NEWSREAL

A publication of IREM - Central Florida Chapter

Volume 3, Issue 5
May, 2002

The Internet Site for Professional Real Estate Managers

A WORD FROM THE PRESIDENT......

I just returned from attending IREM’s annual Legislative and Education Conference in Washington DC. As always the meetings were both interesting and productive. Also, with all of the power and history that resides in Washington there is always much to see and do there.

I had free time on Saturday morning so I decided to walk down Connecticut Avenue and do some sight seeing. A few blocks down, I ran into a sizeable group of passionate people demonstrating to the world their concerns about the many atrocities being committed in the Middle East. We were surrounded by literally hundreds of policeman riding in cars and motorcycles and walking beside us. When I got to the White House heavily armed military personnel with armored Humvee-like vehicles joined the police. Everyone was suited up in full riot and combat gear. It was a scary looking scene and even more worrisome when you consider the heightened threat of terrorism that exists throughout our country today.

The whole scene frightened me, but it also made me proud. Yes, proud that in the United States free speech is a cornerstone of our society and terrorists notwithstanding, people have the right to freely and openly demonstrate for what they believe.

On Tuesday, I participated in an IREM-sponsored ‘demonstration’. IREM members from across the country swarmed onto Capitol Hill to make our views on Bankruptcy, Banks encroaching on the real estate brokerage and management business, Terrorism insurance and Tax credits for energy conservation, known to members of Congress. I joined a group from Florida that met with Senator Bill Nelson and Bob Graham’s legislative affairs' experts. They were attentive and showed genuine interest in our issues. I believe our lobbying efforts will yield some success.

Later on we visited the Senate Gallery and although we had to go through security checkpoints similar to those at the airport, we were able to sit in the Senate and watch Tom Daschle, Trent Lott and other Senators. Once again, in spite of the events of 9/11 and all of the crazy people in the world who would like to do harm to the US, it was impressive to see the continued openness of our governmental institutions and officials.

It really is exciting to see and experience our open and democratic system. I know there are flaws and plenty of people who would like to corrupt the system or manipulate it for their personal benefit, but it is still a good system. Competition can improve the political system just as it does business and the political environment becomes more competitive when larger, more diverse groups of people voice their opinions by going to the polls. I am sure that you and most of our members already vote so lets encourage our tenants. It almost goes without saying since the last Presidential election that every vote really does count. So how about putting voter registration information in your New Tenant Welcome packages? While you are at it, add the League of Women Voters’ non-partisan guide of Who’s Who Among Elected Officials. Ask the County Registrar to put a Registration Deputy at your property to register your tenants. These are simple things that each of us can do. Just think how many new voters we property managers could recruit!

Mike McConnell, CPM
MMCCONN111@AOL.COM

Manage "to control the movement or behavior of"

The last time I checked none of my buildings had much movement or little behavior.

As professional property managers 95% of our time is managing the people and processes that effect change in the profitability of the asset. Yet so often we overlook the importance of the people as we focus on the bottom line and what can be tweaked or cut to reach that magic NOI.

When was the last time you really tried, or even thought about, "charging up" the people in your organization? You know, engaging them in what they are doing, inspiring them to be and do their best, to take risks, to think like entrepreneurs. After all, you are the Property Manager, right?

Well, it isn’t always that easy, is it? But what you don’t realize sometimes is that it doesn’t have to be up to you alone to provide for every employee’s motivation or inspiration. You need to share this challenge with others both inside and outside your organization. The sharing and empowerment with and of others can in itself be motivating.

I know it is easy to get bogged down by the operational day to day dilemmas. Just like everything else in life it takes time to make time. There is no magic formula simply because it is about people and each one is unique. Heck, that is why we hired them in the first place isn’t it…. for a specific job task? But there are some basics that we can implement as leaders and managers that may increase our power, influence and the bottom line.

• Gain respect as a leader-have vision, listen, earn trust, uplift others, maintain humility, have fun, serve
• Create an inspiring vision-"If you can dream it, you can do it"-Walt Disney
• Learn the needs of your followers-don’t assume that what is important to you is important to them, ask them what they like, do assume that recognition, challenge and personal growth are important
• Find out how they see you-ask employees to complete an opinion survey, videotape yourself conducting a meeting-WOW-I’d like to see some of those
• Give praise-master the art of a simple "thank you", praise with sincerity, praise publicly
• Motivate inexpensively-write personal notes, publish an "Accomplishments of the Year" album, take time to give positive coaching, wander around, ask employees to represent you at important meetings, send employees to educational and skill building classes
• Delegate to empower others-understand why you don’t delegate, inventory your talent pool, match talent to your responsibilities, plan for the delegation, support by providing training, coaching and resources, provide feedback during the process
• Sponsor useful training-meet prior to course to discuss what they should be looking for, ensure learning objectives, hire the best trainers, prior to the end ask them to construct action plans using what they learned, follow up on those plans

So you see it isn’t all about controlling, at least directly. It is more about influencing for the change you desire.

Robin Stinson, CPM

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING SUMMARY

April 4, 2002

• Discussion on moving meeting date to a more convenient day. Changing to Wednesday and/or later in the month were both discussed. No decision.
• Due to July 4th holiday, the Executive Council will meet on July 11 and the membership meeting will be held on July 16.
• Decision was made to change membership luncheon meetings to a ‘lunch on the go’ concept with a buffet. Members will be able to eat during the meeting with the goal to shorten the total meeting time while allowing added time for programs and networking.
• Members who have not paid 2002 dues have all been formally notified their membership is in jeopardy.
• Rebecca Elder was approved as a CPM candidate. Mark Ogier completed his candidacy requirements and was recommended for CPM approval.
• The May membership meeting will be a Wine Tasting Social on May 14 from 5:30 to 7:00 pm. Cost will be $10.
• The Flying Mulchman was recommended for Friends membership.
• The 2002 Member Directory is in production and will be ready for distribution in May.
• The Associate Membership program will be discussed at the May meeting and information distributed to the general membership.
• Work is underway to add the Job Bank and IREM Publication library to the Chapter website. Members will soon be able to ‘check out’ IREM books via the website.

IREM ASSOCIATE MEMBER PROGRAM

IREM National has approved a new membership category for nondesignated individuals wanting to join the Institute. Associate Membership is now open to individuals who:

• are engaged in the profession of real estate management, including property managers, asset managers, facility managers
• work in real estate companies, corporate real estate departments, government agencies
• are actively pursuing a career in real estate (this could include students)
• Suppliers and Vendors to the real estate industry will not be eligible for associate membership

The annual cost of this new membership category is $175 and will offer these member benefits:

• Listing on IREM’s on-line directory as an Associate Member
• Access to the members-only section of IREM’s web site.
• Subscription to the Journal of Property Management.
• Access to the IREM National jobs service.
• Member discounts for meetings, publications and education courses.
• The ability to promote one’s status as an associate member.

This is a national membership program and every Chapter now has the ability to adopt it and allow Associate Members to join the local Chapter. Your Executive Council has discussed this issue and will soon make a recommendation to the general membership. Some of the issues pertaining to adoption of the program are as follows:

AGAINST

• The fee is too inexpensive for the services to be provided.
• Associate members may dilute the prestige of the CPM and ARM designation. In the past IREM has restricted membership only to designees and candidates. Nondesignees will now be able to claim membership in IREM.

FOR

• The Chapter has the most influence over the program and the selection of new members if we participate in it.
• Both the Chapter and National need the infusion of an expanded membership base.
• The Chapter could always use the additional dues money.
• Associate members could become a real source of new CPMs and students for our educational offerings.

The Executive Council will be discussing these issues at the May meeting and will approve a recommendation to be made to the general membership. Members are welcome to attend the Executive Council meeting to express their opinion on this proposed program.

LEGISLATIVE AND EDUCATION CONFERENCE REPORT

IREM’s second annual Legislative and Education Conference was held in Washington DC on April 19 –23. The meetings were productive and it is good to report that IREM has launched several initiatives to make our organization stronger. Here are a few of them: Associate Membership – A new program has now been rolled out to allow individuals employed in the property management business but who have not earned a designation, to join IREM. Chapter Support – A task force has been formed and charged with the responsibility to find ways to reduce much of the administrative burden that is now placed on local chapters. Their preliminary report was the topic of considerable discussion. There focus is to reduce administrative burden so Chapters can devote more time to member services. Education – 201RES has been revised, updated and rewritten. IREM’s goal is to systematically update all courses at the rate of approximately 5 per year. CPM Experience Requirements – A motion was recommended to the Executive Committee to reduce the minimum number of residential units required for CPM experience credit. The motion was defeated but generated considerable discussion and highlighted the fact that defining 'appropriate' experience is a complex issue. IREM Marketing – The marketing department has increased its efforts to promote IREM and the designations. A comprehensive marketing campaign will begin soon that will include ads in national publications and plenty of materials than can be used by the Chapters. IREM was prominently featured in a Wall Street Journal Article in early April. IREM Website – Continued emphasis is being placed on making the website update, interactive and a vital member tool. Check it out if you have not been there recently.

2002 FLORIDA IREM EDUCATION

FORE!

June 7th is our 5th annual IREM/CFCRES charity golf tournament for the benefit of the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and Women. The tournament will again be at Champions Gate Resort. However, this year we will be utilizing the international course! Registration is at 7:30 am. with a shotgun start at 8:30 am. Continental breakfast will be served on the clubhouse veranda and following the tournament we will have lunch in the recently completed clubhouse meeting hall. There will be plenty of raffle prizes and items to be auctioned. We will accept check, cash, or credit card for the auction.

To register to play, use the registration form included in the newsletter. The regular brochure will be mailed out within the next two weeks.

Sponsorship opportunities include: Hole in One contest for $2,000 (win a new car!); Putting contest for $1,500 (win $10,000!); and beverage cart sponsor for $500. Additionally, corporate sponsorships are available and we’re always looking for raffle prizes if you have something you want to donate. Call Scott Pollock at (321) 689-2794 for details.

So mark your calendars now and plan to meet friends and colleagues for a great time. This is an open tournament, everyone is welcome. Our goal is to provide as much support to the hospital as we possibly can. Remember, ALL our profit is given to the hospital. I thank each and every one of you for your continued support. See following link for registration form. FORM

NEW FEATURES AT IREM60.ORG

Check out the Chapter’s revised and updated website, IREM60.ORG. The home page has been redesigned and 2 new free member services have been added. The Chapter now offers an on-line library and members can check out some of IREM’s most important professional publications such as Property Management Job Descriptions, Managing the Office Building, and Practical Apartment Management. To borrow a book for up to 30 days all you have to do is fill out an on-line, checkout form and the book will be mailed to you. Members may now use this library service to see some of IREM’s leading publications and preview some of the textbooks used in the IREM courses.

Need a job or searching for a new leasing agent? Then go to the Job Bank at IREM60.ORG. Job seekers can view available positions and employers can list jobs on this site. This is a free member service and simple to use. If you have an available job then go to the site and follow the prompts to list your position. The job bank just opened and so listings are needed. List your jobs there now and help support this important member service.

NEWSLETTER SUBMISSION DEADLINE

Anyone wishing to submit articles, thoughts, comments or concerns for the upcoming newsletter must do so before May 27th. Please submit all materials in Microsoft Word format and e-mail to: drdotherow@realtycapitaltcn.com

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

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