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CAA Members Learn Benefits of Community Gardens

Nearly 100 CAA members gathered at the Franklin Park Conservatory on Thursday, May 16 for the second General Meeting of the year to hear guest speaker, Bill Dawson, Growing to Green Coordinator for the Conservatory discuss community gardening.

The meeting began with a welcome by Executive Director, Laura Swanson and a brief business meeting where new CAA members were welcomed and attendees were encouraged to attend the CAA golf outing on August 13 at NorthStar Golf Club.

Following the business items, CAA President Fred Damsen welcomed Dawson, the keynote speaker. Dawson and the Conservatory started the Growing to Green program in 2000 with 12 community gardens.

Dawson started his presentation by suggesting that those interested in starting a community garden first establish a strategic plan and asking their residents what they would like to see. This plan was the impetus of how the Growing to Green program started. The community wanted to see a resource for starting community gardens and school gardening. 

“The hardest part is the gardening,” Dawson said. “When it’s done together though, it’s fun and you build a sense of community.”

Community gardens have become a resource for those who do not have grocery stores or transportation to get to grocery stores to have access to fresh produce. It also helps push bad elements out of the community by repurposing empty lots to provide positive activity and beauty. The community gardens at the Franklin Park Conservatory donate over 3,000 pounds of food to food banks each year.

Dawson emphasized engaging residents and asking them what they would like to see and what they would like to accomplish. “For community gardening to be successful, you have to have community,” he said. “Community gardening is something different for everyone.”

In addition to the benefits of being able to grow fresh produce, community gardens provide a great way to share culture through food and allow residents to explore new cultures and foods they might not otherwise be exposed to. They also provide residents a sense of home having a place to garden. They feel invested in the land and are less likely to be transient than if they did not have the option.

Any CAA members who are interested in more information about community gardens are encouraged to contact Bill Dawson directly.

Bill Dawson

Following Dawson’s keynote, the CAA raffled off a hand blown glass blow donated by the Conservatory. Austin Vensil of Contractors, Inc. won the raffle which generated over $180 in revenue for the CAA Community Assistance Foundation.

Summer should be a stress-free time full of food, friends and fun.  Free summer meals can help!  Any child or teen age 18 and under can get free healthy meals at safe locations across Ohio.  Many sites also offer learning and recreational activities so your kids can stay active and spend time with friends.  Free summer meals can also help families save money. Children’s Hunger Alliance (CHA) will provide all elements of the Ohio Summer Food Service Program at no cost to CAA members – they simply need a place to conduct it.  With your partnership, CHA can provide children with a more active, healthy and productive summer. Please contact the CAA or CHA at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 614-643-8019 to learn more.

The CAA’s “Game Day” Expo was held March 20 at the Ohio Union, in the Archie M. Griffin Ballroom. After a few announcements from Linda Richer, AmRent, Expo workgroup Chair the Expo kicked off at 12:30 p.m. with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting by CAA President Fred Damsen. Once the doors opened, enthusiastic attendees were ready to see the 94 exhibitors showcasing their products.

Creativity was overflowing the aisle-ways in the exhibitor hall. Each vendor had something different to offer as they participated in the theme of CAA Expo. Some exhibitors had Game Day games, prizes, and giveaways.

Throughout the afternoon, attendees took to the stage to compete in cornhole, football toss, and hillbilly golf, sponsored by Game Day Championship sponsor, Contractors, Inc. Also brightening the Game Day stage the Columbus Blue Jacket Cheerleaders who were cheering on the crowd.

Adding to the excitement, walking the expo floor, OSU Football players Bob Hoying and Obie Stillwell greeted attendees and signed autographs. Also, in the hall, one exhibitor featured OSU football player John Simon.

To continue with the theme, there were six money gun sponsors shooting off the air gun every half hour. Attendees gathered at each sponsor in anticipation of winning cash, promotions, and other items stuffed inside the fun-filled gun.

There were other ways for attendees to win, too. Upon entering the exhibit hall, each attendee received a traffic card. They were instructed to visit the 12 participating companies listed on the card. By filling out the card, each attendee was entered for their chance to win the Game Day Prize Pack, filled with OSU goodies worth $1000. The lucky winner, Kathi Winnie with Central Management took home the Prize Pack. Attendees were asked who their favorite booth of the show was, that prize went to, ABLE/Contractors, Inc.

Also at the Expo educational sessions were offered as well. The morning session featured National Speaker, Barbara Savona, who gave attendees 10 surefire ways to get comfortable handling objections. The afternoon session, “What’s New in HVAC,” facilitated by Wilson Detty, American School of Technology provided attendees with useful information to provide maintenance updates to their properties.

We like to thank everyone for participating in the 2013 Central Ohio Multifamily Exposition.

Looking forward to seeing everyone next year!

Prospects for the Future

Everyone was feeling lucky at the first General Meeting of the year, held at the Hollywood Casino on February 21, 2013. Nearly 200 CAA members came to hear keynote speaker Robert Weiler, Sr., with The Robert Weiler Company, discuss industry updates for Columbus and Central Ohio, economics facing the multifamily industry now, and prospects for the future.

Laura Swanson, CAA Executive Director, welcomed CAA members and guests to the first meeting of the year. Swanson invited, Ameet Patel, Hollywood Casino General Manager, to the podium where he gave the audience an overview of the exciting new developments and opportunities at the Casino and surrounding areas, including a new hotel.

Following Patel, Jon Hale, Thompson Building Associates, Chair of the Bowling Workgroup announced the winners of the 2013 Hunka-Hunka Bowling Love charity fundraiser.  The winners included:

Highest Team Score: Oakwood Management Kissin’ Cousins (Katie McCoy, Aaron Taylor, Dennis Whisner, Jamie Marquet) – combined team score of 1,265 for two games.
Personal Score: David Ison, Schottenstein’s Real Estate Group – total score 527.
Best Use of Theme: Central Management

The event raised over $3,400.00 for the CAA Community Assistance Foundation.

Linda Richer, AmRent and Krista Knutilla, CORT, Chair & Co-Chair of the Expo Workgroup were next on the agenda and made announcements about the upcoming Expo which is only a month away.  Linda reminded everyone to register for the upcoming trade show and educational sessions planned for March 20th at the Ohio Union.

Andee Swartz, Estates at New Albany, Chair of the Membership Committee, acknowledged the newest CAA members Doug Brownfield with Lowes Home Center, Mike Lancione with Ferguson Enterprises, and Steve Papineau with Shelby Management.

Fred Damsen, CAA President, introduced Robert Weiler, Sr. Weiler has been long active in the Columbus community, serving as President of the Columbus Board of Education. Other leadership roles include Capital University, the Center of Science and Industry (COSI), the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission, Pilot Dogs, Inc., Ohio Capital Corporation for Housing (OCCH), Central Ohio Transit Authority and the Columbus Urban League, among others.

Weiler opened by asking the assembled members, “How’s your business? Lousy, good or great?” The majority of the room said their business was great.

Weiler, whose first apartment community was Channingway Apartments, noted that a lot has changed in the industry over the last 50 years; the caliber of the tenants, the way owners do financing, and the amount of growth in the industry. Growth in Columbus is in the top 20, with a 10% increase in rentals. The reason for the increase are the jobs in Columbus. Also contributing is the changing downtown, with greater incentives, land value and density. Weiler also said members should, look to the north for the future and growth of communities, pay attention to overseas markets and, most importantly, build for the long term.  

Following his keynote speech, Weiler answered questions from the members, covering topics from the general market to affordable housing.

CAA is also pleased to announce that an additional $350 was raised for the Community Assistance Fund, by raffling off a $75 gift card donated by the Hollywood Casino.

A huge thank you to everyone for attending CAA’s first meeting of the year.  Please join us for our next General Meeting held at the Franklin Park Conservatory, on May 16, 2013.