Wouldn't it be great?

Years ago I thought how great it would be if everyone just thought like I did. Wow, I wouldn’t have to spend hours explaining myself. I could be confident that my communication style was effective and that everyone I communicated with understood and agreed with what I had to say.

I then began to realize that by surrounding myself with people who thought and acted like I did wasn’t producing the results I desired. Some employees began to feel stifled as their creative juices were buried. Others sought employment elsewhere because they did not feel as if they fit into “the Big Picture”. And some just stayed because they needed a paycheck.

Workplace diversity isn’t just about race, gender or ethnic origins. It is about being “different”. Differences that involve a broad range of human uniqueness-personality, work style, perception and attitudes, values and lifestyle, work ethic, world view, communication style and more. Creating a diverse workplace is about leadership’s capacity to influence people to willingly work toward company objectives. Achieving true workplace diversity is about taking the time and making the commitment to see the “good” in being different and sharing in the promise that similarities offer.

Thankfully, early in my career, I discovered the benefits of a diverse work force and began to capitalize on the many talents, thinking styles, and personalities that surrounded me. It was a little scary but it was great! It took moving beyond the fear of not knowing what to expect, to expecting greatness of others. It took testing the waters of the unfamiliar and uncomfortable as I learned to trust in the development of relationships with those who were different. It is great!

Admittedly, surrounding yourself with those who think, act, and look different is challenging, However, I assure you that the rewards are unlimited. Encouraging others to be who they really are, helping them develop their full potential, and utilizing their special talents, skills, ideas and creativity is the GREATEST accomplishment any leader or manager of people could experience.

Wouldn’t it be great if organizations everywhere embraced true workplace diversity, where every employees' potential was maximized?

Robin Stinson
RCStinsonFL@aol.com

FRIENDS to consider service from:

Commercial Air Conditioning, Inc.
& Commercial Electric, Inc.
Christian H. Engle
Phone: 407-339-8559

The Roofing Connection
Ed Wallick
Phone: 407-696-7663

Wallick Construction
Bruce Wallick
Phone: 407-302-9900

The Flying Mulchman
Kevin McDonough
Phone: 407-339-3311

Davey Tree Expert Co.
Chris Marshall
Phone: 407-331-8020

Florida Catastrophe Group
Jennifer Harris
Phone: 407-295-5540

Brown, Salzman, Weiss, Garganese, P.A.
Gary Salzman
Phone: 407-425-9566

Thorpe Enterprises
Andrea Wade
Phone: 407-756-0023

Building Services Connection
Evan Kolb
Phone: 407-447-0777

Link to all our Friends' info at:
http://www.irem60.org/friends.htm.

"Big Brother's Watching"
Our next meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 9th at noon at Lee's Lakeside, 431 E. Central Ave., Orlando - 407-841-1565. Come hear about the latest technology in security for your properties inside and out. Also, we'll learn how employers are monitoring their employees work performance while reducing theft of time and materials.

You can start making your reservations now by calling or emailing
Meridythe Kanaga , CPM, our Administrator.

There is free parking across the street from the restaurant or if you choose to park in their garage, the cost will be $1.00 per hour after the first hour that will not be included in the luncheon price.

The meeting charge is $25.00 for pre-registration or $30.00 without reservations or billed. If you plan to pay at the door; we accept, check, cash MC or Visa.

ANNIVERSARIES
The following CPM and ARM members in our chapter have celebrated their membership anniversaries marking 5, 10, 15 and 20 years with IREM over the last four months. Congratulations.

Charlotte Diedrich, CPM, McKinley Properties
- 5 years
Jewel McDonald, CPM, JM Real Estate
- 5 years
Shirley Prusak, ARM, Marcell Gardens
- 5 years
Gene Bennett, CPM, All American Management
- 10 years
Scott Pollock, CPM, Chapman Property Advisors
- 10 years
Robin Stinson, CPM, Cameo Professionals
- 10 years
Meridythe Kanaga, CPM, LCAM, Mark Management
- 10 years
Paul David Meyers, CPM, Thomas Group
- 15 years
Rebecca Singer, CPM, ARM, Continental Property Services
-15 years
Linda Sutterfield, CPM, Jupiter Communities
- 15 years
Pedro Vermales, CPM, Reliance Management Services
- 15 years
Sally Musso, CPM, Tom Grizzard, Inc.
- 20 years

Photos from Last Meeting

Eddie Lisboa, Minority Outreach Chairman, presented the Minority Outreach Scholarship to Gloria Dowling who is using this towards RES201.

President, Robin Stinson, CPM with our July speaker, Donald Lawter, Heart & Associates Construction who spoke to us on building codes.

Nancy Carillo, CPM was presented her CPM designation certificate and pin by President, Robin Stinson, CPM at our July meeting.

ARM stands for Accredited Residential Manager and is the certification awarded by IREM to professionals who manage residential properties. The ARM certification is regarded as the most recognized credential for residential managers. As an ARM, you’ll be a member of the Institute of Real Estate Management, the premier organization for real estate management professionals world-wide. You’ll receive a package of member benefits and services that will give your career a professional advantage.

If you are currently active with your CAM with the National Apartment Association; the Institute of Real Estate Management values your time and education. They are allowing you to FAST TRACK your way to becoming an ARM. If you meet the requirements of the ARM
application, you can merely take a one day review course and take the exam.

MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS TODAY!

Date of Review: October 17, 2003
Date of Exam: October 18, 2003
Cost of Class and Exam: $150.00
Classes will be held in the Florida Association of Realtors Building

You are invited to a tour of the newest community in Orlando, “Tortuga Bay”. We will have the opportunity to explore this incredible new property in the heart of the Waterford Lakes Area. From their Tropical Islands architecture to the beautiful floor plans. A MUST SEE!

In addition to our tours we are pleased to have Doug Chasick,CPM (THE APARTMENT DOCTOR) as our speaker.

When: Wednesday, Oct 22, 2003 • 6:00p-8:30p
Directions: Take 408 east to Alafaya Trail, turn right to Lake Underhill Drive, go to second light turn left onto Woodbury Road. Follow Woodbury Road, Tortuga Bay will be on the left.
Info: Refreshments and Libations will be served. $10.00 per person. Sponsored by ARM Committee.

Deadline for reservations is October 17, 2003
Reserve your admission today by contacting
Meridythe Kanaga at
admin@irem-centralfl.org
Phone: (407)540-1001 ext. 10
or FAX: (407)862-1819

As you may know local IREM and CCIM chapters have joined forces to challenge the property management industry in a day of fun, camaraderie and team building. All proceeds from this joint venture will be donated to The Marty Lyons Foundation.

The original event date was set for September 27th, 2003 but in order to accommodate a possible personal visit and endorsement from Marty himself we have moved the date to March 27th. What were we thinking…the fall is football season!

Please mark your calendars for Saturday March 27th. Bring your employees and family to a day filled with fun and networking. With all proceeds being contributed to Marty Lyons you can be a part of making a dream come true for a sick child.

Watch your email and fax for more information on signing up your company team or sponsoring the day. Contact Robin Stinson at 321-229-8154 to help with these efforts. A little of your time goes a long way.

Many of you are busy working on those 2004 budgets. With that in mind, we wanted to give you a heads up on what courses will be offered next year.

-RES201 Successful Site Management
Month: March
$375 Member / $500 Non-member
-HRS201 Basic Human Resources Tools
Month: June
$375 Member / $500 Non-member
-FIN201 Badic Budgeting & Accounting
Month: August
$375 Member / $500 Non-member
-ETH800 Ethics for RE Managers
Month: September
$155 Member / $190 Non-member
-MKL201 Basic Marketing & Leasing
Month: October
$375 Member / $500 Non-member

Also, remember to utilize our Friends to help you prioritize and budget those projects, repairs, improvements or annual contract for 2004.

Published by IREM Chapter 60 Newsletter Committee, Jane Bullock, CPM, Chairperson

Administrative Office
IREM Chapter 60
PO Box 160580
Altamonte Springs, FL 32716-0580
Attn: Meridythe Kanaga, CPM, LCAM

admin@irem-centralfl.org

Tel: 407.862.2292 x 10
Fax: 407.862.1819

©2003 IREM Chapter 60. Design by
Rob Gundling @ B2B Solutions, Orlando, FL.

CPM CANDIDATE
TRACK C Offered in Orlando in September

If you have nearly completed your education requirements for the CPM® designation and all that is left on your checklist is completion of a management plan and the CPM® certification exam, you will want to sign up for the Candidate Track. Here, IREM bundles together offerings related to two key steps required for certification — the management plan and the CPM® certification exam.

When: September 15-20, 2003
Where: Florida Assoc. of Realtors, 7025 Augusta National Drive, Orlando (just North of the airport off of 436)
To register: Visit
www.irem.org, or call (800) 837-0706

BDM602 - Writing and Using Property Management Plans
MPSA01 - Management Plan Skills Assessment
CPM001 - CPM® Certification Exam Preparation Seminar
CPMEXM - CPM® Certification Exam

Don’t follow - Lead! Or Can you hear me now?!?

Become an Accredited Residential Manager (ARM)
By taking our upcoming Successful Site Management course (RES201), you will be on your way to becoming a trained specialist in residential property management. Let IREM’s expert instructors enhance your knowledge of essential budgeting, accounting, and fiscal administration skills that will improve day-to-day financial operations at your site. Learn what to do and how to apply your new knowledge in real-world situations. Knowledge of basic budgeting and accounting principles provides the foundation needed for successful property management.

The course includes the ARM certification examination and covers the following to"http://www.twocoolbees.com/IREM/news/pics: human resources, legal issues, risk management, professional ethics, on-site maintenance, basic accounting, budgeting, marketing and leasing tools and strategies.

If you are seeking your ARM certification or merely looking to sharpen your current skills, you must enroll now for this extraordinary 5 ½ day course.
For additional information or to register for this October 13th through October 18th course, please contact:

IREM National
Course Registration
430 N. Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611-4090
Phone: (800) 837-0706
Fax: (800) 338-4736
Internet:
www.irem.org

For location information, contact local IREM Central Florida Chapter 60 Administrator, Meridythe Kanaga, CPM® 407-862-2292 ext. 10 or
admin@irem-centralfl.org

Florida Catastrophe Corp. would like to invite IREM members and Friends to attend an educational seminar on the "HOT TOPIC" of Mold. John Hewitt, Florida Catastrophes' Head of Mold Remediation, will be presenting along with a few other experts in the field. You will be hearing from the leading members of the insurance, consulting, legal, and building communities.

For a registration form and more information please go to:
www.abccentralflorida.com . We look forward to seeing you there.

Jennifer Harris
Florida Catastrophe Group
1401 Atlanta Avenue
Orlando, FL 32806
Tel: 407.295.5440 / Fax: 407.521.9441
www.FLA-CAT.com
jenn@FLA-CAT.com



Mechanical Considerations While Re-Roofing
Recently our firm has noticed an increase in re-roofing efforts due to the normal aging of commercial properties. When developing a scope of work for a re-roofing effort that includes roof mounted mechanical equipment it is critical to engage the mechanical/air conditioning contractor early in the planning stage since many building departments are now requiring the mechanical equipment to conform to the current standard. Not withstanding specialized engineering the Florida Code provides two basic methods for securing roof mounted mechanical equipment. The first is to curb mount the equipment (FBC 1511) with a minimum height of 8 inches. The second is to mount the equipment on stands (FBC 1511.72). The stand height is directly related to the unit width (the wider the unit the taller the stand). For example: unit widths less than 24 inches require the stand to have a minimum clearance above the roof of 14 inches; whereas unit widths greater than 60 inches require the stand to have a minimum clearance above the roof of 48 inches.

The most common deficiency found is that the existing mounting methods are not in compliance with the new code. Frequently we find condensing units sitting on 4x4 pressure treated timbers or welded steel racks that do not meet the new clearance requirements. As a result significant amount of time and work are needed to modify the structure to be in compliance with the Code. By engaging the mechanical/air conditioning contractor early in the process the mounting issue can be addressed and significant delays and cost overruns can be avoided, better serving both the owner and tenant.

Christian H. Engle, President
CAC-CE
Christian@cac-ce.com



What’s Really in your Groundcover?
Part 1

During the week of August 21 WESH TV 2 Investigative Reporter, Mr. Jack Fink featured a real big story about certain suppliers and installers of ground cover products using pressure treated wood in their mulch supplies. Lab reports have uncovered CCA elements, especially Arsenic, in these materials and where they are turning up.

The basic problem here is two fold. The recyclers of Construction & Demolition materials (known as C&D) are not allowed to grind up pressure treated lumber as it achieves much greater surface area and leaches out much more quickly than if it was left alone and deposited in a class 2 landfill as required by law. The other side of the problem is resellers, wholesalers and yes, blower truck operators, who have made a nice profit spreading toxic, heavy metals in playgrounds and landscapes. The report identified some surprising locations where these materials present a health threat and potential cancer risk to children, pets, adults and even livestock.

I would like to commend WESH TV and Jack Fink for working tirelessly, doing a very thorough investigation and increasing public awareness. Now is a good time to change this for the good of our industry and our collective environment. Our company is dedicated to preserving our valuable natural resources, protecting our soil from contamination and keeping our groundwater safe for future generations. We like to call ourselves "Your Ground Cover Super Hero" as we take this task of trying to protect our environment with the zeal of a real super hero. It seems at times to be a hopeless mission, but one we have undertaken with the intention of making this planet a better place to live, enjoy and appreciate. This kind of public awareness will accomplish much towards this goal.

Our company only uses the highest quality, renewable resources from honest suppliers who share our vision and passion for environmental protection. We are the first blower truck operator / ground cover installation company to test our materials for CCA and especially Arsenic. To date, no one of the materials delivered to our yard for use by our clients has tested positive, but the same cannot be said for others who also do this type of work. Their decisions are shortsighted, dangerous and may have already caused widespread contamination of soil and water for the sake of profits.

There are many great articles out there on Arsenic and a quick Internet search will yield hundreds of them. We also recommend you search the EPA's website at EPA.gov and search their database on arsenic as well. That should provide you with all the more reason to avoid doing business with any company who thinks so little of the safety and health of people who may be affected by this silent killer. It is our hope that by having WESH TV expose this problem, the market for "tainted" mulch products will be wiped out. By eliminating the ability to sell it, the problem should be greatly reduced over time with help from an educated consumer. And that is good for everyone.

Thanks for making a difference around here from "Your Ground Cover Super Hero"!

Kevin McDonough
Flying Mulchman, Inc.
407-339-3311
www.flyingmulchman.com

IREM Central Florida Chapter #60 Important Links:

Committee Chairs

Board of Directors

Friends of IREM

Calendar of Events

IREM National

MEMBERSHIP NUMBERS
as of August 4, 2003.

CPM		118
CPM Candidates/Pending		37
ARM		51
ARM Pending/Apps		1
AMO HQ		8
AMO Branch		15
Associate		10
Friends		9
Total:		249

In-House vs Contract Employees

There seems to be a new buzz in the industry these days about in-house vs contract employees. What is the best practice for your property? How do you decide what is right for you? There are a number of items to think about when making your decision.

1. Expertise - Can your in-house personnel provide the level of expertise that a contract employee can provide? Does your firm have enough training available to provide your in-house personnel with professional licenses/permits that may be required, such as weed and pest control licenses, and state-required mitigation maintenance licenses?

2. Liability - Outsourcing your security function is a hot trend these days, especially with the threats of terrorism on the rise. As a property manager, can you be assured that you have provided the highest possible level of trained security personnel and have measures in place to prevent possible attacks? Do you have adequate response plans in place in the event of such attacks? Or, do you decide to hire a security firm with the knowledge and training already in place to provide these functions. Risk management and assessment plays an important part in this decision-making process.

3. Scope of Work/Job Duties - Quite often, when using contract employees, you have set parameters on what that person’s job duties entails. It is more difficult to use a contract person in other job-related functions as needed. On the other hand, you have full control of in-house personnel and their related job duties. You might require an in-house maintenance person to pull weeds one hour and then set up an entertainment stage the next hour. With contract employees, their job duties become very specific and deviation from these duties can cause conflict between the contracted parties.

4. Cost - The cost factor, in most cases, probably plays the most important part of your decision-making process when deciding on in-house vs contract employees. However, lower cost doesn’t always mean the best choice for your property.
All these factors must be weighed together to come up with a final decision on whether in-house or contract employment is right for your property.

Patricia A. Jamar, CPM Candidate