| Message from the President |
We are in the 75th Anniversary Year for the Institute of Real Estate Management. In August we are planning a very special celebration to commemorate this significant milestone. IREM has been leading the way in the real estate management industry since 1933, longer than any other organization.
At this event we will be honoring and recognizing several of our local members — and possibly including you. Let us know your IREM story by sharing it with us. Also consider sending your story to JPM Magazine and IREM Headquarters for inclusion in our national celebration to be held this October in Chicago.
The National 75th celebration will be held in conjunction with our annual Success Series Conference. Attending this event is a great opportunity to make the most of your IREM membership by networking with IREM professionals from all over the world.
Please watch your e-mail for further information on our local event and celebration, and informational links will be placed on our local website at www.irem60.org.
I appreciate your continued membership in IREM and your local chapter. We are here to be of service to you.
Sincerely,
Kevin Grail, CPM
407-701-2003
www.irem60.org
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IREM Celebrates 75 Years:
1933-2008 |
By Linda Jackson, CPM, Vice Chair, 75th Anniversary Work Group
I truly hope that by now you are getting a sense of the awesome history associated with the Institute of Real Estate Management. These little articles are just the tip of the whole story, so be sure to read the 75th anniversary articles in each issue of JPM® as well.
And remember that a grand celebration of our 75 years of excellence will be highlighted in the September/October commemorative JPM® issue. Be sure to watch for this one!
By now, you may have tucked away those memories of your participation in Washington DC this past April, but pull them out again … and remember the friends you caught up with, the new IREM Members and staff you may have met, the IREM governance experience, the classes you attended, Steve Roberts (our keynote speaker), the absolutely incredible day we had on Capitol Hill, and of course, the Diamonds Are Forever party! You did try the “diamontini” didn’t you? Oh, I hope you didn’t miss that!
This month, we’re going to take a brief look back at the 1970s. The ARM certification was established in the 1970s. And a long-range plan was put into place for the CPM® program. If you were in DC this year or years past, you’ve experienced the results of part of this plan that was adopted some 30-plus years ago. There were several initiatives put in place to strengthen IREM’s contacts with all aspects of our government. And these strengths have been built upon year after year.
Another aspect of the plan set out to achieve a greater public awareness of all of the IREM credentials. We launched a major public relations effort, and that continues today. It was back in the 1970s that we first began running our ads in the Wall Street Journal. IREM and its members were leaders in a cooperative effort to improve the management of public housing. Also, during these years, the Experience Exchange Committee worked on expanding our analysis reports. The Income/Expense Analysis® reports still remain as our most significant contribution to financial operating statistics and data covering every real estate management venue.
And … people everywhere were paying attention and realizing the significant impact of that group of property management professionals associated with the Institute of Real Estate Management. IREM was becoming a powerhouse … our publication income more than doubled and our enrollment grew by over 300%!
Around IREM, around the country and around the world, the 1970s were a busy, busy decade.
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| Governor Charlie Crist Congratulates IREM |
June 5, 2008
Dear Friends:
Congratulations to the Institute of Real Estate Management on celebrating your 75th Anniversary!
Real estate is vital to the development and growth of the Sunshine State. The Institute of Real Estate Management works hard to provide education, resources, information, and membership to real estate professionals across the United States and the State of Florida. As you commemorate your 75th anniversary, spend time reflecting on the many contributions that the institute of Real Estate Management has made to encourage real estate growth.
Thank you to the Institute of Real Estate Management for your commitment to serve citizens in the Sunshine State. Your dedication has impacted the lives of countless individuals.
Best wishes on a wonderful 75th anniversary!
Sincerely,
Charlie Crist
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| Honorary CPM Emeritus |
Denver Ellison, CPM from Ocala, has been awarded the honorary CPM Emeritus status through IREM. This special recognition is given because of tenure and age as well as being semi-retired. Congratulations, Denver, and thank you for your contributions over the years to our organization.
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| Welcome New Chairpersons |
Please join us in welcoming the following new Chairpersons.
IREM Central Florida Chapter 60 appointed Theresa Eastwood to Vice President of Membership.
IREM Central Florida Chapter 60 appointed Gene Artusa to Chairperson of Public Relations. Currently, Gene is a partner in Dealmakers Realty, Inc, a full service Commercial Real Estate Company. Gene has over 15 years as a licensed REALTOR, specializing in Commercial sales of Mobile Home Parks, office building, retail and multi-family properties. Gene also works with developers to locate vacant land sales, manage and lease-up both retail centers as well as office and residential properties. Gene is a married man of 40 years with 3 children and 3 grandchildren. Gene is a licensed USCG Capt. Boating, fishing, hunting, and playing with the grandkids are Gene’s favorite things to do.
IREM Central Florida Chapter 60 appointed Gerry Warner to Chairperson of Technology/Website.
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| Florida Tax and Budget Reform Commission passed CP002 |
By Trey Price, Public Policy Representative, Florida Association of Realtors®
We are happy to report to you that your messages to the Florida Tax and Budget Reform Commission (TBRC) were received. Today the TBRC passed CP 002, which if passed by the voters in November, will eliminate the state’s required local effort for the school portion of everyone’s property taxes in 2010 and place a 5% assessment cap on non-homestead property beginning next year. It allows the Legislature to make up the $9 billion to schools in a number of ways, including raising the sales tax by up to 1 cent. Past-President Nancy Riley, who sits on the TBRC, voted in favor of the proposal.
Make no mistake - today was a historic day, as the vote was a very close 18-7 (17 needed for final passage) to place CP 002 on the November ballot. Since you are a policy making body who have spent countless hours debating and researching tax policy for our state, we thought we would give you a little more detail on the technicalities of the amendment.
If approved by 60% of the voters, this amendment will do several things –
1. Starting in 2009, limit assessment increases to 5% a year on all non-homestead property. This is down from the 10% included as part of Amendment 1 passed in January, and keeps it permanent (Amendment 1’s cap lasted only for 10 years).
2. It requires the Florida Legislature in 2010 to abolish the state’s required local effort for schools. It will be somewhere between $9-11 billion dollars, and that money can be made up in any combination of 4 ways.
a. An increase of up to one percentage point to the sales tax (The Florida statewide sales tax is currently 6%).
b. Spending reductions for other components of the state budget and revenue increases resulting from economic growth attributable to lower property taxes.
c. The repeal of sales tax exemptions, but not including food, health services, prescription drugs, the sale of real property, and items for resale.
d. Other revenues identified or created by the Legislature.
3. This will result in lower property taxes between 25-50%, depending on where you live in Florida. More simply, it does away with the “School Board” portion of your property taxes, though local school boards will retain a very small amount of discretionary taxing authority.
You can read the proposed amendment for yourself here: www.floridatbrc.org/pdf
There is and has been concern in the public arena that passage of CP 002 could lead to a services tax. The FAR Public Policy Committee debated this at the April meeting, concurred that this is NOT a mandatory services tax, and offered support. This bill WILL potentially force a review of sales tax exemptions and exclusions and it is possible that some goods and services not currently taxed could ultimately be taxed in the future. However, FAR is prepared to defend exemptions and exclusions important to the real estate industry.
Other significant property tax-related proposed constitutional amendments were officially sent to the ballot today, including CP 004 (allowing assessment at less than just value for storm-hardening home improvements); CP 006/008/034 (allowing assessment at less than just value for working waterfront properties); and CP 15/16 (allowing assessment at less than just value for conservation land). At the last minute, Commissioner Randy Miller, the sponsor, withdrew from further consideration a proposed constitutional amendment to force Florida into the internet sales tax compact with other states. All of these amendments will likely be supported by FAR this fall.
Formal action will likely await the State and Local Taxation Subcommittee at September’s convention. To review these other proposals, you can click on the TBRC’s website, here: www.floridatbrc.org. Click the “meeting materials” section on the left and look at today’s agenda.
Today’s action was a big victory for Realtors, property owners struggling under crushing tax bills, and businesses that will see their tax bills limited by a lower, permanent assessment cap. Most importantly, Commissioners heard your voice and decided that sending this and other important proposals to the November ballot was the right thing to do.
Thank you for being a part of the solution to this property tax problem. Please look for other possible calls to action next week, as session winds down and several property tax proposals need your voice to urge final passage. Stay tuned to the FAR website at www.floridarealtors.org for more updates.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions! |
| Featured Friend |
Luke Brothers boasts over 20 years of experience managing and creating commercial landscapes. You can be certain that a service line from Luke Brothers is difficult to exceed. Our company successfully operates 7 branches in Florida and we are growing to meet the needs of communities throughout the state. We offer turnkey commercial landscape services including full-service grounds maintenance for any size commercial property. Our landscape design and construction division creates beautiful outdoor improvements for communities all around the nation and we can do it for you.
Luke Brothers also has a full-service tree and irrigation division, as well as complete pest control and fertilization programs for turf and shrubs. As a customer, you can benefit from the strength and experience of an industry leader on your property. And part of the value to you is in knowing that the Luke Brothers leadership in Central Florida is by your side helping you with your landscape needs whenever you need us.
Allow us to be an asset to you as a “value added” to your properties. We are a team oriented company that is proud to be at your assistance in creating the outdoor environment that suits your building, property or community. Let me know how I can be your resource to establish creative solutions to your commercial outdoor needs.
Sincerely,
Josh Smith, Business Developer
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| Calendar
of Events |
| June 13, 2008 |
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Financial Forum
Facility: UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management at 9700 Universal Boulevard, Orlando |
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| July 16, 2008 |
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Green Buildings Membership Meeting with BOMA
Facility: TBD, Orlando |
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| July 17-22, 2008 |
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RES 201
Facility: Nova Southeastern University at 6676 Corporate Center Parkway, Suite 115, Jacksonville, FL 32216 |
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| Legislative Call to Action |
From: Association Mailings
mailings@crowsegal.com
Sent: Wednesday, May 07, 2008 9:02 AM
To: FAA415
Subject: Call to Action - FAA Members
Importance: HighV
To: The Members of the Florida Apartment Association
From: Mark Ogier, FAA President
Please communicate with Governor Crist today and ask him to sign House Bill 1489, FAA's early lease termination legislation, when it arrives on his desk!
My thanks if you have already sent a message or placed a call. If you haven't, please do so quickly to demonstrate the apartment industry's concern for this landlord/tenant issue.
As you are aware, FAA has been working for several years for a statutory provision confirming the right of a landlord and a tenant to agree to an early termination fee at the time of lease signing.The House of Representatives and Senate both unanimously passed FAA's proposed legislation and sent it on to the Governor. I am writing to ask you to take a few minutes to contact the Governor and ask him to sign House Bill 1489.
This legislation is very important to the apartment industry. Once enacted, the statute clarifies that apartment owners and managers, if they choose, have the right at the time of lease signing to offer residents an early termination fee without fear of class action litigation. If the early termination fee is offered by the landlord, residents who comply with the early termination fee lease provision can terminate their lease.
The Honorable Charlie Crist
Governor, State of Florida
The Capitol
400 S Monroe St
Tallahassee FL 32399-0001
Phone: 850-488-7146
Fax: 850-487-0801
Charlie.Crist@MyFlorida.com
Tips for writing letters to the Governor on HB 1489
• Personalize with your own style and experiences
• Be respectful and factual
• Get to the point early – you are writing to ask the governor to sign HB 1489 into law. If he knows you, remind him who you are
• Explain from your perspective (property owner, property manager, apartment industry professional, resident) how the bill brings stability and certainty to the rental market, and why it is important to you
• Avoid negative comments about any opponents of the bill
• Keep your letter short – not more than a page and a half
• Praise the governor for his advocacy for consumers
• Say again in closing that HB 1489 is a good bill and urge the governor to sign it into law
The Bill is expected to reach the Governor any day, please contact him as soon as possible. In an effort to track your correspondence, I ask that you please blind copy (Bcc) Marjorie Cook from the FAA office (mjs@crowsegal.
com) or fax her a copy of your letter to 407-629-2502. Your industry colleagues have been diligent to advance this beneficial legislation. We have worked with the Governor’s staff, incorporated suggestions from the Florida Bar, and even explained the bill to previous opponents. All we need is the Governor’s approval to make it law. Your encouragement will make that happen.
Thank you.
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| Financial Forum |
IREM has partnered with CCIM and several other real estate professional organizations to bring you the Florida Financial Forum on June 13th at the UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management at 9700 Universal Boulevard, Orlando. This will take the place of our regular membership meeting for June.
Here is a link to an article that appeared in the Orlando Sentinel recently that was done by Gary Ralston, CPM, highlighting the forum format and participants. www.orlandosentinel.com/business/
local/newsletter/
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| May Meeting-What you Missed |
By Public Relations Chair, Gene Artusa, Deal Makers Realty Inc.
Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) Central Florida Chapter 60 in Orlando on May 13, 2008 had Scott W. McCurdy V.P. of Coastal Reconstruction Inc and Greg James, V.P. of Insurance Office of America, deliver a Disaster Preparedness presentation to the members and guests.
Coastal Reconstruction Inc is a general contractor specializing in fire, wind, and water restoration of any type. They have over 25 years of doing business in the Southeastern United States. Greg James represents the largest privately held insurance agency in the State of Florida. Both of them presented what most individuals and businesses need to do in order to prepare for the up coming hurricane season, as well as other disasters.
Scott McCurdy has prepared a complete check list that most will find very useful before any disaster, and he is willing to make it available to anyone who gives them a call. Scott can be reached at 407-644-1800.
Greg James would like anyone who owns property in Florida to make sure they understand what their current insurance policy covers and where any gaps in your insurance may exist. For more information on your current coverage Greg can be reached at 800-243-6899 x 4155.
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| Capitol Hill Visit |
By Legislative Chair, Lou Nimkoff, Brio Properties
On April 16th, IREM Central Florida chapter president Kevin Grail, CPM, and Legislative Chair Lou Nimkoff, CPM, CCIM, joined eight other Floridians and over 300 other IREM members at the 11th Annual IREM/CCIM Capitol Hill Day.
Productive meetings were held with senior staff of both Senators Nelson and Martinez, and several Representatives. IREM hot topics discussed in the meetings were the need to make permanent the Leasehold Depreciation reduction (15 years from 39), Federal Disaster Insurance Backstop ("Hurricane reinsurance"), energy concerns/GREEN building mandates, and the expiration of capital gains treatment
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| Featured Friend Article - Optimizing your Relationships |
By Christian H. Engle, President CAC-CE
Commercial Property Managers and their entire support team have a tremendous resource that may not be fully optimized. As property owners place greater emphasis on efficiency and value added services the HVAC contractor is uniquely positioned to extend the CPMs services by enhancing their overall property awareness. Each day contractors and their trained technicians respond to a variety of needs at commercial properties. By a simple re-tasking, they can extend the overall breadth and reach the CPM on any given property by simply noting:
• Roof related issues such as blisters and cracks noticed while crossing the roof deck to service the equipment
• Landscaping issues such as organic debris on the roof, or overhanging and potential dangerous tree limbs
• General property appearance or aesthetics
• Exterior lighting deficiencies if contractor is responding at night
In addition to leveraging the relationship, additional benefits can be found with energy efficient repair methods and solutions:
• Scheduled and predictable maintenance intervals which enhance system performance by optimizing the performance of aging equipment
• Real-time reporting and accountability of service needs using bi-directional data transmission
• Scheduled replacement of twilighting equipment
• Energy consumption analysis of “old” vs. “new”
• Solutions partnering so that the contractor understands the owners goal of the property
/investment (Long-term vs. Short-term decisions)
While all of the above is occurring, the conscientious servicing partner needs to keep their clients updated on the EPA requirements and current status of refrigerant phase out
www.epa.gov/ozone/title6/phaseout/
hcfc.
html.
In the not too distant future HVAC units will no longer be available in HCFC-22 thereby increasing the need to understand the various alternates available. Large scale applications have already started refrigerant conversion either by retrofit or replacement, but a vast number of mid to small scale HCFC-22 machines are in service and will need replacement.
My hope is that I provided one concept to IREM members that may not have been considered in the past. I would be happy to discuss in more detail, and review programs CAC-CE has implemented on behalf of its clients.
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National
MEMBERSHIP NUMBERS |
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|
1/1/08 |
CPM |
|
8,642 |
CPM Candidate/Pending |
|
3,305 |
ARM |
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3,696 |
Accredited Commercial Manager
Member (new as of 10/1/06)
|
|
11 |
Associates |
|
2187 |
Friends |
|
7 |
Students |
|
213 |
| Academic Member |
|
25 |
TOTALS |
|
18,079 |
AMO Headquarters |
|
507 |
| AMO Branch Offices |
|
589 |
| **Assets under IREM member management $1.5 trillion** |
CHAPTER 60
MEMBERSHIP NUMBERS |
|
12/1/07 |
5/1/08 |
CPM |
108 |
110 |
CPM Candidate/Pending |
55 |
56 |
ARM |
36 |
37 |
AMO HQ
|
6 |
3 |
AMO Branch |
18 |
20 |
Associates |
23 |
27 |
Friends |
7 |
11 |
| Students |
5 |
5 |
TOTALS |
256 |
269 |
| Job Link - List Your Open Positions |
Now list open positions within your organization FREE! Chapter 60 offers a job posting link free to its members. You can post or search current open positions in all aspects of property management. It’s an easy, effective and FREE tool. List or view available positions today at www.irem60.org/home.cfm
?page=Job%20Listings
Our featured open position this month is:
Building Engineer-Office
Company: Parkway Realty Services
Contact: Shelby Trusty
10407 Centurion Parkway North
Jacksonville, FL 32256
Description: Parkway Realty Services seeks a Building Maintenance Engineer. This position supports the daily operation of 2 commercial office buildings totaling 180,000 square feet. The position requires 2 years experience, as well as mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC operation experience and knowledge. The candidate must be customer service oriented, have basic computer knowledge and a valid driver’s license. Parkway is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To apply, please visit www.home.eease.com/recruit2/?id=42134, or fax a resume to 601-960-9833
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| Promotions/Moves |
The Continental Group, Inc. promoted Mary King to Senior Area Manager over Central Florida Portfolio Association Management Division.
The Continental Group, Inc. promoted Alecia Green to Area Manager within the Commercial Property Management Division.
IREM members, we want to know about you! Forward information on your promotions and people moves and we will be happy to post them in our newsletter.
All announcements should be forwarded to:
dcooney@thecontinentalgroupinc.com
for insertion in our newsletter. |
| IREM Newsletter Information |
Published by IREM Chapter 60
Newsletter Committee
Danielle E. Cooney, CPM, Chairperson
Administrative Office
IREM Florida West Coast Chapter 60
2755 Border Lake Road, Suite 101
Apopka, FL 32703-4857
Attn: Meridythe Kanaga, CPM
admin@irem-centralfl.org
Tel: 407.862.2292, ext. 1004
Fax: 407.862.1819
©2008 IREM Chapter 60.
Design by G&G Advertising. |
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