October 08 Ciaa Newsletter

“Our Profit is Your Success”

October 2008

An Affiliate Of

We Appreciate You! To show you how much, we are offering all of our members a fantastic seminar by a dynamic national educator...FREE! You’ve already marked your calendars for the Trade Show on October 23. The seminar we’re bringing you will be on the same day from 1:00 - 3:00, directly prior to the opening of the Trade Show floor. There is limited space so we need you to register for this seminar; the registration form is attached. Non members may attend for $50, payable in advance. Space consideration goes to members first.

A little about Cynthiann King: Cynthiann is an international speaker, business leader, degreed educator, curriculum designer, operations manual writer, and course developer. She designs and delivers superlative, targeted educational programs for savvy housing industry professionals throughout the United States and Canada. She delivers live seminars, webinars, teleclasses, and meeting presentations to groups of all types. She is the co-writer of NAHB’s Certified Leasing Professional (CLP) designation course and NAA’s National Accredited Leasing Professional (NALP) certification program. As former Vice President of Education and National Training Director for Equity Residential, and V. P. of Training and Marketing for Wilson Schanzer and for Trammell Crow Residential, Cynthiann developed and delivered successful training and marketing programs for over 350,000 apartment homes located in diverse markets across the nation. She has performed on-site and in supervisory/ executive positions. Cynthiann presents at national, regional and local conferences including Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM), National Apartment Association (NAA), National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), Multi Housing World (MHW), Sales and Marketing Magic’s Brainstorming Conference, National Association of Residential Property Management (NARPM), Public Housing Directors Association (PHDA), local Apartment Associations and for her local Chicagoland Apartment Association. Cynthiann is known nationwide for her interactive, enthusiastic presentations jammed with ready-to-use information. She is a member of the elite professional educators’ society, Pi Lambda Theta and listed in Who's Who in Northern America.

New Members

2008 CIAA Board Members

Positions, Promotions, Postings

Letter from the President

Vendor Spotlight - Jared Frank

September Meeting Highlights

Vendor Listings ICS Open House

General Membership Meeting There will be no General Membership Meeting in October

Vendor Council October 9, 11:30 a.m. Chicken Coop, WDM October 20, 1:00 p.m. Signature Place Apts. Trade Show “Tropical Tradewinds” - - and - Cynthiann King “Team Building for Busy People” October 23 Airport Holiday Inn General Membership Meeting Wednesday - November 12th Airport Holiday Inn Winter Social

Inside Your Newsletter: Committee Updates

Upcoming Events

and “Team Building” Registration Cynthiann King Article Trade Show NAA Connect

Maintenance Olympics December 10th Airport Holiday Inn

Committee Announcements Vendor Council Final details are being hashed out for the Trade Show. The vendor members cordially invite you to attend! Vendors - Next meeting is October 9th at 11:30 at the Chicken Coop. Then on October 20, we’ll have our final meeting at Signature Place Apartments at 1:00.

Vendor Trade Show ~ October 23rd ~ Airport Holiday Inn

Education Committee Coming in 2009 - two new designation courses! CAMT (Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician)

Click on logos for more information

CAPS (Certified Apartment Property Supervisor)

Legislative Committee Bill Forces Jersey Apartment Owners to Exterminate Bedbugs In New Jersey, three Democratic Assembly members--Joan M. Quigley, L. Grace Spencer and L. Harvey Smith--have introduced a bill that would make apartment owners entirely responsible for keeping their units free of bedbugs. Bedbugs, which are less than a fifth of an inch long, hide in all kinds of places around a home. They were once thought to be mostly eradicated in this country, but have staged a comeback in recent years amid the banning of powerful pesticides and increases in overseas travel. The lawmakers say severe bedbug outbreaks have occurred in apartment communities, especially those in Hudson County. They further cite instances of residents being charged with extermination costs, which can run into the hundreds of dollars. Quigley laments, "It's disgusting to think there are places in New Jersey where renters are being forced to cohabitate with vermin, simply because they cannot afford a proper extermination. [Apartment residents] shouldn't have to pay extra simply to live in a clean and safe environment." Under the legislation, owners would have to exterminate bedbugs at their own expense when an outbreak occurs. Those who fail to do so could face fines of up to $300 per infested apartment and $1,000 per infested common area. The New Jersey Apartment Association counters that the bill would leave owners liable for bugs that may have been brought in by their residents when they moved in. The CIAA Legislative Committee will continue monitoring the progress of this precedent-setting bill.

2008 Board Members and Committees President

Rick Koontz, Signature Place

Vendor Council Co-Chairs

Public Relations Committee Chair

Tom Newton, Gorman Roofing Mary Spain, Apartment Finder

Jennifer O’Brien Konior, TAB Properties

Melissa Johnson, Olde English Village

Education Committee Chair

Trade Show Committee Chairs

Vice President

Mary Spain, Apartment Finder

Meredith Goodwin, Triple Crown Mary Spain, Apartment Finder

Past President

Jennifer O’Brien Konior, TAB Properties

Treasurer Lori Young, BH Management Secretary

Heather Benton, Bridlewood Apartments Page 2

Legislative Committee Chair Rick Koontz, Signature Place Membership Committee Chair Position currently vacant

Interested in the Membership Committee? Contact a board member for details! Website: www.ciaahq.org

Letter from the President Giving Back We appreciate you! The CIAA Board of Directors is sponsoring an incredible national speaker and educator, Cynthiann King, for our members at no cost. I have seen Cynthiann’s seminars and can tell you that you don’t want to miss this unique opportunity to learn from Cynthiann’s experience. From 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. on October 23, you will be treated to Cynthiann King’s unique approach to team building. Every Site Manager, Maintenance Supervisor, Regional Manger, and Assistant Manager will benefit from this seminar. Get your whole team involved! This is truly “priceless” knowledge! I encourage you to fax your registration quickly as there is limited seating and spots are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. Nonmembers may attend this event for just $50.00. Space consideration goes to CIAA members first. Don’t forget the Trade Show! We’re giving away a trip worth $1,500 to a lucky CIAA member! Rick Koontz, CIAA President Signature Place Apartments

September Meeting Highlights We had two excellent groups of speakers at our last general membership meeting. First up were Lynn Simmons and Chris Frantsvog from the Polk County Public Health Department. They provided some sobering numbers on lead paint in residential homes. In Polk County alone, there are approximately 64,000 homes and apartment units that have a high enough level of lead to poison a child and over 350 children have tested positive for lead poisoning. A new State law mandates that all children must be tested for lead before they enter kindergarten, so that number will sadly and surely climb. However, there is hope. The Polk County Public Health Department has submitted a proposal to the HUD for a $3 million matching grant to repair lead paint hazards in up to 206 homes. The CIAA has partnered with the Public Health Department and has pledged $20,680 in in-kind funds to help match the money needed for the HUD grant. For more information on the lead abatement program, you may contact Lynn at 515-286-3798. The second speaker was Brad Janssen from A.Q. Allstate Pest Control who spoke about the growing problem with bed bugs both across the country and here in Iowa. Bed bugs are showing up in apartment communities, college dorms, hotels, office buildings, schools, and homes. They differ from other common pest issues (ants, cockroaches) in that they seek out humans (we are their food source) and are extremely difficult to kill. Statistics show that 50% of bed bugs will live on a 100% treated surface and can lay dormant for 300 to 500 days after a feeding. They spread quickly and easily, drawn to body heat and possibly other heat sources such as electronic equipment (TV’s, DVD players, laptop computers). Brad’s suggestions of how to protect your apartment communities include responding aggressively to any complaints, encouraging residents to keep clutter at bay and providing community education and awareness to the issue. A.Q. is also adding a new weapon to their bed bug-fighting arsenal. A bed bug sniffing dog will be joining their team in October. Where it can take humans up to three hours to inspect an apartment, a dog can accomplish it in less than 10 minutes. Contact Brad if you have any questions. He’s a Vendor Member! 515-223-0269 Page 3

Welcome New Members Welcome to our new Members and Vendor Members. It is a honor to have you join our growing organization.

New Property Members Maple Grove Villas

New Vendor Members Simply Clean Wayout Consulting Services Select Van and Storage Red Capital Group

Make the most of your membership Join a Committee! Promotions, Positions and Postings

PROPERTY MANAGER Timberland Partners is looking for a Property Manager for a 304 unit apartment community in Des Moines. Three years experience in property management required. This is a salaried position with benefits. Applicants may email resumes to [email protected].

LEASING AGENT Full Time position. Must provide excellent customer service, communicate well with others. Ability to multi-task in a fast paced environment. Prepare lease related paperwork in an accurate and timely manner. Assist with the day-to-day operations of the community. Yardi experience preferred, MS Office products required. Email your resume to: [email protected], or mail to R&R Realty Group, Attn: HR, 1225 Jordan Creek Pkwy Ste 200, West Des Moines, IA 50266. May apply in person, no phone calls.

Please send new hires, promotions, and job postings to [email protected] for inclusion in the newsletter Page 4

Email: [email protected]

Vendor Spotlight Jared Frank Agency, American Family The American Family Insurance/Jared Frank Agency specializes in providing renters insurance to residents in the Des Moines area. We also provide insurance for your Auto, Home, Business, Health & Life. Jared Frank has represented American Family Insurance for over 11 years. The Jared Frank Agency has qualified for several customer service awards including a certification from J.D. Power and Associates for providing "An Outstanding Customer Experience". Please refer your renters to the Jared Frank Agency for their insurance needs. Renters insurance monthly premiums average around just $10 per month! Jared Frank Agency

Call the Jared Frank Agency at 515-278-6132 for more information.

8450 Hickman Road, Suite 14-D

Email: [email protected]

Clive, IA 50325

www.jaredfrankagency.com

Phone 515-278-6432

24-Hour: 1-800-MYAMFAM (1-800-692-6326)

Need a Vendor? Call a Member First! A+ Lawn & Landscape

Hard Tops of Des Moines

Snider Lawn Care

Abendroth & Russell, P.C.

ICS Advanced Technologies

State Farm Insurance

A.Q. Allstate Pest Control

Jetz Service Co.

American Family Insurance

Johnstone Supply

Stew Hansen’s Dodge City-Jeep

Lawns Plus

Stitzell Electric Supply Co.

Apartment Finder

Marsden Building Maintenance

Sudzy’s Carpet Cleaning

Big Green Umbrella Media

Nationwide Office Care

Tenant Data

Bragg Handywork

On the Spot Carpet & Tile

Tub Wrx

Carpet Pro by Baker Interiors

Performance Leasing

Waste Connections

Phillips Floors

Waste Management

Cort Furniture Rental

Qwest

Wayout Consulting Services

The Des Moines Register

RealPage, Inc.

DeWitt Painting

Red Capital Group

Diamond Vogel Paints

Reliable Construction

First Advantage SafeRent

Shelton Painting

Furniture Options Goalsetter Systems, Inc.

Sherwin Williams Floor Coverings

Gorman Roofing Services

Simply Clean

Jared Frank Agency

Glen Waterhouse III

All Vendor Member contact information can be found on the CIAA website: www.ciaahq.org

To Become A Vendor Member Contact: Tom Newton at 515-883-0838

[email protected]

Page 5

MDU Broadband Internet

Authorized MDU Dealer

Audio/Video

IT Services

Security

You’re Invited to a Technology Open House! Join us for our TECHNOLOGY OPEN HOUSE to celebrate the Grand Opening of our new facility with FOOD, DRINKS and ENTERTAINMENT! Thursday, October 9, 2008 235 Alexander Avenue, Ames 4:00p.m. - 7:00p.m.

LIVE DEMONSTRATIONS OF OUR MDU PRODUCTS • Proprietary IBIS Internet Management • DIRECTV Single Wire Distribution • Video Surveillance and Door Access Control

Call 515-232-4453 for more information

CENTRAL IOWA APARTMENT ALLIANCE

presents

Cynthiann King The Central Iowa Apartment Alliance is pleased to bring you this exceptional seminar, designed specifically to your expectations of only the best in education!

FREE TO CIAA MEMBERS! Register as early as possible as seating is limited! Team Building for Busy People Proven strategies and actions that will motivate and enlighten your group to work and communicate like a high performing team.

“The Customer is

actually 2nd – Your st

Team is 1 ! Learn how to make it happen!” - Cynthiann King

At this session you will learn: • How to function as an efficient, effective team • What makes a really great leader and how to do it • How to keep your teammates from being wired + tired • When and how to motivate by degrees • How to energize your team to improved performance • Where to go for highly recommended resources Date: October 23, 2008 Time: 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., right before the Trade Show! At:

Airport Holiday Inn, 6111 Fleur Drive, Des Moines

Cost: FREE TO CIAA MEMBERS! NON-MEMBERS: Only $50!

Please fax your reservations to Mary Spain at (515) 327-9104 Non-members: Mail registration and payment before October 16, 2008 to: CIAA, 3775 E.P. True Pkwy, Suite 263, West Des Moines, IA 50265 Registration Form: Name:

Name:

Name:

Name:

Company Name: Address: Phone:

City: Fax:

Zip Email:

Cynthiann King 551 Farmhill Circle Wauconda, IL 60084-1290 847-487-8791

© Cynthiann King Unlimited

MOTIVATE AND REWARD YOUR TEAM MEMBERS by Cynthiann King, C King Unlimited Education Services Most progressive property management team leaders want their employees to look at the way business is conducted and then challenge the established routines to more effectively impact time and energy levels. The following is taken from the book "How to Recognize and Reward Employees," by Donna Deeprose. "A Baker's Dozen of Behaviors Worth Recognizing" 1 - Learning new skills. 2 - Pitching in to help a coworker. 3 - Mediating a conflict. 4 - Volunteering for grunge work. 5 - Giving a customer extra attention. 6 - Mentoring a new employee. 7 - Tackling a problem in a fresh way. 8 - Lightening up a difficult situation. 9 - Sharing information. 10 - Taking notes in a meeting. 11 - Perfect attendance. 12 - Adapting willingly to change. 13 - Cross-training another employee. How can a team leader determine what rewards will please which employees? Ask: at a goal setting meeting, performance appraisal session, team meetings, the start of an employee's promotion, when outlining education opportunities and even when performing job counseling.

Supervisors can give a few suggestions then encourage the employee to modify the list to best meet their desires. Potential rewards can be gleaned by observing the team in action and determine what seems to make a particular team member respond positively. Is it a flexible schedule, a good book at a break, more of one type of work, more responsibility or an uninterrupted lunch hour? What does this employee talk about in casual conversations? This may give team leaders real clues as to individual rewards.

Here are proven ways to best motivate your team members taken from my consulting work with hundreds of teams. * Establish clear expectations of every team member. * Keep team members informed of the status of the company in a brief report with each paycheck. * Share the glory with the entire team – frequently. * Implement at least 20% of all suggestions received. * Inspect what you expect. * Explain and regularly review the key objectives of the owner and asset manager. * Reward innovation and creativity. * Promote from within whenever possible. * Respect employees' personal time. * Allow for minor mistakes to encourage new solutions. * Conduct an "If I Ran the Company" open discussion. * Deliver unexpected rewards. * Allow flex share of schedules and responsibilities. * Provide resources for continuing education. * Support employees' social and/or charitable causes. * Provide time and stress management tools & training. * Provide a gift certificate, phone or gasoline card.

Other rewards used in successful employee recognition programs include: 9 workouts with company-sponsored fitness leader 9 shoe repair certificates 9 car washes and oil changes 9 subscriptions to an industry magazine 9 company-sponsored park district sports teams 9 volunteer day with pay 9 certifications for education class 9 attendance to association events 9 commission pools on renewals shared by the team 9 nutritional meals on wheels at lunch at minimal cost 9 N.O.I. bonus pools. Of course no team member expects special recognition every day. Yet all team members want feedback on their performance in regular reassurances that can be delivered by the responsible team leader. These include thank you notes, and "brag" paragraphs in employee newsletters, with paychecks, or on strategically placed bulletin boards.

Another excellent way to continue to positively impact the team’s overall atmosphere is to ask for their feedback on your performance. Try using the following questions that a team leader can ask to determine their effectiveness with their team members. 1.

Are my instructions clear or must you spend time trying to figure out what I want you to do?

2.

Do I change my mind often and ask you to alter your assignments after you've started working?

3.

Do I edit or make changes in your work without really improving it?

4.

Am I open to new ideas?

5.

Do I often seem disappointed in your work?

6.

Is my criticism usually constructive?

7.

Do you feel you can trust me?

8.

Do I help you develop your skills?

9.

Am I usually available when you need help?

10.

Do I operate in a crisis mode too often? source: Managing, Matthew Bender & Co., Albany, NY

WANT MORE? Attend the CIAA October 23rd Seminar with Cynthiann King: “Team Building for Busy People” just prior to the Trade Show. Fax your reservation today to Mary Spain at (515) 327-9104.

Connect With NAA Maintenance Mania® Gears Up For Third Year of Competitions B y M i c h a e l To m p k i n s , C A P S , C P M , C C I M 2008 National Apartment Association Chairman of the Board Julian LeCraw & Co.

N

AA and presenting sponsor HD Supply Facilities Maintenance are gearing up for a third successful season of Maintenance Mania®. This program, where maintenance technicians compete in various skill-based games, has been modified and improved to ensure an even greater challenge for maintenance professionals. Maintenance Mania® provides affiliates an opportunity to offer an additional quality program for its members, create a potential source of non-dues revenue for the association and help members raise funds for educational programs. Featured games for the 2008-2009 season that will be standard for all Maintenance Mania® programs include: Mobile-Shop Blind Tool Identification, New York Wire Screen Repair, Price Pfister Faucet Installation, GE Appliance Repair, Fluidmaster Toilet Repair, Kwikset Lockset Installation, Kidde Fire Safety Installation and Philips Race Car Competition. NAA wishes to thank the national sponsors for their support of the Maintenance Mania® program. Nearly 50 affiliate events are currently scheduled for the 2008-2009 season but space is still available. Affiliates interested in hosting a Maintenance Mania® event should contact Kimberlee Berry, NAA’s Manager of Affiliate Relations, at [email protected]. Visit www.naahq.org for information about the Maintenance Mania® program.

have faced multimillion-dollar lawsuits claiming that property owners and managers have failed to provide residents’ requests for reasonable accommodations and modifications. The Fair Housing Act (FHA) requires all covered multifamily dwellings, built for first occupancy after March 13, 1991, to be designed and constructed in a manner that incorporates certain basic features of both accessibility and adaptable design including usable doors, kitchens and bathrooms, reinforced walls for grab bars and accessible and usable public and common-use areas. For many apartment community employees, interpreting such standards and guidelines can be confusing, particularly considering that from 1991 to 1998, the FHA guidelines were revised several times. This conference will provide participants the opportunity to learn first-hand from apartment industry accessibility experts about how to effectively and efficiently manage accommodations and modification requests. There will also be an interactive session with the experts where attendees may pose real and hypothetical questions about accessibility challenges and how to resolve them. Said one apartment owner attending an NAA education conference session about compliance, “It’s the biggest challenge we face—and so many of us don’t even realize it. Accessibility represents our industry’s biggest point of vulnerability. Our members should be making the effort to learn as much as they can about this.”

Income & Expenses Survey Available Oct. 1 Accessibility Conference Slated for Nov. 12 NAA will hold its second annual Accessibility Conference in Dallas Nov. 12 at the Westin Galleria Dallas. Register early and receive the discounted “early bird” rate of $399. Registration fees will increase after Sept. 30. The one-day conference will be held prior to the Assembly of Delegates meeting. Apartment owners and management firms of all sizes nationwide

NAA’s annual Survey of Income & Expenses in Renal Apartment Communities, completed by CEL & Associates Inc., will be available online Oct. 1 at www.naahq.org/08ies, contains detailed data summarized for six geographic regions and for metropolitan areas with at least 10 properties reported. An executive summary of the survey appeared in the August issue of units magazine.