apartment times - c.ymcdn.comc.ymcdn.com/sites/ times January/ February 2015 ... Mark your calendars...

apartment times

January/February

2015

The official publication of the Greater Charlotte Apartment Association

GCA

A BOARD OF DIRECTO

RS

MEET the GCAA BOARDand STAFF2015 FORECASTBREAKFASTBRAVO AWARDWINNERS &PHOTOSNAAEICLASSES

COMMITTEEVOLUNTEERING

BOWLINGTOURNAMENTPOOL SCHOOL

and HVAC TRAININGMS EXCELTRAINING

2 Apartment Times January/February 2015

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January/February 2015 Apartment Times 3

january event

GCAA announces its always-popular:

MULTIFAMILYINDUSTRY FORECAST

BREAKFASTExecutive Sponsor: Full House MarketingDetails & Registration Information:WHEN: January 16th, 2015 (Registration from 7:30 am; Breakfast at 8:00 am; Program from 8:30 - 10:00 am) WHERE: The Westin Charlotte, 601 S. College St., Charlotte, NC 28202 (limited parking available for a fee) Cost: $70 - GCAA Members; $90 - non members RsVP: at www.greatercaa.org or phone 704.334.9511 x102 (Reservation/Cancellation deadline is noon on January 14th.) CECs: 1.5

Join us at the Westin Hotel for a unique line-up of panelists projecting 2015 multifamily trends:

New Development Opportunitieswith Jim Borders, President of Novare Group (de-veloping the 24-story SkyHouse on North Tryon)

Market Conditions and Industry Demographics with Frank Warren , Senior Economist, Kimley-Horn

Charlotte In-Migration, White Collar & Creative Classes with John Chesser, Senior Analyst with the UNCC Urban Institute

Community Building & Higher-Density Housing with Ed McKinney, Interim Planning Director, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Dept.

JAN16

SeePage

5


Time Warner Cable • Sherwin WilliamsRoto-Rooter • Real Floors

Loebsack & Brownlee, PLLC • HD SupplyGrandbridge Real Estate Capital • Full House Marketing

Elite Flooring • Crescent Communities • CORTApartments.com • AFR Furniture Rental

7

the official publication of theGreater Charlotte Apartment Association

6060 Piedmont Row Drive South, Suite 575, Charlotte, NC 28287 • 704/334-9511 • 704/333-4221 (fax) • www.greatercaa.org

Reservation/Cancellation Policies For GCAA Events:Dinner Meetings: Reservations/cancellations must be made 48 hours prior to scheduled event, in writing or by phone.Seminars: Registration and/or cancellation accepted in writing only up to 72 hours prior to scheduled event.NAA Education Classes: Registration and/or cancellation in writing only up to 14 days prior to initial scheduled class.For all GCAA events: No-shows and late cancellations will be billed. Confirmation of registration by request only.

GCAA Mission statementThe GCAA promotes the interests of its members through legislative advocacy, education and networking; and supports housing quality, value and choice throughout the Greater Charlotte community.

the Apartment Times is published by the GCAA © 2015The GCAA grants permission to reprint articles from Apartment Times, provided that credit is given to both the author and the publication, with the exception of information reprinted from other media, in which case permission must be obtained from the original source.

Inside This Issue - January/February 2015on the cover: GCAA’s Board of Directors at their retreat in December, 2014

GCAA’s Annual Multifamily Forecast Breakfast - January 16th ............................................................... 3From Your President, Courtney Lundquist / February Dinner Meeting with Alex Sheen .............. 5From Your Products & Services Council President, Jeff Goldman .......................................................... 62015 TRADE SHOW - “Battle of the Bands” - Details for Exhibitors and Attendees ......................... 7Get to Know the GCAA’s 2015 Board of Directors Members ................................................................... 9Meet the GCAA Staff .............................................................................................................................................. 13Bravo Awards Winners and Photo Highlights (IN COLOR!) ....................................................................... 15Welcome New Members & New Member Orientation on September 19th ...................................... 17Thanking GCAA’s Volunteers & the YAPs Greek Open House - January 12th ..................................... 18Volunteer Committee Descriptions and Sign-Up Sheet............................................................................ 19Resident Safety Tips: Protecting Apartment Homes During A FREEZE ................................................ 20From Your Executive Director, Ken Szymanski .............................................................................................. 21NAAEI Designation Programs Coming Soon at GCAA: CAPS, CAMT, and NALP ............................... 23Annual Charity Bowling Tournament - February 20th ............................................................................... 25GCAA Education: Pool School; Time Management, & Customer Service Seminars ........................ 26GCAA Education: EXCEL Training; HVAC Industry Changes Update ..................................................... 27Renewing Members and Event Photo Highlights ....................................................................................... 28Welcome New Members! ..................................................................................................................................... 29Members in the News / Membership Contest Winners / YAPs Ugly Sweater Party Photos .......... 30

GCAA 2015 sponsors

Corporate Weinstein Properties • On-Site • Maintenance Supply HQGlass Doctor • Disaster One • Central Wholesalers

These member firms, recognizing the importance of the GCAA’s purposes andobjectives, have provided additional, sustaining support to the Association.Please give them careful consideration, whenever possible, in your business.

Ga

Ca

Executive

2015 Board of Directors

President - Courtney Lundquist, CAPSVice President - Charlotte Eaker, CAM, CAPS

Treasurer - Amanda Kitts, CAPSSecretary - Jonathan Tee, CAS

Immediate Past President - Parry Cobb, CAPS

Lynn Ackerman, CAM, CAPSSusan Bowman

Holly Casper, CAM, CAPSDarline Cobb

Ben CollinsNatalie Edeburn, CAPS

Charity EllisTami Fossum, CAPS

Jeff GoldmanDana Guandolo

Lisa Higgins, CAM, CAPSAlisha LaPorte, CAM, CAPS

Betty MacGeorge, CAM, CAPSCheryl Murphy, CASMike Rinaldo, CAM

Brandi Robelotto, CAMGayle Sebastian, CAS

Jennings Snider

GCAA staff

Ken Szymanski, AICP, Executive [email protected]

Irene Gammon, Apartment Times EditorCommunications & Marketing Manager

[email protected]

Fran Petzold, Financial [email protected]

Pat Dorcy, Office & Events [email protected]

Jennifer Galeazzi, CAMEducation & Member Services Manager

[email protected]

Bryan Holladay, Government Affairs [email protected]

Shelly Mussoni, Member Services [email protected]

2015 Committee Chairs

Education Advisory Council - Mike RinaldoGovernment Affairs - Lisa Higgins

Green - Jonathan TeeMedia - Dana Guandolo, Betsy KirkpatrickMembership - Parry Cobb, McKenzie BradyOperations - Susan Bowman, Charity Ellis

Outreach - Lynn Ackerman, Cheryl MurphyProducts & Services Council - Jeff Goldman

Programs - Holly Casper, Asia WhitakerYAPs - Alisha LaPorte, Courtney Moreno

Apartment Times Advertisingcontact Irene Gammon at the GCAA:

704.334.9511 x106 or [email protected]

Wayne Automatic Fire Sprinkle • SYNCO PropertiesRepublic Services • Proffitt Dixon Partners

PPG Architectural Finishes, Inc. • Ginkgo ResidentialClick, Pack, Move, Inc. • Charter Properties • Carocon

BuildingLink.com • Blue Ridge Companies • Apartment Finder

Supporting


from your president

Courtney Lundquist

Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a fantastic holiday season and is back to work with a fresh per-spective and re-energized for a busy 2015 in Charlotte! I am excited to start the new year as President of the GCAA. The greater Charlotte area is poised for a record year of apartment construction in 2015, and we are all so very fortunate to be a part of this growing industry!

With such growth in the market, we should all be adequately prepared to "keep up". More product on the market will mean more work to remain competitive and maintain rents & occupancies for new and existing communities. One of the things that we can all do in order to remain updated on construction, trends, and the goings-on in our industry locally is to volunteer for the Greater Charlotte Apartment As-sociation. I would encourage all of our member employees to join a committee, attend dinner meetings and seminars, and take advantage of the excellent education opportunities the GCAA provides through the NAAEI. It is very easy to become wrapped up in our day-to-day, especially with booming times like this in our industry and area. However, becoming or remaining connected to the GCAA will be impera-tive to your success throughout this period of growth.

In the first quarter, the GCAA will hold some great events! January 16th is the annual Multifamily Industry Forecast Breakfast (see page 3). This event provides a huge amount of information for multifamily professionals as it relates to the immediate area. Our February 5th Dinner Meeting will feature popular speaker Alex Sheen, founder of because I said I would (details below). Finally, the Products & Services Council is hosting a "Battle of the Bands" Trade Show on March 19th (see page 7). I hope to see each of these events sold out!!

I look forward to meeting new friends this year and continuing existing friendships through the association. Please feel free to email me at [email protected] at any time!

becauseI saidI would.

WHEN: February 5th, 2015 (Social Hour at 5:30 pm; dinner/program at 6:30 pm) WHERE: The Big Chill, 911 East Morehead St., Charlotte , NC 28204 Cost: $49 - GCAA Members/NAA-Affliates $64 - non members RsVP: at www.greatercaa.org or phone 704.334.9511 x102 (RSVP/Cancellation deadline is noon on February 3rd; late registrants & walk-ins add $10)

FEBRUARY 5

GCAA February Dinner Meeting with Special Guest

ALEX SHEEN Alex Sheen was a blockbuster hit at the

2014 NAAEI Conference in Denver, Co. those who were fortunate enough to see him were moved by his story and fascinated by what Alex has accomplished from keeping a sim-ple promise to his Dad. This could be the most memorable GCAA Dinner Meeting of all time. Don’t miss it.

Alex Sheen, the founder of because I said I would, speaks around the country about the importance of a promise. Alex and his philanthropic work have been featured on ABC World News with Diane Sawyer, Good Morning America, the TODAY Show, The Steve Harvey Show, CNN, Fox News, HLN and other programs. He has spoken to audiences ranging from the world’s largest consulting firm to elementary school assemblies. because I said I would is a social movement and non-profit dedicated to bettering humanity through prom-ises made and kept. Visit becauseIsaidIwould.com or check Facebook for more.

Sponsored by APARTMENTS.COM

mailto:[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]


from your products & services council president

Jeff Goldman

Hello GCAA Owners and Associates:

Happy New Year! 2014 flew by, hard to believe it’s already 2015.

It’s an honor to serve as this year’s President of the GCAA’s Product Service Council (PSC). I first want to thank McKenzie Brady with U. S Lawns for her leadership as PSC President last year. For those who don’t know, the PSC underwent major changes in 2014 to make our committee more inclusive and open to all associate (vendor) members of the GCAA. We are headed in the right direction because of her commitment to the success of the GCAA and the PSC. Thanks McKenzie!! You left big shoes to fill. I’m looking forward to working with Jarrod Clay (Cort), PSC Vice President, and Lisa Foley (Full House Marketing), PSC Secretary, to continue our goal of enhancing the relationships between our associates and owners.

Last year’s accomplishments included introducing new opportunities for associates to learn more about our owner/operators through events like “What’s Next?,” a panel discussion led by Ken Szymanski about the future of our industry. Our panelists included Tim Hose with SYNCO, Linda Caudle with Westdale, Carrie Rocray with Bell Partners, Randy Robinson with Lat Purser, Amanda Kitts with Riverstone, and Leslie Turner with Hammond. We also learned about “Annoying Sales Tactics to Avoid” from Mindy McCorkle from Enhancement Talent Development. Thanks to all our speakers for participating in these educational seminars!

I am ecstatic about our plans for 2015. The PSC subcommittees have been working diligently the last few months to ensure the events this year are valuable, educational and most importantly bring owners and associates together to build relationships in fun, meaningful ways. Keep checking the GCAA website for more information on the events to come.

Mark your calendars and get ready to rock at our annual trade show at the Charlotte Convention Center on March 19th. This year’s theme is “Battle of the Bands,” so dust off your favorite leather jacket, band t-shirt and air guitars to rock the night with all your favorite associate vendors. There will be great prizes and new products/services for you to explore.

After that, our Charity Golf Classic will be at a new course on April 22nd with loads of great prizes and tons of fun. Last year we had 123 golfers and raised over $1300 for Crisis Assistance Ministries. With your help, I’m sure we can increase our charitable contribution this year. Sign your teams up early so you aren’t left out.

We are also bringing back our popular Executive Dinner this fall for the 2nd year in a row. There will be more information on this plus so many other great events to make 2015 a year of new and stronger relationships in our industry.

The GCAA has over 300 Associate (vendor) members who offer a diverse variety of products and services. I ask that you continue to do business with GCAA members. Your Membership Directory is a great source of valuable information that includes a Buy-ers’ Guide. Please review this section to find a match for the product or service you need. Choosing GCAA-member vendors is encouraged throughout the year and rewarded with our “Do Business with a Member” contest. Thank you to all the properties who submitted their “Do Business with a Member” contest applications this year. Congrats to this year’s winners (see page 30) and thanks to all who helped spread the word about the importance of this contest!

Cheers!

Jeff Goldman, Sr. Business Development Manager, Moen/CFG Cell – (407) 375-1287 • Email – [email protected]

Upcoming Opportunities JUST for VENDORS at the GCAA:

January 7th - PSC Business Meeting ALL Associate Members are welcome and encouraged to attend.

February 11 - Maintenance Spotlight for Vendors Hear from our panel of top management companies’ maintenance supervisors - what they need, how to earn their business, details of their purchasing procedures, etc.

Learn more/RsVP online at greatercaa.org.


trade show

Trade ShowDetails for Guests:

Hundreds of Products& Services to Explore!

Battle of the Bands Theme - dress like your favorite Rock Stars!

$1000 in Cash Prizes PLUS additional concert ticket giveaways!

Great FOOD & Door Prizes!

Send the WHOLE TEAM! Register early to save $RSVP Deadline Cost By March 12th $49Between March 13 & 18 $59Day of Show/At the Door $79Cancellation deadline is March 16

Trade Show Details for Vendors:Who attends the GCAA Trade Show? Over 1,400 GCAA-member multifamily industry professionals; apartment owners, management company executives, regional managers, leasing specialists, property man-agers, maintenance supervisors, assistant managers, service technicians, and other exhibiting vendors.

When can I reserve a booth? NOW! Hurry and reserve yours today; at press time booths were already 65% SOLD. Prospective exhibi-tors must be current GCAA members in good standing to reserve Trade Show booths. NOTE: all 156 booths always sell out, usually in January. Don’t delay.

How much do booths cost and what’s included? Booth fees start at $475, with pricing tiered based on location in the exhibit hall. All booths are 10’ x 10’ and include front/side drapes, 6’ skirted table, 2 chairs, basic signage, and admission for two employees to work the booth. Addition-al attendee fee is $49 per person. Double/Triple booths are available.

For Trade Show information visit:www.greatercaa.orgOr contact Irene Gammon at [email protected]

It’s GCAA’s 2015 Trade Show

Battle BandsMarch 19 at the Charlotte Convention

Center - the biggest event of the GCAA year!

Try our newINTERACTIVETrade ShowFloorplan! 4You can:• check booth

availability

• see who’s in

which booth

• register to exhibit & select

your booth

It’s online & SO COOL!

ofthe

bATTLEba N D S

of the

GCAA's 2015 Trade S

how

Ga

Ca


board of directors

Get to know GCAA’s 2015 Board MembersPRESIDENT - COURTNEY LUNDQUIST, CAPS • S.L. NUSBAUM REALTY COMPANY Courtney Lundquist is a Regional Vice President for S.L. Nusbaum Realty Company. She joined S.L. Nusbaum in 2006 and oversees properties in the Southeastern region. Courtney has over 17 years of successful property man-agement experience working in both conventional and affordable housing (existing and new construction) in the midwest and southeast. She was part of the first GCAA Leadership Lyceum in 2009, was named GCAA’s Manager of the Year in 2010, and has completed her CAPS designation through the NAA. She was named Corporate Em-ployee of the Year for S.L. Nusbaum Realty Company in 2012. She served as chair of the membership committee

in 2012 and as Treasurer of the Board in 2013. On a personal note, Courtney and her husband, Randy have five children, Taylor, Nathan, Ethan, Aiden and Emily. She is an active volunteer in Union County Public Schools and her church and enjoys running, traveling and spending time with her family in her spare time.

VICE PRESIDENT - CHARLOTTE EAKER, CAM, CAPS • CWS APARTMENT HOMES, LLCAs Executive Community Director for CWS, Charlotte has over 20 years of successful property management experience and holds both the CAM and CAPS Designations. She has been with CWS Apartment Homes since July, 1999 and currently manages two communities totaling 736 units with 16 associates. Her career with CWS includes two years as Region Manager overseeing nine communities in the Raleigh/Charlotte/Atlanta markets. Her previous experience includes 9 years with Trammel Crow Residential Services as Community Director and she managed 3 active lease-up communities assisting with designing collateral materials to achieving full operational

status within 6 months. In 2009, Charlotte completed the GCAA’s inaugural Leadership Lyceum Program. She has served on the Operations Committee and chaired the Public Relations Committee in 2012. On a personal note, Charlotte enjoys volunteering with groups such as Family Promise and Crisis Assistance Ministry. Charlotte and her husband, Bill have been happily married for 13 years and enjoy Carolina Panther football and spending time at the beach.

TREASURER - AMANDA KITTS, CAPS • GREYSTARAmanda Kitts (formerly English) worked with Riverstone Residential Group since May of 2006 and joined Greystar through the acquisition in 2014. She has been in the multifamily real estate business since 1998. Amanda holds the CAPS, Certified Occupancy Specialist, Housing Credited Professional, and Public Housing Manager designations and is also a licensed Real Estate Broker for North Carolina. Her expertise includes acquisitions, lease ups, rehabs, senior housing, physically and financially stressed assets, Section 42 / Tax Credit and Public Housing / Section 8. Amanda is skillful in advertising, social media, outreach marketing and enjoys coming up with innovative ways to

not only lease apartments, but to keep residents “connected”. Her GCAA involvement and accolades include: Leadership Lyceum Graduate (Class of 2011), Membership Committee chair (2013), and Volunteer of the Year (2014). Amanda is the 2012 recipient of the Riverstone Residential Group Exemplary Citizen Award and Reach Award. She was recently appointed by Charlotte City Council to serve a 3-year term on the Housing Appeals Board beginning in January, 2015. In her “spare time” Amanda enjoys spending time with her children and granddaughter; she is engaged to be married in the next year.

SECRETARY - JONATHAN TEE, CAS • PARAGON SERVICES GROUP, LLCJonathan Tee joined Paragon Services Group, a construction, site work, and service provider for the multifamily industry in 2012. He holds the NAAEI’s CAS designation, is a graduate of the GCAA and NAA’s Leadership Lyceum program and has held his real estate broker’s license in NC since 2004. After graduating from North Carolina State University, Jonathan began his career in the new construction industry as a project manager overseeing the building and development of communities in the Raleigh area. Since then he also worked in the insurance restoration industry for several years. He has served on multiple GCAA Committees including PSC, Government

Affairs, Operations, and Programs, and will chair the Green Committee in 2014. Jonathan was named an Associate of the Year by the GCAA in 2013. On a personal note, he enjoys spending time outdoors and giving back to a community which has offered him so much through volunteering and outreach programs.

IMMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT - PARRY COBB, CAPS • GCI RESIDENTIALA Savannah, GA native, Parry Cobb is Vice President for GCI Residential, a Real Estate Development and Manage-ment firm. She oversees operations for both established communities and new construction. She served as Chair of the Operations Committee in 2009 and Membership Committee in 2010 and 2011. Parry served as Treasurer of the GCAA Board in 2012, as Vice President in 2013 and President in 2014. She was the recipient of the Manager of the Year Award in 2006. She holds a BA in Communications from the College of Charleston and is a member of the Golden Key National Honor Society. Parry is an Accredited Resident Manager through NAHB and a Certi-

fied Apartment Portfolio Supervisor through NAA. On a personal note, Parry and her husband Chris have a 7 year old daughter, Hannah and 4 year old Mason. She loves vacationing at the beach and in the mountains!


board of directorsLYNN ACKERMAN, CAM, CAPSWEINstEIN PRoPERtIEsLynn is a Regional Property Director for Wein-stein Properties. She began her career in the apartment industry during college and now oversees 4420 units in the Charlotte region. Lynn is a graduate of UNCC, holds a NC RE Broker

license, and earned both CAM and CAPS designations. Previ-ously, she has served on the GCAA Board of Directors, Programs, Government Affairs, and Public Relations committees, and will chair The Outreach Committee for a 2nd year in 2015. Lynn is a graduate of both the GCAA and AANC Leadership Lyceum Programs. On a personal note, she is “newlywed” to her wonder-ful husband, Johnny, and is the proud mother of a 22-year-old son, Alex, and a 14-year-old daughter, Jennifer. In her spare time, Lynn is an avid runner and enjoys the competition of 5ks, 10ks, and half marathons. She is also actively involved in volunteer efforts at Moore Place, Urban Ministry Center, Samaritan House and The Relatives.

SUSAN BOWMANS.L. NUSBAUM REALTY COMPANYSusan Bowman joined S. L. Nubaum Realty Com-pany in 2008 as a Regional Property Manager and oversees properties in the Southeastern region. She has over 25 years of successful property management experience working in

both conventional and affordable housing (existing and new construction) in the Midwest and southeast. She currently man-ages 9 sites located in North and South Carolina. She holds a bachelors degree in psychology from The Ohio State University and graduated from the GCAA Leadership Lyceum Program in 2013. She is currently on the advisory committee for the 2015 Lyceum and will chair the GCAA Programs committee in 2015.

HoLLY CAsPER, CAM, CAPsCAMDEN PROPERTY TRUSTHolly Casper is the District Manager at Camden Property Trust. A native of Maryland, she has lived in Charlotte for twelve years and oversees a portfolio of over 1,600 units. Holly is a graduate from the University of Maryland, has earned her

CAM and CAPS designations, and has previous experience in the corporate housing industry. She has been with Camden for over five years and has served on the GCAA Programs Committee for the past four years. When she is not at work, Holly enjoys spending time with her husband Brian and stepson Jarrod.

DARLINE CoBB • GINKGO RESIDENTIALDarline Cobb joined Ginkgo Residential in 1998 as an Accounting Assistant. In 2004, she transi-tioned to the property management depart-ment as the Settlement Coordinator. Currently, she holds the position of Project Manager. She has won various service awards from Ginkgo

Residential including the Brass Award in 1999, the BEST Award in 2007, and the GEM Award in 2007. Darline received her As-sociates Degree in Business Administration in 1994 from Gaston College and holds a NC Notary Public license. She has been an active member with the GCAA since 2009. She has served on the Membership Committee, co-chaired on the Public Relations Committee in 2010 and 2012, and chaired the Public Relations

Committee in 2013. Through her hard work with GCAA, Darline has been recognized with various prestigious awards including the GCAA Support Team Member of the Year in 2009 and Volun-teer of the Year in 2013. She remains enthusiastically engaged in various social and volunteer organizations including the Toys for Tots, Crisis Assistance Ministry, Urban Ministry Center, Men’s Shelter of Charlotte, Moore Place and Keep Charlotte Beautiful. She is looking forward to continuing her term on the GCAA Board of Directors and volunteering through the Association. She enjoys traveling, spending time with her family and friends, and giving back to the community.

BEN CoLLINs • CRESCENT COMMUNITIESAs Vice President for Crescent, Ben manages and oversees all aspects of the development process throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Ben previously served as development man-ager for Colonial Properties Trust, where he led a southeastern regional development office.

He has also held development management positions with Grubb Properties, the Charlotte Housing Authority, and The Affordable Housing Group. A Madison, Wisconsin native, Ben earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He received an MBA degree with a concentration in real estate from UNC-Charlotte. Ben is a founding member of the UNCC Real Estate Alumni Associa-tion, past chair of the NC Housing Coalition, and serves on the City of Charlotte’s Development Services Technical Advisory Committee. Additionally, Ben is the GCAA’s representative on the REBIC Board of Directors and serves on the GCAA’s Govern-ment Affairs Committee.

NATALIE EDEBURN, CAPS • GREYstARNatalie has spent over nineteen years in the property management industry. She began her career as a leasing consultant and quickly moved up to Assistant Manager and Property Manager positions. Her experience includes working on various Garden and Mid-Rise apart-

ment communities including lease up communities, rehab proj-ects as well as non-performing and REO communities. Natalie has worked with The A.G. Spanos Companies, United Dominion and Trammell Crow. At present she is Director of Real Estate for Greystar. She is well respected and known for her ability to as-semble great teams who produce top results for Asset Managers and Owners. Natalie received Greystar’s Property Manager of the Year Award in 2006, the Spirit of the Star Award in 2007, the Operational Excellence Award in 2008 and Regional Manager of the Year in 2010. Natalie earned the NALP and CAPS designa-tions through the NAA Education Institute and is a graduate of the GCAA’s Leadership Lyceum Program. She also holds her North Carolina Brokers License and is a member of the GCAA’s Government Affairs Committee.

CHARItY ELLIs • BG STAFFINGCharity Ellis joined BG Staffing in 2012 as the Di-rector of Sales for the Charlotte market. In 2013 she was promoted to Regional Sales Manager and now oversees Charlotte, Atlanta, Wash-ington DC, Nashville and will be establishing 2 more markets in the upcoming year. Charity

began her multi-family career in High Point, NC in 2007 as a


board of directorsleasing consultant and worked her way to assistant manager, property manager, and then senior property manager over 3 communities. She earned her CAM designation in 2011 and has been active on several committees including Programs, Membership, YAPS, PSC as well as recently chairing the Green Committee. She is excited to co-chair the Operations com-mittee in 2015. She has a passion for the multifamily industry and believes in promoting education and career growth op-portunities for those in our industry. She especially believes in encouraging the growth of leasing professionals and service team members. Her husband is also an associate member of the GCAA and they have a beautiful daughter who has been an exceptional blessing to them.

TAMI FOSSUM, CPM, CAPSBLUE RIDGE COMPANIESTami Fossum is the Vice President of Manage-ment Services and has been in the multifamily industry since 1989. Tami hosts her Certified Property Manager, Certified Apartment Port-folio Supervisor and Housing Credit Certified

Professional Designations. She received her North Carolina Real Estate Broker’s license in 2006 and holds her South Carolina Salesmen’s licenses. Tami has been actively involved in the GCAA since 1993 and has been a board member since 2004. She served as the GCAA President in 2010. She has and continues to serve on many of the GCAA committees. In 2004, Tami chaired the Education Committee and in 2006 chaired the Programs Committee. GCAA named Tami Manager of the Year in 2003, Volunteer of the Year in 2005, and Instructor of the Year in 2007. She received her highest accolade in 2008 when she received the National Apartment Association (NAA) Paragon award for the Designate of the Year. In 2006, she became a faculty mem-ber of the National Apartment Association Education Institute (NAAEI). She serves on the NAA’s membership committee and Apartment Careers Committees. She also has served on NAAEI’s Curriculum Development. Tami is also an adjunct faculty mem-ber for Rio Salado Community College and NAAEI online CAM instructor teaching their property management courses. Tami is the immediate past president of the GCAAEF and continues to serve on their board.

JEFF GoLDMAN • MOENJeff Goldman is the Sr. Business Development Manager for Moen and CFG Faucets throughout the Carolinas, Georgia and Eastern TN. He is originally from Miami and moved to Charlotte in 2008. In 2009 Jeff joined the GCAA and has been an active associate member ever since. In

December of 2012 he completed his NAAEI CAS designation and is currently the President of the New and Improved Prod-ucts & Services Council. Jeff has been an active member of the GCAA Green Committee since its inception in 2009 and served as a panelist for several “Green” Committee programs. In 1991 he graduated from the University of Alabama (Roll Tide!) with a BS in Marketing and has been in the construction industry ever since. He started his career at Moen in 1998 as a Territory Manager in Greenville, SC and has held various sales and man-agement positions throughout the south in Texas, Florida and the Carolinas. Jeff and his wife Beth live in South Charlotte with their daughter, Emerson, and son, Ellis.

DANA GUANDOLOCHARLOTTE APARTMENT GUIDEAs a Senior Sales Executive for The Charlotte Apartment Guide, Dana oversees marketing and digital advertising sales for multiple manage-ment companies and over 100 apartment com-munities. Originally from Spartanburg, SC, Dana

made her move to Charlotte, NC in 1999 after graduating from Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC. After a career in banking with Wells Fargo Home Mortgage for over 8 years, and obtain-ing her Real Estate license in 2006, Dana joined the Charlotte Apartment Guide in 2009. She serves on the membership com-mittee for the GCAA. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her son Daniel and husband Bill.

LIsA HIGGINs, CAM, CAPs • GREYSTARCharlotte native Lisa Higgins is a Community Manager for Greystar overseeing Plantation Park at Ballantyne. She began her multifamily career in 2003 and became an active member of the Greater Charlotte Apartment Association in 2010, at which time she discovered a passion

for Philanthropy, Government and the Apartment Industry. Over the 4 years of involvement, she completed her Certified Apart-ment Manager and Certified Apartment Portfolio Supervisor designations and graduated with the 2013 GCAA Leadership Lyceum Class. In 2014, Lisa Co-Chaired the Government Affairs Committee and will be the Chairperson for 2015, where she is helping to promote Voting and Legislative efforts throughout the multifamily industry. She has also served on the Outreach Committee, YAPS, and Programs Committees.

ALIsHA LAPoRtE, CAM, CAPsGCI REsIDENtIAL Alisha is a Regional Property Manager for GCI Residential, LLC where she oversees communi-ties in both Raleigh and Charlotte. She began her career in the apartment industry in 1997 in Austin, Texas. Alisha holds her CAM and CAPS

Designations, and was a member of the GCAA Leadership Lyceum class of 2011. She has served on the GCAA PR com-mittee, chaired the Membership committee in 2014, and will co-chair the YAPS committee in 2015. Alisha has a very diverse background in property management and has worked in sev-eral capacities both onsite and at a corporate level. In addition to conventional and new construction properties, she also has an extensive background in compliance for Tax Credit, Bond (501c3), and mixed income properties. Alisha has been married to her husband, Damon, since 2003 and they have two children, Gracie (10) and Roeman (8) as well as two furry rescue “kids”, Daisy & Fozzy. In her spare time, you can find Alisha spending quality family time cheering on her daughter in gymnastics and her son in wrestling.

BEttY MACGEoRGE, CAM, CAPsFAIRFIELD REsIDENtIAL, LLC

As Regional Property Supervisor for Fairfield Residential, Betty oversees properties in both North and South Carolina and has worked for Fairfield since July 2007. Betty holds both her Certified Apartment Manager and Certified

Apartment Property Supervisor designations. She holds her


board of directorsNorth Carolina Real Estate Broker’s license and is a North Caro-lina Notary Public. Betty is a 2013 Graduate of the GCAA Lead-ership Lyceum Program. In 2006, she served on the board of directors for the Triad Apartment Association. She was recently awarded the prestigious Fairfield Difference Award. Her areas of expertise include new construction, value add, distressed properties, and conventional multifamily housing. On a per-sonal note, when she is not working she enjoys spending time on the lake with her family and friends.

CHERYL MURPHY, CASCLICK PACK MOVE, INC.Cheryl is the owner/president of Click Pack Move, Inc. Apartment Locating Service. She has been active in the GCAA for six years and cur-rently serves on both the Outreach Committee and the Education Advisory Council. Cheryl is

an instructor for NALP Designation classes, participated in the 2011 GCAA Leadership Lyceum Program and received her CAS designation in 2012. Originally from Toledo, Ohio, she moved to Charlotte in 1984 and began her career in the multifamily industry. She established All About Locating Apartments in 1997 and then incorporated as Click Pack Move, Inc. in 2010. Click Pack Move, Inc. is located in Mint Hill, NC and is now serving the Triad area, Research Triangle Park area, as well as the greater Charlotte/Metro area. Cheryl is married to Steve Murphy and they have two sons, both of whom are attending Appalachian State University. They live in a tiny farmhouse on 12 acres in Stanly County.

MIKE RINALDO, CAM • NORTHWOOD RAVINMike Rinaldo has been in the industry since 1998 and is currently the Director of Training for Northwood Ravin. He received his CAM designa-tion in 1999 and his NAAEI Advanced Instructor Certification in 2007. Mike has been very active with the GCAA over the years. He is a returning

board member, was Chairman of the Green Committee in 2012 and 2013, and has served on the Education Advisory Council since 2005. Mike has been an active instructor with the GCAA having taught CAM and NALP classes in addition to the yearly offering of the Leasing Essentials class. Mike won the GCAA Vol-unteer of the Year in 2008 and was our Instructor of the Year in 2013. In 2015, Mike will begin his 2-year term as President of the Education Foundation and Chairman of the Education Advisory Council. In his personal life, Mike is a martial arts enthusiast and guitar player, but his favorite thing to do is spend time with his wife, Shelley, and two daughters, Taylor and Gianna.

BRANDI RoBELotto, CAM • REAL FLOORSBrandi has worked in the multifamily industry and has participated as an active member of the Greater Charlotte Apartment Association since 1992. Her first opportunities in property management were with Merry Land and Invest-ment Company and Equity Residential, after

which she transitioned to Cornerstone Residential as Regional Marketing Director. After 11 years in Property Management, Brandi worked as Market Sales Manager/Publisher for The Greater Charlotte Apartment Guide and in Summer, 2014 joined the Real Floors team as an account executive. Brandi has served two terms on the GCAA Board of Directors (Secretary, 2014),

as well as on the Membership (Chair, 2006), Public Relations, and Government Affairs Committees. She has served on the Products and Services Council since 2003 and was the Council’s 2013 President. Brandi was named GCAA Volunteer of the Year in 2013 and Associate of the Year in 2014. Brandi and her husband Michael have raised two amazing daughters, Stephanie (27) and Megan (22). In her spare time you can find her visiting NC wineries, listening to music, cooking or gardening.

GAYLE sEBAstIAN, CAs APARtMENt FINDERGayle is an Account Executive for Apartment Finder. She began her career in property man-agement in Southeast Florida 1992 where she worked for 14 years both onsite and on the vendor side. She was awarded Associate Sales

Representative of the Year in 2003 by the SEFAA. In 2005, Gayle and her family relocated to Charlotte, and she obtained her NC Real Estate Broker’s License. She joined the Apartment Finder team in 2009 and has been active with GCAA. She participated in the 2011 GCAA Leadership Lyceum Program, served as President of the Products and Services Council in 2012, and also received her Certified Apartment Supplier (CAS) designation in 2012. Gayle has served on the Board of Directors since 2012, and was Secretary in 2013. She currently serves on the GCAA Education Foundation Board of Directors and the Education Advisory Council. Family time is her favorite time, but with both daughters in college and living lives of their own, Gayle and her husband of 24 years, Rich, are enjoying raising their new puppy and watching TV shows like Parenthood, Scandal and The Black-list and cheering for Duke Football and Basketball. Go Duke!

JENNINGs sNIDER • sYNCo PRoPERtIEsJennings is the Chief Financial Officer for SYNCO Properties. In his role as CFO he serves as the company’s Director of Reporting & Analysis and Senior Investment Officer. Prior to joining SYNCO in 2006, Jennings spent nearly two years as a financial analyst with Bank of America in

their real estate finance group. Jennings holds a Bachelor of Arts and Science degree from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude and was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa National Honor Society. In addition to his work as an officer of SYNCO, Jennings serves on the board of directors for the Council For Children’s Rights, a non-profit organization focused on ensuring that every child in Charlotte/Mecklenburg is safe, healthy and educated.


gcaa staff

Meet the GCAA staff!GCAA is fortunate to maintain a staff of seven professionals who are dedicated to the Association and its members. Collectively, this experienced, energetic team boasts an unprecedented tenure of 67 years of employment with the GCAA. They’d love to share their expertise with you, so please feel free to phone or email any time with questions, comments, ideas, or concerns.

KEN SZYMANSKI, EXECUTIVE [email protected]; phone x108Ken Szymanski has served as Executive Director for both the GCAA and the AANC since 1986. He represents and promotes the rental housing industry before the media, legislative bodies, other trade associations, and the GCAA membership. Ken is a Registered Lobbyist in the North Carolina General Assembly and has served

on several committees of the NC Building Code Council. He has twice been named “Association Executive of the Year” by the National Apartment Association. He holds a B.A. degree in Urban Geography from the State University of New York at Albany and a Master’s in City & Regional Planning from Western Kentucky University. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners and the Urban Land Institute. Ken is a graduate of Leadership North Carolina, serves as Chairman of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Coalition for Housing, and is a recipient of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Community Relations Committee’s “Fair Housing Hero” Award. His career in housing and community development has included jobs in Texas, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and his native New York. In his spare time Ken enjoys playing tennis.

IRENE GAMMON, COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING [email protected]; phone x106Irene has been with the GCAA since 2002. Her prior work experi-ence includes over a decade in the field of graphics and printing. In her present position, she handles all of the GCAA’s publica-tions, marketing, and electronic communications projects. Irene

authors, designs, and disseminates GCAA and AANC information via the GCAA website (www.greatercaa.org), the Apartment Times magazine, broadcast email, and social media. She also serves as GCAA’s chief photographer and fields most inquires from the local media. Often focused on the GCAA’s Associate Membership, Irene manages all aspects of the annual Trade Show and is the staff liaison to multiple PSC subcommit-tees. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from James Madison University with a B.A. in English. Irene’s free time usually involves adventures with her husband Eric Emerson and their three teenagers. She’s proud, excited, and already a bit devastated that her daughter Emma will be heading off to college later this year.

FRAN PETZOlD, FINANCIAl [email protected]; phone x105Having initially served as the GCAA’s part-time administrative as-sistant, Fran was promoted to Membership Services Coordinator in September, 2005, and to Director of Operations in June, 2007. In her present role as Financial Manger, Fran oversees all the accounting functions of the three associations (GCAA, GCAAEF &

AANC) run from this office including invoicing, accounts receivable and payable, and more. She also provides senior member service support, serves as staff liaison to the Outreach Committee, and manages the forms world for AANC. Fran’s previous experi-ence includes a real estate evaluation and accounting position with Meineke Car Care Specialists and customer service provider at the YMCA. Fran has lived in Charlotte for over 35 years and spends free time with her family (husband Bruce, daughter Hannah, and dog Sophie), at the YMCA, and reading.

PAT DORCY, OFFICE AND EVENTS [email protected]; phone x104Pat joined the GCAA staff in October of 2005 and is now serving as Office & Events Manager, which entails an eclectic assortment of responsibilities. She coordinates the organizational details of the Association’s membership meetings and seminars, supports the Programs and Operations Committees, oversees the annual New

Construction Bus Tour and Golf Tournament, and manages a variety of inter-office mat-ters such as HR, staff scheduling, and payroll. Pat’s previous career was in the human resources field and she holds a B.A. degree in English from the State University of New York at Geneseo. Pat and her husband Ken relocated to NC from New York and have raised all three of their children, Michael (23), Brian (19), and Claire (16), in Charlotte.

JENNIFER GAlEAZZI, CAM, EDUCATION & MEMbER SERVICES [email protected]; phone x103Jennifer joined the GCAA staff in November of 2008 after having worked on site as a community manager. She received her CAM designation in 2007. Her responsibilities in the full-time position of Education & Member Services Coordinator include overseeing

and coordinating all NAAEI Designation & Certification programs as well as providing services in response to a variety of member requests. Other duties include recruiting new members to the GCAA, retaining existing members, and acting as staff liaison to the Education Advisory Council, the Membership Committee, and the GCAA Education Foundation. Jennifer and her husband Billy have two sons, Christian and Ryan, and a daughter, Kate.

bRYAN HOllADAY, GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS [email protected]; phone x109Bryan joined the GCAA team September 2013 as Government Af-fairs Manager. As such, his efforts focus on forming and maintain-ing viable working relationships with key elected and appointed government officials. Bryan keeps these leaders aware of GCAA members’ interests and concerns in legislative and regulatory

arenas. Voter registration, city planning/zoning, and inspections issues are some areas of immediate concern. Bryan holds a B.A. degree in Business Administration and Marketing form the University of Colorado Business School; his previous experience includes employment in the areas of Human Resources, Public and Media Relations, and Government Affairs for both the Hospitality and Real Estate industries. Bryan and his wife Jennifer have three remarkably awesome children. Outside of work Bryan is known to occasionally reads books about fairies, battle monsters (or other bad guys), and discuss the OMGness of the latest Taylor Swift song.

SHEllY MUSSONI, MEMbER SERVICES [email protected]; phone x107Shelly began her full-time position as Member Services Coordina-tor in December, 2014. Besides member services, her responsi-bilities include assisting the Executive Director and overseeing special projects such as AANC’s Education & Legislative Conference and GCAA’s Leadership Lyceum and Sponsorship Programs. She

also serves as the staff liaison to the Young Apartment Professionals Committee and supports both the Membership Committee and Products & Services Council. Shelly received her CAM designation in 1993 and holds a B.A. degree in Business Adminis-tration from UNC-Charlotte. Her previous experience includes community and area management, a decade as a new home sales consultant, and most recently a Mortgage Loan Originator for Massachusetts-based Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America. Shelly has called Charlotte home for almost 29 years. She enjoys traveling, scuba diving, and reading European-authored murder mysteries.

mailto:[email protected]


GaCa

Serving Rental Housing Needs

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We will walk your property and provide you with a detailed quote including a fully-priced overview page, individual per-unit quotes and custom order forms. Your quote will include product images to simplify the selection and ordering process.

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Lex Marsh Award WinnerJohn Huson

Carocon

Associate of the YearBrandi Robelotto

Real Floors

Property Managerof the Year

Melissa BernardSolis Sharon Square

Assistant Manager of the Year - Taren SpenceAshton Reserve at

Northlake

Leasing Professional of the Year - Linda Scrudato

Camden Touchstone

Service Supervisor of the Year - Neil WiltshireCamden Grandview

Service Technician of theYear - Rick Bennett

Oakbrook

Volunteer of the YearAmanda Kitts

Greystar

The GCAA 2014 BRAVO AWARDSWinners & Photo Highlights

Customer Service AwardJarrod Clay

CORT

Volunteer of the YearBetsy Kirkpatrick

BG Staffing

Corporate Professional of the Year - Scott Wilkerson

Ginkgo Residential

Instructor of the YearFred Kicsak (R)

Blue Ridge Companies(with Jonathan Cheville)


New Property of the YearElement Uptown

Team of the YearArbor Steele Creek, Chartwell Management

Some of GCAA’s 2014 NAAEIProfessional Designation Recipients

Your trusty GCAA staff (L to R):Fran, Jennifer, Irene, Shelly, Pat,

Ken, and BryanE Bonanni with our Executive Sponsor:

Elite Flooring

2014 APT Scholarship Winners (L to R)Brian Wood (CAPS), Jamie Pike (CAM) & Steven Outz (CAMT)

2014 President Parry Cobb inductsS.L. Nusbaum’s Courtney Lundquist

as 2015 GCAA Board President

The GCAA 2014 BRAVO AWARDSWinners & Photo Highlights

2014 PSC PresidentMcKenzie Brady with

her successor, Jeff Goldman of Moen

Guest emceeBea Thompsonfrom CBS Radio

Thanks to the 400+ GCAA members who joined us for the BRAVO AWARDS


gcaa opportunities Did you see our BRAVO AWARDS program cover?

Each of these beautiful featured faces belongs to a GCAA volunteer! Some serve on committees; some are members of our Board of Directors; some teach classes for us. Whatever the nature of their specific service, GCAA would like to thank EVERY SINGLE ONE of our generous and talented Volunteers! Volunteering is something that you, as a GCAA member, can do too! We welcome any/all members to share their ideas, expertise, and energy. Read below and on the facing page for details about how to get involved!

GCAA’s Young Apartment Professionals present the

GCAA GREEK OPEN HOUSECome explore the many opportunities that GCAA can offer YOU! Get the details about our volunteer committees, NAAEI Professional Designation Programs, educational seminars, and networking events. See what appeals to you most & learn how to get involved!

** Refreshments provided courtesy of Phoenix Landscaping **

WHEN: Monday, January 12, 2014 • 6:00 - 7:30 pmWHERE: GCAA Career Development Center 6060 Piedmont Row Dr. south, suite 575ARsVP: At greatercaa.org or call 704.334.9511 x102

FREEFOR GCAAMEMBERS


gcaa opportunities

GCAA needs YOUR ideas in 2015; join a volunteer committee today!Serving on one of the Greater Charlotte Apartment Association’s Committees is a great way to connect with our growing organization and the ever-changing apartment industry.

As a Committee Member, you’ll meet colleagues while participating in important Association business and decision-making. Choose to be involved in 2015.

Just check the group(s) below which interest you, and GCAA staff will contact you with more details. Thanks!

Please return this completed form to a GCAA staff member, or fax to 704-333-4221. You’ll be notified of the meeting schedule(s) via e-mail.Name ____________________________________________Company Name ______________________________________

Phone ____________________________________________Email _______________________________________________

GoVERNMENt AFFAIRs CoMMIttEE: This committee monitors legislative issues affecting the multifamily industry at the local, state, and national levels. Its members represent the apartment industry before Charlotte City Council, Mecklenburg County Commission, and governmental staff. This committee also works closely with the AANC.

GREEN CoMMIttEE: This group’s focus is to educate GCAA‘s owner/operator members about the latest trends and opportunities in environmentally-conscious, sustainable multifamily operations. The committee organizes educational programs, has guest speakers, goes on outings, and contributes to GCAA’s publications and website.

MEDIA RELAtIoNs CoMMIttEE: This committee works to bring positive media attention to the apartment industry as a whole, through highlighting the GCAA’s efforts in the areas of education, community service, and legislative advocacy. Participants also identify and engage key GCAA leaders who can respond to negative media attention when needed.

MEMBERsHIP CoMMIttEE: This group performs the important tasks of obtaining quality new members and retaining existing members. Its members develop and execute strategies for member recruiting, orientation, and retention - in-cluding direct contact and follow-up with prospects and current members. This group organizes annual membership drives and additional networking opportunities throughout the year.

oPERAtIoNs CoMMIttEE: This committee’s members play key roles in planning and executing the GCAA’s annual New Construction Bus Tour, a major annual undertaking which showcases new apartment product in our market. They also collect/analyze data to produce the Association’s biannual Salary Survey.

OUTREACH COMMITTEE: This group works to identify areas of need in the community and plan activities which will provide appropriate service and support. In recent years the Outreach Committee has partnered with Keep Charlotte Beautiful, the Urban Ministry Center, Moore Place, Charlotte Family Housing, and other charitable organizations.

PRODUCTS & SERVICES COUNCIL: Products & Services Council participants work to enhance the valuable working relationships between GCAA-member apartment owner/operators and vendors. PSC Subcommittees focus on specific areas/programs including the Golf Outing, Executive Dinner, Trade Show, and Associate Development. The Products & Services Council is open to any/all GCAA Associate members in good standing.

PRoGRAMs CoMMIttEE: This committee researches and schedules quality programs for the monthly General Mem-bership meetings. Its goal is to secure a range of informative, engaging speakers and to present subjects that will appeal to the diverse membership. The group also schedules seminars of industry-related topics for the membership; supplementary to the NAAEI designation courses.

YOUNG APARTMENT PROFESSIONALS COMMITTEE: This group’s efforts focus on increasing association involvement of members who are “young” in the industry. “YAPs” volunteers organize quarterly social events at which GCAA mem-bers can network with industry peers, learn more abut the Association, and explore multifamily career opportunities.


apartment safety

Protect yourApartment Homeduring a FREEZE

When temperatures are forecast to be below 32 ° F, water pipes can freeze, burst, and cause a great deal of damage. Help protect your apartment home by taking these steps during a freeze:

1) let your faucets drip! Run both hot and cold water in a very fine stream in each of your apartment’s faucets: kitchen sink, bathroom sinks, bath tubs, showers, etc.

2) Open your cupboards! Leave the cabinet doors under all sinks open so that the pipes will be ventilated with warm air. Leaving the bathroom and kitchen doors open helps too.

3) Heat your home! If you leave for the day (or an extended period of time) do not turn the heat completely off. Turn it on, set to the lowest setting you wish (60 ° is recom-mended).

4) be alert! If you see anything unusual - for example if your water does not come on, or if you see water leaking anywhere in or around your apartment building, notify the leasing office and the maintenance team immediately!

These precautions are essential in order to avoid the more drastic measure of temporarily cutting off the water to all apartments and draining the lines to prevent damage from bursting pipes.

A note about insurance: The casualty insurance on the apartment owner’s building does not cover damages to residents’ property. A renter’s insurance policy can cover unexpected damage from water, fire, windstorm, etc. to your personal belongings.

# Clip and share w

ith residents (or download PD

F at greatercaa.org)


from your executive director

Ken Szymanski

the Future Belongs to the EfficientWe should all feel really good about being in the apartment industry, as multifamily rental housing is the essence of efficiency for our residents and for the cities that our communities are located in. Energy, time, money, space, air quality, and the environment are all precious commodities that multifamily rental housing respects and values. Apartments minimize the waste and bloatedness of inefficient low-density development on and beyond the urban fringe. The market places a premium on value for consumers, both now and into the future.

Young adults are increasingly eschewing lengthy auto trips as they choose to live in engaging, walkable communities. From the city perspective, higher density housing demands the need for retail; proximity between residential and shops makes each more feasible. So, we’re likely to see more infill developments that take advantage of the benefits and synergy of urban clustering. Renters don’t seem to mind living in smaller spaces as a trade-off for better access to recreation and work. You can see this in any of the world’s big cities.

Savvy apartment residents will continue to scrutinize utility costs in apartments – especially where rent growth has far outstripped wage levels. As a result, housing providers (GCAA members) will need to take steps to make apartment homes more energy efficient via better draft-stopping, less wasteful water usage, better insulation, and LED lighting.

the Housing Choice Voucher Program and source of Income ProtectionHaving been around the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program (Section 8) for many years, I’d estimate that only about 15-20% of rent-eligible market-rate apartment communities choose to participate in this voluntary program. And that’s because spending the time to manage the voucher administrative process (approval, contracts, inspec-tions, rent increases) makes it a losing proposition for an owner unless demand is not there without expanding the demand pool to include voucher-holders. Throw in the unknown of the potential response of market-rate customers to the participation in the program and possibly lowering the Demand Pool by some amount, and it is not surprising that most market-rate rental operations respectfully decline to participate in the program.

So, for the Charlotte Housing Authority (CHA) and other local authorities, the key to facilitating better market-rate participation is to address and minimize these objections. To provide relief. And they are. For example, the CHA is now going to bi-annual inspections at properties that have had good track records with passing HUD Housing Quality Standards inspections. Similarly, the CHA is now conducting the Rent Comparable Analysis that serves to rationalize rent increases, and no longer places this burden on the housing provider. And the CHA can assign service providers to each Housing Choice Voucher household to help them become good residents.

The political point here is: if Housing Choice Voucher holders routinely get turned down by lots of housing providers, it should not surprise anyone if they seek relief from their elected officials. In other political jurisdictions outside of Charlotte and North Carolina, this has esca-lated into Fair Housing “Source of Income” protection for these households. Most of our members strongly disfavor such protection. One way to keep this idea from getting much traction is for more of our members to participate in the HCV Program. Call 704.788.8733

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naaei professional designation programsAs an affiliate of the National Apartment Association, the GCAA is pleased to be the Charlotte market’s exclusive provider of the NAA Education Institute’s nationally-recognized professional designation and certificate programs.

For additional course details and/or to REGISTER FOR A COURSE, VISIT WWW.GREATERCAA.ORGor contact Jennifer Galeazzi at [email protected] / 704.333.4221 x103.

Begins February 20th

When: once class per month; (on Fridays, Feb - June: 2/20, 3/20, 4/17, 5/22, and 6/19) 9 am - 5 pm Where: GCAA Career Devel. Ctr.Cost: $999 GCAA members; $1299 non-members

The CAPS course is ideal for multi-site supervisors and on-site managers who aspire to take the next step to portfolio supervision. CAPS students de-velop technical and leadership skills, while immedi-ately improving their on-the-job performance.Areas of Study Include:• Financial Management• Property Performance Management• Property Evaluation & Due Diligence• Effective Leadership• Legal Responsibilities• Risk Management

CAPS TESTIMONIAL“The one thing that set me apart

was earning my CAPS designation.The course was challenging

and rewarding. “Marcie Williams, CAM, CAPS

Senior Director of Real Estate, Greystar

Begins Feb. 24th

When: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 8:30 am - 12:30 pm Feb. 24 - March 31 and April 14-21Where: GCAA Career Devel. Ctr.Cost: $859 GCAA members; $1117 non-members

The CAMT course is both an introduction for new maintenance technicians and a refresher for the veteran employee. CAMT provides all the knowledge and skills needed to run an effective apartment maintenance program.Areas of Study Include:• Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC, Appliance

Maintenance & Repair• Interior/Exterior Maintenance & Repair• Inside the Apartment Business• People, Projects, & Profits• The Future of Air Conditioning

The CAMT CURRICULUMincludes both technical and

non- technical coursecomponents. Both offer

on-line practiceoptions for students.

Begins March 4th

When: (once class per week) March 4, 11, & 25 (9 am - 5 pm) and April 8 (9 am - Noon)Where: GCAA Career Devel. Ctr.Cost: $389 GCAA members; $506 non-members

NALP is ideal for all leasing professionals who seek formal, comprehensive training. It can be especial-ly useful for those who have recently joined theindustry and want to learn more while acquiring their experience.Areas of Study Include:• Keys to Success in Leasing• Leasing & the Internet• Leasing Demonstration & Resolving Objections• Rental Policies & Procedures• Telephone Presentations• The Leasing Interview• Market Survey Presenation

NALP TESTIMONIAL“This course was very

helpful in my current job and will be in my

future endeavors as well.”-one of GCAA’s recent

NALP Designates


Charlotte Office:1805 Lucas Lane

Charlotte, NC 27213

704.676.6104

fax: 704.676.6107

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More than flooring.


social/charity event

Once again GCAA’s PR Committee is hosting this popular annual event. The team fee of $175 (for five bowlers) includes three games of bowling plus shoe rental.

When: Friday, February 20th, 2015 • 1:00 - 4:00 pm(Grill opens at NOON for lunch)

Where: Northcross Lanes, 16317 Statesville Rd., Huntersville 28078Cost: $175 per team of five bowlers

Limited number of teams available! to reserve yours, visitwww.greatercaa.org or email Fran Petzold at [email protected]

Be sure to ask about the new VIP LANE option!

Bowling Tournament

bOWlERS:

bring cash for raffle

tickets to win GREAT

DOOR PRIZES!

All proceeds will benefit the GCAA Education Foundation’s

APT Scholarship Program!

Friday, February 20th- It’s GCAA’s Annual Charity


gcaa education

Pool Operator Certification from GCAAThis certification is REQUIRED in the state of North Carolina, so GCAA is here to provide the training!Whether your techs need NC Certification, would prefer National CPO Certification, or are just looking for a refresher course in pool operation & maintenance, we’ve got your teams covered. Here’s the schedule for 2015:

POOL SCHOOL 2015Half-Day Refresher Course: Provides updates on latest requirements, laws, and trends in apartment pool operation (no certification). April 23 only. $75 for GCAA members.

One-Day Course (5-Year NC Certification): Meets all the requirements of NC’s Public Swimming Pool Statutes. Jan. 27, Feb. 17, March 17, April 23, May 20, June 16, or Aug. 25. $125 for GCAA members.

Two-Day Course (5-Year National CPO Certification): Meets all requirements for both the National Swimming Pool Foundation’s Certified Pool Operator (CPO) certification and NC’s Public Swimming Pool Statutes. May 21 plus any one-day session listed above. $245 for GCAA members.

GCAA offers MANY course options to suit yourspecific training needs and busy schedules!Various

ClassesBetween

Jan. 27 and

Aug. 25

Ga

Ca

Register online at www.greatercaa.orgFebruary 10th at GCAA: TWO “Can’t Miss” Seminars with Tara Carter!

Feb. 10th MoRNING (9:00 am - Noon)

Take Time for Time ManagementWorking smarter Not Harder plus REAL tools to Convert More LeasesThis session will help busy property management profes-sionals develop their time management skills via delega-tion, prioritization, and overall improved focus.

Attendees will learn proven time management tech-niques, how to use a decision matrix, ways to enhance delegation, and how to build bench strength with their team. Specific areas of discussion will include:• Identifying a profitable internet source• Strategic outreach marketing planning• Making sense of reporting analytics to save money• Navigating the Google+ landscape

Feb. 10th AFtERNooN (1:30 - 4:30 pm)

Customer Service & Resident RetentionUnlock your Team’s Hidden PotentialEnsure better resident retention with this ‘back to ba-sics’ approach to customer service. Stop wasting time on planning and coordinating events that are unimportant to most residents. Explore proven steps to create positive energy and overall satisfaction in team members and res-idents alike. Tara’s approach will infuse the whole team with a renewed commitment to exceeding expectations as they take away tools and tactics to:• Increase employee buy-in • Reduce resident turnover • Exceed resident expectations• Build customers for life • Improve retention ratios

Details, Details:

Location: GCAA Career Development Center, 6060 Piedmont Row Dr. s., suite 575A, Charlotte 28287Cost: (for either session) $80 for GCAA Members; $105 for non-membersCECs: NAAEI Designates can earn 3 CECs per sessionRsVP: at greatercaa.org or call 704-334-9511 x102 (deadline to rsvp/cancel is 5 pm on Feb. 6th)

Seminar leader Tara Carter, CPM began her career in property management at the age of 18 in Austin,Texas. She has held numerous on-site and corporate positions including Property Manager, District Manager, Regional VP, and Asset Manager with firms including Riverstone Residential, Colonial Properties and Trammel Crow Residential. Tara founded Luxe Resi-dential, LLC, a full-service asset management and consulting company which offers leadership and career development coaching for property management professionals. Tara is also a Certified Instructor with the NAA Education Institute.

Choose EItHERsession

or BotH!


gcaa education

About your instructor: Excel Expert Mark Tofano is President and founder of TeleSys Technologies, Inc. in Charlotte, NC, which provides transport and switching solutions for data, voice, and video information. His previous experience includes software development and engineering for the personal computer, banking, aeronautics, and electronics industries. Mark graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Maryland. He has been a chorus member in over 20 Opera Carolina productions.

Date: February 19th, 2015BAsIC CLAss time: 9:00 to 11:30 am (8:30 am registration) Cost: $80 GCAA Members • $105 Non Members CECs: 2.5

INtERMEDIAtE CLAss time: 1:30 - 4:00 pm (1:00 pm registration) Cost: $80 GCAA Members • $105 Non Members CECs: 2.5 Place: GCAA Career Development Center RsVP: online at www.greatercaa.org or phone 704.334.9511 x102 Please register separately for each session.

GCAA MEMBER SPECIAL: Attend both BASIC and INTERMEDIATE classes and save money - just $130 for both! (GCAA members only)

Back by Popular Demand! Microsoft EXCEL Training - February 19 “Mark was an amazing instructor, explained things with great detail and at a level that everyone understood... everything he taught was completely relevant to what I do every day.” - Lisa Higgins, Property Mgr., Plantation Park Apts.

The BASIC CLASS will cover• How to create basic spreadsheets• Formatting efficiency• Basic Excel functions and features

The INTERMEDIATE CLASS will cover:• How to create multiple and more

complex spreadsheets• Using Excel’s pre-set formulas and/or

functions to streamline your work• Advanced formatting techniques• Question & Answer time

NOTE: Both sessions are HANDS-ON courses; participants will need to bring their own laptop computers with Microsoft Excel already installed

The U.S. heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration in-dustry is currently undergoing a period of unprecedented change. The pressures driving these changes - technological innovation in building design and energy conservation - are altering the U.S. market with re-sultant impacts on equipment and applications. In this seminar, you’ll learn about vital industry updates & explore these subject areas:Troubleshooting • Diagnostics/Repairs • New Requirements

When: February 25th, 9 am - NoonCost: $80 GCAA Members • $105 PublicCECs: 3 Place: GCAA Career Development Center RsVP: online at www.greatercaa.org or phone 704.334.9511 x102

Maintenance Training - February 25th

HVAC INDUSTRY CHANGES UPDate

About your instructor: Mr. Vann Flippen brings a depth of knowledge and insight from his 20+ years in property management. He began as a maintenance director and is now a training and product specialist with Chadwell Supply. Vann is an NSPF CPO Instructor, EPA Proctor, MAS & MRS, NAAEI Faculty member, & Instructor at FSU.

Great for Service Techs/Supervisors

AND Property /Regional

Managers


event photos & membership updates

Train the TrainerIn December GCAA offered a five-session “Train the Trainer” course for new & aspiring instructors. The lucky participants enjoyed coaching from some of our best and brightest veteran trainers:

Mindy McCorkle & Mary Gwyn Tami Fossum & Mike RinaldoAmy Kosnikowski & Rebecca Rosario

Products &Services Council Year-End SocialMembers of the PSC met up at Crown Station Coffee House & Pub for some early December festivities...

Renewals! Thanks to these 50 companies for recently renewing their GCAA memberships!55 Regal Oaks, LLCAmerican Furniture RentalApartment Realty AdvisorsArruth Associates, Inc.Brownlee Law FirmCAPREITCapture the MarketCarroll Management GroupCharlotte Center for Urban MinistryChevington AssociatesChildress Klein PropertiesChurchill Forge Properties

Craig-Lomax, LLCD & L Parts CoDarby TerraceDrucker & Falk, LLCEastern Roof TechnologiesFast Signs South TryonFred H Beck & AssocFresh & Bright Corp.Get A Grip of CharlotteGrubb Properties, Inc.Gvest Partners LLCH&S Roofing Co, IncHolly Leaf Apartments

Housing Partnership, TheJMG RealtyKeyper SystemsKings III Emergency CommunicationsLeaseHawkLoebsack & Brownlee, PLLCMarietta Drapery CompanyMaxwell, BarbaraMurray Supply CompanyOn-SitePappas PropertiesParker Poe Adams & BernsteinPerfect Image Printing

Performance Initiatives, Inc.Phoenix Landscape Mgmt.Piedmont Natural Gas Co.Ram Realty ServicesRediCarpetRobinson, Bradshaw & HinsonS.B.E. Corporation, Inc.Sentinel Real Estate Corp.UDR Eastern Residential Inc.Waypoint Residential Mgt SvcsWinn ResidentialYFP Management

Marcie Williams


membership

The following 12 companies joined the GCAA in October or November of 2014. Help us welcome them - now and throughout the year. And remember to DO BUSINESS WITH GCAA MEMBERS as often as you can!

ASSOCIATES (VENDORS)

Alpha omega ConstructionRoofingContact: Martin [email protected]

Bath FitterBath RemodelingContact: Melanie [email protected]

BB & M ArchitectureArchitectsContact: Tripp [email protected]: Tim Hose

Community LinkAffordable Housing ResourceContact: Sommer [email protected]

DAs ArchitectureArchitectsContact: Dane [email protected]

Shiel SextonGeneral ContractorContact: Ben [email protected]: Chad Hagler

tide ValetValet Trash ServiceContact: Jon [email protected]

oWNER/oPERAtoRs

Berkley Hall ManagementOwner - Arbors at Fort Mill (220) Contact: Jennifer Chapel704 [email protected]

Broad Management GroupOwner - Lake Arbor (288) Contact: Charles [email protected]

omni Property ManagementSmall Owner - Trinity Community (24)704 [email protected]

Palmetto Charlotte, LLCOwner - Palmetto Place (184)Contact: Jeff [email protected]

Rudisill PropertiesSmall owner (10) - West College, Fieldcrest Contact: Ginger [email protected]




members in the newsAmanda Kitts of Greystar, who will serve as Treasurer of the GCAA Board of Directors in 2015, was appointed to the Housing Appeals Board by Charlotte City Council in November. Amanda is slated to begin her 3-year term on January 1, 2015; her primary duty will be to hear appeals from housing code enforcement decisions. She is eager to serve our community in this new and important capacity. GCAA congratulates Amanda on her appointment.

2104 “Do Business with a Member”Contest WinnersDoing business with GCAA-member vendors paid off for this year’scontest winners! TEAM LUNCHES were delivered to the following:

200+ units category1st place: Whitehall Estates Apartments2nd place: Phillips Mallard Creek

< 200 units category1st place tie: Camden Fairveiw & Riverwalk

Bonus Gift Cards were delivered to randomly-drawn winners:335 Apartments, Courtney Ridge, Hawfield Farms, and Parkland Commons

YAPs Ugly Sweater Party - Photo Highlights


[email protected]

Greater Charlotte Apartment Association 6060 Piedmont Row Drive south, suite 575 Charlotte, NC 28287

Address Service Requested

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2015 GCAA Executive Sponsor

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