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September 8th, 2010 by michelle.sullivan
As my journey to embrace technology and social media continues, it is time for my requisite update. I learned some startling information in the last couple weeks, information that I thought I would share with you to encourage you to continue on your own personal and company driven quests.
Each year Beloit College releases a “Mindset List” with facts about the current year’s incoming college freshmen, or, in this case, the Class of 2014. This information is startling when you stop to think about it. For instance the preface to the list states, “The class of 2014 have emerged as a post-email generation for whom the digital world is routine and technology is just too slow.”
Technology is too slow? There is a post-email generation? This is news to me, I’m just starting to adapt to all of the changes in technology and now I learn that for today’s college freshman it’s too slow and they don’t like email. Of course, not everything on the list is surprising, for example:
19. They never twisted the coiled handset wire aimlessly around their wrists while chatting on the phone.
27. Computers have never lacked a CD-ROM disk drive.
62. Having hundreds of cable channels but nothing to watch has always been routine.
But, then again, some things really put the last 18 years in perspective, a lot has changed.
11. John McEnroe has never played professional tennis.
32. Czechoslovakia has never existed.
43. Russians and Americans have always been living together in space.
You may be asking yourself, why is this important? No, I don’t reference this list to make anyone reading the blog feel old. It is important because Columbus is home to one of the largest universities in the country, if not the largest, depending on the year. We have numerous members who rent to university students and we’re all looking to rent to those same individuals when they’re no longer in college and have entered the world of gainful employment. We need to learn how to effectively communicate with them.
The truth is, this survey just proves the continuing trend that today’s youth are looking to social media, cell phones and the internet more than ever. They want information and they want it now. This trend is just going to continue to grow and those in the classes and generations behind them will be even less familiar than the Class of 2014 with the tools businesses are accustomed to using to communicate their product.
The “Mindset List” was created, “as a reminder to faculty to be aware of dated references, and quickly became a catalog of the rapidly changing worldview of each new generation.” It can serve us in this capacity as well. If you don’t start to get ahead of the game now, you’ll be reacting to the trends after they’ve already passed you by. By then, something new will have will be all the rage and you will still be behind the eight ball. As I’ve mentioned in my past columns, you have to find what is right for you and your company. It may not be the same thing that is right for me and Central Management.
All that being said, don’t create a Facebook page or a Twitter account for the purpose of just having something in place. If you do not actively update the page and make your presence known, you run the risk of being present but being irrelevant. Make your page attractive, update it regularly and post information helpful to new renters and current renters alike.
Again, I encourage you, if you haven’t already; follow the CAA on Twitter and “like” them on Facebook. If nothing else, it’s a good tool to communicate with your fellow members, post questions, mention community events and find important information all in one place.
    
Posted in Alan's Journey | No Comments »
August 23rd, 2010 by audra.garrison
Are you looking for more ways to network with your Columbus Apartment Association colleagues? Did you meet new people at the golf outing and you want to learn more about what they do, their properties, their products or the services they offer? Maybe you’re just curious to see what all of the hype is about surrounding the new Ohio Union on The Ohio State University Campus. Or, perhaps you just need a Buckeye fix early in the season and nothing makes you feel more at home than being surrounded by scarlet and gray.
Whatever your reasons, the Columbus Apartment Association invites you to join us for the September General Meeting luncheon on Thursday, September 16th. Bring your coworkers and start your own flash mob.
Registration will begin at 11:30. Please come early to connect with your fellow members. Lunch begins at noon and following lunch you will receive a free tour of the Ohio Union. Don’t miss this opportunity to see firsthand the state of the art facility at the heart of campus. To get you prepared for you tour there is a brief history of the Ohio Union below.
The Ohio Union is steeped in history, in 1908, Aaron Cohn, known as the “Father of The Ohio Union,” led a campaign for a Student Building. At the time, the University’s enrollment totaled 2,442 students, 2,000 of whom were men. A pamphlet circulated promoting the need for a Student Building because the University lacked a dormitory system, which meant that students did not have a place to spend their hours of leisure and recreation. Cohn laid the foundation for what you will see on your tour.
In October 2002 the most recent step in the Union’s history was undertaken when students, staff, faculty, and consultants began their involvement in the support and design for a new Ohio Union. Countless students participated in each phase of construction. A group of students visited student unions across the country to determine what type of union to construct.
The Board of Trustees approved the construction project in the June 2004 and the Ohio Union prepared to say goodbye and honor the 50+ years of the previous structure. The Ohio Union held a Raising Ceremony on November 30, 2007, and the steel framework quickly took form, culminating in the placement of the last beam on May 9, 2008 during the Topping Ceremony. Throughout the construction process, students, staff, and consultants worked hard to ensure that even the smallest details will help make this building extraordinary. The building process culminated with the Grand Opening on March 29, 2010, followed by 30 days of events to celebrate the opening of the building.
Register online today at www.caahq.com and don’t miss out on this one of a kind opportunity.
Posted in CAA Events | 1 Comment »
August 18th, 2010 by chrissy.wills
 2010 Cup Winners: CORE Real Estate Services Thank you for your attendance and participation in the 2010 Challenge Cup held at Pinnacle Golf Club yesterday. We are pleased that you were able to join us. Without your participation in events like these the Columbus Apartment Association would not be as effective.
Congratulations to CORE Real Estate who brought home the Challenge Cup for the second year in a row. It was an exciting day bringing Primary and Associate Members together for a day on the links. This year’s outing hosted 160 players and 23 sponsors.
Neverman Construction sponsored this year’s trophies and prizes. Ken Neverman awarded the Challenge Cup to first place finishers CORE Real Estate whose players included Bill Graver, John Kelleher, Tom Heilman and Matt Newman.
Neverman also presented the trophies for second place to Tru Green Lawncare, LLC whose players included Sean Cramer, Rob Patris, Jason Hendry, Jason Bullens.
Dana & Pariser Co., LPA won third place and its players included Billy Kitts, Rob Flaugher, Chris Ditello, Brandon Schilling. The Dana and Pariser foursome also scored the only skin of the day receiving $420 for their efforts.
Thank you again for your commitment to the CAA and multifamily housing in Ohio.
Tell us your favorite thing about the golf outing on our facebook page.
Posted in CAA Events, CAA Happenings, Networking | No Comments »
August 10th, 2010 by chrissy.wills
 Win this First Aid Kit This year the Columbus Apartment Association (CAA) Community Assistance Foundation partnered with the Red Cross of Greater Columbus to share important safety information with our members.
As part of that program, we are giving away one CPR/AED/First Aid training session for 10 of your employees and one Red Cross First Aid Safety Kit for your office. To enter the contest, you simply need to follow our social media networks and tell us why you are a member. You can enter multiple times.
Prizes:
- One Red Cross Training Class for 10 employees
- One Red Cross First Aid Safety Kit for the office
To enter:
Don’t forget:
- Tell us why you’re a member in your entry, it will be disqualified if you don’t!
Deadline:
Official rules:
- No limits to entries. Winner will be drawn at random.
- The CAA reserves the right to disqualify and/or un-publish any entry posted on our web site or Facebook page if we deem it to be inappropriate.
- Entries must be posted by September 30, 2010.
- Entries can be used for future marketing purposes.
Posted in CAA Events, CAA Happenings, Current events, Personal Development, Safety | No Comments »
August 10th, 2010 by chrissy.wills
By John Roby, CORT
 John Roby gives golf etiquette lessons The CAA Golf Outing is approaching rather quickly. I thought I’d list some of the basics of golf etiquette. Some of these rules do not apply to our golf outing. You’ll figure out which ones.
Keep It Safe
- Do not swing your club until you know that others in your group are at a safe distance. Getting hit in the mouth with a golf club will hurt.
- When practicing your swing, never swing in the direction of another player. You may hit a rock and injure someone. Getting hit with a rock will hurt.
- If your ball appears headed toward another player or another group, give them a warning by yelling out, “Fore!” so they can take cover. This will really hurt.
- Observe the safety suggestions posted in golf carts and drive carefully. People have been seriously injured on golf carts. Falling off the golf cart will hurt.
- Never throw clubs in anger. A golf club across the head will hurt as well.
Maintain a Good Pace
- Keep the golf round moving by being prepared to hit your shot when it is your turn. Don’t talk about reality TV, hit the ball.
- Do not spend too much time looking for a lost ball, particularly if there is a group behind you ready to play. Reference: “Fore!”
- When two players in a cart hit to opposite sides of a hole, drive to first ball and drop off that player with his club, then drive to the second ball. After both players hit, meet up farther down the hole.
- When walking from your cart to your ball, take a couple clubs with you. Taking only one club, then having to return to the cart to retrieve a different club, is a huge time-waster.
- Always leave the putting green as soon as your group has finished putting. Write down your scores on the next tee box.
Be Kind to the Course
- Observe cart rules. Keep carts away from greens and hazards. The wheels on carts can damage these sensitive areas of the golf course.
- Repair your divots in the fairway.
- Repair your ball marks on the green.
- Always rake sand bunkers after hitting to erase your footprints and damage to the area where your ball was sitting.
- Avoid taking a divot on a practice swing.
And a Few More Golf Etiquette Hints
- Quiet, please! Never talk during another player’s swing. This rule does not apply to the golf outing. Have some fun.
- Do not yell out foul language following a shot. You never know who is in ear shot. This rule is a gray area during the golf outing.
- Be aware of your shadow on the putting green. Don’t stand in a place that causes your shadow to be cast across another player or that player’s putting line.
- Never walk through a playing partner’s putting line. Your footprints might alter the path of a partner’s putt. Step over the putting line, or walk around (behind) the partner’s ball.
Well, these are the basics. It is important to be safe on the golf course and treat the golf course as if you were the owner. It costs a lot of money to maintain a golf course and we are playing Pinnacle, which is a beautiful course. By doing these small things, it helps the golf outing workgroup negotiate better rates. Our outing participants must do a good job already because we’re always invited back.
Thanks and I’ll see everyone on August 17th.
Tags: etiquette, golf outing, Networking
Posted in CAA Events, CAA Happenings | 1 Comment »
August 6th, 2010 by chrissy.wills
By Chair Linda Richer, AmRent and Co-Chair Joey Thomas, George Thomas Contractor, Inc.
 Linda Richer, Associate Council Chair With upcoming elections for the CAA Associate Council, we are reminded of the importance of Associate member participation within the CAA. Though our election may not be as pugnacious as the federal mid-term elections, it serves to bring out the best in us all and demonstrate what you have to contribute to this motivated association.
Oftentimes, the expertise found within the Associate membership is called upon to address a multitude of issues that concern the ‘Primary Members’ (Property owners and management companies). Subsequently, Associate and Primary members begin to develop relationships that prove to be mutually beneficial and sustainable.
 Joey Thomas, Associate Council Co-chair The Associate Council is made up of 15 seats, all held by CAA’s Associate member firms. The seat is a 3-year term held by a company representative (not the representative individually), and is considered to be a voluntary service. If elected, it is strongly encouraged that such elected positions provide their attendance at the monthly meetings by the so-voted individual or a competent replacement. In addition, it is encouraged that members participate in ‘workgroups’ that collaborate with other Associate and Primary members and serve to construct and promote the CAA’s procedures, initiatives, and events (i.e. Membership Committee, Expo, Golf Outing, PAC Fund, etc.).
We hope that you will find the CAA Associate Council as valuable and informative as we have. The CAA staff is ready and willing to help navigate you through the process. We all have something to gain by our collective knowledge and expertise.
Timeline for Associate Council Company Seat Election
August 19 Letter and Nomination Form e-mailed and posted online to Associate Members
September 2 Associate Council Meeting
September 3 Reminder to send in Nomination Form sent to Associate Members
September 8 2nd reminder for form deadline
September 10 Deadline Date for Nomination Form
September 14 E-mail to Nominees asking for a bio/summary for ballot
September 24 Deadline Date for Nominee bio/summary for ballot
October 7 Associate Council Meeting – get approval on ballot
October 11 E-mail ballot to Associate Members
October 18 Reminder to vote sent to Associate Member
October 20 Deadline Date for Voting
October 22 Associate Council Nominating Work Group Meeting (results revealed)
November 4 Associate Council Meeting (Announce Election Results)
Posted in CAA Events, CAA Happenings, CAA Partner Success Stories, Networking | No Comments »
August 4th, 2010 by chrissy.wills
By Dee Williams, Expo Workgroup Chair with Willis Law Firm, LLC
 Dee Williams, Expo Chair The Expo Workgroup started planning the 2011 Central Ohio Multifamily Exposition this month. As chair of the workgroup, I had some important questions for attendees (Primary members) and our exhibitors (Associate members). I wanted to know why people attend the show, what their favorite things are, what they would like to change and more.
Last week, I met with the Primary members on the workgroup. We determined the key factors for them are fun, food, education and building relationships. To do this, members suggested:
- Searching for a new location
- Hosting a networking happy hour with GOOD food
- Moving the show hours to the afternoon and/or evening
- Hosting timely, non-conflicting education sessions
- Incorporating a fun, simple theme
- Including a competition between members for attendance or physical games or scavenger hunt
Associate Members met this week to talk about their expectations for the show. Their main expectation for the show is to generate leads. They want to see decision makers and build relationships. In order to do this, they would like to:
- Find a fresh venue that lends itself to networking (brighter and more open)
- Create a fun event that brings in their target audience
- Switch the times of the show
I’m excited by all these comments and the great participation we have on the workgroup. I would like to open it up for all CAA members to voice their opinions.
Now it’s your turn to weigh in, what do you want out of next year’s Expo? New times? New venue? New education?
Log in to post your comments or post a comment on our Facebook discussion.
Posted in CAA Events, CAA Happenings | 2 Comments »
August 3rd, 2010 by chrissy.wills
The CAA Online Directory is one of the most visited sections of the Web site. Is your membership listing capitalizing on this traffic? Here are three simple questions to help you get the most of your Online Directory Listing:
Is your contact information up to date?
If not, update it. Here’s how:
- Log into www.caahq.com.
- In the search box type in your company’s name; click on the search result that says “Directory Listing.”
- On your listing click “Claim.”
- Type “claim my listing to update my information” then click submit.
- The CAA will approve your claim. Please allow 24 hours for approval before attempting to edit your listing.
- Edit your listing.
Does your directory listing show your social networking sites?
Take a look at Network Logix’s listing. Andrew Moon shows all the ways you can get in touch with him. Your customers want the same from you. Add your Twitter, LinkedIn or Facebook URLs.
Are you a “Featured” company?
Check out the Apartment Guide’s listing. In a group of 10 companies, they stand out because they’re “featured.” The Apartment Guide is in a blue box in all the categories where they are listed. To become featured, email the CAA at caa@caahq.com; it’s $25/month.
Something else to consider, how many “visits” has your listing received? This will give you an idea of how many people have viewed your specific listing. Looking at Network Logix’s listing, they have approximately 240 views. That’s 240 leads or sales that could take place because their contact information is correct in the CAA’s Directory section.
If you need help making changes online, please contact the CAA staff. We’re happy to help.
Posted in Networking | No Comments »
July 28th, 2010 by chrissy.wills
The CAA Business Partners Program was developed as a way to increase income for member companies. These partnerships offer significant price reductions on selected products from CAA member companies.
The CAA offers members the following opportunities from current Business Partners:
- HD Supply is the recognized leader in providing quality brand name merchandise at everyday low prices. As a CAA Business Partner they offer CAA members the lowest published price regardless of quantity purchased.
- The Columbus Apartment Guide is the official multi-family housing guide for CAA members. A relationship that began in 1993; it has proven valuable to both the Guide and CAA.
“At The Apartment Guide, we take a lot of pride in being the #1 source for advertising and marketing needs in the Columbus multi-family industry,” said Michael Monteith of the Columbus Apartment Guide. “Being a business partner with the CAA is an extension of our goal to provide the best source of traffic and leases to our advertisers.”
“The Business Partners program benefits HD Supply by providing an opportunity to interact with a wide range of property management companies,” Said Harvey Buller, HD Supply representative. “The diverse portfolio size of CAA members gives HD Supply a better working knowledge of the multi-family housing industry’s needs.”
Since vendors must qualify for this program as CAA members you will receive the highest level of service in addition to extra advice, design and solutions. These vendors value your business and will go above and beyond to provide the service you expect.
“This program affords us the opportunity to act closely with the CAA to better our industry and work honestly and with integrity for its members,” said Monteith. “It is an invaluable tool in showcasing our credibility and we value having the platform to do that.”
“The Business Partners program benefits HD Supply by providing high visibility to CAA members of our company’s products and services,” said Buller. “By allowing us to provide volume discount pricing to CAA members, the additional volume discount has made HD Supply more competitive and has in turn increased our business among CAA members.”
For information on how to take advantage of the CAA Business Partners discounts and special offers contact:
Apartment Guide
HD Supply
Posted in CAA Partner Success Stories | No Comments »
July 21st, 2010 by chrissy.wills
By Darrin Finch, US Lawns of Columbus
 To enhance curb appeal during the summer months, make sure you are taking advantage of diverse landscape content. For example, some perennials have great blooms, even in the heat of the summer.
Some consider daylilies to be the “perfect perennial”. While most of us think of daylilies with a bright yellow flower, they are available in a rainbow of colors. They can survive in many climates and conditions, including droughts (that doesn’t mean you don’t have to water them!), and adapt to different kinds of soils. If you really want to throw your favorite nursery for a loop, ask for tetraploid lilies. They have larger flowers and brighter colors than their diploid relatives. The best thing about daylilies is that they are relatively low-maintenance. When you are caring for a commercial property, that should be your #1 criteria!
How about some English Lavender (often misspelled as “lavendar”)? They are technically an evergreen plant that grows 2’ – 3’ high and wide, but most people think of them as an aromatic herb. During the summer months, they have great purple/blue shoots and have a wonderful smell. That aroma will attract butterflies and deter ants. Usually, that’s a win/win for most properties. Like lilies, lavender does great in full sun and well-drained soil.
If you are looking for a couple of good annual suggestions, try marigolds and zinnias. Both have great color and are good complements to the hot summer.
Everybody and their brother planted red begonias this year and there is nothing wrong with that at all. However, my favorite sun-tolerant flower is still the wave petunia. They’re classic, bright and easy to take care of. You can get them in a dozen different colors, too, so you can accomplish a lot of different “looks” with them. I just did a landscape of alternating red and white wave petunias with blue salvia highlights. It’s the perfect patriotic accent for the property owner’s big 4th of July celebration every year.
Every plant I’ve mentioned is tough and should be able to make it through a hot summer, but don’t forget to inspect your irrigation system. No flowering plant in our climate zone is impervious to drought. More than half of the properties I’ve visited this year have irrigation problems that are wreaking havoc on their landscape. A leaking drip line means that one bed will be flooded and the next bed will be bone dry. Poorly adjusted or broken sprinkler heads will make your seasonal color strategy irrelevant. Have your irrigation lines and heads inspected by a qualified professional at start-up, and then again on a monthly basis. In the long run, you will save money and plants will give you that “pop” you are looking for.
What tips can you give fellow members who need a little help with their landscaping? Log in to comment below.
Tags: Curb appeal, flowers, Maintenance
Posted in Maintenance, Seasonal Topics, Summer | No Comments »
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