AANC E-Notes: 2021 1st Quarter Issue
IN THIS ISSUE:
- A Message from the AANC President
- E-Notes Premier Sponsor Message
- A Message from the AANC Executive Director
- AANC Announcements
- State Suppliers: A Message from the SSC Chair
- Emerging Leaders: A Message from the NextGen Committee
- Social Media Tips for Communities & Companies
- Legislative Update
- AANC PAC
- National Apartment Association
- Affiliate Spotlight
- AANC AFFILIATES: What's Happening Around the State
- TIER II Supplier Directory
- Reader Feedback
- Thank You E-Notes Sponsors!
A MESSAGE FROM THE AANC PRESIDENT
I hope everyone’s New Year is off to a positive start! Although many of us are happy to have 2020 behind us, we still face numerous challenges as we continue to deal with the impact of COVID-19, as well as an ever-changing business and political landscape. The leadership at AANC is intensely focused on the tasks before us and will work assiduously to assist our membership as we navigate the months and years ahead.
On that note, I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself and the new leadership team that comprises the AANC Board Executive Committee:
President - Jennings Snider | SYNCO Properties
Vice President - Lisa Taylor | Greystar
Treasurer - Karen Perkins | Blue Ridge Companies
Secretary - Amanda Siegal Williams | BSC Holdings
Immediate Past President - Sherry Yarborough | Grubb Properties
I would also like to welcome the new committee leaders whose work in their respective committees will be essential in helping us achieve our objectives as an organization. If you do not currently serve on one of the AANC committees I would encourage you to sign up, as that is where the most impact can be had in our efforts to accomplish the association’s goals.
I highly encourage you to mark your calendars for the following upcoming All Things Legislative for the NC Multifamily Housing Industry Webinar (April 21). We have a stellar panel that will be covering our important state issues we are facing as an industry.
Last, but not least, the AANC Board of Directors has made the decision to change the 2021 AANC Education & Legislative Conference from a live event to a virtual series of sessions that will be held the week of May 24-28. This was a tough decision, but ultimately the Board decided that it was in the Association’s best interest to move forward with the event in a virtual setting. Be on the lookout for more information in the coming weeks!
Jennings
Jennings Snider l SYNCO Properties
AANC President
E-Notes March Premier Sponsor
Full House Marketing® is more than just marketing; we partner to help you achieve full occupancy at your apartment community, full staff of on-site and corporate team members, along with fully trained talent at every level of your organization. Our services include temp, temp-to hire, direct hire, lease up, marketing and training services. As the longest standing apartment staffing provider in N.C., Full House Marketing was founded by national industry educator and visionary, Rebecca Rosario. Put our tailored solutions, extensive proven processes, and 20-year, award winning record to work for you! Visit www.FullHouseMarketing.com. Email
Rebecca@FullHouseMarketing.net. Call 919.362.6282.
A MESSAGE FROM THE AANC EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
As we continue to head further into 2021, it appears that this year will continue to provide uncertainty for all of us both professionally and personally. It is crucial that we look out for and take care of our family, friends, employees and coworkers. We need to do our best to ensure for their well-being, positive mental health and continued success.
As an industry and organization, we rely heavily on each of you and your contributions at the local, state and national level. The AANC Board has been busy developing its long-range strategic plan for the next three years and identifying key goals to ensure the viability and success for our organization into the future. As we finalize our strategic plan, we will be dependent on the AANC Board, Committees/Councils and Task Forces, affiliate and AANC staff and you, our members, to help ensure that we implement each of the goals identified. Again, thank you for your AANC Membership and for all that you do and your continued volunteerism during these turbulent times. It is greatly appreciated!
Joshua
Joshua Dick
AANC Executive Director
AANC ANNOUNCEMENTS
All Things Legislative for the NC Multifamily Housing Industry
April 21, 2021 l 2:00pm
1 CEC
Sponsored by: Loebsack & Brownlee
Join AANC for an engaging session discussing all things legislative in NC; including legislative 101 knowledge, hot issues for 2021 and the importance of PACs. Submit any questions you may have for the group ahead of time when you register below.
REGISTER
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AANC RESOURCE LIBRARY: SHARE YOUR EXPERTISE!
Did you know that your Apartment Association of NC has been working to create a resource library that will include a collection of assets geared toward the professional development of regional managers, directors, and executive level members? We are excited to inform you that we will be launching this subscription based platform soon – be on the lookout for more information!
Because you are our GREATEST RESOURCE, WE NEED YOUR HELP! Do you have content that you would like to submit for consideration to the AANC Resource Library? Or would you consider creating a resource to submit? Click here to SHARE YOUR EXPERTISE.
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AANC proudly invites you to submit a proposal to speak at the 2022 AANC Education Conference (May 16-18, 2022 l Raleigh, NC). We are currently accepting proposals as consideration for the opening/closing Keynote sessions and multiple Breakout Education sessions.
Go here to learn more and submit!
Submissions are being accepted through 11:59pm on 4/15/21.
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AANC Diversity & Inclusion Task Force:
HELP US STAY IN THE KNOW
The AANC Diversity and Inclusion Task Force is looking for trends that impact our industry; this includes work place and culture. Help us stay in the know! Has a candidate asked you this question during an interview: “How does your company integrate D, E, I (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) into workplace culture/company culture?” If so, we want to hear from you!
Drop us a note here!
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MEET AANC'S 2021-2022 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
On January 12, 2021, the 2021-2022 AANC's Board of Directors were officially installed! We were honored to have Russ Webb, Executive Director of the Bay Area Apartment Association, join us and administer the Oath of Office to AANC President, Jennings Snider and the AANC Board of Directors. To see the current Executive Committee - click here. To see the full AANC Board of Directors - click here.
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LARRY CRANFORD MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP - Apply Today!
Get up to $1,000 off an NAA designation (NALP, CAM, CAPS, CAMT, CAS)! Named after long-time NC apartment leader Larry Cranford, the mission of the scholarship is to foster the professional apartment industry education and career development potential of selected up-and-coming multi-family rental housing industry leaders in NC. Larry was loved by many for his folksy ways, his absolute commitment to industry education, and his people skills. Larry taught apartment management and maintenance throughout NC for some 25 years. Larry was the AANC President from 1996-1998. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, April 14, 2021. APPLY HERE
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AANC HALL OF FAME
We are NOW accepting AANC Hall of Fame nominations for 2021 inductees! If you would like to recommend someone in the multifamily housing industry, contact your local affiliate today. You can also learn more and find previous inductees here.
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MEET AANC'S LEADERSHIP LYCEUM CLASS OF 2021
The AANC Leadership Lyceum Class of 2021 met for the first time on January 27, 2021. They had an amazing day of virtual education and networking. Josie Eatmon delivered an awesome presentation on leadership followed by a panel discussion with Dale Holder, Andy Meador and Amy Ritchy. To see the Class of 2021 - click here.
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2021 SPONSORSHIP & ADVERTISING GOING FAST!
The AANC 2021 sponsorship and advertising opportunities are going fast. Gain great statewide exposure with multifamily housing industry professionals by reserving your preference(s) today. Note: All availability sold out in 2020!
2021 SPONSORSHIP & ADVERTISING
STATE SUPPLIERS: A Message from the SSC Chair
As we jump into 2021, we are already seeing changes in our nation. Not only do we have a new President of the United States, but also, the first woman as our Vice President! Not to mention, a woman of color! This is a really exciting move forward our nation needed and was ready to embrace.
Our associations on a national, state and local level are also taking “Diversity and inclusion” to a new level with task forces to start the process that will continue to be an important part of our industry.
Unity is a word we heard often during the inauguration, it is something the State Suppliers Council strives for by bringing our supplier members from all seven of AANC’s affiliates together to share ideas, concerns, events, sponsorships, trade shows and more. We will be working on our first ever stand-alone state trade show taking place in 2022 at the Education Conference. A task force has been formed to look at how we can create a fantastic show for our attendees as well as provide some much needed face time and exposure to our suppliers.
As a council, we encourage all members to support the AANC PAC by making a donation of any size. These funds help in the advocacy of our industry. As suppliers, we are always looking for way to support and partner with our owner operators and this is a great way to start. We strive for 100% participation from our council members.
Another way to show our support and partnership, is by joining a committee or task force. There are several to choose from depending on your interests. It not only gives you chance to give back to your industry and association, but many times relationships are formed that last long after the meeting.
As the State Suppliers Council Chair, I am very excited for 2021 and all that we can accomplish. I am thrilled to have an excellent Vice-Chair, Betsy Kirkpatrick, and a wonderful team of voting members from across the state. Please feel free to contact us for more information on the council or committees. We would love to have you join us!
With great anticipation,
Cindy
Cindy Nitschke
Chair, State Suppliers Council
2021 TIER II SUPPLIER DIRECTORY
Check out our 2021 amazing Tier II Supplier Members!
Click on their logos to learn more about each of their services.
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EMERGING LEADERS: A Message from the NextGen Committee
Check out the video below!
SOCIAL MEDIA TIPS FOR COMMUNITIES & COMPANIES
1. Always post a photo or video with your content!
2. Make sure your community or company has a business profile on Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn. This way, you can track analytics and see your success!
3. Designate someone on your team to engage with followers, respond to comments, and answer messages.
4. Drive your residents and prospects to your pages! Host contests, giveaways and/or share community information that's useful to your neighborhood or submarket.
5. Follow your competitors! Not only can you stay up to date on what they are doing, but you can make sure to set yourself apart in a different way.
6. Use free tools like Typorama or Ripl to give your posts some life and movement.
7. Use Instagram Highlights and Facebook Live to invite your residents in and show them your authentic self.
8. If there's a negative comment or post, always invite the person to continue the conversation offline.
9. Use the 80/20 rule! 80% of your posts are about your community, amenities, staff, etc. and 20% are direct sales posts (like those 10 vacant one bedrooms that are on special!)
10. Make it fun! Set up "Instagrammable" spaces in your amenity areas, model apartment or office. Who doesn't love a good selfie? Bonus if you can tie it into a contest for your followers!
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Executive Order 195
Gov. Roy Cooper announced Wednesday, Feb. 24th that he is signing an executive order that will “ease but not lift” restrictions related to COVID-19 across the state. Cooper said Executive Order 195 was decided on “Given the significant and sustained improvement in our COVID-19 metrics.” The new order goes into effect at 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 26.
This order lifts the Modified Stay at Home order, removes the statewide curfew, and increasing the size of indoor gatherings he mass gathering limit increases to 25 people indoors (and remains 50 people outdoors).
While Executive Order 195 will not drastically change the day-to-operations of our industry, it is a big boost for NC businesses and the economy. The will still include the statewide mask mandate and has two general categories of occupancy restrictions: 30 percent capacity and 50 percent capacity. Officials say that because indoor spaces have a higher risk for spread of COVID-19, those facilities in the 30 percent-occupancy category may not exceed 250 people per indoor room or indoor space.
Learn more here.
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NC Hope Program Update
Over the past several weeks NC HOPE Program has made several changes to address growing criticism since the program launched last October. With $167M budget, the program opened in October and closed early November after receiving nearly 42,000 applications. While the applicant portal remains closed, NC Hope has taken major steps to automate their system, increase staff, and streamline the award process to increase.
An additional $546M in federal funds for rental assistance were allocated by the General Assembly to the HOPE program in the first COVID-19 relief package of the year. However growing concerns of efficiency has now positioned the NC Housing Finance Agency as a potential recipient of the federal funds.
In a collation letter to state officials AANC advocated that the funds remain with the NC HOPE Program. Citing that a transfer of agency could lead to added confusion and further delay the awards process at a time where relief is critical. Lawmakers will decide if the funds will be reallocated, the next relief measures are being discussed now, and slated to be voted on in March if not early April.
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Treasury Latest Guidance on Rental Assistance Funds
The Emergency Rental Assistance program makes available $25 billion to assist households that are unable to pay rent and utilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds are provided directly to States, U.S. Territories, local governments, and Indian tribes. Grantees use the funds to aid eligible households through existing or newly created rental assistance programs.
On February 22, 2021, Treasury revised its FAQs for Emergency Rental Assistance. The revised FAQs supersede the previous FAQs provided by the Trump Administration. The Treasury Department also plans to develop full program guidance to compliment the latest revisions soon.
AANC POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE
As we continue to address legal and legislative challenges it is vital that we become a key contributor in the political process. Our greatest tool of influence is through AANC PAC. As a collective, our PAC can leverage our giving power, support candidates who represent good government and understand the needs of the housing industry. Issues we are tackling in North Carolina:
- Landlord/Tenant Law
- Building Code Changes
- Property Tax Abatement
- Emotional Support Animals
- Safe Harbor Liabilities
To date, we have raised 63% of our $25,000 goal for the year. With your help AANC knows we can close the gap even further! If you haven’t contributed to AANC PAC please consider doing so. Let’s Back The PAC!
DONATE TO AANC PAC
See current AANC PAC supporters here.
NATIONAL APARTMENT ASSOCIATION
NAA Update from Susan Passmore,
NAA Region IV Vice President
Entering into 2021, with our operations still impacted by the pandemic, most organizations continue to adjust to doing business virtually. Over the last few months, we’ve engaged online for awards ceremonies, trade shows, educational sessions, and industry expert presentations. Our associations are working very hard and doing an amazing job supporting us through these challenging times.
NAA’s spring and summer governance meetings, including all committee meetings, and region and Board meetings will be held virtually. Spring Governance is March 23-25. Summer Governance is May 25-27.
Our NAA Region, IV, will be holding regular elections at our virtual May Region meeting for four RVP positions for the 2022-2023 term, as well as a special election to fill one vacant position for the remainder of 2021. Our spring region meeting will be held virtually on March 25th. At that meeting our region needs to approve the Regional Elections Committee that has been constituted and determine the method for electing RVP’s in May. Please be on the lookout for virtual region meeting information.
One thing we have all learned from this is that change is rapid. I encourage you to stay engaged and up to date on all the NAA happenings. Learn more here.
If I can ever be of assistance to you or your association, feel free to reach out.
Susan
Susan Passmore l Blue Ridge Companies
NAA Region IV Vice President
336-889-1540
spassmore@blueridgecompanies.com
AFFILIATE SPOTLIGHT
Greater Fayetteville Apartment Association
GFAA held their Annual Starlight Awards Ceremony virtually last month celebrating the success of all of their nominees, designees, award winners of 2020. Guest speakers included Terry Ragland and Mindy McCorkle. They also held their Board Installation during this event and announced the winners of their 2021 Education and Diversity & Inclusion scholarships.
View GFAA members recognized.
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Triangle Apartment Association
The beginning of 2021 looks like most of 2020 in that we continue to host our events and education seminars virtually. And, by the time this first quarter comes to an end, we will have virtually hosted a Business Partner Sponsorship Q&A Session, 2021 Boards of Directors Installation, Committee Co-Chair Orientation, Regional Roundtable, Economic Forecast, Town Hall for Supplier Members, Tour of Cities, and Government Affairs 101. We will have also hosted five virtual education seminars (Property Financials for Assistant Managers, Debt Collection, Certified Pool/Spa Operator (CPO), and Affordable Housing 101) as well as kicked off the Certified Apartment Leasing Professional (CALP) Program. In addition, TAA is forming a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Task Force and has sent out a call for those interested in serving. And our eight committees are busy working on their 2021 plans and have been actively meeting monthly.
We were fortunate to have Cindy Clare, Chief Operating Officer for Bell Partners, Inc. and 2017 NAA Chairman, kick off our Boards of Directors Installation. After sharing a few remarks, she installed the Presidents of A New Lease on Life, Triangle Apartment Association Education Foundation, and Triangle Apartment Association. Each President then shared a special thank you to the 2020 exiting board members for their service, spoke about the vision for 2021 and then installed the board members for their organization.
TAA’s Economic Forecast: State of the Triangle was a popular event and very beneficial. The panelists covered topics such as the economic outlook, impacts of COVID – 19, and an overview of what is currently happening in our market.
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Wilmington Apartment Association
Join our team! WAA is seeking an Association Executive. This position serves as the chief executive officer, responsible to the Board of Directors for the effective management of the affairs of the Association. Learn more and apply here.
In Q1, WAA held their Annual Crest Awards celebrating the successes of our nominees, finalists, and winners of 2020. They also had Russ Webb, AE with BAAA install their 2021 Board of Directors and Officers. It was a night of fun and celebration! In addition, they have held multiple virtual education offerings and kicked off a Quarterly Supplier Webinar Series.
AANC AFFILIATES: What's Happening Around the State?
Visit your local Apartment Association website to see what education is being offered and to register for upcoming events.
GCAA | Greater Charlotte Apartment Association
GFAA | Greater Fayetteville Apartment Association
GAPMA | Greenville Area Property Managers Association
PTAA | Piedmont Triad Apartment Association
TAA | Triangle Apartment Association
AAWNC | Apartment Association of Western North Carolina
WAA | Wilmington Apartment Association
THANK YOU TO OUR E-NOTES SPONSORS!
