Quarforth, Program Manager, EPA ENERGY STAR Commercial Properties, conference attendees will learn about the roles that federal government agencies, the EPA and HUD have taken in providing programs that assist apartment housing providers in their greening efforts. For registration, hotel, exhibition and sponsorship information, visit www.naahq.org/events/green.
professional supervisor. Individuals interested in offering CAPS at the affiliate or regional level can contact NAA’s Kim McCrossen at 703/797-0610 or kimberly [email protected].
Card Check Highlights Available to Members
NAA’s Government Affairs Department has made available to NAA members materials discussing the implications of the potential Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) (more commonly known as “Card Check”), and how it might affect the apartment industry. This information may be accessed at www.naahq.org/government affairs/issues/GeneralBusiness/Documents/CardCheckLegislationCo uldBeBadNewsforApartmentIndustry.pdf. Card Check potentially would give the option to remove the secret ballot process, eliminates the necessity of informing ownership that their company is the object of an effort to organize their employees and requires that a contract be agreed to within 120 days or else the company must enter into mediation where nonnegotiable terms are placed in effect for a minimum of two years. For additional information, visit the Coalition for a Democratic Workplace at www.myprivateballot.com.
