Settling In
If you read last month’s eConnect, you’ll remember that FAA moved into our new office at the end of October. Since then we’ve been getting settled in, setting up new systems and ensuring compliance with doing business in Florida, such as securing workers’ compensation, liability and contents insurance. The month hasn’t been without its challenges, but all in all we’re getting settled.
While Ralph and Rona have worked with FAA over the years, their roles have changed and along with that, came new duties and responsibilities. I’m pleased to say that they’ve taken on their new roles with enthusiasm and an eagerness to learn.
Laura, FAA’s Government Affairs Director, will soon send out a legislative survey that all members will be invited to complete. This survey will provide a framework for our legislative platform-setting workshop to be held during our January Board meeting. Kelly Mallette will join us and we will establish our industry’s legislative priorities for the 2013 Session. Please take the time to participate in this important survey!
Mark your calendars for FAA’s Legislative Days! We will once again descend on our state’s capitol and share our needs with our state lawmakers. Plan to join us on April 3-4 and be prepared for some new and exciting additions!
You’ve spoken and we’ve listened! A revitalized and content-rich Multifamily Florida is in the works for the new year. Laura is also working to strategize and reformat this publication, and she is working with our publisher to send out a member satisfaction survey focused on Multifamily Florida. We encourage you to take the time to share your insights about the magazine and help us improve it for you – our members!
We’ve had meetings and training with representatives from One Call Now, our supplier partner who’ll provide a means of communicating and marketing to you, our members. Similarly, you have the ability to subscribe to this service to communicate with your residents.
We also welcomed Darla Smith and Geoff Harlan, MyRentComps, to the office for staff training on their administration site. This part of the site allows us to access the same data you can access on your comps. It also allows the FAA staff to access the same sort of information a regional person can, but for the entire state. We were amazed at the amount of data available. If your community or your company isn’t taking advantage of this free member service, you should. You can learn more about MyRentComps on the FAA website homepage.
Our new Associates’ Vice-President, Shad Bookout, also came to visit the office and meet with Ralph and me. You’ll hear more about the PSC and their plans for next year following their leadership meeting that’s scheduled for next week, here at the office.
So ... the long and the short of it is, we love our new space, we are eager to serve and we’d would love to hear from you. We welcome your active participation in your state association. Consider writing an article, sending us a press release about something awesome your community or company has achieved, or if you’re interested in serving on a committee. Do it, just do it. Pick up the phone and call me and tell me how you want to become involved!
Regards,
Marjorie Cook, EVP