IREM InSite Newsletter Editorial Calendar

Got something to share with your fellow IREM members? Use the IREM InSite newsletter. The quarterly online newsletter is edited by Ron Hamson, CPM. Email submissions as Word documents to lisagolden@irem-georgia.org

Here's our editorial calendar:
Summer edition
June 1 Deadline for submissions
June 12 Send date

Autumn edition
Sept. 1 Deadline for submissions
Sept. 12 Send date

Winter edition
Dec. 1 Deadline for submissions
Dec. 12 Send date

For information about advertising in the newsletter, please call 770-590-9995.

Chapter Activities in May

The Chapter is sponsoring two great events this month that are open to the public and all members. Join us.

May 17th Luncheon at the Ansley Golf Club (directions)
"The Meth Epidemic: A Property Manager's Guide"
Details and registration info

May 25th Lunch & Learn Seminar: Energy as Commodity
Offers 3 hours of continuing education credit approved by the Georgia Real Estate Commission
To be held at the Cobb Association of REALTORS in Marietta (get directions) beginning at noon.
Details and registration info

IREM Legislative & Leadership Summit

Recently, members from the Chapter traveled to Washington, D.C. to participate in the Institute's Legislative and Leadership Summit and Capitol Hill Visits. On April 26th, a delegation of four Chapter members and the Executive Director visited the offices of all the Georgia Congressional members to discuss the following issues:

Banks in real estate management
Tax legislation
Small business health plans
Private property rights
Natural disaster insurance

This was a great opportunity for our members to learn more about the policy positions taken by the National Association of REALTORS (NAR), of which we are an affiliate, and the Institute. See Hill visit highlights here.

The Meth Epidemic: A Property Manager's Guide

You’ve heard about the growing methamphetamine problem in Georgia, but what do you really know about it?

Learn how to separate myth from reality at our next luncheon.

Our featured speakers Chip Abernathy, LPC, CAC of the Ridgeview Institute and Stacey Ciaramella of Lane Company will tell you what you need to know about the meth epidemic and how it’s affecting property managers.

Chip will tell us:
How the meth problem is affecting society
Signs that someone is using meth
Indicators that there may be drug activity or a meth lab on the property
Different approaches to take when dealing with a meth issue

Stacey, a property manager with Lane Company, will recount her experience of discovering a meth lab on one of her properties and the aftermath of that discovery. Learn from someone who’s gone through it. You’ll be surprised at what you don’t know about how this affects property.

Date: Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Time: Networking begins at 11:30 am
Lunch begins at noon
Location: Ansely Golf Club (Directions below)
Cost: Members; $40 (if you register before the 17th), $45 at the door
Non-members: $45 (if you register before the 17th), $50 at the door

Don’t miss this riveting and relevant event. Register online now. For more information, please call 770-590-9995

Lunch and Learn Seminar: Energy As Commodity

As part of our continuing professional development education series, we will present a moderated panel discussion by industry experts on the complex and interconnected infrastructure of the energy business. In particular, the unique relationships and interdependencies of the generation, transmission and sales industries will be detailed, with the desired objective that seminar attendees will both gain an understanding of how the business works and receive an object lesson in the distinctions between regulated and freer market environments in the wider economic context. We've assembled an incredible panel of experts including:

Howard Smith, V.P., Southern Company
Bill Reinke, Executive Director, Southeastern Electric Reliability Council (SERC)
Mary O’Driscoll, Washington correspondent, Energy & Environment Daily (E&E)

Date: Thursday, May 25, 2006
Time: Noon – 3:30 p.m.
Location: Cobb Association of Realtors, 444 Manget Street, Marietta, GA 30060 (driving directions below)
Seminar & Box Lunch $75 with member discount; $90 for nonmembers
This seminar is approved by the Georgia Real Estate Commission for 3 credit hours

Register Now

Directions to the Cobb Association of Realtors Building—From Downtown Atlanta take I-75 North; take exit #263 (120 Loop/South Marietta); Follow the ramp that says Marietta/Southern Polytechnic. Continue out South Marietta. Major streets that you will cross are Cobb Parkway (Hwy 41), and Fairground St. The next street after Fairground St. will be Manget St. You will see a Huddle House on your left, turn left onto Manget St. The Cobb Association of Realtors’ building is a red-brick building located behind the Huddle House.

Free Parking is available.

For more information, please call 770-590-9995.

Save the Date for Our Next Luncheon

Our next luncheon will be on Wednesday, May 17 at the Ansley Golf Club.

Networking will begin at 11:30am with the buffet beginning at noon.

Lunch: $40 for members; $45 for nonmembers if you register before the 17th.

Register now.

Directions on to the Ansley Golf Club.

IREM Repeat Course Policy – Retake courses for 50% off

Are you an IREM member? Do you want to brush up on your skills? Or experience a newly revised curriculum that will bring you up to speed on the latest in the real estate management industry and enhance employee training? Take advantage of the new repeat course policy today!

All IREM members are eligible to retake a course already taken, or the equivalent of a prior course taken, in any delivery format – for half price! Your 50% discount applies regardless of pass or fail status or the format in which it was originally taken.

Please contact IREM Headquarters at (800) 837-0706, Ext. 4650, to register for a repeat course or to obtain additional information. Note: The ARM Exam, CPM Exam, and MPSA or Management Plan are not included in the repeat course policy.

Leadership and Legislative Summit: April 22-26, 2006

The Leadership and Legislative Summit in Washington, DC is quickly approaching! Be a part of our Agenda for Action, our vision for the future direction of IREM. Express your ideas about the IREM agenda to your colleagues, to your leadership and, most importantly, to members of Congress to help advance the state of the real estate management industry. Let your voice be heard as IREM descends upon Capitol Hill on April 26.

The conference will be held April 22-26, concluding with Capitol Hill visits on April 26. Sign up now for the Leadership & Legislative Summit. For more information on the Summit visit the web site.

Be a part of the American political process and cap off your Summit experience by participating in the Capitol Hill visits. Registration is required for the Capitol Hill visits. For more information about the issues that will be discussed during the visits, visit the web site.

Chapter Luncheon April 19th

Register now for the April 19th Luncheon.

Our topic: Protecting Your Best Asset - You with featured speaker Angela Turnbow
Networking begins at 11:30am; Buffet luncheon begins at noon

Our Location: Ansley Golf Club (driving directions)
For more information, please call 770-590-9995

Thanks to our luncheon sponsor

Save the Date for Our Next Luncheon

The next Chapter Luncheon will be held Wednesday, April 19th at the Ansley Golf Club.

Directions to the Ansley Golf Club

Join us for our special program "Protecting Your Best Asset - You"
Our panel of experts will show us how to care for ourselves mind, body and spirit.

Networking begins at 11:30am, the buffet luncheon begins at noon

Lunch is $40 for members registering before April 19; $45 at the door
or $45 for nonmembers registering before April 19; $50 at the door

Register now online or complete the online form, print it instead of clicking "submit," and fax to 770-590-0618.

Sponsored by

"America's largest contract security officer services company, with 3 branch offices in Atlanta & 400 branch offices in the United States"

Data Urgently Needed

Share Your Property Details

We need condos, apartments and office data. The more submissions we have, the better the analysis will be.

Be a part of the 2006 IREM Income & Expense Analysis. Post your office, apartment, or condominium property(ies)'s information by March 30, 2006 and you'll receive a report for a 50% discount. Post shopping center information by April 1, 2006 to receive a free report.

Submit your data online.

Luncheon Today - Not Registered? Walk-ins Are Welcome

Have Lunch with State Senator Casey Cagle

Register now for the Chapter Luncheon
Featured speaker: State Senator Casey Cagle
Wednesday, March 15 at the Ansley Golf Club

Networking begins at 11:30am, Lunch begins at noon

Sentor Cagle will be giving a legislative update

Directions to the Ansley Golf Club

The Institute of Real Estate Management does not endorse candidates for public office.

This event is open to the public.

Cost of luncheon: Member discount $40 for registrations received before 3/15; $45 at the doorNonmember $45 for registrations received before 3/15; $50 at the door

Join IREM for Dinner in Savannah

You're invited to have dinner in Savannah with other Chapter members. Our members in the Savannah area are going to get together for some fun and they hope you'll join them.

When: March 14 starting at 6:30pm
Where: Garibaldi's Cafe, 315 Congress Street, Savannah

We'll order off the menu and each pay for our own meal and drinks.
Make your reservation online.

Susan Harden, CPM with McDonald Development and Clare Kinsey, CPM of Jasper Green in Savannah are organizing the event. Thanks to both of them.

Hope to see you there!

Have Lunch with State Senator Casey Cagle

Register now for the Chapter Luncheon

Featured speaker: State Senator Casey Cagle

Wednesday, March 15 at the Ansley Golf Club
Networking begins at 11:30am, Lunch begins at noon

Sentor Cagle will be giving a legislative update

Directions to the Ansley Golf Club

The Institute of Real Estate Management does not endorse candidates for public office.

This event is open to the public.

Cost of luncheon: Member discount $40 for registrations received before 3/15; $45 at the door
Nonmember $45 for registrations received before 3/15; $50 at the door

For more information, please call 770/590-9995.

Legislative Bulletin

Stay on Top of Legislation that Affects You, Your Business and the Industry with the Institute's Legislative Bulletin

Read the March Issue

In the March issue:

• 2006 Capitol Hill Visit Day Fast Approaching!


• OCC Enters Banks in Real Estate Debate


• Status of Tax Reform and Extenders


• Summary of Legislation To Assist the Gulf


• Terrorism Insurance Extended


• VAWA Reauthorization Act


• Small Business Health Plans Expected to Move Soon


• Estate Tax Reform


• Lead Paint Proposed Rule for Renovation


• Tenant-in-Common Guidelines Available


• Flood Insurance Update


• State Approves USA PATRIOT ACT Renewal With NAR Supported Provisions


• Junk Fax Protection Act Rules Proposed By FCC


• HUD Closes Loophole Allowing Students To Receive Assisted Housing


• HUD Section 8 Project-Based Assistance Contracts Final Rule


• US Supreme Court Rules in Property Management’s Favor


• IREM Opposes Forced Access Across Country


• Indiana Governor Expected To Sign Forced Access Bill


• IREM Opposes Condo Management Licensing in Illinois


• Condo Conversion Legislation


• Tennessee Enacts Sweeping Ethics Reform Law


• Controversy Over Guns On Employer’s Premises


• States Continue To Limit Eminent Domain Powers

Newspaper Headline We Don't Want to See in Georgia

This headline from Sunday's Washington Post....Most D.C. Elevators Lack Valid Licenses

More than half of the 10,000 elevators in the District are operating without valid licenses, including 26 at two D.C. government buildings, according to officials at the city agency that regulates them.

Have you checked your inspection reports lately? IREMFIRST has inspection report templates, among many other resources. There are commercial, retail and residential resources, most in downloadable formats.

What Do You Know about Bird Flu?

This from the AP: Bird Flu Has 6 in 10 Americans Worried

ATLANTA (AP) -- Nearly 60 percent of Americans are concerned about bird flu, but fewer than one-third think it will show up in the United States this year, according to a new poll. The survey also found that blacks tend to be more worried than whites, and that most people would hole up if human outbreaks erupt.

The Harvard School of Public Health telephone survey asked a series of "What if" questions of 1,043 adults.

It's the first public, in-depth survey to ask Americans what they know about bird flu and how they might respond if the virus evolves to spread among people, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

What will property managers do if we see an outbreak of bird flu in the U.S.? And what role will they play if the disease begins to spread from person to person? Find out what you can do and how you can prepare...

Attend the afternoon seminar at the IREM Georgia Chapter Conference on February 28th at the Cobb Galleria. The seminar begins at 1:30pm. Our panel of experts will discuss emergency preparedness including weather, terrorist and health emergencies. Darren Collins, of the Center for Public Health Preparednes will discuss the role of the property management professional when it comes to dealing with global health issues.

The seminar is approved by the Georgia Real Estate Commission for 3 continuing education credits.

Get ahead of the curve. Be prepared. It's better to act now, than to react later.

Register now.

New Job Posting

iStar Financial is seeking a Closing Manager, Underwriting. See details here.

Chapter Conference & Tradeshow is Tuesday

You can still register for the Chapter Conference and Tradeshow.

Seminar Update
Morning seminar on negotiating skills and vendor contracts - John Warthman, CPM and Bill Hamilton, CPM are ready to provide you with in-depth information that will teach you how to get the most from your negotiations. Seminar starts at 8:30a.m. in Ballroom A.

Afternoon seminar on emergencey preparedness - we've confirmed speakers from the American Red Cross, the Atlanta Division of the FBI, SHB Consulting and the Center for Public Health Preparedness. The panel will moderated by Sherle Brown of SHB Consulting, a Chapter Industry Partner. Sherle will also be talking covering the risk management portion of the panel. Jon Watson, Weapons of Mass Destruction Coordinator for the FBI Atlanta Division, will speak about terrorist threats. Ann Lukens of the American Red Cross will discuss preparedness issues as it relates to emergency management, especially in regard to weather and natural disasters. And Darren Collins of the Center for Public Health Preparedness will talk about what lies ahead if the avian flu or other widespread illness arrives in the U.S. Your owners and tenants rely on you, so you'll want to be prepared to handle any contingency.

Each seminar is approved by the Georgia Real Estate Commission for 3 hours of continuing education credit.

Thank you to our sponsors!

IREM Products & Offerings

NEW! "Introduction to Real Estate Management" Course to Debut March 1
IREM has created a new introductory-level course called "Introduction to Real Estate Management" (IREM01) to deliver IREM education to broader audiences. The course focuses on the fundamentals of real estate management and is an ideal resource for training your new hires and entry-level staff. Lessons cover the history of real estate, the career outlook for the industry, and all the core functions of professional real estate management. IREM01 will be offered as a non-facilitated online course beginning March 1, giving your employees the flexibility to complete coursework around their work schedule.
To learn more about IREM01 as well as other online courses slated for the March 1 online session, visit the IREM Online Courses page.

Enhanced Usability for IREM Financial Analysis Spreadsheet
The IREM Financial Analysis Spreadsheet, an invaluable tool that helps you evaluate your financial operations, is now more convenient and easy-to-use. Users no longer have to acquire additional plug-ins to utilize all functionality - every spreadsheet function is now pre-programmed into the spreadsheet!

Remember: IREM members have FREE access to the IREM Financial Analysis Spreadsheet. To download the spreadsheet and other useful financial tools free of charge, login to the IREM Web site with your username and password and visit the IREMFIRST Financial Tools page.

Retake IREM Courses at 50% Off!
Do you want to brush up on your skills or experience a newly revised curriculum that will enhance employee training? Take advantage of the new repeat course policy today! All IREM Members are eligible to retake a course already taken, or the equivalent of a prior course taken, in any delivery format -- regardless of pass or fail status or the format in which it was originally taken -- for half price! Please contact IREM at (800) 837-0706, Ext. 4650, to register for a repeat course or to obtain additional information. PLEASE NOTE: The ARM Exam, CPM Exam, and MPSA or Management Plan are NOT included in the repeat course policy.

Submit Data by March 1 to Receive a FREE Income/Expense Analysis Report
Interested in receiving a FREE Income/Expense Analysis report for your building category - up to a $365 value? Then submit your operating income and expense data to the 2006 IREM Income/Expense Analysis program! The data submission deadline is March 1, 2006 (April 1, 2006 for Shopping Center data only). E-mail incomeexpense@irem.org with any questions or submit your data now.

Congratulations to IREM Foundation Scholarship Recipients
Upon conducting its first quarter review, the IREM Foundation has awarded the following scholarships:
Minority Outreach Scholarship - fosters a more diverse property management workforce and more diverse membership by funding the educational requirements to become a CPM

Marquesha White of Brad Bradford Realty and Construction in Atlanta, Georgia

Congratulations, Marquesha!

Visit the IREM Foundation Scholarships page to find out more about these scholarships and to download applications.

Recruit New Members for a Chance to Win $2,500!
Want to help IREM grow and earn the chance to win $2,500? Then get involved in the 2006 IREM Member-Get-A-Member Campaign - all it takes is ONE! IREM's membership would grow by 17,000 if every member referred just one new member. And, with your first referral, you'll be entered into the grand prize drawing for $2,500! In addition, the top 25 referring members will each receive $500. All winners will be announced at the IREM Business and Governance Meetings, October 17-19, in Tampa, Florida.

To be considered for Member-Get-A-Member rewards, IREM must receive applications with your name listed as the referring member between October 1, 2005, and September 30, 2006. To learn more about the Member-Get-A-Member campaign, login to the Member Services section of the IREM Web site and visit the Member-Get-A-Member page.

First American Tax Calendars Offer Convenient Members-Only Benefit
Created just for IREM members, the First American tax calendars conveniently consolidate tax deadlines across the U.S. These tax calendars are particularly useful when you manage properties in multiple states. To find out if you have real estate and personal property tax deadlines coming up between February-April 2006, view the First American Tax Calendars.

As an IREM service partner, First American Commercial Real Estate Services is dedicated to working with IREM to deliver timely products and solutions that are directly applicable to your business. For more details about First American's full suite of tax consulting and valuation services, contact Terri Matthews at 800-211-1700 or tmatthews@firstam.com.