CRE Insight Journal Issue 3

Page 1

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE BUILDING OWNERS AND MANAGERS ASSOCIATION OF GEORGIA

JOURNAL

The Future Of Office Space Page 16 Asset Managers and the 2021 Budget Page 6

New Wave of Touchless Technology Page 14

Creating a Resilient Property Page 28

www.bomageorgia.org www.creinsightjournal.com

Issue 3, 2020



It’s not too late! Holiday DÊcor for 2020 Custom Designs Created for Your Office Space or Building

Contact us for a FREE estimate: pjgullo@life-earth.com or call (404) 875-6706


VACANT BUILDINGS ARE FILLING UP WITH SILENT WATER WASTERS With real time leak alerts, actionable insights and remote access, WaterSignal puts you in control

Water signal

Measures Water Flow In Real Time to Detect Leaks

and Conserve Water

Features include: • • • •

24-hour access to data and analytics Email and SMS alerts Provides valuable peace of mind Helps to prevent costly water damage

watersignal.com | 844.232.6100


Contents

Commercial Real Estate

Journal

ISSUE 3, 2020

06 09 How to Have a Great Kick-Off Meeting 10 Green and Sustainability vs. COVID-19 14 The New Wave of Touchless Technology 16 The Future of Office Space 20 O+M Spotlight: Life Safety and Business Continuity 22 The New Pandemic Guide from BOMA International 24 Socially-Distanced Emergency: Life Safety from Afar 26 Your Big Questions about November Elections, Explained Weathering the Storm: Creating a Resilient Property 28 Fire Life Safety and Leaving Open Stairwell Doors 30 38 Five Cybersecurity Tips Every CRE Professional Should Know Asset Managers and the 2021 Budget

with George Wells with Piedmont Office Realty Trust and Mark Dukes with Physicians Realty Trust

with Amanda Bare with Roof Partners and Jessica Moore with Stream Realty

By Neschune Henry with Lincoln Property Company

By Constance Towles Hodges with Cousins Properties

By Russell Copeland with Cushman & Wakefield

with features from the O+M Insights website

with Brock Ryan with Life Safety Solutions Plus

By Katie Roberts and Brian Robinson with Fiveash Stanley

with Mark Gallman and Monica Fenderson with MOSA Design Studios

By Cicely Anderson with Duke Realty

23 Calendar of Events 34 Allied Member Service Directory 39 Advertisers on the Web

The Commercial Real Estate Insight Journal is published for: BOMA Georgia 5901 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd, NE Suite C-300 Atlanta, GA 30328 (404) 475-9980 (404) 475-9987- Fax info@bomageorgia.org www.bomageorgia.org www.bomalegacy.org www.bomageorgiafoundation.org www.creinsightjournal.com The Wyman Company Advertising Representatives: Jaime Williams jwilliams@thewymancompany.com Janet Frank jfrank@thewymancompany.com Halee Mcbeth hmcbeth@thewymancompany.com Beth Sheahan bsheahan@thewymancompany.com Katie White-kwhite@thewymancompany.com Editor-in-Chief: Gabriel Eckert, CAE, FASAE geckert@bomageorgia.org Executive Editor: Jacob Wilder, CAE jwilder@bomageorgia.org Managing Editor: Molly Looman mlooman@bomageorgia.org 2020 BOMA GEORGIA OFFICERS President: Russell Copeland President-Elect: Natalie Tyler-Martin, RPA Vice President: Amanda J. Madrid, RPA, LEED GA, FMA Immediate Past President: Kinsey R.Hinkson, RPA, BOMI-HP DIRECTORS Bo Reddic Christie Campbell Trace Blackmore, CWT, LEED AP Jess Moore Trenton C. Patterson Patrick Freeman, RPA CPM CCIM LEED AP Laurie Harper Jack Kennedy Grace A. Meyers, RPA David Vences, LEED GA, SMA, SMT EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Chair: Cicely Anderson Staff Liasons: Molly Looman, Jacob Wilder Members Amanda E. Bare, Amanda Daniels, Drew Higgins, Constance Towles Hodges, Paul Hunter, Nancy Larson, Stacie L. Stamper, Robin Stewart, Rob Walter, Tammy Weeks

Unless otherwise noted, all articles are written by CRE Insight Journal Managing Editor Molly Looman © BOMA Georgia 2020

www.bomageorgia.org • www.creinsightjournal.com

5


Budgeting, COVID-19

No one can call 2020 a typical year in any aspect. With many property professionals in the midst of budget season, the prospect of looking to 2021 can be more than a little bit daunting. Asset managers typically have their eyes focused on the future, so this era of the unknown has brought unique obstacles.

Balancing the Books There are many questions that property professionals are asking themselves with concern to the 2021 budget. For Executive Vice President for Real Estate Operations George Wells with Piedmont Office Realty Trust, most of the questions centered around operating costs. “Rarely are your occupancy levels in buildings materially different from your leased numbers, but shelter in place orders this past spring caused a seismic, immediate divide between the two,” Wells said. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many organizations saw operating priorities shift to air filtration, HVAC capacity, and new touchless technology installations. Mark Dukes, vice president of asset management with Physicians Realty Trust, was in a unique position when it came to operating costs as the many medical office properties remained open during stay-at-home orders.

Asset Managers and the 2021 Budget Building by Building

“When it comes to the financial, we watched the increase to our operating expenses because we didn’t shut down,” Dukes said. Reduced occupancy levels combined with fluctuating operations costs mean big questions for budgeting for 2021. Dukes said he believes that a reduction in those elevated costs is not likely. As the world continues to adjust to its new normal, he said he thinks those expectations of sanitation and air quality will remain. There are also questions surrounding tenants and leasing in 2021. With a focus on value adjustment and projections, the asset managers’ view of 2021 may be cloudier than in past years. Many calculations in the budget concerning growth will be more difficult to make than in year’s past. “The number one concern I see is the gross-up calculations for recoveries. I think it’s going to be extremely tricky this year,” Wells said.

With a shock to the system and occupancy questions still looming, this budget season will be unlike any other. Teams will need to find new ways to be confident in the numbers they are presenting and most likely conduct more in-depth research on their properties to find patterns, trends, and projections. Dukes said this level of preparation is needed for the number of unknowns still out there about the next year. He said his team has dealt with a lot of questions on the revenue side of the equation. According to Dukes, property teams should be cautious with their growth projections and have ample reasoning when presenting in budgeting meetings. “For us, the questions are more on the revenue and occupancy side,” Dukes said. “How confident are we that when we say ‘this is our 2021 revenue’ that we are going to hit those numbers?” This year also differs in the lack of tenant to property professional contact. Usually, tenants and property managers can build relationships and gain an understanding of the long-term goals for their space. For an asset manager, these insights are key to budget and the overall vision for the property.

6

Insight • Issue 3, 2020


“The challenge is not knowing when people are going to return to buildings,” Wells said. “It’s hard to stay engaged with your tenant base and maintain those relationships and try to grow those business relationships remotely.” It is also important to factor in the major maintenance schedule changes that many organizations experience. With lower occupancy rates and fewer tenant requests, many maintenance teams used this unusual circumstance to complete projects around the property.

“There’s got to be a planning session before a budget session because I think having a planning session will give everyone a chance to reinforce what’s important,” Wells said. These uncharted waters also allow for an entrepreneurial spirit. It is important to consider the new world that the industry and its tenants live in. What was always a high priority or low priority may be completely different now.

Wells gave the example of staircases. With many elevators needing lower occupancy to comply with physical distancing, stairwell This means some organizations shifted around deferred maintenance maintenance and design may become a more important piece of schedules, completed extra back the re-occupancy puzzle. It is these of house projects and reset certain systems settings to a more energy- types of considerations that must be made when budgeting for 2021. efficient state. Take the time to calculate the impact this shifted Asset managers and property schedule may have on 2021 managers must work together to maintenance projects. produce creative, budget-friendly ideas to accommodate these new challenges.

Team Effort

At the end of the day, asset managers are a part of a larger property team. During budget meetings, it is important to have the perspectives of multiple members of the team. Wells said that budgeting requires a holistic approach and one the encompasses fresh takes on an existing property.

Dukes said he was proud of his property teams and their daily work to keep tenant satisfaction and safety as a top priority. “The property management and maintenance community has done a fabulous job of getting in front of this and keeping people safe,” Dukes said.

Continued on Page 8

“For us, the questions are more on the revenue and occupancy side, How confident are we that when we say ‘this is our 2021 revenue’ that we are going to hit those numbers?” www.bomageorgia.org • www.creinsightjournal.com

7


Budgeting, COVID-19

Special Look: Medical Office While much of the world slowed down during the original shelter-in-place mandates, medical office buildings were experiencing a different set of challenges. Many medical office buildings saw an increase of foot traffic and difficulties concerning the supply chain. Dukes said that while there are always worries concerning a second wave, he feels confident that the industry has sorted out many of the issues confronted when the pandemic first hit. He said that when it comes to budgeting, expenses are not his largest unknown anymore.

He said that while there was a chilling effect with foot traffic in the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic, he has seen people warm up to the idea of visiting medical office buildings again. In terms of growth projections, Dukes said he is in a unique position of stability, but that it is important to remember a larger picture. “This new normal is not temporary,” Dukes said. “Thankfully, our portfolio has been resilient, and we haven’t lost tenants.” Budgeting for 2021 comes with a lot of questions. With property managers’ daily insights and the asset managers’ holistic view, organizations should be able to innovate and navigate through to 2021.

“I don’t think there are big questions on the expenses side,” Dukes said. “I think we have a really good grasp on what it’s going to take to operate the building.”

Commercial Maintenance

EDCASTRO.COM (770) 998-8444

8

Insight • Issue 3, 2020

With over 25 years of commercial maintenance experience: Our goal is to work with you to develop a maintenance plan based on the functional, financial, and creative needs of the property.


Design and Construction, Professionalism

Recipe for Success How to Have a Great Kick-Off Meeting Step 2 Know Your Role

Step 1 Come to the Table Prepared Kicking off a construction project starts long before the ground is broken. A kick-off meeting is imperative for good communication and a successful relationship between the contractors and the property team. Before the meeting even starts, however, there is work to be done to ensure it goes smoothly. Jessica Moore, a senior property manager with Stream Realty, likes to make sure everyone has all the materials for success. “I like to be over-prepared. Especially if the meeting is at my property,” Moore said. “I will make an agenda, and I will have copies of the drawings, a schedule, and budget pricing.“ Having all the proper materials in both their physical form and emailed to all attending the meeting is a quick way to make sure everyone is starting on the same foot. The guest list is also a key item. A great kick-off meeting will include all relevant parties on both the contractor and the property management side. “You need all the key decision-makers to be there, especially at the kickoff meeting,” Moore said. Intentions can get lost in translation, so having key players present will make sure that everyone involved is informed. Make sure that the meeting contains representatives from all involved parties.

To have a successful project, contractors and property teams need to understand what should be conveyed at the kickoff meeting. Amanda Bare, an account executive with Roof Partners, said that the property team really needs to help the contractor get to know the property. “I think that a property team needs to be upfront in terms of locations, ingress, egress, and anything building specific,” Bare said. The contractors also need to come prepared. Moore likes to make sure that anything that can be answered up-front is addressed. She likes to prevent back and forth that may lead to misunderstandings down the line. Being detailoriented and thorough during the kickoff meeting will prevent challenges later in the construction process. “I feel good when they ask a lot of questions,” Moore said. “I feel like the rules and regulations can kind of get taken for granted during the pre-construction process.” Contractors should also be prepared to provide schedules of work and deliveries so that the property management team can make sure it fits into the regular operations of the building. Tenants may also need to be present at the kick-off meeting if it is a tenant build-out. Tenants should come with questions and specifics about their expectations.

Step 3 Follow Through

Having a kick-off meeting is about expectations. The bottom line is communication is key. The project is not complete when the meeting ends. Property management teams and contractors need to make sure they are closing the loop and following through with communication both after the kick-off meeting and throughout the project. “After your kickoff meeting, I think it’s important for the contractor to follow up with an email and include all of the people that were discussed and to use that email going forward,” Bare said. Also, consider taking pictures before construction starts. Moore said that those before and after pictures are helpful and taking pictures throughout the project can help property managers and contractors better communicate about the status of the project. A great kick-off meeting will leave all involved with a good grasp of expectations and a line of communication. With everyone on the same page to start, the construction process will move easier and with fewer misunderstandings.

www.bomageorgia.org • www.creinsightjournal.com

9


Sustainability, COVID-19

Green and Sustainability Vs. COVID-19

By Neschune Henry Earlier in the year, the entire world, including the commercial real estate industry, was impacted by the novel coronavirus and the COVID-19 pandemic. The virus may have affected the industry financially or in other ways, but for many building owners the concern now is how do you manage a building during the pandemic while either maintaining current LEED certification or staying green/sustainable. These are concerns we need to consider: What are the trade-offs between COVID-19 preparedness and sustainability goals? What opportunities are there to further sustainability goals as part of COVID-19 preparedness? What are challenges of pursuing sustainability certifications/recertifications? And finally, what resources and new tools are available for guidance? The goal of this article will be to answer these questions and provide insight on how to keep environmental initiatives in mind in the midst of COVID-19.

Trade-Offs Between COVID-19 Preparedness and Sustainability Goals One of the concerns for managers is selecting green cleaning products versus stronger disinfectants that are needed to kill the virus while staying green. Some building owners have established the cleaning of high touch points at least three times per day in an effort to maintain a clean environment. Based on research, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published and provided a list of approved disinfectants to be part of the pesticide family and requires that they are EPA registered. Building owners should work with their janitorial companies to ensure that the products that are being used meet these standards and cross reference that their Materials Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) reflects the approved cleaning products.

10

Insight • Issue 3, 2020

Another concern that arises is the energy penalty for HVAC measures such as providing more outside air, longer run hours and increased filter efficiency. According to American Society for Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) it is not recommended to completely shut off HVAC systems in a building that is temporarily shut down or unoccupied for an undetermined amount of time during an emergency. They also recommend to operate or place the HVAC systems in the unoccupied mode using the BAS. For example, if the system is normally controlled to a 70°F heating with 40% relative humidity (RH) and 75°F cooling set point at about 55% RH when the building is occupied, then having the limits in heating at set back to 65°F, 40% RH and cooling limits up to (80°F, 60% RH) is reasonable. The CDC also recommends wearing gloves when caring for someone who is sick or cleaning a home where someone is sick. Otherwise, wearing gloves is not necessary in most situations. Instead, practice frequent hand washing, social distancing and other everyday preventative actions recommended by the CDC. Another recommendation to reduce “wipe waste” is to clean or disinfect with an EPA registered disinfectant and reusable, washable cloths instead of disposable. Place disposable gloves inside trash, not recycling. Encourage occupants not to flush or litter gloves as well. One other trade-off that building owners and employers will need to contend with will be transportation reversal of promoting some alternative commuting options (public transportation and carpooling). Given the need to social distance, there may possibly be an increase in the number of single occupant vehicles that will potential negatively impact alternative commute options and pollution.


And while water usage in commercial buildings has dropped significantly due to low occupancy, Building owners are implementing new plumbing system flushing procedures that send large quantities of water down the drain. Although it is difficult to watch that daily or weekly routine of wasting water, the flushing exercise is needed to reduce the risk of Legionella and other contaminants that can build up in stagnant water systems. To protect ourselves and others, masks, gloves, and disinfectant wipes are being encouraged. The effects being more waste being diverted to landfills. Additionally, wipes can clog pipes and can cause sewage overflows and back up. Building owners can reduce waste by choosing reusable cloth masks over disposable ones. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you should wear reusable or disposable gloves for routine cleaning and disinfection.

Opportunities to further sustainability Goals as a Part of COVID-19 Preparedness While building owners grapple with trying to stay green during the COVID-19 crisis, there are some opportunities to further sustainability goals as part of the COVID-19 preparedness. These include, but may not be limited to:

o Indoor air quality improvement through more outside air – Encourage engineers to bring in outside air to help improve the air quality.

HEATING & AIR SPECIALIST QUALITY YOU CAN COUNT ON Serving Atlanta & the Southeast

Commercial Maintenance HVAC Engineering HVAC Design Build Services Commercial New Construction

770-886-1998 • reliance-hvac.com Family owned and operated since 1968.

o Increased filter efficiency – Consider installing Merv13 or higher filters if your current system can accommodate the higher efficiency filters to improve air quality. o Transportation positive impact of telecommuting – Eliminating or cutting back on daily commutes reduces pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. o Energy measures that may be implemented during low occupancy Consider adjusting HVAC runtime on vacant floors, etc. which may result in a lower energy expense.

Challenges of Pursuing Sustainability Certifications and Recertifications For those buildings in the process of certification or recertification for ENERGY STAR, LEED or other rating systems, the current situation poses several challenges:

o Inability to assess performance on per-person metrics for energy, water, waste during low occupancy

• Armed & Unarmed Officers • Security Consultation • Real-time Reporting Capabilities

• Full Range of Placement Services • Screening, Testing, & Skills Assessments • Job Profiling & Analysis

o Inability to perform occupant surveys o Inability to measure indoor air quality parameters during normal occupancy conditions

Continued on Page 12

• Electrostatic spraying(Covid-19) • Deep cleaning and disinfecting • Special project work

www.bomageorgia.org • www.creinsightjournal.com

11


The EPA has issued new ENERGY STAR guidance which includes close tracking of occupant counts for accurate continued benchmarking, as well as relaxed requirements for ENERGY STAR verification site surveys. The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has automatically extended LEED performance periods by 6 months, with additional extensions available on a case-by-case basis.

Resources and New Tools Available for Guidance The organizations building owners have relied on for guidance in sustainability efforts have recently rolled out new resources and tools to help address challenges of preparing for occupant re-entry. The USGBC has developed six LEED Safety First Pilot Credits (https://www.usgbc.org/about/covid-19-resources), including Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Space, Re-enter Your Workspace, Building Water System Recommissioning, Managing Indoor Air Quality During COVID-19, Pandemic Planning, and Social Equity in Pandemic Planning.

EMERGENCY

24/7

HOTLINE

404-645-7373

404-799-3334

www.mayberryelectric.com

2019 NECA Project Excellence

Award Winner

• Engineering & Consulting • Service & Preventative Maintenance • Construction & Tenant Build-Outs

12

Insight • Issue 3, 2020

Arc has a new free module called Arc Re-Entry (https://arcskoru. com/re-entry), which provides tools to benchmark infection-control policies and procedures, collect occupant experiences through online surveys, and track indoor air quality parameters. And there are two new certifications specifically addressing building readiness, one from the International Well Building Institute, the WELL Health-Safety Rating (https://v2.wellcertified.com/healthsafety/en/overview), and another from the Center for Active Design, the Fitwel Viral Response Module (https://www.fitwel.org/). Without a doubt, COVID-19 has changed life as we know it, but we can still find ways to live more sustainably during these difficult times.

About the Author:

Neschune Henry, RPA, LEED AP, has been a BOMA member for over thirteen (13) years and has been active in the real estate industry for over twenty (20) years. She has served on different BOMA Committees including the Editorial Committee, TOBY, and Community Service. She is a current Senior Property Manager with Lincoln Property Company overseeing assets in Midtown and Downtown Atlanta.


THANK YOU!

2020 BOMA Georgia Sponsors Platinum

GOLD

Silver Arborguard Tree Specialists • Empire Roofing • Georgia Paving • SecurAmerica • BMS CAT Engineered Restorations • PM&A • Capital City Mechanical Services • Everclear Enterprises Roof Partners

NExtGen

OVerall BTO

AT&T Capital Restoration Russell Landscape Group

Everclear Enterprises SERVPRO of Decatur

Sustaining PArtners America’s Capital Partners • Duke Realty • Physicians Realty Trust • Atlanta Property Group Granite Properties • Piedmont Office Realty Trust • Banyan Street Capital • Highwoods Properties Pope & Land Enterprises • Brand Properties • Lillibridge • Prologis • CBRE • Lincoln Property Company The RMR Group • Columbia Property Trust • Madison Marquette • The Simpson Organization Cushman & Wakefield • OA Management • Colliers International Management - Atlanta

www.bomageorgia.org • www.creinsightjournal.com

13


Technology, COVID-19

The New Wave of Touchless Technology

By Constance Towles Hodges No matter what decade we were born in, by now “the internet of everything” has likely already integrated into our daily lives. Our cars seem to require software updates more frequently than oil changes. Throughout this tech transformation, Bluetooth and touchless tech have increasingly gained the real estate industry spotlight, transforming from a “clap on, clap off” novelty to a modern necessity. With the new, COVID-19-induced, completely touchless ideal, we may be heading towards Jetson’s-like future where the world is at our facial scan rather than our fingertips. So what is out there? Where can we get the most bang for our buck? What is the latest and greatest touchless tech guaranteed to impress tenants?

Motion Activation Wave “Hello” to motion activated everything! Motion sensor tech has expanded out of janitorial fixtures into door operators, parking garages, and even elevators. “Wave to open” door operators can seamlessly replace “push to open” buttons and standard door operators. For only a few hundred dollars per unit, your building won’t need to break the bank to prevent tenants and visitors from feeling like they need to sanitize their hands as soon as they enter the building. New motion activated door operators for doors not outfitted with push assist cost a few thousand installed. Similarly, parking operators are offering motion activated ticket spitters for a modest fee

14

Insight • Issue 3, 2020

For those looking for simple solutions, old fashioned doorstops still work under many circumstances. A growing number of creative and often inexpensive, non-tech, altered-touch options are flooding the market. From toe pulls to keychains, these options may be customized to fit each use case. They may not be as entertaining as fidget spinners, but branded touchless fobs with styluses will likely be a hot item at the next real estate industry trade show. Nanotech companies are producing clean touch films that apply to surfaces like stickers and continually disinfect surfaces for 30 to 60 days depending on use. These stickers come in a variety of shapes including tape rolls, button covers, and screen covers.

Making Distance Creating more space between tenants, many properties have created ways to facilitate touchless social distancing within stairwells. In buildings with multiple stairwells, creating an “up” and “down” stairwell may facilitate social distancing during daily traffic, but simply propping open stairwell doors can be a safety concern and a fire code violation. Where floor security is not a concern, magnetic door solutions can hold stairwell doors open and release to closed in the event of a fire-related emergency. For highrise customers and those not fit enough for stairwell climbs, creating a touchless elevator experience may be more challenging. With multi-million-dollar price tags, destination dispatch systems decrease elevator traffic and eliminate buttons inside elevator cabs, but compound touch points to single iPad-sized screens.


The elevator and security industries have been diligently working on Bluetooth access systems for years, but most systems are still in beta testing. Filling the need, motion activated elevator buttons just hit the market with a smaller price tag. Security access systems went touchless years ago with key fobs and access cards. Now cellphone badging and facial/retinal recognition may be growing more popular. New to many in 2020, touchless thermal scanning now almost seems mainstream. For wide entrances like government, large-scale industrial, and casinos can make a larger invenstment into cameras that now have the ability to scan large groups at once and identify those falling outside of established security parameters. Easier to install and significantly lower in cost, iPad sized kiosks allow single file check-in and tie into existing security systems for a high price point.

Looking Forward For a completely touchless and socially distanced experience, Teleportivity launched an “instantly scalable on-site document and web-app repository, with a fully integrated video/voice/text-chat platform.” In this program a team member working from anywhere welcomes visitors on site via strategically located screens. With this system, visitors may even “walk and talk” with a team member via screen chat on their personal phone by simply scanning a QR code at reception. This system completely isolates tenants and visitors from team members while maintaining a personal communication feel.

“With the new, COVID-induced, completely touchless ideal, we may be heading to a Jetson’slike future where the world is at our facial scan rather than our fingertips.”

Planning for an extended lockdown may feel like throwing darts sometimes, but not in the case of touchless tech. Due to the high demand, lead times on touchless hand sanitizer stations have run around three months in some cases. The industry continually launches new touchless products. Pre-COVID trends support the idea that touchless tech is here to stay for the long term.

About the Author:

Constance “Connie” Towles Hodges works as a Property Manager for Cousins Properties Inc., overseeing the 2020 TOBY Regional Winner, Promenade in Midtown Atlanta. Her favorite part of the Real Estate industry is developing teams through empowerment, education, and collaboration. Constance serves as the Vice Chair of the BOMA Foundation Committee, on the BOMA Editorial Board, and as an active member of multiple committees.

• FACADE RESTORATION

• WALL COATING

• CONCRETE REPAIRS

• MASONRY

• WATERPROOFING

• EXPANSION JOINTS

• STONE

• SEALANTS AND GLAZING

• EPOXY AND URETHANE INJECTIONS

• PRECAST

• PINNING

• BEARING PADS AND SADDLES

• STUCCO

• STRUCTURAL REPAIRS

• SEALANTS

• SHELF ANGLES AND FLASHINGS

• HISTORICAL RESTORATION

• DECK COATINGS

• CLEANING

• PARKING DECK STRUCTURES • SEALERS

• SEALERS

• CLEANING

• ENGINEERED STRUCTURAL REPAIRS

JEFFORY JOHNSON, PRESIDENT MOBILE: 770-688-5065 • OFFICE: 770-688-5419 WEBSITE: addcorpg.com • EMAIL: jefforyjohnson@addcorpg.com

www.bomageorgia.org • www.creinsightjournal.com

15


Office, Technology, COVID-19

It is no secret that the world of work and the workspace is changing. In a new world of ZOOM meetings and Slack messages, property teams in the office sector may be wondering what the future of their spaces look like. What will work look like after the COVID-19 era is over? As we can already see, technology will increase and how we communicate as well as the amount of touch-less areas that people will encounter will also increase. All things, as real estate managers, we should be aware of. While office space might not look the same, the outlook is not as cut and dry as some may think. This is an opportunity for reinvention and re-commitment to finding arrangements that work for our tenants. As the tenants’ workflow changes, it is the job of the property team to work with them and find the configuration that works. It is time to begin a new era of office space.

Returning to the Desk According to research conducted by Cushman & Wakefield, 50 percent of the workforce will likely be working across a Total Workplace Ecosystem meaning they will be balancing office, home and third locations.

16

Insight • Issue 3, 2020

While the office may no longer be the primary location, it will begin to serve a much greater purpose. The office will become the cultural center for its branched-out employees. The office will serve as a space for face-to-face interaction, active collaboration, and bonding between co-workers. While many people have begun to see the benefits and flexibility of working from home, there are certain tasks that are just best accomplished face-to-face, such as training, mentor-ship or idea generation. The workplace will no longer be a single location but an ecosystem of different locations and experiences to support convenience, functionality, and well-being. The purpose of the office will be to provide inspiring destinations that strengthen cultural connection, learning, bonding with customers and colleagues, and foster creativity and innovation. Offices are not going to all go away, rather they will repurpose and re-energize with a new calling: to bring people together. While the flexibility and innovations surrounding work from home and technology will likely stay in some form, the workspace will be taking a new hybrid form full of opportunity.


The Future of Office Space Why it isn’t going away

By Russell Copeland

Re-Invention of Office Space Not every office space is physically the same nor does every tenant have the same needs. The physical configuration of office spaces is likely going to change, but what that looks like will be highly dependent on the goals and interests of the individual tenant. Some tenants may want to introduce distance in their office spaces. They may want more walls and partitions and less common space indoors. They may begin wanting more outdoor workspace that allows employees to distance themselves during the day. Other tenants may transition more sharply to a work from home system and may want their office to be mostly conference rooms and cubicles. If tenants want to maintain the suggested distancing that is currently recommended, they may need more physical space to achieve that. Employers requiring face-to-face interaction will likely need to reconfigure offices to allow for more social distancing. When capacity is met, expansion may be the best option. Employers that have now seen that work from home is possible will most likely continue to accommodate if they are able to continue to be successful.

There will also be new technological elements infused into the office space. Touchless technology is almost becoming a mainstay in properties. From touchless bathrooms to touchless opening doors, the office and the way people move about in it will look different in the coming years. With many organizations opting for rotational schedules for employees, the egress and ingress will also look different.

Forging New Opportunities This is the time for property professionals to get creative. We are headed towards a world that will be discovering how to merge the technology-based system we are now accustom to with the world we knew before physical distancing. Property teams can help in this transition and innovate new ways to combine the two. Virtual experiences, AV lobbies or technology that allows tenants to connect will be a massive area of opportunity. There may also be a need for additional personnel with this transition. For example, instead of having just a community manager, perhaps we have an additional technology manager for the property.

Continued on page 18 www.bomageorgia.org • www.creinsightjournal.com

17


Office, Technology, COVID-19

About the Author This could also potentially create an opportunity to promote a new certification/designation and to prepare your buildings for future pandemics. This one certainly caught all of us off guard. We have also learned to be more conscious of our own health and the wellbeing of those around us. The COVID-19 pandemic has also redirected our focus on the cleanliness of our buildings and controlling access to them. We may see a slower market for new deals, changes in RSF with renewals, operating cost changes to include enhanced cleaning, and overtime or shifting engineering work hours to allow for repairs to be completed while social distancing, but this is all a part of the adjustment the industry will be going through as a whole. Don’t be afraid to try and experiment with new ideas or propose those new ideas to your owners in order to create a new culture and/or environment to the office tenant. These are uncharted waters that innovative property professionals will be able to navigate through. The future of office space has a lot of questions surrounding it, but that does not mean we, as an industry, cannot find the answers.

Russell Copeland is currently responsible for business development, management and oversight of 3 million square feet in the Atlanta market. He currently serves as the president of BOMA Georgia and has previously served as the vice president. Mr. Copeland joined Cushman & Wakefield in 2007 as General Manager of the Kimberly-Clark Corporation’s campus portfolio, which is comprised of approximately 610,290 square feet. Copeland has also served as the chair of the executive advisory council for Berry College’s Campbell School of Business.

REPAIR. RESTORE. PROTECT.

Engineered Restorations is a specialty contracting company delivering restoration, repair, waterproofing, and protection services for structures of all types. STRUCTURAL REPAIR | RESTORATION | WATERPROOFING | PRESERVATION 225 Buford Drive, Suite A, Lawrenceville, GA 30046 770.682.0650 | er-inc.net

18

Insight • Issue 3, 2020


Thank you to our BOMA Georgia Foundation Donors Since the Foundation was created in 2014, it has awarded nearly 500 scholarships to individuals seeking a certificate or professional designation in real estate. The Foundation has also conducted six research studies and produced five white papers, all designed to give real estate owners and managers new tools to add value to their properties.

INDIVIDUALS Associate

COMPANIES Associate

Company donors who have given $500-$999

Individual donors who have given $100-$199

Judi Sponsel

Melody Frcek

Bud Blide

Michael Knox

Elaine Bare

Orlando Ojeda

Florence Barbour

Patti Brown

Greg Bellina

Peter J Gullo

Brand Real Estate Services

Madison Marquette

Capital City Mechanical Services

Mayberry Electric, Inc.

Capital Restoration

Mid America Specialty Services

CapRidge Partners

OA Management

CBRE

Parker Young Construction/Firestar Inc.

Colliers International Management - Atlanta Physicians Realty Trust Cushman & Wakefield

Pope & Land Enterprises

Duke Realty

Prologis

Empire Roofing

Roof Partners

Engineered Restorations

Russell Landscape

Georgia Paving

SecurAmerica

Individual donors who have given $200-$349 to the BOMA Georgia Foundation.

Granite Properties

SERVPRO of Decatur

Gray Contracting

SOLID

Christine Bailey

Highwoods Properties

The RMR Group

Lillibridge Healthcare Services

The Simpson Organization

Jacob Wilder

Bachelor

Kinsey Hinkson

Bachelor

Stacy Abbate

Zurix Roofing Systems

Company donors who have given $1,000-$2,499

Doctorate

Individual donors who have given $500-$999

Amanda Madrid

Russell Copeland

Mark Gallman

Shawn Benjamin

Natalie Tyler-Martin

Master

Company donors who have given $2,500-$4,999

Post-Doctorate

Individual donors who have given $1,000

Bo Reddic

Mark Dukes

Gabriel Eckert

Pat Freeman

Marie Worsham

www.bomageorgia.org • www.creinsightjournal.com

19


O+M Spotlight:

Tips for Creating your Power Outage Plan Emergency preparation is about thinking ahead. We have all seen how that “that’ll probably never happen” attitude has worked out at one point or another. Bottom line is that preparation means lower costs when the inevitable does happen. A power outage may not seem like a disaster, but it can have serious impacts on your property and especially your tenants. Develop a plan so that you are not left in the dark.

TAKE A LOOK AROUND

DEVELOP A PLAN

Once you have a base knowledge, it is time develop a written plan. As with all emergency preparedness, it needs to cover everyone who could possibly be in the building (tenants, guests, admin), have a clear chain of communication and contain information about any first-responders. Your plan should address such factors as: payroll recovery, transportation for tenants, security and access to the building, backup power, stored drinking water or communications. The advice for countering most of these items in an outage is backup. backup.backup.

You never know when a power outage is going to strike but there are a few possible suspects that you may want to address. Fallen trees and old machinery are two repeat offenders when it comes to making buildings lose power. Take care to update your machinery and check up on it to avoid shortages. Also, monitor the trees around your property and their relation to wires. Take down or trim any older Once the plan is written, it needs to be spread. Hold employee trees that look like they could cause problems. This is also the time for a risk assessment. Gather information about your tenants and their awareness sessions, run a power outage drill and make the plan available to all tenants. Practice whatever communication tree you businesses’ ability to operate during an outage. have decided on and make sure each employee knows their role in the event of an emergency. Do they need to close? Can they still produce goods? Are there perishables at risk? Knowing your tenant’s plans will help you Creating checklists for tenants, employees and systems is a great prioritize and provide better aid when an outage occurs. way to efficiently asses any outage situations you may encounter. After the outage, ensure safety of tenants and staff, count any losses that may have occurred and make sure the source of the outage was identified and the problem resolved.

CREATE AWARENESS

If the cause of the outage was something around or on the property, begin at step one with more preventative maintenance. Tenant safety is important, and no one likes feeling like they don’t know what to do in the event of an emergency. So, the next time your yearly safety discussions come up, make sure power outages make it on the list. Sources: https://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/1510690314175-1e6c48 74b251c3022ac4b57b0369e2da/Power_Outage_Ready_Business_Toolkit_ Interactive_Final_508.pdf

20

Insight • Issue 3, 2020


O+M Spotlight: CREATING A BUSINESS CONTINUITY PLAN In case of an emergency, it is always helpful to have a plan. Business continuity plans are the backbone of a building’s resiliency when faced with a natural disaster or disruptive event. Whether a hurricane or a power outage, business continuity plans can help a property bounce back quicker. There are many steps to making a business continuity plan and a few considerations that must be made to make it as strong as possible.

Starting From Scratch

Many teams already have a business continuity plan for their properties, but in case they don’t, here are a few tips on how to create one. It is important to tailor it to the specific property. Think about where the property may be vulnerable, what grid it sits on, and the functions that are considered critical for your property. It is very important to think of every step of a certain event occurring. Considering appropriate amounts of downtime for a system, specifying a communications strategy for tenants, and developing a plan for the continuing of operations after the event will make sure that the process runs smoothly. Also, consider what kinds of plans the property may need. Until recently, many properties may not have had a pandemic plan. Think about the climate and tendencies of the region and develop relevant plans.

Moving Along

After creating and testing a plan, it is important to keep it updated. Bring in fresh eyes each time this is done so that nothing glaring is missed. It is also a great way to introduce new or younger team members to this practice and help them get to know the property. According to CIO, it is important to make sure your objectives stay reasonable and that the plan is updated accordingly with technological advancements. It is also extremely important to make all involved aware of the plan. Distribute the plan and make sure to train people so that they have a full understanding of their role. This includes tenants, day and night staff, and anyone that may fall in the chain of command in the event of an emergency. Before COVID-19, not every organization had a pandemic plan. Now, many are developing business continuity plans for if this event ever occurs again. On page 22, you can see BOMA International’s new guide to help organizations in their plan development. The process of creating and implementing a business continuity plan is not a one-time exercise. It is a continuous effort focused on the longterm success of a property. With careful consideration and earnest testing, a property can be ready to bounce back at a moment’s notice.

2/14/2019

BOMA Ad 112818.jpg

Crossing the T’s

Committing a plan to writing is a great first step, but it is certainly not the last one. Make sure that all relevant parties are privy to the plan and have been given time to contribute. Building engineers and property managers working together will allow for different inputs and ideas about the overall operations of the building. Create a controlled testing strategy to make sure that the plan will work if needed According to CIO, a building will test its business continuity plan about two to four times a year. Consider creating scenarios that purposely exploit the possible flaws or weak points in the plan.

www.bomageorgia.org • www.creinsightjournal.com

21


Office, COVID-19

BOMA International’s Pandemic Guide The COVID-19 pandemic and the way of stay-at-home orders that came from it left some commercial real estate professionals feeling unprepared. While the industry is adapting well and finding new and innovative ways to thrive in a new normal, the task of setting plans for future events such as this may feel daunting. BOMA Internationals new pandemic guide offers a host of resources about managing and recovering during a pandemic.

Managing through Pandemics: Preparing Your Buildings, Tenants and Staff covers all aspects of commercial real estate management and how to adapt with ease. From creating a pandemic plan to communicating with your tenants, the free guide is meant to serve as a baseline for your organization’s specific pandemic planning. COVID-19 was not the first pandemic the United States has face. This guide takes the lessons learned from the SARS and H1N1 flu pandemic and has created a document filled with a solid base of collective knowledge. Managing through Pandemics: Preparing Your Buildings, Tenants and Staff is also supplemented with best practices from leading experts and industry members. This guide also covers building-wide preparations and legal considerations. Building resiliency is all about being prepared and with many organizations putting pandemic plans in place, this guide will serve as a reference point. The guide is free for download on the BOMA International website or at https://www.boma.org/ BOMA/BOMA/Research-Resources/Publication_Pages/Pandemic_Guide.aspx

The Morley Companies always moving forward

EXTERIOR BUILDING RESTORATION & WATERPROOFING

DEMOLITION:

Including, but not limited to: • Waterproof Coatings • Caulking & Joint Sealants • Concrete & Brick Façade repairs

• Heavy Structural Demolition • Industrial Demolition & Dismantling • Emergency Demolition & Dismantling • Emergency Demolition & Stabilization • Concrete, Rock & Aggregate Crushing & Screening

PARKING DECK RESTORATION & WATERPROOFING

ASBESTOS & LEAD:

Including, but not limited to: • Structural & Concrete Repairs • Parking Deck Expansion Joints • Parking Deck Traffic Coatings

LICENSED GENERAL CONSTRUCTION

Including, but not limited to: • Design/Build • New Construction • Interior Buildout

• Lead-Based Paint • Testing & Abatement • Interior Demolition • Indoor Air Quality Testing • Asbestos Testing & Abatement • Mold Remediation • Emergency Water Clean-up

FOR OVER 30 YEARS

J. J. MORLEY ENTERPRISES MORLEY ENVIRONMENTAL

Call or visit us online today! 770-569-1100 morleycompany.com G eorGia • a labama • F lorida • N orth C aroliNa • S outh C aroliNa •t eNNeSSee 22

Insight • Issue 3, 2020


Calendar of Events

10/20 11/20 November 5

Real Estate Investment & Finance Live Virtua Learning 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

The Building Engineer’s Role in Cybersecurity 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Virtual Webinar

October 8

November 6

What’s In Your Engineer Tool Bag? + Arc Flash BTO Webinar Sponsored by PM&A 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Virtual Webinar

October 13

2021 TOBY Webinar & Entrant Workshop 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Virtual Webinar

October 14

BOMA Tennis Outing and Fall Foundation Outing Sponsored by PM&A 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Chateau Elan Racquet Club

November 10-December 15

Boilers, Heating Systems and Applied Mathematics 3:00 PM-7:00 PM Virtual Webinar

New Member Orientation 10:00AM- 11:30 AM Virtual Webinar

November 13

2021 TOBY Intent to Enter Deadline

November 17

TOBY Judging Workshop 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Virtual Webinar

12/20 December 10

2021 TOBY Application Submission Deadline

October Gathering (Formerly BOMA Luncheon) Sponsored by Mid America Specialty Services 9:30 AM- 10:30 AM Executive Office Park

October 15

1540 Westfork Dr., Suite 103, Lithia Springs, GA 30122 Dispatch number (678) 574-2447

MVS®-UVHC™

UVC GERMICIDAL DUAL HEPA FILTRATION UNIT

Ethics is Good Business Live Virtual Class 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Virtual Webinar

PATENTS PENDING Dual UVC Germicidal Sources Dual HEPA Filtration

October 19

Exploring Fire Suppression for Industrial Properties 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Virtual Webinar

October 21

The Building Engineers of the New Decade Sponsored by Everclear Enterprises and SERVPRO of Decatur 11:00 AM- 12:00 PM Virtual Webinar

MVSUVHC REVISION: A EFFECTIVE: 6/20

VENTILATIONS /FANS

October 7-9

November 10

Shown with end panel partially removed

VVS-UVHC by Man-D-Tec FOR NEW AND EXISTING ELEVATOR CABS

MVS®-UVHC™

Patent Pending, Ultra Performance, Dual UVC Germicidal & Dual HEPA

filtration unit. Built specifically for elevators, with the intent of rapidly Phoenix Elevator Service ofcab. Georgia completreducing viral and bacterial loadsInc. in the This unithas features a 3-speed high performance sealed ball bearing motor. TheAir “squirrel cage” blower ed research and development for an Purification wheel ensures maximum air flow and quiet operation. Blows purified air down into System inthe thecab.elevator! Due to the confined spaceUVofperformance an elevatormonitoring and the system safety ensures of Proprietary, fully automatic the dual UVC Germicidal unit is performing at peak levels and has LED your passengers, thissource, product is with highly sought after....when system indicators for each UV along audible notification needs attention. system provides cleaner, healthier air, as the The purification COP remote mounted Purification System:UV status indicators are available. This allows passengers to visually see that the system is operating, giving them • works that to remove contaminants coming into the elevator confidence their safety is a high priority. • works to minimize the spread of germs, mold,for an Air Purification System in the elevator! Phoenix Elevator Service Inc. of Georgia has completed researchbacteria, and development Due to the odor, confinedand spaceviruses. of an elevator and the safety of your passengers, this product is highly sought after....

The purification system provides cleaner, healthier air, as the Purification System: on the of the elevator where your elevator exhaust •Discreetly works to remove installed contaminants coming into top the elevator •fan worksis to minimize the spread of bacteria, mold, odor, and viruses. currently— it’sgerms, invisible to passengers. Discreetly installed on the top of the elevator where your elevator exhaust fan is currently— it’s invisible to passengers.

www.bomageorgia.org • www.creinsightjournal.com

23


Life Safety, Preparedness, COVID-19

Socially Distanced Emergency: Life Safety From Afar In the litany of new considerations with physical distancing and the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the more unique on the list is life safety. With many properties still below normal occupancy, the matter of life safety education and evacuation drills presents questions for many commercial real estate professionals. It is to be noted that every jurisdiction is different. The most important first step in developing a physically-distanced evacuation, training or drill is contacting the local fire department or life safety organization about the specific allowances and ordinances in a specific location.

“As we look at the COVID concerns, we are now looking at modifications. Property managers are now giving the exact date and time of drills,” Ryan said. Along with giving times and dates of drills, Ryan is also suggesting virtual training and modified movements during evacuations. Rather than exiting the building or going down stairwells, he suggests making sure all occupants find their stairwell, confirm their awareness of the assembly spot, discuss the plan for any physically limited occupants and return to work.

Making Modifications

While different, Ryan said this version of a drill can still give occupants the education they need to act in case of an emergency.

Physical-distancing guidelines mean that traditional drills that usually included crowded stairwells or assembly areas are no longer as viable. Brock Ryan, owner and life safety consultant with Life Safety Solutions Plus, said that he has worked with local jurisdictions to get approval for certain changes for evacuations and drills.

“When it comes to an actual emergency, make sure your occupants and tenants know that if that fire alarm goes off, and there’s not a scheduled drill- this is an actual emergency and proceed with a full evacuation,” Ryan said.

24

Insight • Issue 3, 2020


Out of Office Some properties are not operating at full capacity, but the safety of those inside and outside of the building is still paramount. Virtual training that reviews emergency procedures can be attended by those inside and outside the property. Occupants must be kept refreshed on the protocol for when they re-enter the property. “Two hundred people’s lives are just as important as 2,000 people’s lives, so we have to make sure that when we do put people in a building, that those folks know exactly what to do,” Ryan said. COVID-19 is an evolving virus and new information about best practices is evolving. That is why communication with tenants working outside the property is important. Keep them updated on any developments on the property in terms of life safety initiatives and alert them of any emergencies that do take place that is relevant to the operation of the property as a whole.

“The only reason we are modifying this is because of the serious concern about COVID-19 social distancing,” Ryan said. “Once we are through this, we are going to get back to 100 % participation from everyone in the building.” Emergencies do not care about COVID-19 and may occur no matter the occupancy in the property. Just how property managers have been working to responsibly ramp up their building systems, property managers need to make sure they are responsibly educating tenants on this topic. Site-specific training may be a different process than in years past, but when developing a drill and training process for 2021, check with local jurisdictions to see what modifications may be made for a specific area. Incorporating training for tenants inside and outside the property will keep the procedures fresh in people’s minds and keep them prepared for if an emergency does occur.

“As we continue to get more information on what the best practices are for these buildings, I believe a bi-weekly communication needs to go out from property management,” Ryan said.

“Two hundred people’s lives are just as important as 2,000 people’s lives, so we have to make sure that when we do put people in a building, that those folks know exactly what to do.” It is also important to notify those visiting the property of any changes made to the evacuation plan. Be sure signage is clear, physical-distancing parameters are made clear and evacuation paths are updated on maps throughout the property. Whoever is greeting visitors at the points of entry should be prepared to educate visitors on any safety protocols put in place throughout the property.

Temporary Times Modified drills and training are a temporary fix to a temporary challenge. Consistent and thorough life safety instruction and practice is important for the overall operations of the property and the safety of the tenants inside or outside of the building.

OVER 100 YEARS OF SERVICE

• 24/7 Plumbing Services & Maintenance “365 Days” • 24/7 Emergency response to any system or utility failure • General repairs - regardless of size! • TV/Video pipe inspection • Back flow prevention upgrades, repairs and state certification • Utility pipe leaks (water, gas and sewer) • Water jet sewer cleaning (up to 30” diameter) • Sewer, drain and grease trap cleaning • Fire hydrant repair • Process piping • Water heaters • Sewer ejectors-repair & preventative maintenance • Natural gas • LEED Building, Water Conservation and water Metering • Cistern maintenance • Aerco and PVI water heater certified • Storm water maintenance • Leak detection services • Hydro-vac services

“We are here to solve your challenges” Phone: 678-486-2540 • Fax 770-433-1452

1847 South Cobb Industrial Bvd. Smyrna GA 30082 • www.artplumbing.com

www.bomageorgia.org • www.creinsightjournal.com

25


Advocacy, Leadership

Your Big Questions About November Elections, Explained

By: Katie Roberts and Brian Robinson In the midst of a national pandemic and economic downturn, it can be hard to remember there are significant federal, state, and local elections just two months away. We must prepare for the November General Election.

The National Level At the national level, it’s no secret that President Donald Trump and Democratic challenger Joe Biden are zeroed in on key battleground states in an effort to reach 270 Electoral College votes. In July, the independent non-partisan Cook Political Report moved Georgia from “leans Republican” to a toss-up state, joining Arizona, North Carolina, and Florida. Field staff and political advertisements from both campaigns are already flooding these states in an effort to secure votes for November. Brian Robinson, a leading pundit of Georgia politics and owner of Atlanta-based communications firm Robinson Republic, notes that “eyes are on us in a way we haven’t experienced in decades. We almost never get presidential campaigns buying TV time here because for so long Georgia wasn’t in play; it was a dependable red state. In recent years, it’s ‘purpled,’ as evidenced by the one-percent margin in the 2018 Governor’s race and other statewide races that went to runoffs.” Robinson won’t call the state purple until Democrats are able to win a statewide race again.

26

Insight • Issue 3, 2020

Zooming In Georgia is also in an exceptionally rare situation when it comes to the US Senate. US Senators serve staggered six-year terms, meaning a state’s two senators are not typically running at the same time. However, Senator Johnny Isakson’s resignation in 2019 has set up a highly unusual special election. On December 4, 2019 Governor Brian Kemp appointed businesswoman Kelly Loeffler to succeed Isakson. The appointment is only valid until voters can select a permanent replacement in November’s General Election. As a result, Loeffler is competing against twenty other candidates in a non-partisan November Primary Election. The top two candidates will go head to head in a January runoff election. Loeffler is being outflanked on the right by Georgia Congressman Doug Collins and on the left by Rev. Raphael Warnock, pastor of Atlanta’s historic Ebenezer Baptist Church. Meanwhile, Georgia’s senior US Senator Republican David Perdue is in a regularly-scheduled election against Democrat Jon Ossoff. The 33-year old challenger came within four percentage points of winning a congressional seat in 2017. In May, Cook moved Georgia’s two Senate races from “likely Republican” to “leans Republican.” Now it’s shown as a toss-up.


According to Robinson, the polling progression is key in this race. “Over the past decade, we’ve seen Democrats look competitive in polling into the fall and then independents break toward the Republican. In Perdue’s first race and Governor Nathan Deal’s reelection in 2014, that’s what we saw. Will that pattern hold? If so, Perdue should return to the Senate for another term. Or, have the fundamentals in Georgia shifted dramatically enough that the late-breakers might go toward Ossoff?” Democrats would need to pick up three or four Senate seats (depending on who the Vice President is) to take control of the chamber.

About the Authors

Brian Robinson owns Robinson Katie Roberts serves as Director of Government Affairs at Fiveash-Stanley, Inc. In this role, she is critical in managing legislative and regulatory issues specific to the industry. FiveashStanley is recognized as one of Georgia’s leading government and public affairs consulting firms and has represented BOMA Georgia since 2000.

Georgia has fourteen of the Congress’s 435 seats. Of those, six seats are being defended by Republican incumbents; four Democrats are also seeking reelection in contested races this November. Four seats are open, including District 5 which had been occupied by John Lewis from 1987 until his death in July.

Republic, a communications consulting firm that specializes in public affairs messaging throughout the state of Georgia. His clients include corporations, issue advocacy groups, chambers of commerce, public officials and political campaigns. Robinson Republic assists clients with message development, issue advocacy, media training, media relations and crisis management.

Most of the fourteen seats lean solidly Democrat or Republican, meaning the General Election is less newsworthy. Two seats are considered toss-ups: Districts 6 and 7 in the north Atlanta suburbs. In District 6, incumbent Democrat Lucy McBath faces Republican Karen Handel in a rematch of their 2018 race. In the open District 7 race, Republican Rich McCormick is fighting to keep the seat red by defeating Democrat Carolyn Bourdeaux.

Getting Local Narrowing our scope to Georgia’s state-level elections, all 236 members of Georgia’s House and Senate are also up for reelection in November. Republicans currently hold a majority in both chambers. Twenty-two state Senators face a General Election opponent; while several seats are in play for Democrats, it appears the Senate will remain in Republican control. In the House, nearly half of incumbents have an opponent. District analysis indicates about a dozen GOP seats are poised to turn blue. Democrats need to pick up sixteen seats to take control of the chamber. Control of the chamber is critical: the party that maintains a simple majority controls committee leadership and the prioritization of the legislation. Critically, in the upcoming years, the legislature will be tasked with redistricting. According to the Georgia constitution, the House and Senate must be reapportioned at the first session after each US decennial census becomes official. This process will consider population shifts and redraw House, Senate, and Congressional districts. It will have a substantial impact on legislative composition for the next decade.

• • • •

Structural Engineering Rooftop Safety Equipment Façade and Roof Consulting Parking Structures We are a customer service oriented firm developing practical and economical solutions for your engineering challenges.

1000 Holcomb Woods Parkway, Suite 210 | Roswell, GA 30076 | 678-280-2325 | brivers@pmass.com

The outcome of November’s General Election will reverberate far beyond the next four-year term presidential term, stretching into 2030 and beyond. Something that significant is certainly worth preparing for.

www.bomageorgia.org • www.creinsightjournal.com

27


Design and Construction, Sustainability

Weathering the Storm Creating a Resilient Property Having a beautiful property is one thing, but having a building that can stand the test of time is another. Building resiliency has become an increasingly relevant topic as the COVID-19 pandemic and other events have been occurring. Between hurricanes, floods, and outages, a building’s level of resiliency can dictate both the safety of tenants and the protection of the asset.

Before the Storm A building’s ability to be resilient begins in its design. Monica Fenderson, owner and president of MOSA Design Studios said she likes to think of building resiliency as a part of the larger architectural puzzle. She said that considerations need to be made in the construction phase. “We have to think about how we make sure our buildings can withstand everything and all the things that happen throughout time, thinking about climate change,” Fenderson said. “Some of the things we as architects put in place is to think about sustainability and life cycle costs.” Surviving and recovering after a natural disaster or emergency event means lots of planning. Mark Gallman, commercial real estate professional of almost twenty years, said that he thinks about resiliency from a sourcing standpoint. He said it’s important to make sure all the plans are in place far before an event occurs.

necessary materials and repair providers difficult to acquire. Having contracts and relationships already in place before an event will allow that process to be smoother and for the property to recover quicker. “You need to have locally sourced contractors and materials because the closer you can get to capital equipment and emergency equipment, the better you are going to bounce back and be resilient from an event,” Gallman said.

Beyond Weather Resiliency is often paired with sustainability. A building’s ability to survive a natural disaster is one element, but a building’s larger impact on the community and its ability to last through time is another. Neighbors change and grow and Fenderson said that communities need to get to know each other to be resilient together. Commercial real estate and its properties are a part of that growth. “That’s what building communities in America should be about and I think that some communities have figured it out, but some communities don’t feel engaged,” Fenderson said.

“Have all of your plans and building plans high and dry somewhere where you can get to them quickly,” Gallman said.

Mark Gallman worked with the City of Atlanta’s office of resiliency and he said their efforts were primarily people-focused. He said the department wanted to ensure that the people and the community were resilient and could last as well as the properties around them. Resiliency is also an ongoing process. As technology advances and new systems are invented that make buildings more efficient, resiliency considerations need to be brought to the budget table.

Having sourcing plans is also important. After natural disasters, supply chains are usually overloaded making

“It definitely should be brought to the table during budget season and budget season is 24/7, 365 days a year,” Gallman said.

28

Insight • Issue 3, 2020


Create Understanding Creating a resilient building will not happen overnight. Plans need to be made long before, during, and after construction to ensure the longevity of a building. Developers need to consider the time, effort and budget that should be allotted if they truly want the property to be standing for a considerable period.

TOP OF THE LINE hi-rise service, llc

Waterproofing | Window Cleaning Glass Restoration | Pressure Washing Window Leaks | Expansion Joints Caulking & Sealing | EIFS Repair Elastomeric Painting

“I still feel that a lot of builders are trying to fit everything in a box and they are trying to get as much as they can get in the fastest time period,” Fenderson said. “I think that is the biggest issue.” Resiliency also means different things to different people, so make sure that all involved have a similar definition and mission when talking about resiliency tactics. It is also important to make sure that the definition fits the environment around the property and the potential events that may occur in that area. “When I think of resiliency, I think of the ability to recover from war, earthquake, environmental, flood winds or loss of utilities,” Gallman said. “I look at it through a wider view.” It is also important for architects to educate developers and property managers on why certain projects need to be completed to make the property more resilient. During the construction process, getting on the same page about codes, rules and regulations will help both parties better understand the overall mission of the property. “We get a lot of people that are using the building but they might not understand the purpose of all of the features,” Fenderson said. “I think that is where architecture is still ambiguous to a lot of people because they wonder how we arrive at these decisions.” Creating a resilient building takes time, consideration, and constant improvement. Recovering quickly after a natural disaster or event means planning long before it occurs and creating redundancies that prevent the property from being shut down longer than necessary. Investing in building resiliency early can help the property last for a considerable time and bounce back quicker, ultimately saving time and the bottom line.

Proudly Serving and Maintaining Properties in Atlanta for over 25 years Shayne Smith, President/CEO 404-569-9544

shayne@highriseservice.com | www.highriseservice.com

www.bomageorgia.org • www.creinsightjournal.com

29


Fire and Life Safety, COVID-19

Fire Life Safety and Leaving Open Stairwell Doors By: Cicely Anderson

30

Insight • Issue 3, 2020

The first few months of the COVID-19 gave building owners and managers (O&Ms) an opportunity to plan for reopening buildings during a pandemic. O&Ms had to consider several topics such as: locating and/or creating building specific signage, posting directional signs throughout the property, purchasing touchless hand sanitizer stations, re-evaluating the building’s janitorial staffing needs, and converting stairwells into one directional pathways in order to limit face-to-face interactions between tenants moving from floor-to-floor. In addition to the one directional stairwells, some O&M had to consider how to limit tenants from touching stairwell doors during ingress and egress of the stairwells, and this led to O&Ms having to determine if the stairwell doors could be left open at all times. However, this was more technical than simply finding a doorstop strong enough to hold the doors open.

Back to the Code Most building codes require multi-floor commercial buildings to have fire resistant stairwell walls and doors. These fire resistant items are common in areas of the buildings that are open and shared with all tenants. The purpose of the fire rated walls and doors is to prevent the spread of smoke and fire hazards so that building occupants can safely escape the building in the event of a fire as well as to limit the fire from traveling to other floors within a building.


The fire rated walls and doors have specific lengths of times that they can withstand a fire before the materials are no longer able to resist smoke and flames, so O&Ms had to ensure that these purposes were not jeopardized if the stairwell doors were going to be left open once the building reopened and tenants returned to work.

Looking to Tech Building owners and managers who decided to convert their buildings stairwells into one directional pathways and wanted to avoid violating any building codes had to have electromagnetic door holders and release devices to ensure that the stairwell doors could function as they were designed. The devices had to be either present or the building had to be retro fitted with the holdbacks and release devices. These devices are able to serve two functions: (1) hold the doors open and (2) release the doors in the event of a smoke event or fire. The electromagnetic devices are tied into the electrical panel and fire alarm systems of the building, so in the event of a power outage or a smoke event or fire, the release device is activated and the door is released from the holder so that the door can close automatically.

Continued on Page 32

882056_Trane.indd 1

For more than 60 years, VSC Fire & Security, Inc.ÂŽ has partnered with thousands of customers as a trusted contractor for the inspection and installation of fire sprinkler, fire alarm, security, life safety and low voltage systems. Founded in 1958 with the values of quality craftsmanship, exceptional customer service and solid company values of integrity and reliability.

FIRE SAFETY & SECURITY SPECIALISTS Call today: (678) 252-0600 • www.vscfs.com

www.bomageorgia.org •10/7/17 www.creinsightjournal.com 12:07 AM

31


Fire and Life Safety, COVID-19

Keeping Vigilant It was vital for O&Ms to understand the critical role that the stairwell doors play in maintaining a building’s fire, life, and safety system. If attention was not given to the overall purpose of the stairwell doors, several buildings could have been or either remain at risk of violating their jurisdiction’s building codes and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) of NFPA 80—Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives and NFPA 101—Life Safety Code. Moreover, local fire marshals could cite buildings for violating these standards, thus placing the building’s tenants in jeopardy. It is best to always error on the side of caution and engage building engineers and fire protection vendors before altering the normal functions of any fire protection components of a building. To ensure that the a jurisdiction’s fire marshal will approve of any alterations during upcoming annual inspections, it can never hurt to pull a permit prior to installing electromagnetic holders and releases if a building has to be retrofitted. This will help ensure that the project is properly completed and annual inspections will run smoothly.

About the Author As a member of Duke Realty’s Asset Management and Property Management division in Atlanta, Cicely’s core responsibilities include asset management, customer service and operational functions. Cicely’s ambition and acumen helped her succeed for more than nine years in residential property management and she received her Master of Science in Real Estate from Georgia State University in 2017. She is currently the chair of the BOMA Georgia Editorial Board.

Your Land. Our Care. Our dedicated teams, and our passion for landscaping shows in everything we do. Find out how we can create a meaningful landscape at your property.

Zach Stokes

Zach.Stokes@LandCare.com 678-708-7761

770-455-8340 www.frazierservicecompany.com Indoor Air Quality & Purification for your Safety

Building Automation • Mechanical Service HVAC Design/ Install/ Maintain • Since 1973

www.LandCare.com

32

Insight • Issue 3, 2020


www.bomageorgia.org • www.creinsightjournal.com

33


Allied Member Service Directory

Construction Products

Capitol Materials, Inc.…............…. (470) 707-9384 Coastal Construction Products.........................................(770) 296-1285 Airduct Cleaning Tendon Systems LLC……..............(470) 453-9947 Ductz Of Greater Atlanta……..........770) 631-2424 The Home Depot Pro……...............(704) 305-2881 Yancey Power Systems….......…....(877) 278-6235

Appraisal Consulting

Fellers, Schewe, Scott Contractors & Roberts, Inc................................(770) 621-9548 Advanced Systems, Inc.….......…...(678) 643-9025 OLM Inc.……................................(770) 420-0900 Centennial Contractors Enterprises Inc................................(770) 613-2999 Double T Contracting, Inc.…..........(770) 489-7772 Architects,Landscaping-Exterior Ed Castro Landscape…….............(770) 998-8444 Emery & Associates…….................(770) 414-9099 Gray Contracting…….....................(678) 530-9700 Harrison Contracting Company, Inc. Asphalt Construction .......................................................(770) 949-5776 Miller Brothers Paving…….............(770) 491-3090 HL Contractors Inc.…....................(770) 727-2599 Humphries & Company……............(770) 434-1890 Innovative Engineering Inc.…..........(770) 517-5507 Attorneys Andre Kill & McCarthy LLP.............(404) 653-3005 PKS Paving & Concrete Construction Baker and Hostetler LLP….............(404) 946-9773 (.......................................................404) 401-8551 Stellar Contracting, Inc.……...........(770) 649-1575 Western Specialty Contractors Audio Visual Services .......................................................(678) 553-0170 Vertical AV TV…............................(404) 352-2488

Building Management Consultants

Yardi……..........................(800) 866-1144, x 4549

Building Services

Engineered Restorations Inc............770) 682-0650 IA INTERIOR ARCHITECTS...............................(404) 504-0297 Level Seven Facilities Services.........................................(770) 771-0477 Accuclean Inc.……........................(404) 765-6477 Airwavz Solutions….......................(833) AIRWAVZ

Building Automation Controls

Doors

Piedmont Door Solutions….............(678) 554-7000

Electrical

Allison-Smith Company……............(404) 351-6430 Bryan Electric, Inc.……..................(770) 680-2144 J.R. Electrical……...........................(770) 420-1530 Martin Technical, Inc.…...................(770) 590-7449 Mayberry Electric, Inc.…...........…..(404) 991-7007 NCA Lighting Solutions Inc.............(770) 237-2196 Titan Electric Georgia LLC..............(470) 275-9404

Elevators/Escalators

Fujitec America Inc.…….................(770) 209-0322 KONE Elevators & Escalators..................................(470) 553-4669 Oracle Elevator Company……........(404) 581-0911 Carpet/Floor Mad Matter GA…….......................(678) 361-6704 Phoenix Elevator of Georgia............(678) 574-2447 ThyssenKrupp Elevator Corporation....................................(770) 250-6482 Carpet/Floor ENTEK……...................................(678) 910-1326

Service Master Cleaning & Restoration..................(678) 766-0909 SOLID Surface Care, Inc.…...........678) 354-6726 Southeastern Commercial Flooring Inc................(770) 591-9980

Catering/Food Services

Ben & Jerry’s……..........................(404) 666-2232 .

Communications

Kings III Emergency Communications............................(678) 438-1965

Concrete and Stone Finishing

Employment Specialist

BG Talent……................................(703) 343-3415 .

Energy

Baker Engineering LLC…...............(404) 307-3237 Envision Realty Services, Inc...................................(404) 579-8129 Mallory & Evans Service….......…...(478) 747-0551 McKenney’s Inc.…..............…........(404) 635-4710 Trane…….......................................(678) 775-4302 Yancey Power Systems…..........….(877) 278-6235

Engineering

Harbin’s Mechanical Services, Inc...................................(770) 914-7060 IES Mach…...............................….(404) 759-5391 Construction Innovative Engineering Inc.…..........(770) 517-5507 Southeastern Carpenters Martin Technical, Inc.…...................(770) 590-7449 Regional Council............................(404) 561-2900 Mayberry Electric, Inc.…............….(404) 991-7007 NOVA Engineering & Environmental..............................(770) 570-9171 PENTA Engineering Group Inc.......................................(678) 282-1999 PM&A……......................................(770) 480-7452 Sustainable Investment Group LLC (SIG).......................... (404) 343-3835 Nawkaw Corporation……..............(478) 457-6862

34

Insight • Issue 3, 2020

Environmental

Aquascape Environmental...............(678) 445-0077 IES Mach……................................(404) 759-5391 Sustainable Investment Group LLC (SIG)...........................(404) 343-3835 The Morley Companie....................(770) 569-1100

Equipment Rentals

Stone Mountain Access Systems....(770) 908-2936

Facility Management

SJS Facility Services…..............….(678) 904-1313

Facility Support

PENTA Engineering Group Inc ......................................................(678) 282-1999 Veritiv….....................................….(404) 272-4478 Stone Mountain Access Systems…(770) 908-2936

Financial Services

Graham Group……........................(404) 634-4652

Fire Protection

Advantage Fire Sprinkler Company, Inc ......................................................(770) 822-9550 AFA Protective Systems Inc............(770) 686-8018 Basesix Systems LLC……................678-833-8351 Chief Fire Protection Co...............….404.523.5478 Critical Systems LLC ............................................(770) 612-9172, x 109 Fire & Life Safety America Inc. ......................................................(770) 717-8812 International Fire Protection............(770) 745-4530 Life Safety Solutions Plus LLC ......................................................(770) 843-3671 Mitec Controls Inc.……..................(770) 813-5959 Paradyme……................................(404) 383-3062 Protech Fire Inc.….....................….(770) 531-0587

Fire/Water/Mold Restoration

BELFOR Property Restoration.......................(770) 939-0128 Blu Sky Restoration Contractors..................(678) 502-0166 BMS CAT…..............................….(770) 614-3248 Capital Restoration….................….(770) 973-1666 Epic……........................................(770) 516-3491 Full Circle Restoration & Construction Services….............(770) 232-9797 Parker Young Construction, A RESCON Company…................(770) 368-1000 Remediation Group/RGI Commercial ......................................................(404) 680-3227 ServiceMaster Cleaning & Restoration…..............................(678) 766-0909 SERVPRO Of Decatur…................(404) 378-9998 SERVPRO of Norcross…...............(770) 858-5000 Waterproofing Contractors Inc. ......................................................(770) 449-5552

Fitness

Innovative Fitness Solutions ......................................................(770) 218-9390

Glass

NGS Films and Graphics…........…(404) 360-7866 South Beach Glass Inc.…........…..(404) 851-0111


Guard Services

Lake Management

Marksman Security Aquascape Environmental…...........(678) 445-0077 Corporation ...................................(678) 644-0576 SecurAmerica LLC….....................(404) 926-4258 Landscaping-Exterior Allied Universal 4 Seasons Security Services............................(404) 898-1695 Landscape Group LLC...................(770) 452-4455 Crabapple LandscapExperts….......(770) 740-9739 Health & Hygiene Products Ruppert Landscape…................….(770) 931-9900 Essity……......................................(859) 325-9479 Arborguard Tree Specialists............(404) 299-5555 GOJO Industries……........................330-819-0044 Baytree Landscape Life Safety Contractors....................................(678) 392-0391 Solutions Plus LLC.................…....(770) 843-3671 BrightView Rubbermaid Commercial Landscape Services..................…..(770) 662-8775 Products...........................................470-356-5088 Caldwell Tree Care……..................(770) 992-1973 Color Burst……..............................(770) 822-9706 HVAC Cumberland Landscape Group...........................(404) 772-8150 Addison Smith Mechanical Contractor Inc..............(770) 832-9006 Air Filter Sales & Service, Inc.…….(770) 939-1250 Blue Mountain Mechanical…….......(770) 402-9990 Capital City Mechanical Services Inc.................(770) 449-0200 Daikin Applied…........................….(770) 514-5880 Ductz Of Greater Atlanta…….........(770) 631-2424 EMCOR Services Aircond…….......(800) 768-4258 ENTEK…...................................….(678) 910-1326 Harbin’s Mechanical Services, Inc..(770) 914-7060 Legacy Mechanical Services Inc.….(770) 432-1171 Mallory & Evans Service……..........(478) 747-0551 Maxair Mechanical Inc.……............(770) 714-9642 McKenney’s Inc.……......................(404) 635-4710 Shumate Mechanical, Inc.….......….(678) 584-0880 Southeast Pump & Equipment Inc.............................(404) 456-8263 Trane…….......................................(678) 775-4302 United Maintenance, Inc.…….........(770) 455-1656

Downey Trees Inc.…..................….(770) 889-2822 Georgia Environmental Landscape & Maintenance, Inc.….................….770-389-5513 Gibson Landscape Services...........(678) 689-3262 Greenwood Group…...........….......(404) 881-6104 HighGrove Partners…................….(678) 626-3469 LandCare LLC……........................(678) 475-1780 Landmark Landscapes…............….(404) 879-1739 Landscape Management Company...................(770) 536-5044 Nature Scapes Inc.……....,.............(404) 663-5043 OLM Inc.…................................….(770) 420-0900 Russell Landscape Group Inc..........404) 520-7903 Sesmas Tree Service LLC…...........(770) 655-9257 The GreenSeason Group, Inc.........(678) 714-4114 Yellowstone Landscape……...........(404) 668-4508

Industrial Dock & Door Repair Installation

Miner Southeast……...............(678) 327-5464

Interior Design

IA INTERIOR ARCHITECTS…(404) 504-0297

Janitorial

A&B Corporate Cleaning Services, LLC .......................................................(404) 965-1799 ABM……........................................(678) 245-3273 Accuclean Inc.…........................….(404) 765-6477 Allied International Cleaning Services, Inc....................(770) 298-4790 BCJ Building Services…............….(404) 551-2310 Building Cleaning Solutions, Inc..................................(678) 445-3806 Building Maintenance Services Inc....................................(770) 218-2993 Chosen Janitorial Services…...........(404) 804-6150 Distinguished Properties Cleaning USA Inc. (DPC).............................................(404) 418-1443 Environmental Service Partners.............................(404) 583-8514 General Building Maintenance Inc.............................(770) 457-5678 Georgia Pacific Corporation............(770) 815-9552 HTH Building Services Inc.…..........(770) 988-0084 Kimberly-Clark Corporation….........(770) 289-3860 Planned Companies…….................(571) 220-7475 Pollock Orora……..........................(770) 803-7845 Pritchard Industries SE…................(404) 231-1430 Rubbermaid Commercial Products...........................................470-356-5088 Sizemore Inc.……..........................(706) 736-1458 SJS Facility Services…..............….(678) 904-1313 Veritiv……......................................(404) 272-4478

www.bomageorgia.org • www.creinsightjournal.com

35


Allied Member Service Directory Landscaping-Interior

Foliage Design Systems….........….(770) 451-0885 Life on Earth, LLC…..................….(404) 630-9611 Plant Peddler, Inc.……...................(770) 432-2649 Sedgefield Interior Landscapes, Inc.............................770) 984-0171

Lighting

Blue Frog Lighting……...................(404) 569-7995 E. Sam Jones Distributor Inc.…......(404) 307-8504 NCA Lighting Solutions Inc.…........(770) 237-2196 Voss Lighting……...........................(770) 438-8557

Locksmith

Armor Lock & Security. Inc.........….(770) 493-1915

Marble Restoration & Maintenance

ADDCO Metal Maintenance Co.............................(770) 985-5611 Architectural Surface Restoration LLC.............................(770) 510-8333 Mid America Specialty Services..........................(800) 544-4576 Natural Stone Services……............(404) 255-8133 Presto Restoration Products & Services.......................(770) 521-0080 Southeastern Commercial Flooring Inc....................................(770) 591-9980 Stone Specialty Services…….........(404) 261-9111

Metal Finishing

ADDCO Metal Maintenance Co.............................(770) 985-5611 Architectural Surface Restoration LLC.............................(770) 510-8333 Mid America Specialty Services..........................(800) 544-4576 Presto Restoration Products & Services.......................(770) 521-0080

Office Furniture

Atlanta Office Liquidators Inc.....….(404) 505-9623 CORT…........................................(770) 597-4414

Paint/Wallcoverings

American Painting & Renovations Inc..........................(770) 995-8787 Berry Coating, Inc.….................….(706) 769-7172 Burke Painting, Inc.….....................(770) 316-9092 CertaPro Painters of Atlanta…........(404) 548-7940 Certapro Painters of Duluth & Norcross......................(678) 895-5730 CertaPro Painters of Fayetteville..................................(770) 634-2472 CertaPro Painters of Roswell….......(404) 913-3972 Freeland Painting…….....................(770) 289-0887 Horizon Painting and Renovations Inc........................(404) 447-0385 Oakcliff Painting……......................(404) 867-3707 Paint Applicators…….....................(404) 487-5257 Spectrum Painting Inc.…............….(770) 497-0101

36

Insight • Issue 3, 2020

Paper Products

Essity….....................................….(859) 325-9479 Georgia Pacific Corporation............(770) 815-9552 Imperial Dade……..........................(770) 405-6900 Kimberly-Clark Corporation….........(770) 289-3860 Pollock Orora.................................(770) 803-7845

Parking

Ace Parking…............................….(404) 254-3661 ITR Of Georgia, Inc........................(770) 496-0366 Kaney & Lane, LLC…............….....(404) 892-8246 LAZ Parking…...........................….(404) 787-2076 Legacy Parking Company……........(678) 954-4778 .

Parking Deck

Ecosweep……...............................(404) 904-1003 Spectrum Painting Inc.…….............(770) 497-0101

Parking Deck

Wildcat Striping & Sealing..............................…......(678) 937-9525

Paving Products

Asphalt Enterprises.........................(770) 424-5001 Georgia Paving, Inc.……................(770) 623-0453 GWP Paving……...........................(678) 377-3113 Miller Brothers Paving.....................(770) 491-3090 PKS Paving & Concrete Construction................(404) 401-8551 Rose Paving Company…................(678) 303-2500 The Surface Masters Inc.....................................(404) 821-2388 Wildcat Striping & Sealing........................................(678) 937-9525

Pest Control

Northwest Exterminating Co., Inc.....................(678) 383-1011 Orkin Inc.……................................(404) 888-2000 Peachtree Pest Control…...............(770) 931-9099 Pest USA…..........................…......(678) 287-6674

Plumbing Addison Smith Mechanical Contractor Inc. .......................................................(770) 832-9006 Art Plumbing Company...................(678) 486-2525 HM Plumbing……...........................(770) 792-1200 Legacy Mechanical Services Inc....................................(770) 432-1171 Rooter Plus!…….............................(770) 888.1931 Royal Flush Plumbing Inc...................................(770) 385-5911 Southeast Pump & Equipment Inc.............................(404) 456-8263 Trinity Plumbing LLC……,...............(770) 480-7687

Portable/Rental Cooling & Heating

Mobile Air….........,.................(888) 786.0508 x119

Pressure Washing

Ecosweep…...................................(404) 904-1003 Everclear Enterprises Inc................................(404) 876-9408 Kaney & Lane, LLC….......................404.892.8246 SunBrite Services….......................(770) 277-6363 Top Of the Line High Rise Service LLC...................(404) 569-9544 Valcourt BuildingServices LLC.....................(770) 971-2000

Pump Service and Repair

Monumental Equipment, Inc. ................................................(770) 490-4001

Relocation Services

Bulldog Movers…….................(404) 835-5409 Suddath Relocation Systems ................................................(770) 447-4366

Restoration

Addco Restoration and Preservation Group, LLC…......(770) 688-5419 Tendon Systems LLC…..…......(470) 453-9947

Riser Management

IMG Technologies, Inc.........….(630) 737-9800

Roofing

Apollo/Primm Roofing Company..................................(770) 751-6191 Baker Roofing Company..................................(919) 710-6654 Commercial Roofing Group LLC..............................(770) 831-9440 Core Roofing Systems...................................(678) 514-2846 Empire Roofing Company Inc............................(770) 948-7663 ENCORE ROOFING, INC.......................(770) 945-0100 Georgia Roof, LLC……...........(678) 939-9194 IRG VENTURES LLC d/b/a Innovating Roofing Group. ................................................(404) 351-8797 Roof Partners LLC…...........….(404) 490-4647 Tecta America….............…......(770) 769-1720 Tower Roofing….............…......(770) 592-9889 Tremco……..............................(404) 906-3338 Zurix Roofing Systems…….......(706) 587-2009

Sealcoating

The Surface Masters Inc.…......(404) 821-2388

Security

Advanced Protective Services...................................(678) 789-8256 Allied Universal Security Services.............…….(404) 898-1695 Alscan Inc.……........................(205) 249-7324 Armor Lock & Security. Inc.…..(770) 493-1915 AT Security Inc.…................….(678) 381-7308 Basesix Systems LLC…........….678-833-8351 BOS Security, Inc.…...........….(470) 208-3977 Critical Systems LLC….(770) 612-9172, x 109 DataWatch Systems….........….(470) 503-6077 International Fire Protection…..(770) 745-4530 ITR Of Georgia, Inc.….........….(770) 496-0366 Marksman Security Corporation........…….(678) 644-0576 Miner Southeast……................(678) 327-5464 Mitec Controls Inc.……............(770) 813-5959 Paradyme……..........................(404) 383-3062 Planned Companies……..........(571) 220-7475 Platinum Group Security……....(404) 980.1019 SecurAmerica LLC……...........(404) 926-4258 Sizemore Inc.……....................(706) 736-1458 Walden Security……................(404) 937-1748


Signage

Waterproofing

Window Sales

APCO Sign Systems……...............(404) 688-9000 Apollo/Primm Roofing Company.....(770) 751-6191 Jeld-Wen..................................…….915-356-9314 NGS Films and Graphics…............(404) 360-7866 Engineered Restorations Inc..........(770) 682-0650 Everclear Enterprises Inc.…….......(404) 876-9408 Windows Paint Applicators…...................….(404) 487-5257 Top Of the Line Software and Facility Management ViZZ….......................................….(404) 405-4341 The Morley Companies….......…....(770) 569-1100 High Rise Service LLC...............….(404) 569-9544 Waterproofing Contractors Inc.......(770) 449-5552 Western Specialty Tax Consultants Contractors...................................(678) 553-0170 Fellers, Schewe, Scott & Roberts, Inc. .......................................................(770) 621-9548 Graham Group……........................(404) 634-4652 Window Cleaning South Beach Glass Inc.….......…...(404) 851-0111 Valcourt Building Services LLC......(770) 971-2000

Telecommunications

Airwavz Solutions……....................(833) AIRWAVZ AT&T…….......................................(918) 348-9411 Cana Communications, Inc......................(678) 766-6600

Tree Care

Arborguard Tree Specialists.............................(404) 299-5555 BrightView Landscape Services......................(770) 662-8775 Caldwell Tree Care….................….(770) 992-1973 Downey Trees Inc.……...................(770) 889-2822 Sesmas Tree Service LLC...........................(770) 655-9257

Tropical Plants

Foliage Design Systems............…..(770) 451-0885 Life on Earth, LLC……...................(404) 630-9611 Plant Peddler, Inc.……....................(770) 432-2649

Full Exterior Restorations | Coating and Sealants Concrete Repairs | EIFS/Stucco Masonry | Expansion Joints Parking Deck Repairs Deck Coatings Leak Detection

Urban Farming

Copiana, LLC……............................404-313-4903

Waste Removal

American Disposal Services…....….(678) 736-0140 Republic Services Inc.…............….(404) 693-9279 Waste Pro/Atlanta……...................(770) 777-1447

WE FIT THE JOB

Water Damage/Structure Drying

BELFOR Property Restoration...….(770) 939-0128 Blu Sky Restoration Contractors.....(678) 502-0166 Capital Restoration……..................(770) 973-1666 Epic…….........................................(770) 516-3491 Full Circle Restoration & Construction Services…......…....(770) 232-9797 Parker Young Construction, A RESCON Company……............(770) 368-1000 Remediation Group/RGI Commercial .......................................................(404) 680-3227 SERVPRO Of Decatur…............….(404) 378-9998

Water Leakage Protection

WaterSignal LLC…....................….(626) 222-7370

Water Treatment

Blackmore Enterprises Inc.….....….(404) 474-4352

FROM TOP TO BOTTOM

4527 South Old Peachtree Rd Norcross, GA 30071 Fax: 770-449-5554 Email: info@wcinc.com Web: www.wcinc.com

770-448-8888 www.bomageorgia.org • www.creinsightjournal.com

37


Technology, Preventative Maintenance, Security

Five Cybersecurity Tips Every CRE Professional Should Know A data breach or cyberattack can happen at any moment on any person’s device. Depending on the technological set-up of the company, an infection that makes its way onto one person’s account can find its way to the whole system. This can mean data breaches of tenant information, a loss of information on a server or shut down a building if it is integrated with the system. The following tips will help make sure your digital property is as safe as your physical property.

1. Create a plan if there is an attack

If there was an emergency in a building, most employees would know what to do. Companies and buildings often have emergency protocol that they practice and inform all essential parties about in the event of an emergency. The same goes for cyberattacks. Developing a reaction plan will help lower stress, create efficient recovery action and possibly prevent more infection. Along with a reaction plan, a communications plan must also be created and distributed to all parties. If a public breach were to happen, press and the public may come to employees of that company for information. Having a communications plan can protect your company and its employees.

2. Keep credentials private

This may seem self-explanatory. Don’t share your passwords, logins or other vital technological information with anyone that does not need to know. Even when it is shared, consider changing passwords after an employee has left the company. This also applies to the storage of information. High-security password storage services such as LastPass are great ways to make sure that information stays secure. Password notebooks and notes on a phone may be susceptible to theft.

38

Insight • Issue 3, 2020

3. Be careful when vendors need data

Having a well-protected system isn’t enough, you have to make sure that all outside parties entering the system are following similar precautions. Be careful when outside vendors require access to your technology and be vigilant for any irregularities during their use. Keep all data-sharing secure between the two parties and consider putting security agreements into a product or services agreement.

4. Don’t go “phishing”

Phishing has been a popular word recently and that’s because it is a frequent tactic used to scam, compromise or infect computers. Phishing is the use of realistic emails, usually, to gain access to or infect a system. To prevent this: Always verify who the email is from, don’t click a link you don’t recognize and when in doubt, don’t open the email. Opening or interacting with a phishing email can mean major security breaches and possibly a virus on your devices.

5. Take Preventative Measures

Just like with building care, preventative maintenance is always a worthy investment. Install software that provides security sweeps. Maintain and update your firewall strength to ensure data security. Change passwords on a regular basis and follow secure password guidelines. Alert the whole team of security practices and provide a system of reporting if one of your team members does encounter a problem. Being adaptable and up-to-date is how to stay ahead of the problem.

Don’t Be Scared. Just Be Careful.

As cyber threats change and become more prevalent, being vigilant and protective is never a bad option. With the rise of smart buildings and the movement of whole businesses to a computer, maintaining cybersecurity is vital to a company’s staff, tenants and property.


Advertisers on the Web Waterproofing

Landscape Contractors Building Management Consultants/Software Frazier Service Company https://frazierservicecompany.com

Addco Restoration and Preservation Group, LLC www.addcorpg.com

Ed Castro Landscape http://edcastro.com

Engineered Restorations Inc. http://www.er-inc.net/

LandCare www.landcare.com

Everclear Enterprises Inc. https://everclearenterprises.com/

Building Services & Management Sizemore Inc. https://www.sizemoreinc.com

Paving Products and Services Georgia Paving, Inc. http://georgiapaving.com/

The Morley Companies https://www.morleycompany.com/

The Morley Companies https://www.morleycompany.com/

PKS Paving & Concrete Construction http://pksasphaltpavingatlanta.com/

Top of the Line High Rise Service http://www.highriseservice.com/

Electrical Services

Wildcat Striping & Sealing https://www.wildcatstriping.com/

Waterproofing Contractors https://www.wcinc.com/

Demolition

Mayberry Electric, Inc. http://www.mayberryelectric.com/

Elevator/Escalator Services Phoenix Elevator of GA www.phoenixelevatorofga.com

Energy Services Frazier Service Company https://frazierservicecompany.com/

Engineering PM&A http://www.pmass.com/

Environmental Products and Services NOVA Engineering & Environmental https://www.usanova.com/

Western Specialty Contractors http://www.westernspecialtycontractors.com/

Pest Control Peachtree Pest Control http://www.peachtreepest.com/

Plumbing Products and Services Art Plumbing http://www.artplumbing.com/

Windows/Cleaning Equipment/Supplies Top of the Line High Rise Service http://www.highriseservice.com/ South Beach Glass, Inc. http://www.southbeachglassinc.com/

Roofing Services and Products Georgia Roof https://georgiaroofllc.com Specialty Roofing & Coatings https://src-roofing.com/

Water Conservation WaterSignal www.watersignal.com

Fire Protection/Detection/Life Safety VSC Fire & Security https://www.vscfs.com/

Holiday Decor Life on Earth, LLC http://www.life-earth.com/

HVAC Services Frazier Service Company https://frazierservicecompany.com/ Reliance Heating and Air Conditioning http://www.reliance-hvac.com/ Shumate Mechanical http://www.shumatemechanical.com/ Trane https://www.trane.com/Index.aspx

www.bomageorgia.org • www.creinsightjournal.com

39


Prayers to all People on the Planet Those who’ve lost Loved Ones The Doctors & Nurses And Everyone Risking their Lives To Care, Feed and Protect Us All May God Bless Us and Heal Us Stay Strong and Be Well

In the event of an Emergency, We are here for you... 770-455-1555


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.