AANC E-Notes: 2024 1st Quarter Issue

AANC News,


IN THIS ISSUE:

A MESSAGE FROM THE AANC PRESIDENT

Greetings!

As an industry, we are fairly optimistic with North Carolina’s continued job growth, positive net migration and an overall favorable state to live. Inasmuch, we are working through recent supply delivery challenges in certain markets from the mountains to the coast. Concessions are common in brand new lease-up communities with downward pressure on the stable communities. Most operators are locking in longer lease terms for the trade-off and focusing heavily on resident retention. However, the cost to buy a home has never been more expensive which will keep the existing residents in place and newcomers renting for a while. The robust supply delivery will slow greatly in Q4 2025 and beyond.

I am thrilled to announce and extend a warm welcome to our newly appointed board members who have joined us in our commitment to AANC's mission. Their diverse backgrounds and expertise will undoubtedly contribute to the continued success and growth of our organization.

  • AAWNC Representative: Tina Gorby Baker | Apartments.com 
  • WAA Representative: Doriane Murray | Flournoy Properties
  • State Suppliers Council Representative: Elizabeth Riley | The Liberty Group 

To all our returning board members, we extend our deepest gratitude for your continued dedication and support. Your commitment has been instrumental in AANC's achievements, and we are excited to continue working together to reach new heights.

There is also new leadership this year with our State Suppliers Council. Please join me in welcoming the 2024 Chair, Elizabeth Riley with the Liberty Group, and Vice-Chair, Liz Newkirk with Loebsack & Brownlee, PLLC. Also a huge shout out to all of our returning Committee Leadership. AANC could not do what we do with out all of you!

This year's AANC Education & Legislative Conference will take place in Raleigh from April 29 to May 1, promising an enriching experience for all attendees. We have curated an impressive lineup of session speakers and thought-leading keynote speakers who will share valuable insights and expertise. To ensure your spot and take advantage of early bird rates, I encourage you to register promptly

For the second time is less than 3 years, we have experienced the unexpected loss of an active AANC Board member, Eddie Robertson, a GCAA representative. Eddie has been a Sales Account Manager at Redi Carpet for the past 9 years. To say his fellow team members, customers, peers and family are devastated by the loss is an understatement. Eddie leaves behind a beautiful wife, Brandi Robertson, Sr. Regional Property Manager – Greystar as well as two highly decorated athlete daughters, Olivia & Erin. In honoring Eddie's memory, let us unite in support of his family and cherish the impact he made on our lives, recognizing the profound loss we collectively share within the AANC community.

Lisa

Lisa Taylor l Greystar
AANC President

E-NOTES 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 direct hire/talent search, short-term staffing, work-to hire, lease up, marketing and training services. Your satisfaction is our guarantee. We are proud to be a N.C. based business. Put our tailored solutions, extensive proven processes, and 23-year, award winning record to work for you!

Visit www.FullHouseMarketing.com.
Email Rebecca@FullHouseMarketing.net.
Call 919.362.6282.

HONORING EDDIE ROBERTSON

Our dear colleague, friend and fellow Board Member, Eddie Robertson, passed away on February 16, 2024. Words are inadequate to describe the person he was. A beloved husband, father and industry family member, those that had the pleasure of knowing him knew Eddie had a personality and presence that filled a room. For me, that presence was calming and reassuring, and when he spoke, I always wanted to listen because I knew it was going to be good. 

Two things I will always remember about Eddie, his quick, easy smile and his large, kind hands that would swallow yours up when shaking hands. When talking food with him on one occasion, I asked him what his favorite dessert was, and without skipping a beat he answered, “all of them”.  I will miss chatting about college football, specifically Clemson and UVA football, with Eddie. He always had the inside scoop, and no matter the subject, somehow, I always felt smarter after a conversation with him. 

Eddie was a passionate champion for equality and left an indelible mark on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts with AANC, GCAA, and our industry. In his honor, it is very fitting that we rename GCAA’s DE&I Award and Scholarship the Eddie Jerome Robertson Memorial Award and Scholarship.

His passing has left a huge void that can never be filled, but over time, that void will begin to heal through our fond memories. Eddie enjoyed a good bourbon, so to honor him I ask that we raise a glass one last time to our forever board member, Eddie Robertson.

Gabrielle

Gabrielle Bouknight with HHHunt
GCAA Board President

AANC WEBINARS

PREPARING FOR PROPERTY
LEVEL CRISIS SITUATIONS

June 5, 2024 l 10:00am l 1 CEC
Sponsored by: Reliable Restorations 

Owner/Operators & Suppliers: 

We are thrilled to invite you to our upcoming webinar, "Preparing for Property Level Crisis Situations," where industry experts will share invaluable insights and strategies to help you safeguard your properties and residents when unforeseen challenges arise.

Moderator
Max Seay (BluSky Restoration)
Panel
Chris Carter (Carter Haston), Suzanne Dee (Apartment Dynamics), Fred Kicsak (Blue Ridge Companies), Kena Sims (RAM Partners 

REGISTER


Upcoming 2024 Educational Webinars

Preparing for Property Level Crisis Situations (Jun 5)
Looks Risky! Now What? Site Assessments & Risk Mitigation (Sep 18)
Finding Your Sustainable Self: Prioritizing Mental Wellness (Nov 13) 

AANC ANNOUNCEMENTS
NAA LEADERSHIP LYCEUM CLASS OF 2024

Look who was accepted into the NAA Leadership Lyceum Class of 2024 from North Carolina:

John DeMario
RKW Residential

Kim Graham
Greater Charlotte Apartment Association 

Please join us in giving them a HUGE CONGRATS! 

#WeAreAANC

2025 CONFERENCE: Speaker RFP Submission Window is Open!

AANC proudly invites you to submit a proposal to speak at the 2025 AANC Education & Legislative Conference in 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 5/15/24.


2024 SPONSORSHIP & ADVERTISING
Power Your Brand at the 2024 Conference
Only 3 Sponsorships Remaining!
Advertise with Impact in Our E-Newsletter!

In addition to the AANC 2024 Conference, we are also offering ad space in our membership e-newsletter


JOIN AN AANC COMMITTEE 

Are you looking for different ways to get involved at the state level? AANC offers members multiple opportunities through our diverse group of committees. 

Learn more here!

STATE SUPPLIERS: A Message from the SSC Chair

Hello Suppliers!

I am excited to connect with you as the newly appointed Chair of the State Supplier’s Council for AANC. My name is Elizabeth Riley, and I'm honored to follow in Leah Vinansky’s footsteps as we continue to champion the interests of suppliers in our multifamily housing community.

I'd like to introduce our Vice-Chair for the year, Liz Newkirk, Manager of Digital Media with Loebsack & Brownlee. Together, we are committed to serving you and AANC to the best of our abilities.

As we embark on 2024, I want to encourage all our valued suppliers. This year holds immense opportunities for growth, collaboration, and success. Your dedication and innovation are the driving forces that make our industry thrive, and I'm confident that together, we can achieve new heights.

Reflecting on Leah's wise words, let's remember the importance of giving back to the industry that sustains us. Whether through volunteerism, PAC donations, or increased engagement, every effort matters. Your insights and ideas are invaluable as we collectively navigate industry challenges.

Let's extend a warm welcome to our esteemed 2024 Peak Partners. Your support is integral to the continued success of our endeavors, and we're grateful for the strong partnerships we've cultivated.

Now, onto the most anticipated event of the year – our third stand-alone Conference Trade Show with the theme "GO FOR THE GOLD." Building on the success of last year, we have exciting plans, including a game board for cash prizes. The more engagement, the greater the chances to win! While booths for trade show are sold out, additional exposure opportunities remain. Explore sponsor options beyond the Conference for increased visibility and a chance to showcase your company to peers and customers statewide.

Lastly, I encourage all suppliers to consider joining our council. Your active participation ensures that the State Suppliers Council remains a vibrant community where ideas flourish, connections strengthen, and success is celebrated collectively.

Here's to an extraordinary year ahead, filled with achievements and golden opportunities!


All my best,

Elizabeth

Elizabeth Riley l The Liberty Group
Chair, State Suppliers Council (2024)
ElizabethG@TheLibertyGroup.com

2024 PEAK PARTNERS
Check out our amazing 2024 Peak Partners! 

AANC CONFERENCE
!!! REGISTER TODAY !!!

AANC 2024 Education & Legislative Conference
April 29 - May 1, 2024 l Raleigh, NC
#AANC2024LEAP

REGISTER TODAY @ THE EARLY BIRD RATE!

We are thrilled to extend an invitation to you for the upcoming AANC 2024 Education & Legislative Conference, where industry leaders, visionaries, and professionals come together to explore the latest trends and advancements in the multifamily industry. To secure your spot, simply register here. The Early Bird Rate Options are currently available and offer significant savings. Take advantage of this opportunity to invest in your professional development and position yourself for success!

Key reasons why you won't want to miss this year's event:

Thought Provoking Education Sessions (earn 8 CEC's!)
Valuable Networking Connections
Leading Companies in the Go for the Gold! Trade Show
A Highly Valued Lobby Day Experience
...and so much more!

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES


Become a 2024 AANC Conference Volunteer!

The AANC Conference has grown substantially through the years, and we could not
have made it the valued experience that it is with out the help of amazing industry volunteers.

Please consider volunteering your time at the 2024 conference. 


2024 Conference: Volunteer Sign Up

A BIG thank you, as we could not do this with out you!

AANC Committee Town Hall @ Conference

The AANC Education Committee is excited to host the second Committee Town Hall in conjunction with the upcoming 2024 Conference. This joint committee event will take place on Monday, April 29, 2024, beginning at 1:45 pm and will replace the individual committee meetings normally held at the conference.

ALL MEMBERS ARE WELCOME!

SPACE IS LIMITEDRSVP TODAY!

AANC NextGen Committee: Hatching Hope Fundraiser @ Conference
The AANC NextGen Committee will be offering professional headshots on
Tuesday, April 30 from 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM for a $25 minimum donation. Be
sure not to miss out on updating your headshot and donating to a great cause!

Hatching Hope is a 501 (C)(3) disaster relief and humanitarian aid organization that
provides immediate and long-term recovery essentials to victims of disaster.

EMERGING LEADERS: A Message from the NextGen Committee

The NextGen “ShanAsh” Show with Shane Raby & Ashley Vetter
Season 4, Episode 1

Check out the video below!

LEGAL UPDATE

FTC’s Rule on Unfair or Deceptive Fees and how it impacts Landlords.

By Brownlee Whitlow & Praet, PLLC

In October of 2023, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) presented a new proposed rule, entitled “Trade Regulation Rule on Unfair or Deceptive Fees”, prohibiting what the Commission is referring to as “junk fees” that can have potentially harmful impacts on consumers. The Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) pending rule on junk fees has the potential to significantly impact residential housing providers.

Residential housing providers play a crucial role in providing housing for millions of people across the United States. The fees charged by housing providers, referred to as “junk fees,” by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) have been a subject of increased scrutiny, leading to the proposed rule. What the FTC refers to as "junk fees,” are known in the residential rental housing industry as ancillary fees, which are additional charges imposed by housing providers outside of rent and security deposits. These fees can include charges for amenities, application processing, pet deposits, and various other services. While some argue that these fees are necessary to cover administrative costs and maintain rental properties, others view them as excessive and unfair to residents. Continue reading...


This is not legal advice and should not be relied on as such. You should contact your legal counsel with your specific facts if you seek legal advice.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Ahead of the March 5, 2024 primary election, the AANC PAC Board of Trustees voted to support the reelection campaigns of 26 lawmakers. These lawmakers have demonstrated a commitment to our industry's values and priorities and supporting them is crucial to protecting advancing the rental housing industry’s goals at the North Carolina General Assembly. 

  • Rep. John Bell
  • Rep. Mark Brody
  • Rep. Ashton Clemmons
  • Rep. Kevin Crutchfield
  • Rep. Carla Cunningham*
  • Rep. Destin Hall
  • Rep. Kyle Hall*
  • Rep. Jon Hardister*
  • Rep. Ray Pickett
  • Rep. Robert Reives
  • Rep. Sarah Stevens
  • Rep. Shelly Willingham
  • Rep. Matthew Winslow
  • Rep. Michael Wray
  • Rep. Jeff Zenger
  • Sen. Dan Blue
  • Sen. Danny Britt
  • Sen. Dave Craven*
  • Sen. Warren Daniel
  • Sen. Todd Johnson
  • Sen. Michael Lee
  • Sen. Paul Lowe
  • Sen. Tim Moffitt*
  • Sen. Buck Newton
  • Sen. Paul Newton
  • Sen. Bill Rabon

 

 

*2023 AANC Legislative Champions. In addition to the above-noted champions, AANC member and state House member, Rep. John Bradford (running for U.S. Congress) and Sen. Jim Perry (not running for reelection) are also 2023 AANC Legislative Champions. 

As the March 5, 2024 primary election approaches, we want to remind you of the importance of exercising your right to vote. By participating in the primary election, you have the opportunity to select the candidates who will champion the issues that matter most to the rental housing industry. We encourage you to research the candidates, their positions on key issues, and their track record of supporting the rental housing industry. 

Not sure who is on your ballot? Click here to visit the voter look up tool on the North Carolina Board of Elections website. You will be able to see your polling place and your sample ballot for the primary election.

AANC POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEES

It’s an election year, which makes this an especially crucial year for supporting the AANC PAC. Your contribution to the PAC helps support the election campaigns for lawmakers who are friends of the rental housing industry. It only takes a minute to give to today, text “AANCPAC” to 50155 or click here to get started!

If you would like to support the AANC PAC by displaying the QR code at your next affiliate event, please contact Sarah DuBose for more information (GAD@aanconline.org).

Thank you to our 2024 AANC PAC supporters!



Multifamily Housing Coalition of North Carolina PAC

The Multifamily Housing Coalition of North Carolina is an independent expenditure political committee designed to support AANC’s legislative and regulatory advocacy efforts through individual and corporate contributions.

Contributions do not support individual candidate campaigns like the PAC, and instead are used to expand the AANC's reach, educate legislators, and raise public awareness to the challenges facing the multifamily housing industry.

Interested in serving on the Board of Trustees or your company being one of the inaugural donors to the Coalition? Contact Sarah DuBose at GAD@aanconline.org.

NATIONAL APARTMENT ASSOCIATION

NAA Update from Lisa Taylor
NAA Region 4 Vice President 

We are a couple weeks away from NAA Advocate; NAA’s annual advocacy conference in Washington, D.C. on March 12 - 15. As the new Congress settles into Capitol Hill, it’s a prime opportunity to meet with your representatives. Unprecedented regulatory activity and record attention on rental housing policy at all levels of government have impacted us all, it’s more important than ever to make sure that your voice is heard. Registration for this event is free. Join your peers and speak to your Congressional representatives about the following critical legislation.

  • Improving the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program to attract and better serve private sector rental housing providers;
  • Incentivizing local governments to lower barriers to development and increase the supply of rental housing; and
  • Ending the CARES Act 30-day notice-to-vacate requirement for federally-backed and federally-assisted rental properties.

NAA’s Monthly Advocacy & Legal Updates is an NAA member and affiliate exclusive web series for partners yearning to uncover industry legal news and policy changes, sometimes straight from D.C. The call is the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 3:30PM. If you'd like to register, please reach out to Nicole Upano at NAA.
 
NAA is also accepting nominations for their NAA Top Employer Awards. Nominations are due by March 1.  Nomination Guide here for Suppliers and Management Companies.  The winners will be announced in May of this year.
 
Registration for Apartmentalize 2024  is now open and “Feel the LOVE”! Apartmentalize will be in Philadelphia, June 19 – 2. Check with your local affiliate to see if they have discounted registrations.

Cultivate Powered by NAA returns for a second year September 26 – 27 in Austin, TX. Cultivate is an annual event for senior leadership that focuses on solving industry challenges amongst peers and leaders in a retreat-style experience. Registration will open soon.

If I can ever be of assistance to you or your association, feel free to reach out.

Lisa

Lisa Taylor l Greystar
NAA Region IV Vice President
704-962-7976 l LTaylor@greystar.com


UPCOMING 2024 NAA EVENTS

Advocate
March 12-13
Washington, DC

Apartmentalize
June 19-21
Philadelphia, PA

Rental Housing Advocacy and Legal Summit - RHALS
July 30 - August 1
Omni Las Colinas | Irving, TX

Cultivate
September 25 - 26
JW Marriott Austin, TX


AFFILIATE SPOTLIGHT

Greater Fayetteville Apartment Association (GFAA)

On February 8, 2024 the GFAA hosted the 2023 Starlight Awards luncheon with more than 220 attending.

Congratulations to the winners!

Leasing Consultant of the Year
Miracle Cradduck, The Grove at Park Place
Assistant Community Manager of the Year
Cheyenne Badure, Chason Ridge Apartment Homes
Community Manager of the Year
Chantell Rucker, Autumn View Apartments
Supplier of the Year (individual)
Jodi Sauerbier, Valet Living
Community of the Year
Hawkins Walk Apartments

Maintenance Technician of the Year
Adrian Estrada Maldonado, Legacy at Cross Creek
Maintenance Supervisor of the Year
Jason Cooper, Waterford Apartments
Regional/Corporate Manager of the Year
Lynn Hatchett, Sweetwater Property Management
Team of the Year 
Reserve at Carrington Place Team
President's Award
Nana Bentsi-Enchill, Hawthorne Residential Partners


Piedmont Triad Apartment Association (PTAA)

PTAA's DEI Committee kicked off 2024, hosting a Coffee Talk in January on Implicit Bias and Code Switching, and had a great turnout!

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 

AANC E-Notes Reader Feedback:
Click Here To Take This 60 Second Survey!

Thank You to Our General Sponsor!

Refresh Your Multifamily Property with Energy Savings. Through the Duke Energy Multifamily Energy Efficiency Program*, your property can receive free in-unit energy-efficient products, such as furnace filter whistles (including a one-time FREE filter change), weatherstripping, water-saving showerheads and more. Optional smart thermostats are also available for installation at a discounted price.
Schedule your free energy assessment today! 

*The Multifamily Energy Efficiency Program is available to eligible Duke Energy and Duke Energy Progress customers in the Carolinas, Kentucky and Indiana. Note that this program is administered by Franklin Energy, a contractor of Duke Energy with experience in the installation of home energy-saving products.