newsletter
E L PA S O A PA R T M E N T A S S O C I AT I O N
3 1 20 ion & O t a P c X u E Ed DE 27 h A c R T Mar e m t r a ap o s a el p
n o i t a i soc s a t n
Go e t a r, K
od
a k e te r e p S l n ce Ce io n a
Fe
inside
uc at mi t C onfe reanl Dr d E g n t he Sum . Fe s t i v at u r i At
N 120
association events • calendar • industry news • award winners and much more!
2
Ca le nd ar of Even ts FEBRUARY
MARCH Thursday, March 7th 12 – 1 p.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 6th 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
PRODUCTS & SERVICES Vendor/Manager Luncheon Villa del Mar East Thursday, Feb. 7th 12 – 1 p.m.
PROGRAMS Association Classroom Wednesday, Feb. 20th 8:30 – 10 a.m.
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS Austin Texas Wednesday, Feb. 20th – 22nd
TAA – Board Meeting Austin Texas Thursday, Feb. 21st 12 – 1 p.m.
PROGRAMS Association Classroom Wednesday, Feb. 27th 8:30 – 9:30 a.m.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING Association Classroom
NO IROC MEETING IN FEBRUARY DUE TO TAA STATE MEETING
Upcoming EFT Classes will be posted on Facebook: Facebook.com/epaatx and EPAA Website: epaa.org or you may call office at 598-0800 to inquire if class has been scheduled.
PROGRAMS Association Classroom Thursday, Mar. 14th 12 – 1 p.m.
PROGRAMS Association Classroom Wednesday, Mar. 20th 8:30 – 10 a.m.
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS Association Classroom Thursday, Mar. 21st 12 – 1 p.m.
PROGRAMS Association Classroom Tuesday, Mar. 26th 8:00 a.m.
IROC Association Classroom Topic: ‘Marketing for the IRO’ Wednesday, Mar. 27th 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.
PRODUCTS & SERVICES Education and Trade Expo - 2013 The Summit Guest Speaker: Kate Good Thursday, Mar. 28th 12 – 1 p.m.
PROGRAMS Association Classroom
2012/2013 Board of Directors President: Eric Heller Associated Properties Vice President: Angelica Zuniga, CAM, CAPS, CAMT, CPO Abacus Mgt.-Caprock Apts. Secretary: Nena Franco, CAM,CAPS Western States Fire Protrection Co. Treasurer: Demetrio Jimenez Tropicana Properties President Elect: K.C.Griffen, NALP, CAM, CAPS, CAMT Integrity Asset Management Past President: Kristin Sizemore, CAM, CAPS,CAS, CAMT, CPO Bohannon Development Product & Services Directors: Andy Acosta Ferguson Enterprises Salvador Hernandez Greater El Paso Apartment Guide Directors: Nora Aguilar Case & Associates Barbara Askins El Paso Disposal Matt Bohannon Bohannon Development Mary Cardenas EP Hacienda Group, Inc. Jim Erickson Clarita Apartments Charlee Enriquez, NALP Case & Associates Jessica Lazcano Sunridge Mgt. Group Jennifer Martinez Acclaim Asset Mgt Executive Director Rick Soto, CAPS,CPO,ARM Committee Chairs: AFFORDABLE HOUSING Demetrio Jimenez AWARDS Co - Chairs: Liz Godfrey, Cindy Salinas BUILDING Roy Jurado COMMUNICATIONS Sylvia Gonzalez COMMUNITY SERVICE Debbie Christensen EDUCATION Melanie Bailey FINANCE Maurice Kropp GOVERNMENT RELATIONS Jim Erickson INDEPENDENT RENTAL OWNERS Marcia Heller MEMBERSHIP Trish Espinoza, CAS PROGRAMS Co-Chairs: Erin Masters, Marc Green
3 E L PA S O A PA R T M E N T A S S O C I AT I O N
presidentsmessage
welcome!
Achievements and Opportunities in Education
Happy New Year! Many of you have already heard me speak about our achievement s in education. At the Thanksgiving luncheon, I mentioned the five professionals in our association who have four NAA designations. Well, Guess what? I was wrong. After a closer look, The El Paso Apartment Association actually has eight out of the 12 NAA members in the entire country who have four NAA designations. This brings much credibility not only to the management companies they represent, but also to our Association. I would like to recognize these members for their achievements and thank them for being among the top professionals in the industry: Melanie Bailey, NALP, CAM, CAPS, CAMT; K. C. Griffen, NALP, CAM, CAPS, CAMT; Renee Fernandez, NALP, CAM, CAPS, CAMT; Mikki Fraser, NALP,, CAM, CAPS, CAMT, CPO; Jennifer Arreola, NALP, CAM, CAPS, CAMT, CPO; and Valerie Guzman NALP, CAM, CAPS, CAMT, CPO, all from Integrity Asset Management, and Kristin Sizemore and Christina Galvez from Bohannon Development. It’s not surprising to see these achievements highlighted in the November issue of Units, the National Apartment Association magazine. In this issue, Integrity Asset Management was ranked #4 in the country in its list of apartment industry companies with the most NAAEI designated members. Congratulations to K.C. and Melanie and their staff for achieving this recognition and, again, for greatly contributing to the prestige of our Association! With many companies paying directly or reimbursing employees for the course costs and class attendance, I encourage all leasing and maintenance professionals to take advantage of the education opportunities that are available to you. As Melanie Bailey states in the article, the designations “are an investment in employees’ futures” and “they improve not only yourself as a professional but also any opportunities you have later on to move up.” These designations prove that you are committed to the multi-family housing industry and make you more marketable in the workforce. If you recently completed the CAM class, be sure to complete the requirements within the deadline. If you are interested in attending designation courses, stay tuned as our Education Committee will be announcing course dates soon. To further your knowledge of the industry and of our national, state and our local Associations, we will soon announce the dates of our local Leadership Lyceum class. Managers will be asked to nominate members of their staff to become EPAA’s first ever local Leadership Lyceum graduates. The Leadership Lyceum helps EPAA identify and develop well-informed and highly motivated individuals with a broad-based vision and a strong commitment to the mission and strategic objectives of the association. Being a graduate of the Lyceum Class also identifies you as committed to the industry and a wellrounded leader within your company. If you are interested in becoming a leader in the Apartment Association, speak to your manager about your desire to be nominated to this class. Finally, I would like to congratulate our 2012 Leasing Professional of the Year award recipient Christina Soto, NALP from Bohannon Development. Christina is well on her way to becoming an industry leader and another example of EPAA’s excellence and our commitment to education. May the new year bring everybody great success! Eric Heller President
4
The One Company You Call for All Your Fire Protection Needs. • • • • • • •
SERVICE ALARM INSPECTIONS ALARM & DETECTION MONITORING FIRE EXTINGUISHERS PRIVATE FIRE HYDRANTS BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES
Quality Solutions for the protection of lives and property, providing an exceptional value to our customers
www.wsfp.com office: 915-772-7001/ fax 915-772-7003
5
TEXAS APARTMENT ASSOCIATION
News from around the state TAA seeks fixes for a couple of key issues this session By David Mintz, CAE, Vice President of Government Affairs
The 2013 Texas legislative session begins on January 8 and runs through May 27. Typically TAA monitors 450-500 bills that may directly or indirectly impact the rental housing industry. Although there aren’t expected to be any major developments regarding the franchise tax or property taxes this year, those issues remain at the top of TAA’s legislative agenda. TAA will also be seeking two pieces of affirmative legislation: 1. offering greater protections to property owners from having unjustified valuation increases in the year following a successful challenge; and 2. allowing a property owner who submeters or allocates electricity to disconnect service to residents who fail to pay their electric bills. In addition, a number of other industryrelated bills are expected to be filed. For example, Rep. Van Taylor (R-Plano) has pre-filed HB 225, which clarifies a rental property owner’s ability to add a surcharge to rent payments made using credit cards. While TAA did not initiate this concept, the association strongly supports the bill. More information about TAA’s affirmative legislation and other potential industry-related legislation is featured in the in the fall and winter issues of Texas Apartments magazine, respectively. Throughout the session, TAA will send regular email updates to board members, PAC and Education Foundation donors, and others who have expressed an interest. Updates will also be posted on the association’s Facebook page, Twitter account and websites. If you would like to be added to the email update list, please send a note to governmentaffairs@taa.org.
Resolve to build your Foundation for the Future at the 2013 TAA Education Conference & Lone Star Expo in Houston A new year brings new opportunities to build your career, and that’s just what you’ll do at Foundation for the Future, the Texas Apartment Association’s 2013 Education Conference & Lone Star Expo. Join us in Houston April 25-27 for twoand-a-half days of ground-breaking industry education, networking and solutions that will boost your bottom line. While you’re there, you’ll take part in a signature moment in TAA’s history, celebrating our 50th anniversary. TAA will honor our past achievements and leaders as we lay the groundwork for continued future success. Register online by March 7 for your greatest savings. You can also register by fax or mail or sign up a group of employees to take advantage of group discounts ranging from 5-20 percent. This year’s conference will be held at the Hilton Americas Hotel and the George R. Brown Convention Center in downtown Houston. TAA’s first education conference was held in Houston in 1964, so it’s fitting that our 50th anniversary celebration will be held here as well. The TAA Education Conference & Lone Star Expo is the state’s premier rental housing event, offering a convenient and cost-effective way to get the most value
foryour professional development dollars. Your registration fee is less than the cost of one resident turnover. The TAA Education Conference & Lone Star Expo features: • More than 40 educational seminars and general sessions • The Lone Star Expo, with 350 booths and exhibitors representing every aspect of the industry and every corner of the state • Lunch on the Move Friday in the Expo; virtually no seminar conflicts during Expo hours Thursday and Friday • General Opening Session keynote presentation by NBA Hall of Famer and successful entrepreneur Earvin “Magic” Johnson • Thursday’s Back to the Future Kickoff Party • Friday’s 50th Birthday Galapalooza Ultimate Party, and • Saturday’s British Invasion Installation & Awards Brunch. Add to your conference experience by also registering for TAA’s 28th Annual Jerry Adams Memorial PAC Golf Tournament (separate fee and registration required—you must be registered for the conference or exhibiting to participate), held on Wednesday, April 24.
6
Holiday Event Roundup
7
Thanksgiving Luncheon
EPAA’s Leasing Professional of the Year Award was presented to Christina V. Soto, NALP, from Puerta Villa at Cimarron. The finalists and winner were announced at our annual Thanksgiving and Manager Appreciation Luncheon on November 14, 2012. EPAA honored individuals who are tops in their field. Our 10 finalists for Leasing Professional of the Year were: Angel Maxwell,NALP, CAM, CPO; Iliana Ortega, Rosio Duran, Rachael Matia, Stephanie Ortiz, Maria Solano Lorena Leon, Christina Soto, NALP; Alejandra Giner and Debbie Rodriguez, NALP, CPO. The El Paso Apartment Association congratulates the finalists for their outstanding commitment to our industry.
8
Holiday Event Roundup Christmas Fair
FOOD DRIVE Thank to all for the donations to the El Pasoans Fighting Hunger food drive! We raised over five barrels of food! Thank you to Ray Baca from Monterrey Asset Management for the generous cash donation to the food drive effort. The organization has claimed an 11 to 1 return on the money they spend. That should surely go a long way in helping fight hunger in El Paso. Thanks Ray!
9
PROGRAMS COMMiTTee The El Paso Apartment Association held its 15th consecutive Christmas Fair to benefit the children of the Lee and Beulah Moore Children's Home on December 8, 2012. It is a celebration of the holidays for members of the association and their families, as well. Once again, it was a huge success with over 600 people in attendance, who enjoyed an afternoon of games, food, fun, prizes, and camaraderie. Thanks to the Programs Committee for orchestrating this afternoon and especially to co-chairs Rick Bautista, ARM Laundry and Ruby Fernandez, NALP, Sunridge Management Co. They did an exceptional job! Thanks to the following sponsors of the 2012 Christmas Fair: Greater El Paso Apartment Guide; Saunders Apartment Co.; ARM Laundry; ABA Properties; MacGray Intelligent Laundry Systems; Sunridge Management Co.; EPAA; IROC Properties; Associated Properties; Bohannon Development; L&R Supply; Tropicana Properties; Integrity Asset Management; Dosher Refrigeration, EZ Money; Magoffin Park Villas; Ferguson Enterprises, El Paso Disposal, JJ Distributing; Case and Associates; and Castilleja Apartments.
The Association is extremely grateful to the instructors and students of Life Ambulance. They arrived to work for the afternoon and manned the food booths and helped out anyone who needed them. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived at 1p.m. to a crowd of "youngsters of all ages" and began taking "orders" for Christmas gifts from the kids as well as smiling for pictures. The Fair had something for all ages - duck dunking for the very little ones, video games, bowling and basketball, and a cake walk in which almost everyone walked away with a prize. There was food for all - popcorn, ice cream, hot dogs, and drinks and when people were tired of eating, they could make Christmas decorations and frames for their Santa pictures at EPAA's "creative" booth. This year, for the first time, the Fair ended with a magic show which kept the audience glued to the stage. Prizes were given out all afternoon with the largest prizes being saved for the end. Julez Saucedo won the 50 inch TV and Dinorah McCoy, NALP, won the wii system. Support of the Children’s Home begins long before the Fair. At the annual Thanksgiving Luncheon, EPAA members pick a child’s name from a Christmas Tree with a list of three things they would like to have. Members purchase a gift for the child from this list and gifts for ALL the children are delivered to the Home prior to Christmas Eve. This has been a very endearing project for our members throughout the years.
10
vendor members
E L PA S O A PA R T M E N T A S S O C I AT I O N
Advertising El Paso Times, Inc. 915-546-6228
Banks Capital Bank El Paso (915) 779-8700
Cleaning Supplies Baron Chemical Co. 915-533-1661
Doors / Windows / Mouldings Trim Team Inc. 915-856-0791
Air Conditioner/Heating Sales & Service
WestStar Bank 915-532-1000
L & R Supply & Chemical Co., Inc. 915-599-2697
Electrical Contractors Sun City Electric Co., Inc. 915-598-3622
Hunton Distribution 915-313-7934
Bathtub Resurfacing New Porcelain 915-253-7062
Collections ProCollect 214-341-7788
Cable TV Time Warner Communications 915-772-1123
Commercial Real Estate Financing CBRE 505-837-4997
Air Tech 915-850-5182 Dosher Refrigeration 915-821-4200 Insco Distributing Inc. 915-779-3475
Carpet Cleaning / Repair Advantage Carpet Cleaning 915-915-351-0196
Saber Sales 915-598-8598
Enhanced Carpet Cleaning 915-915-564-4800
Air Deodorizers Aire-Master 915-585-4599
Carpet Sales & Service Martin De Leon Carpet Service 915-757-3706
Apartment Publications Apartment Finder 915-598-1934
Sun Carpets 915-778-2726
Apartment Guide 915-269-6510
Carpets West 915-581-4214
Construction & Remodeling Services Southwestern Contracting, INC. 915-562-1116 River Construction & Roofing 915-921-7547 Guel Construction, Inc. 915-595-0979 R & M Construction Services 915-494-8756 Universal Construction Svcs 915-881-7168
Apartments.com 702-860-0848
Carpet Pile 915-772-1416 915-585-1780
Vizzion Construction Mgmt. 915-503-2949
Appliance Sales & Service Gorman Distributing Co., Inc. 915-532-5483
Cathodic Protection/Installation Corrosion Control Company 915-595-1336
Wickes Construction, Inc. 915-562-3314 fax: 915-562-8548
J&J Distributing 575-642-6737
Lone Star Corrosion Company 915-598-8129
Copiers / Printers PTS Office Systems, Inc. 915-845-0505
Appraisals The Powers Group 915-479-2093
Ceramic Tile Sales & Service Decasa USA, Inc. 915-633-1313
Apt./Rental Home Locators Apartment & Home Locators 915-581-5474
Chamber of Commerce Greater EP Chamber of Commerce 915-534-0500
Asphalt Maintenance/Repair Alpha Asphalt & Parking Lot Contractors 915-257-6244
Cleaning / Make Ready Services R & M Make Ready Services 713-384-0179
Superior Asphalt 915-872-9975
Ana's Cleaning 915-780-8321
Awards Apex Marking & Engraving Co. 915-565-2623
Counter Top Resurfacing Get a Grip Resurfacing 915-771-8872 Surface Connection 866-507-8202 214-522-6149 MGC Construction & Resurfacing 915-345-3943 CPA Services John D'Ascenzo, CPA 915-591-9898 Curtains & Blinds Classic Blind, Limited 800-961-9867
Employee Leasing Advanced Temporaries Inc. 915-774-028 B G Staffing 713-781-8367 H.G. Arias & Associates, L.P. 915-598-0200 Employee Training Center for Employment Training 915-859-1070 Energy Mgmt./HVAC Svcs. PC Automated Controls, Inc. 915-751-0313 Fire & Water Cleanup/ Restoration Servpro of West El Paso 915-585-3434 Fire Prevention Equipment/Supplies Western States Fire Protection 915-772-7001 Furniture Rental Cort Furniture Rental 915-590-1714 Glass Windows/Mirrors Baker Glass Co 915-566-9461 G & G Glass Co. 915-820-6022 HVAC Services & Supplies Johnstone Supply 915-779-5736 ARS 915-533-1677 Suntech Mechanical Inc. 915-859-2808 Insurance Allstate Insurance Co 915-581-7200
Insurance (Continued) Commercial Insurance Brokers, Inc. 915-532-950
Roofing & Construction (Continued) El Paso RoofCare 915-321-3127
HUB International Insurance 915-613-5620
Parking Lot Striping/Maintenance El Paso Parking Lot Striping Unlimited 915-843-2576 Pest Control Hirby Pest Control 915-566-8673
K&S Insurance Agency 972-772-7220
Kropp's Pest Control 915-590-9902
Rockymountain Roofing 915-203-8107
Nations Brokers Insurance Svcs. 972-241-1468
P.E.S.T. Control 915-820-4777
Sierra Roofing Construction 915-319-7203
Premier Insurance Svcs. 915-591-8687
Plumber New Age Plumbing 915-822-1865
Y.C.S Roofing & Construction Inc. 915-852-7767
Stateline Insurance Solutions 915-581-6171 Landscaping Green Earth 915-875-9922 MRD Landscaping 915-875-0055 Ransom Lawn Service 915-532-3823 Landscaping & Irrigation Svcs. Three C's Contractors, Inc. 915-546-9600 Laundry Room Equipment Rental ARM Laundry Company 915-526-1546 Coinmach 800-492-5370 x51532 MacGray Intelligent Laundry Systems 915-592-2121 Loans EZ Money Loan Services 915-856-8678 Maintenance Supplies Alex Supply 915-694-0744 Maintenance USA 904-421-1400 Western Wholesale Supply 915-778-3086
Plumbing Doctor 915-751-0090
Security Guards Texas Enforcer LLC 915-772-4951
Plumbing & Heating Supplies Keenan Supply 915-779-7473
Signs & Lighting Superior Sign and Lighting 915-629-9100
Ferguson Enterprises Moen, Inc. 720-346-5138
Staff Development & Consulting Positive Directions Co. 915-838-1000
Sun City Winnelson 915-532-1600 Printing Apartment Ideas 915-225-1452 Property Management NAI El Paso 915-859-3017 Mission Rock Residential 915-664-6700 Best Asset Management 915-533-4901 Coldwell Banker 915-834-4000 Property Tax Consultants A/P Recovery Services, LLC 915-544-5800 Property Tax Associates 915-833-4036 Zacour & Associates, Inc 915-581-1141
HD Supply Co 915-861-7391
Public Adjuster Quest 915-252-9184
Paint/Coating Supplies/Service Dunn Edwards-Wellborn Paint Co. 915-855-7535
Roofing & Construction A & O Roofing and Construction 915-383-2127
KWAL Paint Co. 915-799-1094
Campos Roofing & Construction, LLC 915-755-3916
Sherwin-Williams Company 915-772-1704
GAF 915-525-2913
DM Roofing & Construction, Inc. 915-433-7876
Telephone Service AT&T 432-853-9204 Towing El Paso Towing 915-544-8697
Trash Removal El Paso Disposal 915-772-7495 Elite Disposal Mgmt. 915-667-2828 Utilities Texas Gas Service 915-680-8221 Utility Mgmt. & Billing Svc. Conservice Utility Mgmt/Billing 915-760-6206 Water Extraction Emergency Water Removal 915-474-9472 Website Development Sonisa, LLC 915-539-8443 Wholesale Club Sam's Club. 915-593-7798 Window Covering Southwest Decor El Paso Corp 915-594-9240 Wrought Iron Svc./Repair Junior's Iron Works & General Repairs 915-920-4886
11
12
Membership
New Members
Dropped Members
H.G. Arias & Associates, L.P. Luis Segura 2267 Trawood Ste. F-2 El Paso, TX 79935
Best Asset Management Mari Hafemeister 300 E. Main, Ste. 1205 El Paso, TX 79901
K&S Insurance Agency Bob Shuya 8001 E. N. Mesa #304 El Paso, TX 79932
Coldwell Banker 5662 N. Mesa St. El Paso, TX 79912
Servpro of West El Paso 4717 Osborne St. Ste. 500 El Paso, TX 79922 CBRE 6100 Uptown NE Albuquerque, NM 87100 Mission Rock Residential 1355 S. Colorado Blvd. #C710 Denver, CO 80222
Corporate Comforts Carpet One Century 21 Haggerty Paul Davis Emergency Svcs.
PTS Office Systems, Inc. Kevin Horner 2840 N. Telshor, Las Cruces, NM 880011 New Owner Members Jorge Banales & Jennifer Moreno Bill Walker Nancy Lara Antonio & Laura Mendoza George Moreno
Pre Paid Legal Svcs. Sundrani Enterprises Suntek Mechanical Texas Realty Texas Rubberized Roof Coating Team Uribe Management
Accounting Policies as of 3/1/2013 Dear Member; Our commitment to our customers is to provide the highest level of service of any Association. I appreciate hearing from you with any questions about your billing. The El Paso Apartment Association has revamped our billing, payment, collections and membership status, policies. Our goal is to have a set of policies that work best for you, our customer, and the Association. The following Procedures and account charges will take effect March 01, 2013. 1. All invoices are due 30 days from the invoice date. 1st notice – 30 Days 2nd notice – 60 Days (Credit hold no clicks or forms sold) 3rd notice – 90 Days (Member in bad standing/notify ownership) Dropped from membership – 120 Days 2. Click orders will be invoiced twice a month on the 1st and 15th of each month. 3. A non-renewal letter is required from Owner/Vendor member 30 days before their membership is up for renewal. If member does not provided non-renewal letter, member will still be liable for upcoming year. If member chooses to renew at a later date, they must pay for open balance on their account. 4. All events, such as mixers, family night events, and luncheons with a $25.00 or less cost must be paid in full before the event date.
5. Education Fast TrackUnit Count Cost per year 1-50 $50 51-100 $100 100+ $100 plus an additional $1 per door Non EFT member $50 per class 6. Charge for firstt two checks returned unpaid: $50.00 Thereafter: $75.00. 7. Postage and Handling charge: $1.00 per invoice (Not applicable to emailed invoices). 8. Invoice Administrative fee: $0.50 per invoice. Please reference your invoice on all your payments to ensure proper credit. Your membership is important to us. If you have any questions, please call me at 915-598-0800 and remember to inform us of any phone, email, and physical address changes. Rick Soto, CAPS, CPO, ARM Association Executive rick@epaa.org
`13
Member Spotlight At Western Wholesale Supply we go the extra mile for our clients when it comes to appliances and appliance packages with a guarantee on installation and warranties on product. We know that it is important for an apartment builder or owner to provide the best kitchen or bath product at the best cost to you. We consistently have opportunities on excellent deals for our apartment partners. When you have a need for kitchen or bath appliances or facilities give us a call. Call Sam Shallenberger, Jr. at 778-3086 or by email, samjr@westernwholesaleinc.com.
PAC: Political Ante - 2013 The 2013 state legislative session is about to begin and several city council seats will come open in the spring. The game is on! Are you ready to play? Political action campaign (PAC) donations are your ante, your “fair share,” in the legislative-political game. They are your “skin in the game.” Remember though, your donations don’t buy you votes, they only buy you good will and access, two very valuable commodities. We need easy access to our local and state legislators to plead our case, to present information that they need to construct fair, smart legislation, when needed. We need the good will of our legislators and elected officials so they will listen to us, and not just hear us, when we talk to them about economic and social issues, like property evaluations, taxes, insurance, building and fire codes, inspections, utilities, zoning, etc., etc., etc. For their part, politicians need our financial help to defray the growing cost of campaigning, which can include staff salaries, office and equipment rent, utilities, and naturally the means of getting their message out (ads, signs, spots, etc.). Depending on the office, political campaigns can cost tens of thousands of dollars and more. We have already identified several candidates who deserve our support. Our goal is to raise $10,000 this year. Will you ante up? Typically, EPAA has met TAA’s “Fair Share” for PAC contributions, but we seldom have anything left over to meet our own local requirements. We can’t always make meaningful contributions to our local officials, especially city representatives, Justices of the Peace, and Constables. TAA only contributes to our state delegation (i.e., state representatives and
Jim erickson Government Affairs
senators), not to our local politicians. That is our job. Will you help? Rather than just asking you (or a few of you) to put up all of the political money needed in El Paso, we thought that it would be more fair if every property owner anted up a nominal fee of $25. For those bigger players, we have decided to set the ante each year to $25 per apartment complex, or $1 per unit (or door) for those complexes greater than 25 units. Now, isn’t that fair? When you play poker, the common procedure is for every player to put a nominal amount of money in the pot before dealer deals the cards. That money is called the “ante.” It is the cost of playing the game. It is your initial “stake.” When you ante-up, all is well, but, if you are “light,” you will be so reminded by the dealer or the other players. Unless you pay your ante, you won’t get any cards – you won’t be in the game! If you own or manage rental housing you must know that politicians are now (and always will be) defining your business, your job, and your relationship with your tenant-customers. If you don’t play their game, at their table, others will have to play your hand for you but perhaps differently than you would play it. Trade and professional associations representing almost every major business group in the country have been formed to promote the business interests of their members. Apartment associations, like ours (EPAA) and TAA and NAA, were formed primarily to represent and promote rental housing interests before the various levels of government (local, state and federal). This year the TAA celebrates its 50th anniversary of serving our industry.
Under One Roof
Marcia Heller Under One Roof President
GREAT NEWS! Our Under One Roof formation has been completed and we now a full functioning non-profit charity of the El Paso Apartment Association. Our purpose is to provide support to El Paso County victims of fire, flood or natural disaster by providing monetary and other means of support. Earlier this year Under One Roof received it’s 501(c)(3) designation from IRS making it a non-profit organization allowing for tax deductible donations. The Under One Roof Board approved the Bylaws for the organization in December and is now at work putting together policies and procedures for disbursing funds to those who are in need. The Gerald Carlson Education Scholarship Fund is also administered by the Under One Roof organization and the purpose of the scholarship fund is to provide financial aid to members of the El Paso Apartment Association who have enrolled in a NAA, TAA or EPAA designation course.
14
independent Rental Owners Council (iROC)
Member Moments Crystal Duran, leasing agent for Colinas del Sol 4 is expecting a new addition to her family! Welcome Sylvia Rodriguez, Assistant Manager at The Bungalows at Hueco Estates. Congratulations to Christina V Soto, leasing agent at Puerta Villa at Cimarron for being named this year's EPAA's leasing Professional of the Year
Send us your Member Moments: office@epaa.org
Marcia Heller iROC Chair
A common question among the members of many local associations is, “am I an IRO?” The National Apartment Association has identified the main characteristics of an IRO as having their own money invested in the property and being actively involved in the management of their properties. NAA’s definition is an individual or individuals that own or manage rental properties, and are actively involved, from an ownership perspective, in the management of their properties. The Texas Apartment Associations has twice amended the definition of an Independent Rental Owner to better identify who we are. In October, the TAA Board approved the following definition: Independent Rental Owners own rental properties and are involved in the management of their properties. So, are you an IRO? As every IRO knows, the challenges we face in the rental industry are different from those of property managers. The El Paso Apartment Association IROC is designed to bring you information relevant to an owner while allowing you the opportunity to network with other owners. Since its inception in August of 2009, EPAA’s IROC has been bringing in speakers, holding open forums and most recently, showing TAA sponsored webinars. Topics have included evictions, property taxes, fair housing, resident screening and TAA lease forms. Over the years, our members have formed enjoyable friendships, enhanced their education and have fine tuned many skills in property ownership. The IROC meets once a month at the EPAA office. All IRO’s are welcome to attend meetings. If you are an IRO and not receiving e-mail communications from the IROC, please contact the EPAA office and request to be added to the email list.
16
SUPPORT The El Paso Apartment Association
Join a Committee! Call (915) 598-0800 to get involved today There are many to choose from: • Affodable Housing • Awards • Communications • Community Services • Education • Finance
• Government Affairs • IROC • Membership • Programs • Products & Services
17
18
OUR CUSTOMERS COMMENTS RICK SAUNDERS SAUNDERS APT. CO. Since changing over to ARM our service has improved, income has increased, and costs have decreased, JERRY BERNAL BERNAL INVESTMENT ARM has great service!
KRISTIN SIZEMORE CAM, CAPS, CAS, CAMT, CPO BOHANNON DEVELOPMENT We utilize ARM Laundry for our centers because of the professional, personalized service and the quality of the equipment they install. It’s our first choice in laundry solutions.
MELANIE BAILEY, NALP, LORENZO BORJAS CAM, CAPS, CAMT BORJAS PROPERTIES INTEGRITY ASSET ARM is awesome! MANAGEMENT Since switching to ARM Laundry, the appearance of our clothes care centers have improved. They do an outstanding job, their service is the best, and our incomes increasing. Call Today so you can getare the same service you
received in years past...THE BEST
ARM LAUNDRY COMPANY Service is the game ARM is the name Marc Green Manager Phone: 915-526-1546 Fax: 915-833-3638 mgreen@elp.rr.com • Locally owned and Operated • Service calls completed in 4 hours or less • Refunds made at time of call (office or tenant) • All calls handled locally (no 1-800 number to call) • We respond to all emergencies
Rick Batista 915-226-6312
19
Nobody expects more from us than we do速
View Account Statements View Prices, Search Inventory View Quotes & Place Orders Always open 24/7. Go to www.FergusonOnline.com
COMMERCIAL WATER HEATER DELIVERY 24 HRS/7 DAYS A WEEK DELIVERY TO YOUR BUILDING WITHIN 2 HOURS OR LESS!* CALL 915-204-7096
Call in or Place your order online and we will have it ready in 1 hour or less!
East and Westside Locations 4914 Industrial Blvd. El Paso, TX 79915 915-779-3388
Mon-Fri 6:30 am - 5pm Saturday 7:30-NOON CLOSED SUNDAYS
6323 N. Mesa El Paso, TX 79912 915-581-3076
Visit Our Prostock HVAC Counter For all Your Heating and Cooling Needs!
El Paso Apartment Association 5730 East Paisano Drive El Paso, TX 79925
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID EL PASO TX PERMIT NO. 429