Welcome to the CAA

Columbus Apartment Association’s purpose is to provide Legislative, Education, and Networking services for our members who own or manage multifamily homes and the companies who provide service to the apartment industry. CAA has over 300 members who represent 104,000 apartment homes and over 120 industry products and services throughout Central Ohio. Together with the Ohio Apartment Association and the National Apartment Association, we offer a strong connection of information, education and networking.

Whether you are a Primary Member or an Associate Member, CAA can help you achieve your business goals.

At the May General Meeting held at the Fawcett Center, Anthony Huey with Reputation Management Associates gave his top 10 list for dealing with the media...

In May, the CAA welcomed Anthony Huey of Reputation Management Associates to address General Membership meeting and provide members with the basics of how to deal with crisis communication. More than once CAA members have had to answer questions relating to a crisis on their properties. Mr. Huey provided the tools our members need to address the media in the heat of a crisis. 

Anthony Huey called on his background as the Senior Editor for Ohio Magazine and his interviewing skills to tell CAA members what is appropriate to say to the media and what not to say when information is just coming in and may not always be accurate. 

When dealing with the media Mr. Huey provided tips to help members get through the process and allow them time to think on their feet for the best possible answer. Those tips included:

~ Keeping responses to 10 seconds: media outlets will use sound bites, even if the answer is longer they will only use a fragment of it. It is best to get your point across in 10 seconds or less so your complete answer can be used.

~ Use the company name in every response: A reporter will ask you more questions than are necessary, not every answer will air or be printed. It is important to keep your company front and center and use the name in each response.

~ Stay positive: Even if the story of focus is negative or dealing with a tragedy, find the positives in the situation and highlight those. Don’t dwell on the negative aspects. 

~ Never say “No Comment:” There are other ways of not answering the question without saying no comment. Phrases such as, the facts are still coming in and we are still evaluating the evidence allow you an outlet to answer the question without revealing any details you do not wish to discuss with the media. 

It is best to create a company or property plan or outline and have it on file for situations that might arise when the media will be present. If a plan is in place it is easier to draw on that when needed than to think on your feet. Outline a spokesperson that will be responsible for addressing the media and answering questions when necessary. Take a look at the plan periodically; it may need updating depending on personnel changes or company policies. 

If you were unable to join us at the May General Meeting we look forward to seeing you in September.