|
 |
eNewsletter
3.1.2010
BOMA-Atlanta News at a Glance |
BOMA-Atlanta: Government Advocacy In Action
BOMA-Atlanta members are getting involved in government advocacy now more than ever. On the state, local and national levels, it is important to stay informed about potentially harmful or bottom-line eroding pieces of legislation that can affect you and your building owner.
BOMA-Atlanta recently participated in the BOMA International Winter Business Meeting and National Issues Conference, where local members and staff were able to meet with esteemed Georgia representatives and senators.
BOMA-Atlanta also held it's BOMA Day at the Capitol on Feb. 22, where several key legislative figures--including Lt. Gov., Casey Cagle--spent time speaking to members of the Government Affairs Committee about current and upcoming legislative issues of importance.
BOMA-Atlanta's advocacy efforts focus on representing the views of building owners and managers to government officials on the city, county and state level. Throughout the years, BOMA's efforts have led to significant tax savings, less government regulation and other victories for the industry.
For more information about BOMA-Atlanta's government affairs efforts, visit the advocacy overview page or the current issues page on the BOMA-Atlanta Web site. This page also includes the most recent state legislative updates to keep you informed about what is going on under the dome. If you are interested in local government issues or would like to serve on the Government Affairs Committee, contact Erin Hall at (404) 475-9980.
Take Advantage of BOMA-Atlanta's Green Programs
BOMA is a leader in sustainability. BOMA also offers a variety of green educational opportunities for real estate professionals.
BOMA offers preparation courses for the LEED Green Associate and LEED AP Operations and Maintenance exams. The courses provide an in-depth preparation to take the LEED exams. In addition to the in-person training, participants also receive access to 60 days of post-class online exam simulators, which reinforce the knowledge gained by attending the course.
BOMA also offers a variety of other educational programs focusing on green real estate each year. Select a link below to explore more about BOMA-Atlanta's green offerings in 2010.
Medical Office SIG Will Meet in April
You are cordially invited to the next BOMA-Atlanta Medical Managers Networking Breakfast on April 1, 2010. This event is free for all medical office building property managers. You do not have to be a BOMA member to attend!
Join other medical office building managers for a continental breakfast and networking session from 7:30 until 8 a.m., followed by a discussion of medical office management issues, current industry trends and challenges from 8 until 9 a.m.
Breakfast will be held in the conference room at North American Property Company, located at 5505 Peachtree Dunwoody Road, Suite 540 Atlanta, GA 30342.
To register for the breakfast, please RSVP to BOMA-Atlanta Director of Events and Professional Development Kelly Schwartz at phone number 404-475-9980 or via e-mail at kschwartz@boma-atlanta.org. We look forward to seeing you there!
Earth Hour Atlanta 2010 Calls for Lasting Impact
Atlanta's skyline will join buildings around the globe for World Wildlife Fund's (WWF) annual Earth Hour by turning off non-essential lights on Saturday, March 27 at 8:30 p.m. local time. For 2010, Earth Hour Atlanta seeks metro area commitments to surpass previous participation and to make a lasting impact on energy savings. Households and businesses are asked to do something simple: Turn off lights for one hour in a call for action on climate change. The collective actions demonstrate what can be accomplished when working together to protect the planet for future generations. Earth Hour 2009 gained support from nearly one billion people in 4,100 cities in 87 countries.
Energy savings affect water supply, air quality and economic development, all critical issues for Atlanta.
"Our goal this year is to provide more ways for people to participate in Atlanta and learn what they can do beyond Earth Hour to make our communities more sustainable," said Lynnette Young, Executive Director of Sustainable Atlanta.
Earth Hour metrics are based on commitments made at www.myearthhour.org. To list a building (business, church, school, university, government), add it after entering your name when pledging. More than 400 buildings participated in the 2009 metro Atlanta effort.
"The momentum built over the last two years is certainly evident in the interest in participation we have across the City of Atlanta. We are committed to reducing our energy consumption at this hour, on this day; and throughout the year in city facilities," said Mandy Mahoney, Director of Sustainability, City of Atlanta.
Activities include the Earth Hour Family Fun Festival on Saturday, March 27 at Atlantic Station from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Entertainment features the Seed & Feed Marching Abominable, arts and crafts, kids' parade, environmentally conscious vendors and children's poster contest winners.
BOMA-Atlanta Community Service Committee Helps Hillside through Lobby Events
The Community Service Committee recently launched a program featuring various lobby events aimed at helping the children of Hillside. Through this program, BOMA members have a chance to save and offer savings of up to 50 percent on Atlanta Hawks and Thrashers tickets. For every ticket purchased through this program, $5 will be donated to the kids at Hillside. Another benefit is that instead of buying tickets online, you enjoy personalized service from a dedicated representative with the Atlanta Spirit (owners of the Hawks, Thrashers, and Philips Arena).
This new program kicked off with Operation Beanbag, a series of 10 lobby events scheduled from Feb. 15 until March 11. This initiative was designed to raise money to buy beanbag chairs for the Hillside Reading Program. With two weeks of the initiative behind us and a third yet to go, we have already raised the money needed to buy the chairs. All future proceeds will go to Hillside for them to use wherever the funds are needed most.
This is a great program that delivers benefits to everyone involved. Property managers have an opportunity to deliver a value-added benefit to their tenants, employees, etc. People buying tickets save money while getting premier service and helping kids who desperately need our support. Of course, Hillside wins by receiving money through the fund raising efforts. What makes this program unique is it will provide a sustainable source of funds for Hillside year after year. As the program reaches more people, Hillside will enjoy a growing stream of recurring revenue.
If you or your property is interested in taking advantage of this program, please contact Bob Fuhr of SBS Enterprises at (404) 290-4285. The Hawks and Thrashers seasons are both in their final months so there is a limited amount of time to take advantage of this offer. However, we will be starting up the program again in time for the 2010-2011 NBA and NHL seasons.
The community service committee is also looking for other ways to bring value to properties while raising money for Hillside through the lobby events program. If you have any ideas, suggestions or requests please contact Bob Fuhr at SBS. In particular, the committee is looking for properties interested in hosting lobby events and providers of products and services who are good candidates for the program.
Participate in the BOMA Experience Exchange Report (EER)
BOMA International's Experience Exchange Report (EER) is all about improving performance through shared data. Any office building can provide data through the report, and step-by-step features allow you to complete the online form in about an hour. By participating in the EER, you will receive a free expense performance comparison on how your building compares to its peers in your market, and you will save 25% or more on all EER product purchases. Additionally, EER participation is a pre-requisite for participation in the BOMA 360 Performance Program. You can submit your data now through March 30. As always, your data will be kept confidential, and only aggregated, summary analyses will be provided. For more information about the EER survey, go to www.bomaeer.com or call BOMA International at 202-408-2662.
2010 Southern Region Conference
Educational seminars, networking events and social activities are just a few of the opportunities that await you at the 2010 BOMA Southern Region Conference. During the conference, you will learn about industry trends, listen to nationally recognized industry leaders and gain perspective on issues affecting commercial real estate.
There are still opportunities to sponsor events for the Southern Conference as well as the golf tournament. You can review the sponsorship listing by clicking here.
For a special discounted rate of $172 at the Hilton in Nashville, click here to complete your reservation.
The 2010 conference is being held April 29 through May 2 in Nashville, Tenn. To register for this event, click here. To view the conference brochure, click here. For more information, contact Marvin Mouser at 615-231-6441.
Many thanks to all the companies and organizations that have signed up to sponsor the Southern Region Conference: Citidal Security; Allied Barton; Mid-America Metals; ThyssenKrump; Corporate Cleaning Systems; Grubb & Ellis; Cassidy Turley; Wells Management Company; Highwoods Properties; CB Richard Ellis; Maxwell Roofing; Storico; BOMA Carolina/West Virginia; BOMA Jacksonville; BOMA Birmingham; DPM Enterprises; and Engle.
BOMA International Publications
BOMA International offers the Standard Method for Measuring Floor Area in Office Buildings. Since 1915, this book has been the o nly floor measurement method for commercial real estate approved by the American National Standards Institute, making it a must for building owners, property and facility managers. To order the BOMA Standard, call BOMA International at 800-426-6292 or click here. |
Upcoming Events and Educational Courses |
BTO Lunch
(March 4, 11) BOMA Technical Organization (BTO) quarterly luncheons bring together building engineers and others interested in the technical aspects of properly maintaining commercial properties. Each luncheon includes educational coverage of a topic important to the industry.
March BOMA Bash
(March 4) 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. The sponsors for the March Bash are Full Circle Restoration Services Inc., Security Forces Inc., and Mayberry Electric Inc.
March BOMA-Atlanta Luncheon
(March 10) BOMA luncheons are enjoyable and educational. They are also a valuable networking and professional development experience. There will be a new member orientation preceding the luncheon at 10:30. The luncheon is sponsored by Parker Young Construction/FireStar Inc.
(March 18) The USGBC's new LEED Green Associate designation is the first step to achieving LEED AP status. This designation is designed for professionals who want to demonstrate green building expertise in non-technical fields of practice, & denotes basic knowledge of green design, construction & operations.
(March 23) Are you 35 or under and looking to advance your career in the commercial real estate industry? If so, you should attend BOMA-Atlanta's Young Professionals educational series. You will have a chance to network with leaders in your field and discuss issues affecting young professionals in the industry.
(March 24-26) In this course, you will have the opportunity to apply concepts within the real property and facilities context. You will follow the accounting process and creation of a budget from start to finish, learning such valuable skills as how to interpret financial statements, annual reports, and statements of cash flows. And you will learn practical skills such as how to compile lease abstracts and prepare rent rolls.
Design, Operation & Maintenance II - Accelerate
(April 14) This course provides information property and facility managers need to make management decisions about various building systems and sites, decisions that will increase occupant safety and comfort while facilitating building efficiency to meet the business goals of an organization. The course provides an understanding of electrical systems and lighting, elevator maintenance and modernization, and pest and solid waste management. It also covers security issues, fire and safety systems, and energy management concerns.
BOMA PM 101
(April 16) Explore the world of property management through Property Management 101, a five-day course taught over five weeks. The Georgia Real Estate Commission has approved this course for 24 hours of Continuing Education Units. This event is sponsored by: Peachtree Pest Control; AlliedBarton Security Services; The Best Consultant; ABM Janitorial; and ThyssenKrupp.
(April 28) Presented by Realcomm
This seminar series will sort thru the topic of energy & make it relevant to the owners & operators of commercial & corporate real estate.
(April 29 - May 2, 2009) During the conference, you will learn about industry trends, listen to nationally recognized industry leaders and gain perspective on issues affecting commercial real estate.
(May 13) Replacing the LEED AP for Existing Buildings exam track, the LEED AP-Operations & Maintenance specialty provides a standard for professionals participating in the operation & maintenance of existing buildings that implement sustainable practices & reduce the environmental impact of a building over its functional life cycle. During the one-day class, Charlie Cichetti of Sustainable Options will provide in-depth overview of the recent changes to the LEED AP exam structure & a full day's training that will prepare attendees to take the LEED AP-Operations & Maintenance exam.
|
|
|
|
|
