eNewsletter
9.02.2008

NEWS AT A GLANCE
Click on the links below for more information.

BOMA-Atlanta Leadership Positions
MIT Enterprise Forum
Renewable Biomass Plant
2008 Salary Survey
Introducing the GreenBusiness Works EXPO
Support the BOMA PAC
Fundamentals of Real Property Administration
Building Engineering 101TM
Elements of Green Leases Webinar Commercial HVAC--First Semester
Technologies for Facilities Management
Planning and Organizational Issues for Managers Seminar
Administration
BOMA Property Management (PM) 101
Doing Business in BOMA
Environmental Health and Safety Issues
Strategic Performance Management Seminar
Fundamentals of Facilities Management
HR Laws & Career Growth Issues for Managers Seminar
September BOMA Bash
BOMA-Atlanta Sports Outing
November BOMA Luncheon
November BOMA Bash
2008 BOMA-Atlanta Holiday Social

BOMA-ATLANTA NEWS

BOMA-Atlanta Leadership Positions . It's time to consider BOMA leadership positions for 2009. Positions are available to serve on the BOMA-Atlanta Board of Directors and as a BOMA-Atlanta officer. Serving as an elected leader in BOMA-Atlanta is an exciting opportunity to help set the direction for the association for years to come. The Board of Directors meets quarterly and also conducts an annual strategic planning retreat. If you are interested in serving BOMA-Atlanta in a leadership capacity or know anyone who is a good candidate to serve, please forward the individual's name, company and phone number to Gabriel Eckert at geckert@boma-atlanta.org, or call 404-475-9980. Nominations are due by October 1.

MIT Enterprise Forum . Climate change has already turned fresh water supplies in places like the Middle East and sub-Saharan Africa into dire emergencies. But the Third World isn't the only place facing this issue. The southeastern United States is dealing with the worst drought in nearly 150 years. The MIT Enterprise Forum of Atlanta will be holding a seminar at Georgia Public Broadcasting from 5 to 9 p.m. on Oct. 23 to discuss the impact of water shortages and how to optimize business opportunity in today's environment. BOMA-Atlanta members receive a special $25 rate. To register, click here and choose the "BOMA Member" option. For more information, click here. 

Renewable Biomass Plant . On August 22, Georgia Power asked the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) for approval to convert coal-fueled Plant Mitchell to renewable wood biomass. Plant Mitchell – near Albany – would be capable of producing 96 megawatts of renewable energy – or enough electricity to power 60,000 homes. The plant would have lower emissions, and would be one of the largest wood biomass plants in the United States. The PSC is expected to rule on the proposal to convert Plant Mitchell to biomass by spring of 2009. To view a news release, click here.

2008 Salary Survey. Thirty property management companies that are members of BOMA-Atlanta have provided information to form the basis for our bi-annual salary survey. The survey provides a useful way to benchmark salary and benefits within the commercial real estate industry, and it can be a useful tool during this year’s budgeting process. Survey participants receive a free copy. This year, for the first time, we will be offering a package deal. You can save money by ordering both the 2008 survey and the 2006 survey. Purchasing both allows you to compare and contrast costs over the years. To download the survey order form, click here.

Introducing the GreenBusiness Works EXPO . Discover how going green can save you green at the Southeast’s first GreenBusiness Works EXPO, October 7-8 at the Cobb Galleria Centre. BOMA-Atlanta sits on the steering committee of this exciting new conference and has been instrumental in developing green content to meet your needs. Learn from other commercial real estate building owners and managers, energy experts and green consultants about the top 10 energy-saving tips for commercial buildings, how to incorporate renewable energy into new or existing buildings and much more! The two-day EXPO features a targeted Existing Building track and the October 7 Solar Summit. BOMA-Atlanta will be in booth 202. For more information and to register, visit www.greenbusinessworksexpo.net and enter BOMAEXPO to receive the discounted registration for BOMA-Atlanta members.

Support the BOMA PAC. During the past few years, BOMA-Atlanta’s legislative efforts have returned value to building owners and protected the industry from undue regulation, leading to significant tax savings, less government regulation and other victories. A strong Political Action Committee (PAC) is necessary to maintain this legislative momentum. The BOMA PAC supports political candidates whose views are most aligned with the commercial real estate industry. Your company’s financial support of the BOMA PAC is critical to providing legislative representation and protecting the value of the buildings you own and manage. To support the PAC, make your contribution payable to the BOMA Political Action Committee and mail it to the BOMA-Atlanta office at 2987 Clairmont Road NE, Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30329.

UPCOMING EDUCATIONAL COURSES
Click on the course title to register. Dates listed are course start dates. 

Fundamentals of Real Property Administration . (September 24) To fulfill the role of property manager in today's marketplace, you must be knowledgeable in many areas. You are expected to manage buildings; communicate with employees, managers and tenants; protect the interests of the owner; market property; negotiate leases; and protect the environment. By providing an overview of the property management profession, this course helps you understand, and integrate, the many duties and responsibilities of a property manager.

Building Engineering 101 TM. (September 24) Get the solid foundation you need through Building Engineering 101TM, a six-day course taught over six weeks that is sponsored by The Best Consultant Inc., Critical Systems LLC, Engineered Restorations Inc., McKenney's Inc., Peachtree Pest Control and SERVPRO of Decatur. The course was specifically developed for beginning commercial real estate engineers and combines classroom-style learning, interaction with industry professionals, and behind-the-scenes tours of metro-Atlanta buildings. All 2008 Building EngineeringTM sponsorships are now sold out, and the class is full. To be placed on the waiting list to attend the 2009 course or for a 2009 course sponsorship, contact Nancy Hodge at nhodge@boma-atlanta.org. 

Elements of Green Leases Webinar. (October 1) Learn how to truly create a green lease by learning to rethink the basic systems and components of today’s office lease and prepare to address the increasing demand of sustainable buildings. Held in partnership with the U.S. Green Building Council. this BOMA International Webinar will teach you how to define the critical attributes of a green lease; identify the fundamental components of a green lease; create and customize a green lease of your own; implement best practices in lighting and cleaning processes; effectively enforce green lease provisions; and communicate green lease stipulations to your tenants.

Commercial HVAC--First Semester . (October 2) Designed for building engineers, the Commercial HVAC course provides an opportunity to enhance service skills through hands-on training. The course will enable beginning engineers and those with experience to become more proficient in the work environment. Course topics will include commercial refrigeration systems, energy management, DDC controls, pneumatic calibration, cooling tower maintenance, air handlers, pumps, boilers, water and air balancing and other topics. This course is the first in a series. A certificate of completion will be issued to show attendance and completion of the required material. The first semester course will be held Thursdays, October 2-December 11 (except Thanksgiving week).

Technologies for Facilities Management . (October 8) When used properly, technology can significantly enhance the performance of your facilities. This course will help you better understand the impact of technology on both workers and the workplace. You will gain the knowledge to evaluate your current technological services and systems, as well as to determine the appropriate technologies your portfolio requires. You will learn about hardware, software, telecommunications systems, computer-aided facility management, security systems, and much more.

Planning and Organizational Issues for Managers Seminar. (October 14) Make the most of your management style with the BOMA-Atlanta Human Resources Management seminars. This three-hour seminar provides three hours of Continuing Education Units and will include classroom instruction, a question and answer session, and interactive exercises. In this seminar, you will learn how to keep your department on-track and your expenses within budget through production and contingency planning, scheduling manpower, controlling quality and cost, managing information, and knowing and enforcing established policies and procedures. Participants who complete all five HR seminars will earn a Human Resources Management Certificate from BOMA-Atlanta.

Administration . (October 15). In this course, you will develop a variety of skills related to managing people and time. This course focuses on leadership skills, oral communication techniques, motivational and team-building strategies, and training programs. Through the course, you will develop skills needed by managers in a maintenance environment, including the ability to plan, organize, schedule, delegate, budget, monitor, inspect and document. 

BOMA Property Management (PM) 101 . (October 17) Explore the world of property management through Property Management (PM) 101, a five-day course taught over five weeks. This dynamic course combines classroom-style learning, interaction with industry professionals and behind-the-scenes tours of metro-Atlanta buildings, and is sponsored by ABM Security, AlliedBarton Security Services, Cabe & Cato, ThyssenKrupp and Walden Security. It is designed for assistant property and facility managers and others who are interested in expanding their knowledge of the industry. The Georgia Real Estate Commission has approved this course for 24 hours of Continuing Education Units.

Doing Business in BOMA . (October 21) The Doing Business in BOMA Seminar was specially developed for BOMA-Atlanta allied members. The free seminar features a panel of property managers discussing how allied members can most effectively do business within BOMA-Atlanta. The property managers will share their insights about the importance of building relationships; the processes they follow in reviewing RFPs, new contract bids and contract renewals; how they select their vendors; and more. Through this seminar, allied members will gain a greater understanding of how to make the most of their BOMA-Atlanta membership and learn the best ways to do business with other BOMA-Atlanta members.

Environmental Health and Safety Issues . (October 22) This course will provide you with an overview of the environmental health and safety considerations in building operations. You will learn to develop and manage proactive environmental/occupational health and safety programs, comply with regulatory standards and guidelines governing facility health and safety issues, and assess when to obtain technical assistance.

Strategic Performance Management Seminar . (October 28) Make the most of your management style with the BOMA-Atlanta Human Resources Management seminars. This three-hour seminar provides three hours of Continuing Education Units and will include classroom instruction, a question and answer session, and interactive exercises. In this seminar, you will learn about behavioral science, how to treat people fairy and with consistency, how to perform evaluations and give feedback, how to use the tools required for effective people management, and when and how to administer disciplinary action. Participants who complete all five HR seminars will earn a Human Resources Management Certificate from BOMA-Atlanta. 

Fundamentals of Facilities Management . (November 5) Successful facilities managers must have business savvy supported by a broad scope of technical knowledge. This course provides the base from which to build a career in facilities management. You will learn how to structure and manage operations and maintenance programs, and how to manage personnel effectively to control workload. You will gain an understanding of the importance of facilities management to business organizations and operations, while also learning strategies for internal marketing. You will likewise acquire project management and leadership skills crucial to your success.

HR Laws & Career Growth Issues for Managers Seminar . (November 18) Make the most of your management style with the BOMA-Atlanta Human Resources Management seminars. This three-hour seminar provides three hours of Continuing Education Units and will include classroom instruction, a question and answer session, and interactive exercises. The seminar will provide education on labor relations, wage and hour laws. The course will cover the legal aspects of supervision and self-development, including illegal harassment, labor relations, occupational safety and career progression. Participants who complete all five HR seminars will earn a Human Resources Management Certificate from BOMA-Atlanta. 
    
UPCOMING EVENTS

September BOMA Bash . (September 25) Sponsored by Crystal Enterprises, Georgia Trane, Parker Young Construction & FireStar and The Best Consultant, the September BOMA Bash will be held at Chequer's Seafood Grill. The BOMA Bash is an informal social and networking opportunity for property managers, facility managers and building engineers, hosted by a select group of allied member sponsors. There is no charge to attend the event, although advance registration is required. Attendance is limited to the first 80 individuals who register.

BOMA-Atlanta Sports Outing . (October 3) The annual BOMA-Atlanta Sports Outing presented by Choate Interior Construction attracts a large crowd of building owners, property managers, building engineers and allied members. The October 3 event will be held at beautiful Chateau Elan and will include two golf tournaments, a tennis tournament, dinner and an awards ceremony. No foursomes are available, but tennis tournament spots are still available. Click here to download a registration form for the tennis tournament. To be placed on the waiting list for the golf tournaments, contact Nancy Hodge at nhodge@boma-atlanta.org or 404-475-9980. Only two sponsorships are available.  Click here to learn about sponsorship opportunities and download the sponsorship contract. Fax your completed registration form and sponsorship contract to the BOMA-Atlanta office at 404-475-9987.

November BOMA Luncheon . (November 12) BOMA luncheons are enjoyable and educational. They are also a valuable networking and professional development experience. The November BOMA Luncheon is sponsored by Security Forces Inc. and will be held at the Crowne Plaza Ravinia. Featured speaker Dick Purtell, chairman and CEO of BOMA International, will give an overview of upcoming BOMA International initiatives. Purtell is the portfolio manager for Grubb and Ellis Management Services and since 1982 has been an active BOMA member at the local, regional and international levels. He is also one of the chief architects of BOMA International’s new Accredited Building Program, to debut in fall 2008. Members may attend a BOMA-Atlanta luncheon at no charge by registering on or before the cut-off date, which is the Friday before the luncheon.

November BOMA Bash . (November 20) Sponsored by Security Forces Inc., Mallory & Evans, Mayberry Electric and Unlimited Restoration Specialists Inc., the November BOMA Bash is an informal social and networking opportunity for property managers, facility managers and building engineers, hosted by a select group of allied member sponsors. There is no charge to attend the event, although advance registration is required. Attendance is limited to the first 80 individuals who register.