SETSAILWITHGCNKAA BBRIVERBOATCRUISEON
GCNKAA SETS SAIL ABOARD BB RIVERBOAT ON JULY 12
Set sail with the Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky Apartment Association on Friday, July 12, 2024, as we board the BB Riverboats for an afternoon cruise along the Ohio River. We will board the River Queen at 1:45 pm and will leave the dock PROMPTLY at 2 pm. Included in your prepaid admission are appetizers, beer, soft drinks, bottled water, juice and entertainment.
We are sold out but have created a wait list for those who would still like to attend. If this list gets long enough, we may be able to change up to a larger boat to accommodate more members. If you would like to be added to the wait list, email michele@gcnkaa.org and let us know how many tickets you are interested in reserving should some become available.
PPG, Rent, Rite Rug, Royal Finish, Sherwin Williams, Towne Properties, and Uptown Rental Properties for all your support.
Thank you also to our current Anchor Sponsors including: America’s Floor Source, Brandstetter’s KangaRoof, Dynegy, Harrison’s Pro Tree Service, Houchens Insurance Group, Integrated Protection Services, Nature is My Office Pest Control, RediCarpet, Valet Living, VFP Fire Protection. For more information, click here. For directions to BB Riverboats, visit http:// bbriverboats.com/.
BASIC DIRECTIONS TO BB RIVERBOATS
101 Riverboat Row, Newport
Thank you to our Captain Sponsors including: Ackermann Group, Apartments.com, BRG Apartments, Calloway Cleaning & Restoration, CMC Properties, Denizen Management, DMG Management, Fath Properties, Hays + Sons Complete Restoration, HILLS Properties, Living Residential, Pinnacle Paving and Sealing,
ALTAFIBER TEAM WINS 38TH ANNUAL SUMMER GOLF OUTING
From I-71/ I-75 Take exit #192 (Covington/5th Street). Follow 5th Street through Covington to end staying in the right hand lane. Turn left onto Garrard. Turn right onto 4th Street. Follow 4th Street across the small bridge into Newport. Turn left onto Columbia and follow to the end. Turn left on Riverboat Row. BB Riverboats is on the right.
More than 158 golfers enjoyed a beautiful day on the links during the annual Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky Apartment Association (GCNKAA) Golf Outing at Aston Oaks Golf Club on Thursday, June 13, but after the sinking of the final putt, the team from altafiber including JD Fugate, Heather Loveless, Chad Smith, and James Campbell declared victory. Coming in second was the team from Pro Maintenance Group including Dave Estes with Pro Maintenance Group, Andy Frommeyer with AnyWeather Restoration, Clay Nickell with Icon Property Rescue, and Pete Heile with napCincinnati. Rounding out the top three teams was Tony Collins, Gabe Perkins, Chris Victoria, and Bob O’Shaughnessy from Towne Properties.
Thank you to all our sponsors, especially Yardi, for stepping up as the Presenting Sponsor; Assured Partners for sponsoring the golfer giveaways and the Hole-InOne contests on all the par 3 holes; and National Credit Systems for sponsoring the Split The Pot which raised $500 for the Apartment Association Outreach (AAO). The feedback was overwhelmingly positive and none of this would be possible without the support of our members. For more photos, see inside this newsletter.
2025 TRADE SHOW BOOTH AND SPONSORSHIP SALES LAUNCH ON JULY 15
Don’t miss out on your chance to register for the GCNKAA 2025 Trade Show at the Early Bird rate of $750 per booth*. After October 1, the price increases to $800 per booth.
The Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky Apartment Association’s 2025 Trade Show is scheduled for TUESDAY, March 11 at Sharonville Convention Center from 4 pm to 6:30 pm.
Booths are available on a first come first serve basis. If you would like to reserve a booth, please review the floorplan and download the booth contract. Review the available booth space, complete your contract. Then simply either a) reserve your booth online and email your contract to michele@gcnkaa.org or b) return your completed contract back to michele@gcnkaa.org and we can reserve your booth for you.
For more information on the 2025 Trade Show visit www.gcnkaa.org or watch your email for registration details.
2024 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE GCNKAA
MELISSA JOY
Village Green Mgmt President mjoy@villagegreen.com
JUSTIN SEGER
HILLS Properties Vice President JustinS@hillsinc.com
CRAIG COFFMAN Uptown Rental Properties Treasurer ccoffman@uptownrents.com
MEGAN LAWHON PLK Communities Secretary megan@plkcommunities.com
TONYA PETERSEN
Vinebrook Homes Immediate Past President rpmhousingpro@gmail.com
2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Mark Arnold, Royal Finish Associate Council 2nd Vice President
Lloyd Cobble, CIG Communities
Brian Fullenkamp, Legacy Management
Rod Herper, National Credit Systems Associate Council 1st Vice President
Todd Hignite, Hearth Home Communities
Lisa Isham, CMHA
Oksana Lukjanenko, Denizen Management
Mike Markus, BRG Apartments
Jordann Morgan, Fath Properties
John Recob, Towne Properties
Grant Saunders, Hays + Sons Restoration Associate Council President
Charles Tassell, Parliamentarian Cornerstone Redevelopment
Elizabeth Werner, Sandstone Properties
Rebecca McLean, Executive Vice President
Pat Crowley, VP of Governmental Affairs
Michele Klusman, Director of Communications & Programs; Apartment Advantage Editor
Rick Holste, Director of Membership Sales
Zach Jameson, Accounting, Database & Office Coordinator
James Combs, Education & Social Media Coordinator
Susan Peck, AA Outreach Coordinator
Nicole Metz, Membership Coordinator and Office Administrator
2023...Tonya Petersen
2022...Tonya Petersen
2021...Don Brunner
2020...Don Brunner
2019...Jud Oscherwitz
2018...Jud Oscherwitz
2017...Stacy Walton
2016...Stacy Walton
2015...Rusty Lykes
2014...Rusty Lykes
2013...Maria Stanton
2012...Maria Stanton
2011...Jeff March
2010...Brian Fullenkamp
2009...Brian Hendy, CPM
2008...Brian Hendy, CPM
2007...Becky Alejandrino, CPM
2006...Marc Cameron, CPM
2005...Marc Cameron, CPM
2004...Gary Sanzone, CPM, CAPS, CAM, NALP
2003...Gary Sanzone, CPM, CAPS, CAM, NALP
2002…Jim Ruh
2001…Jay Ingram, CPM
2000…Roy Wergers
1999…Roy Wergers
1998…Robert J. Wahlke, CAPS
1997…Terry Sievers
1997…Dave Lockard
1996…Jim Cohen, CPM
1995…Jim Ruh
1994…Mark Robinson
1993…David Noll
1992…Bernie Wessels **
1992…Jerry A. Molique, CPM, CAPS **
1991…Jay O. Ingram, Jr., CPM
1990…Ronald Bommer
1989…John Cobey
1988…Robert J. Wahlke, CAPS
1987…Robert J. Wahlke, CAPS
1986…Charles Berling
1985…Joseph Fullenkamp, CAPS
1984…John Stalnaker
1983…Jerry A. Molique, CPM, CAPS
1982…Harry Fath
**Apartment Association of N. KY merged with GCNKAA
Office Hours: Monday Through Friday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
ADVERTISING RATES 2024
Ad rates are for full color ads. Link from your ad to your website is included. Ads must be submitted as a press quality
ADVERTISING DEADLINES
Ad deadlines are the first of the month for the next month’s issue. Placement of articles and ads is limited to pre-set space and dimensions of the Apartment Advantage. Submissions may or may not be used and placement is at the discretion of the editor
Apartment Advantage is a monthly publication of the Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky Apartment Association, Kenwood Executive Center, 7265 Kenwood Rd, Ste. 100, Cincinnati, OH 45236; phone (513) 407-8612; fax (513) 407-7868. For up-to-date information check out our website: www.gcnkaa.org.
Across the Board
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
By Melissa Joy, President
Melissa Joy Village Green Mgmt.
I hope you are enjoying this beautiful Summer in Greater Cincinnati. We’re coming off of a busy few weeks with industry events, having a sold out Summer Golf Outing and the National Apartment Association (NAA) Apartmentalize Conference, which was held in Philadelphia last month. It’s been great to see so many friends of the association out of the typical office environment - and we still have one more popular Summer event on the horizon. This week our annual BB Riverboat Cruise sets sail on the Ohio River on Friday July 12.
I am sure my fellow members can relate when I say that while it is always fun to network and enjoy time outside of the office, we are all laser-focused on the many issues that challenge our industry these days. There are unprecedented challenges and opportunities in the multi-family industry, many of which were highlighted at
This section contains articles and information concerning the Board of Directors and Association policies.
the NAA Conference through education sessions and committee meetings. Supply and demand, the rising cost to own and operate apartment buildings, financing challenges and legislative matters...just to name a few. I am honored and proud to serve alongside so many Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky Apartment Association (GCNKAA) members who are contributing their time and experience to helping our industry locally and nationally. We have much work to do, and I challenge you to consider how you can join forces with our members to continue impacting the industry. I’d be delighted to talk to you, as would any board member, about the various committees and initiatives within the GCNKAA looking for additional support.
Thank you for your continued support and membership. I look forward to seeing many more of you this summer! Don’t forget… you can stay up-to-date with our events, education sessions, and initiatives on social media! Check us out on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube. We would love to interact with you and share photos! If you post be sure to use #GCNKAA and we will follow along!
BOARD OF DIRECTORS - NOMINATION APPLICATION
The 2024 Nominating Committee will submit the names of candidates to serve on the GCNKAA Board of Directors for the 2025-2027 Term. (According to the GCNKAA bylaws Article I Section 2.a. Primary Membership is open to any person, firm or corporation that subscribes to the Code of Ethics of the Association and who is engaged in the business of construction, ownership and/or management of multi-family housing for sale or rent.) We currently have four (4) seats that are up for re-election. All applications must be received in the GCNKAA office by 5:00 pm, on Friday, September 13, 2024. If you are interested in pursuing a seat on the Board of Directors, please submit this application to the GCNKAA offices. If you have any questions, please call Rebecca McLean at the Association office at 513 407-8612
General Information:
Name/Title:___________________________________________________________________________
Company Name:_______________________________________________________________________
Experience:
Please briefly describe your current job responsibilities: _______________________________________
Please briefly describe your past experience in multifamily housing: _______________
Are you currently serving on any other Committees?__________________________________________
If yes, please list name(s) of the organization(s):
Organizations or associations you are currently affiliated with or have been affiliated with in the past:
Additional Information:
Why are you interested in serving on the Board?
What do you see as the major local and state issues that affect our industry?
List any skills or experience you possess that you feel would be beneficial to the Board:
Signature Date:_________________
Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky Apartment Association Kenwood Executive Center | 7265 Kenwood Road, Ste. 100 | Cincinnati, OH 45236 Phone 513 407-8612 | Fax 513 407-7868 | rebecca@gcnkaa.org
Article VII Government. Section 5. In the event a member of the Board of Directors should be absent three consecutive times, or four times in a calendar year from regularly stated meetings of the Board of Directors, or three times in a calendar year from general membership meetings, it shall be considered as a resignation from the Board of Directors unless a valid excuse is presented to and accepted by the Board at the following regularly scheduled Board Meeting. All Board Members must sit on a committee and report to the Board of Directors as necessary.
Brain Power
JULY AND BEYOND. EDUCATION!
By James Combs, Education and Social Media Coordinator
The Housing-Pro Pass is an undeniable value for our members. Sold at the top-level company, one pass covers your company’s entire portfolio. This bulk subscription allows every employee to enjoy unlimitedfree or discounted education offered by the GCNKAA. This includes things like Fair Housing, Hands On Maintenance, Sales for Leasing, and more!
SEMINARS, WEBINARS, AND MORE!
• Conflict Resolution Training – August 28, 2024 – Acquire practical insights that will equip you with the knowledge to navigate complex relationships within the apartment industry and effectively find resolutions in times of conflict.
• 301 Property Management – September 26, 2024 – It’s time to move past being a property security guard. This 301 level class is meant to turn property managers into the potential future of the company. Learn the finances inside and out, learn the strategy, and learn people.
• LIHTC Fundamentals – October 23, 2024 – Learn how to properly manage LIHTC assets from the ground up. Includes a bonus regulatory update about HOTMA!
• Multimeter Basics – October 29, 2024 – This class will cover how to use a multimeter and what to use it for. Topics include circuit basics and continuity/resistance related to appliance electrical troubleshooting.
• Appliance Electrical – October 29, 2024 - This course provides a simple and direct approach to the fundamentals of electricity related to the operating functions of refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, clothes dryers, dishwashers, and gas and electric ranges.
• HVAC Electrical Troubleshooting – October 29, 2024 –This class employs wiring diagrams and illustrations along with detailed descriptions of 15 specific electrical system problems.
• Moisture & Indoor Air Quality – November 20, 2024 – Uncontrolled indoor moisture can cause major damage to the building structure and negatively impact indoor air quality. This course helps you understand how to appropriately manage these conditions.
• Water Extraction Principles – November 20, 2024 –From small leaks to floods, water intrusion is a common problem. This class reviews the steps needed to properly extract water and dry out areas to mitigate damages or resident claims.
• Mold Remediation Principles – November 20, 2024 –This course will discuss industry specifics of how to properly deal with moisture problems, the inevitable fungal growth and fallout from worried residents.
• Maintenance For Managers – January 22, 2025 – It’s time for maintenance managers and property managers to team up! This training is designed for both to attend together. It
is geared toward increasing your knowledge base and improving your management skills.
CERTIFICATIONS!
• EPA 608 – July 19, 2024 – Section 608 of the Federal Clean Air Act requires that all persons who maintain, service, repair or dispose of appliances that contain regulated substances be certified in proper refrigerant handling techniques.
• Certified Apartment Portfolio Supervisor (CAPS) – July 22, 2024 – Recommended for multi-site managers or those looking to grow into a multi-site manager role.
• Certified Apartment Manager (CAM) – September 13, 2024 – 2024 brings a completely updated curriculum for today’s property managers! Allows you to demonstrate that you have the knowledge and ability to manage an apartment community
• EPA 608 – October 18, 2024 – Section 608 of the Federal Clean Air Act requires that all persons who maintain, service, repair or dispose of appliances that contain regulated substances be certified in proper refrigerant handling techniques.
INVOLVEMENT, SPONSORSHIP, QUESTIONS
If you are interested in getting involved with the Education or NextGen Committee and help plan all of the great education opportunities, join us for our monthly meetings! Contact james@ gcnkaa.org for details and invitations.
GCNKAA’s education and NextGen programs offer great exposure through sponsorship. Seminars and course modules can be sponsored for as little as $150 and comes with many benefits. Sponsorship funds help the association provide extra amenities to the attendees.
James Combs
Low, Predictable cost &
Our House
This heading contains membership, staff, committee information and events.
FALL GOLF OUTING SCHEDULED FOR SEPTEMBER 19; FOURSOME AND SPONSORSHIPS NOW ON SALE
On Thursday, September 19, GCNKAA will host the Association’s 18th Annual Fall Golf Classic benefiting the GCNKAA Industry Defense Fund. This year’s Fall Golf Outing will once again be held at Elks Run Golf Course on the east side of the city. Registration will open at 8 am with the scramble teeing off at 9 am. All net proceeds of this outing will be used to meet our commitments to the National Apartment Association (NAA), the Apartment Association of Kentucky (AAK) and the Ohio Apartment Association (OAA) government funds as well as provide backing for the legislative committee’s political needs.
Foursome cost is $800 each and includes per person: round of golf at the golf course, breakfast, late lunch, 2 beverage tickets, snack bag, and automatic inclusion into Hole-In-One contests.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR SPONSORSHIPS
The Fall Golf Outing Benefiting the Industry Defense Fund offers several sponsorship opportunities for all our members. As a vendor, a sponsorship gives you the chance to get your company name out in front of 136 decision makers in the multi-family housing industry. As a hole sponsor, you also get the chance to take it one step further and meet and greet all golfers on your tee box. As a Primary Member, sponsorship shows your support of the legislative efforts of the Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky Apartment Association. After all, all net proceeds directly benefit our Industry Defense Fund which is used to fight or support vital
legislation at the local, state and federal levels. Sponsorships are limited and are listed below:
Presenting Sponsorship – $3000
Event Sponsor - $1500
Dinner Sponsorship – $500
Lunch Sponsorship – $350
Hole Sponsorships – $350 (limit of 18)
Snack Bag Sponsorship** - $250 (limit of 1)
Beverage Sponsorship – $275
Putting Green Sponsorship – $150
Driving Range Sponsorship - $150
Bag Drop Sponsorship - $350
Due to liquor license, no outside alcohol will be permitted at Elks Run Golf Course.
All sponsors receive signage at the outing, pre-event marketing exposure and public acknowledgement of sponsorship during dinner the day of the outing. Hole and beverage sponsors also have the unique all-day opportunity to create a memorable impression and build relationships at their sponsored hole/station. Dinner sponsors will also get the opportunity to give a one-minute speech during dinner. All sponsors are also invited to donate door prizes or give-aways to all participants.
Click here to reserve your foursome or sponsorship today.
PRIMARY
Birgo Realty
Michael Lojas 848 West North Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 14233 (412) 567-1324
mlojas@birgo.com
Metropolitan Holdings
Jessica Gillis 1429 King Avenue Columbus, OH 43212 (614) 488-1900
jgillis@metropolitanholdings.com
OneCity
Tannya Roumimper 6324 North Chatham Avenue Suite 104 Kansas City, MO 64151 (816)647-1500 tr@onecitypm.com
Victrix Investments LLC
Chris Braatz
441 Lexington Avenue 9th Floor New York, NY 10017 (608)212-9791 chris@victrixllc.com
DO
MAY 2024 NEW MEMBERS
ASSOCIATE
Fish Window Cleaning
Sharon Smith 8070 Reading Rd Suite 7 Cincinnati, OH 45237 (513)693-4840
ops3044@fishwindowcleaning.com
Window Cleaning / Pressure Washing
G.I. Haul of Cincinnati
Allan Lynch 415 Wards Corner Road Suite C Loveland, OH 45140 (513)998-5865
allan@gihaul.com
Junk Removal / Apartment Turns
Integrated Protection Services
Jaime Gillespie 5303 Lester Road Cincinnati, OH 45213 (513)631-5505
tneal@integratedprotection.com
Fire Protection / Safety & Security Services
The following companies have dropped their membership in the GCNKAA and we would love to have them back!
If you do business with any of the companies listed please reach out to them and remind them of the value of membership.
Sagesse Financial
Aspire Roofing Bank N Gems Janitorial Services
Donovan Energy
Eltek Group
Emergency Dumpster Services
Oneway Carpet Restoration of Ohio
Trap Your Moles
Redline Roofing & Coatings
Garon Beard 4605 Duke Dr Suite 115 Mason, OH 45040 (513)776-0774
sales@redlineroofingco.com Roofing / Pavement Maintenance
Richardson Plumbing
Jay Richardson 8 Oblique St Florence, KY 41042 (859) 371-2239
contact@richardsonplumb.com Plumbing Parts and Service
VFP Fire Protection
Mark Bolda 1017 Lockman Ave Cincinnati, OH 45238 (513)882-0293
mark.bolda@vfpfire.us
Fire Protection / Safety & Security Services
· Countertop, Cabinet and Bathtub resurfacing
· Cabinet Door Replacement with Resurfacing of frames and boxes
· Increase Rent/Occupancy
· NEW look - Fresh Colors
BE A LEADER: NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
Association is currently Associate Council and the GCNKAA Board of Directors. If inter ested, please fill out the application on page 6 of this newsletter (for the board) or this linked application (for our associate mem bers) in its entirety and return to the Apartment Association (atten tion of Michele) no later than Friday, September 13. All responses will be published in the October issue of the Apartment Advantage. Elections will be held on Tuesday, October 15, 2024.
Nominating Committee and run as a slate. For more information on this process, please contact the Apartment Association office.
of the GCNKAA and its fourteen council members hold very pres tigious seats. Membership on the Council is limited to one repre sentative per member company. If you are interested in running for one of the seven (7) available seats, please keep in mind that there is an attendance policy in place for all representatives to en sure associate members have consistent representation at meetings. For more information on the attendance policy for the Associate Council, email michele@gcnkaa.org.
sible for the annual Trade Show, General Membership Dinner Meetings, Canned Good Drive, Furniture Give-Away and the Auction. A lot of time and effort go into being on the Associate Council, but the results are advantageous to all companies and in dividuals involved.
Michele Klusman or Rebecca McLean at 513 407-8612.
2ND ANNUAL MAINTENANCE
APPRECIATION
Networking, games, food, drink, fowling, and fun all focused on showing appreciation for all the maintenance techs in the local multifamiluy hous industry.
Thursday, October 24, 2024 Fowling Warehouse 5 pm - 7 pm
Watch for details on sponsorships and registration opportunities soon!
GCNKAA NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR ASSOCIATE COUNCIL AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
DEADLINE TO APPLY IS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2024. ELECTIONS WILL BE HELD ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2024.
Government & Housing Legalities
NKY FACING MULTI-FAMILY HOUSING SHORTAGE OF NEARLY 25,000 UNITS: STATEWIDE GAP IS MORE THAN 100,000 UNITS
By Pat Crowley, Vice President of Governmental Affairs
Pat Crowley
Northern Kentucky is facing a multi-family housing shortage of nearly 25,000 units, according to a new report from the Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC).
The Kentucky Housing Gap Analysis report is a county-by-county examination of Kentucky’s Housing current housing supply done by Bowen National Research. The report shows that Kentucky is facing a statewide housing gap of 101,569 rental units.
“An analysis like this is essential,” said Winston Miller, KHC’s executive director and chief executive officer. “By identifying the gaps now, we can take corrective action as an organization and as a state to provide better affordable housing solutions for our residents.”
The report was discussed during a late June meeting of the Kentucky General Assembly’s Kentucky Housing Task Force.
The report identified the following housing gaps in Northern Kentucky’s three largest counties:
• Boone County: 11,350 units.
• Campbell County: 4,184 units.
• Kenton County: 9,157.
• Total: 24,691
Kentucky’s other population centers are also in need of multi-family housing, including Fayette County/Lexington (22,549 units), Jefferson County/Louisville (40,079) and Warren
County/Bowling Green (6,984). All 120 of Kentucky’s counties face the housing gap.
The report indicates that the state’s booming economy has increased the need for housing, but development has not kept pace. Simply put, Kentucky is attracting more workers to the state without providing them a place to live.
“The housing supply shortage is Kentucky’s most urgent housing issue,” said Wendy Smith, KHC’s deputy executive director of housing programs. “It’s impacting middle-income Kentuckians and poor Kentuckians alike. Increasing our housing supply is key to increasing homeownership rates, lowering housing costs, and reducing housing instability and homelessness.”
WHAT IS NAAPAC?
NAAPAC is the bi-partisan political action committee that supports Congressional candidates who represent good government and understand the needs and concerns of the apartment housing industry.
If you are in housing, you are in politics. From fair housing to flood insurance, energy to the environment, the 535 members of the US Senate and House of Representatives play a huge role in shaping the policy and economic climate for the apartment housing industry.
It takes not only the collective power of the NAA, but also the work of individuals at the grassroots level to make sure we, as an industry, are at the table and not “on the menu” when important policy decisions are made.
To donate, click here.
The Apartment Association Outreach, Inc.
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
By Justin Seger, HILLS Properties, Outreach President
Justin Seger
Last week, I spent four days at the National Apartment Association (NAA) Apartmentalize in Philadelphia. The annual education conference and trade show is a great opportunity for our industry to spend a few days in one place to celebrate each other, collaborate, network, and learn from the best and the brightest in the industry.
One of my favorite annual traditions at Apartmentalize is to spend some time at the NAA Gives Wall. This is a display in the host city convention center that highlights the philanthropic work of NAA members across the country. It should come as no surprise that the wall was full of photos and examples of charitable work from GCNKAA members. Many of these photos were taken at AAO affiliated events. It was inspiring to see our work
highlighted among others across the country.
A NIGHT FOR OUTREACH
Earlier this week, the Save The Date for our annual A Night for Outreach was sent out. This year is the 13th Annual Night Out For Outreach. A huge THANK YOU to Megan and Brian Lawhon who are serving as the chairs for the event this year. They have a wonderful event planned for Saturday October 12 at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Cincinnati. This year the event will feature: cocktails, dinner, and a silent auction. As always, proceeds from the event will benefit our Outreach Partners and help further our goal of having a positive impact in the community.
Enjoy the month of July. It’s been a hot summer so far and I know July is a great time of year for so many of us.
Platinum Sponsor ($20,000)
Gold Sponsor ($10,000)
Silver Sponsor ($5,000) THE McLEAN FAMILY To become a Champion For Outreach, please contact Rebecca McLean, Justin Seger, Susan Peck. Rebecca@gcnkaa.org - justins@hillsinc.com - susan@gcnkaa.org
Trend Setting
MARKETING CHANNELS MAKING DIGITAL WAVES
By Kevin Juhasz, Content Manager at LinnellTaylor Marketing
Finding the best channels to stir up interest from prospects and capture qualified leads is always one of the most important goals for multifamily marketing teams. In 2024, this quest has gained greater importance as many marketers must obtain the same results with stagnant or shrinking budgets and a more competitive market. Owners and operators have naturally shifted to cost-cutting measures among slowing rent growth followed by a steep increase in the multifamily housing supply.
To spend their marketing dollars efficiently, marketers are directing their campaigns through the channels that will produce the best results, while simultaneously testing new channels. To avoid wiping out when heading toward their goals, it helps to understand what the tried-and-true channels are and which of the up-andcoming options offer the best return on investment. Social media channels are gaining a foothold as the place to start an apartment search, particularly among the younger generations that make up the bulk of renters, as a way to interact and experience a com-
This heading contains information on Management & Leasing. munity.
“Finding the best channels to stir up interest from prospects and capture qualified leads is paramount for multifamily marketing teams. In 2024, this goal has gained even greater importance as marketers face stagnant or shrinking budgets and a more competitive market,” says Kim Boland, Director of Digital Marketing at Morgan Properties. “With cost-cutting measures in place, efficient spending is crucial. Marketers must navigate their campaigns through the most effective channels. Understanding both the reliable standbys and promising new options is key to avoiding missteps and increasing conversion rates.”
THE CONSTANT CURRENTS
Property websites and internet listing services (ILS) are stalwarts in multifamily marketing. These platforms are the go-to for renters when considering their next home, and they’re looking for a wealth of information on potential communities. The best choice for an ILS is one that allows marketers to offer a complete picture
of the community, including available units, floor plans, transparent pricing and more. In addition, the ILS should allow visitors to schedule a tour directly and offer a look at the surrounding neighborhood providing extra context and information that renters are seeking.
“Channels for marketing are continually evolving, but the classics still remain popular among apartment hunters,” explains Boland. “These are the stops on the prospect journey where they begin to drill down to the communities that fit their lifestyle. As such, it’s critical to provide a comprehensive and detailed view of the community and be transparent about costs and fees. Without this knowledge, prospects will likely move on to other communities.”
When it comes to property websites, an immersive experience is ideal for giving future renters a clear picture of what the community will be like. Like the ILS, it should be feature-rich and offer prospects an opportunity to make first contact with the leasing team as well as schedule from the site. Chatbots are ideal for answering initial questions and showing available units.
“There is an evolution happening in multifamily websites. And if you aren’t focused on your property sites, you should be,” says Boland. “Property websites must be as useful and intuitive as other services like flights and online retailing. This will build more loyalty and satisfaction and gain trust among residents.”
THE WAVE MAKERS OF DIGITAL MARKETING
In 2024, marketers are looking to invest more in artificial intelligence (AI), search/PPC and paid social media, according to a study by Rent. While AI is not a channel, it’s a necessary time-
saving tool for any marketing team. Keeping track of the ROI and success of each campaign is better accomplished with AI, which can offer a more complete and up-to-date data analysis. It’s also helpful for handling mundane marketing tasks, freeing up teams to focus on more critical items.
The study also revealed that 57% of renters view information about apartments or homes for rent on social media, which is increasing as a preference for renters aged 18-44. Social media is sometimes the first impression apartment hunters get about a community. It’s important to have a consistent message across all channels to connect with the target audience. When budgets are tight, search/PPC can be an excellent avenue for controlling costs.
“Social media channels are more frequently the first-time prospects will encounter a community, so the property needs to provide engaging content on each social platform that will stop visitors from scrolling,” says Boland. “Younger renters also crave authenticity, so marketing campaigns, whether posts or video, have to possess this quality.”
Geofencing and digital display advertising are yet another emerging channel for hyper-targeting audiences. The ability to zero in on these leads becomes more important when marketing budgets are shrinking. These tools reduce the chance of receiving unqualified leads, which will consume the valuable time of leasing teams.
Multifamily marketers will experience much smoother sailing in 2024, and beyond, by exploring what they have to work with, who their audience is and what channels are most effective to achieve their marketing and leasing goals.
GCNKAA RIVERBOAT CRUISE
aboard BB Riverboats River Queen
DATE: Friday, July 12, 2024 - Rain or shine!
TIME: Cruise from 2:15 pm - 5 pm; Check-in at 1:45 pm
PRICE: $75* per person or take advantage of our package deals
Includes: Appetizers | Beer | House Wine | Soft Drinks | Water | Entertainment
CAPTAIN SPONSORSHIP PACKAGE - $800
• Reserved table for 10 Guests
• Beverage Sponsorship
• Company Inclusion on Event Signage
• Company Recognition in Apartment Advantage Newsletter
• Company Recognition on www.gcnkaa.org
• Verbal Recognition Aboard BB Riverboat
ANCHOR SPONSORSHIP PACKAGE - $250
• Reserved table for 2 Guests
• Food Sponsorship
• Company Inclusion on Event Signage
• Company Recognition in Apartment Advantage Newsletter
• Company Recognition on www.gcnkaa.org
• Verbal Recognition Aboard BB Riverboat
INDIVIDUAL REGISTRATION - $75
• General admission for one guest
yourself and your team online to get the discounted rate of $65 per person!*
not include sponsorship packages)
