2023 Insight Journal 2

BOMA Georgia Foundation research provides tools for real estate professionals and the properties they own, manage, and operate. Scan the QR code below to get access to excellent research like:

• 2022 Metro-Austin Salary and Benefits

• 2021 San Antonio Salary and Benefits Survey

The Commercial Real Estate Insight Journal is published for:

BOMA Georgia 5901 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd, NE Suite C-300 Atlanta, GA 30328 (404) 475-9980 info@bomageorgia.org www.bomageorgia.org www.bomalegacy.org www.bomageorgiafoundation.org www.creinsightjournal.com

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Editor-in-Chief: Gabriel Eckert, FASAE, CAE geckert@bomageorgia.org

Executive Editor: Jacob Wilder, CAE jwilder@bomageorgia.org

Managing Editor: Owen Kavanagh okavanagh@bomageorgia.org

2023 BOMA GEORGIA OFFICERS

President:

Laurie Harper

President-Elect:

Carla Moule

Vice President:

Marie Worsham, CPM, RPA, LEED GA

Immediate Past President:

Amanda J. Madrid, RPA, LEED GA, FMA

DIRECTORS

Russell C. Copeland

Brock Gallman

Nikkia Russell, LEED GA

Jennifer H. Cooper, LEED GA

Constance Towles Hodges, RPA

Amanda J. McCallum

Casey Burnham

Russ Offerman

Jenifer E. Wright

Melody R. Frcek,

© BOMA Georgia 2023

Emerging Professionals in Commercial Real Estate

Introduction by Lauren Armistead

What is an Emerging Professional?

An emerging professional is typically someone who is new to their chosen field of work or profession and is in the early stages of their career.

They may have recently graduated from college or completed some form of vocational training, and are looking to establish themselves in their industry.

Emerging professionals are often eager to learn and grow, and may have a strong desire to make a positive impact in their field. They may also be actively seeking out opportunities to gain experience, build their skills, and make connections with others in their industry.

In some cases, the term “emerging professional” may be used more broadly for individuals who are making a career transition or entering a new field of work after gaining experience in a different industry.

About the Author

How can you help emerging professionals in CRE?

Mentorship is a great opportunity to activley build the next generation of excellent property professionals. Mentors play a crucial role in helping emerging professionals grow within CRE in numerous ways.

Mentors can provide valuable insights into the industry and share their experiences, give constructive feedback, and help identify areas for improvement. Mentors can even serve as positive role models and inspire emerging professionals to strive for excellence.

We spoke with emerging professionals to get a better sense of how they entered the industry, what they love about it, and more. Here’s what they said.

Meet some of BOMA Georgia’s emerging professionals on page 8!

Lauren Armistead serves as an Account Executive with Rooter Plus! She is an active member of BOMA Georgia, participating in numerous events and volunteering her time across multiple committees like the Community Service Committee, Foundation Development Committee, Membership Committee, AMRG, and Trade Show Committee. She also serves as the Chair of the new Emerging Professionals Resource Group. She was recognized earlier this year with the 2022 Young Professional Award from BOMA Georgia.

EXTERIOR BUILDING

RESTORATION & WATERPROOFING

Including, but not limited to:

• Waterproof Coatings

• Caulking & Joint Sealants

• Concrete & Brick Façade repairs

PARKING DECK RESTORATION & WATERPROOFING

Including, but not limited to:

• Structural & Concrete Repairs

• Parking Deck Expansion Joints

• Parking Deck Traffic Coatings

LICENSED GENERAL CONSTRUCTION

Including, but not limited to:

• Design/Build

• New Construction

• Interior Buildout

DEMOLITION:

• Heavy Structural Demolition

• Industrial Demolition & Dismantling

• Emergency Demolition & Dismantling

• Emergency Demolition & Stabilization

• Concrete, Rock & Aggregate Crushing & Screening

ASBESTOS & LEAD:

• Lead-Based Paint

• Testing & Abatement

• Interior Demolition

• Indoor Air Quality Testing

• Asbestos Testing & Abatement

• Mold Remediation

• Emergency Water Clean-up

What key lessons have you learned through CRE?

First, advocate for yourself. Second, every experience, whether good or bad, is an opportunity to gain wisdom. Always look for the lesson that can be taken from a situation and move on. Third, show appreciation and gratitude as often possible. Fourth, commercial real estate management requires a team. Be sure to delegate so you don’t take on too much and ask for help when you need it. Fifth, schedule time for yourself; you cannot pour out of an empty cup. Finally, As a leader, it is your responsibility to support and trust your team. A team that feels heard, supported, and advocated for is happy and goes above and beyond. How would you like to impact CRE?

I will impact commercial real estate by being a compassionate, strong, and supportive female leader who helps others grow into their strength and rise to their full potential. I will also continue to be an advocate for the merging of community service and ESG initiatives with commercial real estate by integrating them into the job whenever possible and encouraging others to do so as well.

How did you enter the industry?

A really good friend of mine who works in CRE brought me over from the residential side. For years I said no to him and now I regret every minute of that. Had I known CRE would be this exciting, I would have started years ago. I mostly enjoy that patrons/tenants get to see the glitz & glam of a building, however have no clue on what it takes making it all come together. How behind the scenes miracles are created to keep everyone smiling each day. That feeling is priceless.

What key lessons have you learned in CRE?

One key lesson I’ve learned is to stay gracious about everything. Whether that be with tenants, emergencies, managing people or etc. Some days won’t be easy, but having grace will always get you through the day. The impact I’d like to make in CRE is hopefully being part of a new historic development for any city one day. Imagine creating history and you had something to do with it, INCREDIBLE! Overall, this was the best career choice I’ve ever made!

How did you enter the industry?

I had recently been laid off from my previous job and wanted to explore something different. I have always had an interest in commercial real estate, and I just so happened to have come across a job posting with Highwoods Properties for an administrative assistant position. I applied and the rest is history. Fast forward to now, and I have been with the company for a little over a year and have become an assistant property manager.

What do you enjoy most about CRE?

I enjoy the fact that there is always something happening in this industry. It keeps you on your toes. Each day is different and never boring. We have such a great customer base in the Buckhead area. There is so much to learn from my team. I am proud to be part of an industry that will never stop growing.

How did you enter the industry?

I was previously living in Chandler, AZ, a suburb of Phoenix, where I was the leasing agent for a Class “A” resort-style apartment community. I was a high performer, and management soon tasked me with much higher-level duties. I worked closely with my regional manager for about six months, and was soon promoted. I became property manager for that apartment community, and my determination and commitment was reflected in resident comments on our business page. From that, I knew property management was for me, and that I would make it far.

Do you have a mentor? what have they taught you?

It would have to be my previous regional manager, who is now the president of the company. She truly is a “do as I say, watch what I do” type of manager. She performed the way she preached, and she spoke from many years of hardearned work experience. From teaching me the software, to handling a resident conflict, she had the answer to almost anything. I will always be forever grateful to her mentorship and faith in my abilities and capacity to learn and grow.

Deon White | Cousins

Laura Poss | Core

Imran Mehter | Core

Chava Moffett | Highwoods

What do you enjoy most about CRE?

The opportunity to never stop learning. Several elements go into a commercial building running successfully. In this industry, we interact with people from different backgrounds, years of experience, and their own opinions. I’ve had the pleasure of working with many great colleagues and vendors who are always willing to answer any questions I have and turn them into a learning experience. How did you meet your mentor, what have they taught you?

I’m fortunate to have two great mentors. One is a current colleague of mine who was organized by our employer and the other is a former colleague. I have retained a lot of great knowledge from them, but two things stand out. First, if you have an idea on how something could be better done, speak up, don’t be afraid. Just because it’s always been done this way does not mean there isn’t a better way to complete the task at hand. Second, the importance of networking. It’s a small world but it is an even smaller industry. You never know who you may meet and the impact it could have on your growth. Always remember when meeting new people, to stay true to yourself.

How did you enter the industry?

I entered the industry by accident! When I graduated college in 2020, I started applying for jobs and accidentally applied for a security position with SecurAmerica. I was placed at a class-A office building where I started as a second shift officer, and quickly moved to first shift. Then a property administrator position became available, and the property manager asked me if I wanted to work for her. I knew absolutely nothing about property management but found that I’m actually pretty good at it!

Do you Have a Mentor? How Did you Meet them?

I have two mentors! I met them both when I was working as a security officer. Lydia Westermann and Greta Miller have taught me just about everything I know about property management. I will always be grateful for their trust in me and their guidance in this industry. They’ve gone out of their way to help me become a better version of myself. They’ve challenged me, given me opportunities and supported me.

What do you enjoy most about CRE?

What gets me up in the morning as a CRE professional is I enjoy the variability with a company like The RMR Group. No two days are alike, and I get a backstage pass to watch the process of a simple commercial real estate idea grow into a nationwide business practice. The CRE industry is always changing as well as always evolving, and I get a front row seat to it every day.

What key lessons have you learned in cre?

The cheat code to CRE is don’t be afraid to ask questions and don’t be afraid to fail. If you never ask or take any risks, then you’ll never achieve anything great. Starting out in CRE, I wish I knew that it was okay to ask questions and it is not the end if you fail. One may be leery of the consequences but know failure and asking questions are both essential for the growing pains of CRE.

What do you enjoy most about CRE?

I enjoy the chaos and uniqueness our days can be in property management, no two days are the same! I learn something new every day in every aspect of my job. Building relationships with people and acquiring different points of views is very beneficial to me in my career. They say that “surrounding yourself with people who lift you up, lend you knowledge, and help you learn from mistakes will eventually raise your standards to become a better person in the long run” and I couldn’t agree more!

What key lessons have you learned in CRE?

Everyone knows the phrase “patience is key” but there is a whole new meaning to it once you begin working in CRE. My patience has definitely improved since being in the industry and that’s not to sound negative, because I am forever grateful for that! My team welcomed me in with so much patience while I learned more about the industry, and I couldn’t be more appreciative of that! This, in turn, has led me to really take my time in understanding our customers’ needs/concerns and give them the patience they deserve.

Jennifer Fierro | Zeller

megan wimbish | Bridge

Jamal Davis | RMR

Esmeralda Jimenez | Cousins

Emerging Professionals Advice Corner

By: Shell Kirk

When you talk to seasoned property managers about how they got into the industry, it is usually for one of two reasons. First, a parent is in the industry. Second, and most common, is that the individual fell into this wonderful career completely by accident.

Quite inexplicably, the start to my career encompasses both options. My parents were in residential property management growing up, but it was a temp position that I went to blindly after moving to a new city that truly got me started.

My tangential knowledge from my parents helped a bit, but for the most part I was flying blind my first year, starting with the tenant service coordinator role. Those first years in the industry were very formative and looking back on my seven-year career, I can note some clear steps that I would recommend any newbie to consider when starting out.

The steps can be condensed to these four points:

1. Shadow those above you and below you.

2. Be Curious and Speak to EVERYONE associated with the industry.

3. Say ‘Yes!’ to extracurriculars.

4. Be kind.

These four traits are things I have tried to embody in my career and have always led me to success.

Shadow Those Above and Below You

One of the first pieces of advice I was given when starting out was, “Always know the job above you and the job below you, because you can’t manage if you don’t know what they need to be doing, and no one will listen to you if you can’t manage yourself.”

Are you starting as an assistant property manager? Make sure to schedule time to shadow your tenant service coordinator. Their role is integral to the success of the office, and they often know the most about the day-to-day of the property.

If the property manager is going to a meeting, ask to tag along! These types of in-person experiences are where the true in-job training starts, because the property management industry is a reactionary industry, and each situation is almost always ‘case by case’.

Being in the room to see how your manager carries themselves, how they ask questions, and even what questions they ask, embodies the real-world experience that young professionals need to succeed in the future.

In the same rule of thought, share your experiences with those below you. Information gatekeeping is the antagonist to progress. Helping those below you doesn’t mean you’ll lose your job, it means you have the ability to grow your subordinates, a vital skill for managers.

When I started out, we lost an assistant property manager shortly after I started. This meant I got a lot of experience with the assistant property manager role prior to getting a good handle on the tenant services coordinator role. I worked hard in the beginning, but it made my job easier in the long run because I understood the concepts behind my tasks, beyond the task alone. Not to mention that due to my exposure to the assistant property manager role, I was able to be promoted quickly and with little to no growing pains.

Be Curious and Speak to EVERYONE

As a young professional, and even as a new hire, there is a lot to learn in the first year of your position. That being said, stay open to the information. I always made a point to take additional education courses, both through BOMA and through other industry associations.

Through these trainings I got to meet many fantastic professionals in the industry, and I made an impact with those folks by being genuinely curious and open to discussing their experiences and knowledge.

If you have a question, ask it. Vendors are a great resource that are underutilized at times by property managers.

Although there may be a sales pitch mixed in, their thoughts on their specific industries are invaluable to those responsible for planning five or ten years in the future.

If you’re concerned about striking up a conversation, always remember that people enjoy being asked about their job. This is something you will learn as you grow in your career and realize that not every friend or family member wants to see your beautifully created spreadsheet.

Being curious will also lend itself to the quality of your work. Will you continue the trend? Or, will you have new and exciting solutions to issues after your research into growing technologies? By staying curious, you intrinsically stay above the curve, and that’s the kind of above-and-beyond behavior that will impress your manager or supervisor.

Say ‘Yes’ to Extracurriculars

Something I struggled with at the beginning, and even a bit to this day, was networking and talking to strangers. I am fairly introverted, and the first two years of my career you could find me hiding behind my property manager, smiling benignly and hoping no one talked to me.

This may or may not relate to those reading this, however if it does, my advice is to push through. For those who are shy, exposure is the best remedy, and the best way to increase exposure is to participate in the industry extra curriculars.

Join a committee with your local BOMA chapter, and once signed up, speak up! Go to the meetings and volunteer to do the extra items.

This will broaden your peer group as well as open you to opportunities otherwise not available. By my third year in the industry, I had picked up the habit of agreeing and volunteering for everything.

This level of grind was difficult; however due to that, I won scholarships to attend conferences, was named a Rising Star in the BOMA International magazine, participated in the building of BOMA Nashville’s YouTube learning videos during COVID, and ultimately was promoted and offered to move states.

I can say with certainty that I still hate public speaking and get nervous; however, I don’t feel failure when I stutter or blush. Those are things that come with time, and the only way to tackle is by agreeing to participate first.

Be Kind.

There is a common refrain I have heard in my years in the industry. To paraphrase, the saying goes like this, “You could interview a genius, but if they are unpleasant, you won’t hire them because 40 hours a week every week is a long time to spend with someone.” Be kind to your vendors, be kind to your tenants, and be kind to your colleagues.

This might seem obvious, but the term “office politics” didn’t come from nowhere. I take pride in ensuring that every interaction I have with others results in the other person feeling positive or uplifted. This probably seems like a nobrainer, but I must stress that being clique-y or dismissive to anyone in the industry will get around.

It is not unusual to run into someone who you have delt with in the past, and find they have switched titles or companies, and now you may need them. That is not to say that kindness is only warranted if you get something in return. However, if you put good out, don’t be surprised when you receive good back!

MentorshipStats

The Property Management TEAM

Reading through the list, there is a common theme. Property management is a team sport, and as such, it is beneficial to focus both on bettering your own skills, as well as assisting others. You can be the ace of your team and focus on knowing the ins and outs of the job to a high degree, but never forget one’s team.

No title is more important than another, and no one’s tasks, or time is more pressing than another. Respect and engagement are the final pieces of the puzzle to actual knowledge and skill. With these things in your arsenal, you will find fulfillment and joy in your job, and those around you will take note.

About the Author

Originally from a small town in Ohio, Shell Kirk got her start in property management in a million square foot Class A building in Nashville, TN. After 5 years in the Nashville market, she made the move to Atlanta, GA. Shell has been a member of the BOMA Nashville & BOMA Georgia chapters and is an active member since she started in 2016. Shell has worked for CBRE, Transwestern and now is employed with Piedmont Office Realty Trust managing Galleria on the Park’s 100 and 600 buildings. Shell hopes to further her knowledge in property management and help guide the next generation of professionals in the industry. She has the goal to work in five states and five countries before the end of her career to ensure lifelong learning and growth.

Mentors are important for any emerging professional, and a Forbes review of U.S. Fortune 500 companies showed the prevelance and importance of mentorship programs within companies. 84% of Fortune 500 companies have mentorship programs. 96% of Fortune 100 companies have mentorship programs, and every Fortune 50 company has a mentorship program. And profits show the importance of these programs as well, companies with mentoring programs had 18% higher profits in this 2022 study.

BOMA Georgia Foundation Leadership Society

About the Leadership Society

While corporate budgets for training and development are often constrained, the pace of change in real estate continues to accelerate. To effectively lead in this complex and changing environment, people need new opportunities to access and afford education. The BOMA Georgia Foundation provides this support through a scholarship program that has proven to advance careers and transform lives. However, this would not be possible without the generous support of foundation donors.

Based on donor feedback, the foundation created the BOMA Georgia Foundation Leadership Society to recognize individuals and companies who have made a commitment to consistently support the foundation. Membership in this special society highlights a commitment to serve others and signifies a leadership role in advancing the real estate industry. Individuals and companies commit to making an annual tax-deductible donation over three years.

INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS

Emerging Professionals ($125)

Casey Burnham

Chris Dlugolecki

Jacob Wilder

Sapphire ( $250)

Aaron Moriarty

Amanda Bare

Amanda Madrid

Andrea Allen

Anita Scarborough

Carla Moule

Chonte’ Martin

Chris Allen

Constance Hodges

Debi Gilbert

Dena Rodrigues

Elaine Bare

Emily M. White

Ian Hughes

Emerald ($500)

Alfredo Garcia

Brenden Welch

Christine Bailey

Dusty Muck

Hal Moore

Lauren Armistead

Roni Page-Dowdy

Sarah Francis

CORPORATE MEMBERS

Ruby ($1,750)

BCJ Building Services

C.L. Burks

Engineered Restoration

Structural Restoration Solutions

Jenifer Wright

Jennifer H. Cooper

Jessica Nix

Jimi Broderick

Judi Sponsel

Kinsey Hinkson

Laure Biel

Laurie Harper

Morgan Cohen

Neschune Henry

Stacy Abbate

Stephanie S. Scurlock

Tammy Weeks

Trent Patterson

Landmark Landscapes

Sapphire ($2,500)

Mark Gallman

Natalie Tyler-Martin

Russell Copeland

Shawn Benjamin

Diamond ($1,000)

Billy Gray

Bo Reddic

Gabriel Eckert

Marie Worsham

Mark Dukes

Melody Frcek

Orlando Ojeda

Tiffany Wilson

Emerald ($5,000)

Diamond ($10,000)

THANK YOU!

2023 BOMA Georgia Sponsors

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Sustaining Partners

Atlanta Property Group

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CapRidge Partners

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Colliers International

Empire Roofing

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JLL

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Physicians Realty Trust

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FOUNDATION

Property Management 101

$300 Scholarship

Professionals starting their career in commercial property management benefit from the program’s in-depth discussion of industry basics and core principles. This dynamic course combines classroomstyle learning, interaction with industry professionals and behind-the-scenes tours of metro-Atlanta buildings.

Commercial HVAC Certificate Program

$300 Scholarship

The Commercial HVAC Certificate Program is a unique partnership between BOMA Georgia and Chattahoochee Technical College offering building engineers five modules of coursework that advances their knowledge of commercial heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.

Since the BOMA Georgia Foundation was created in 2014, it has awarded over 750 scholarships to individuals seeking a certificate or professional designation in real estate.

The Foundation has also conducted more than 15 research projects, guides and reports all designed to give real estate owners and managers new tools to add value to their properties.

Foundations of Building Engineering (BE 101)

$185 Scholarship

This course is designed for new engineers or those with limited experience in the industry. The course combines classroom-style learning, interaction with industry professionals and behind-the-scenes tours of metro-Atlanta buildings.

BOMI Designation Courses (RPA, FMA)

$500 Scholarship

A BOMI designation is a mark of distinction and an emblem of achievement in the commercial real estate industry. Those in pursuit of a BOMI designation attend a variety of courses providing comprehensive understanding of the real estate industry. Some BOMI classes feature embedded $500 scholarships and are not eligible for additional scholarships. The Ethics is Good Business ShortCourse is not eligible for scholarships.

The 2023 scholarship application deadline is May 26 for scholarships to be awarded by June 8.

Scan this QR code for more details on these scholarships and how you can apply for them at BOMAGeorgiaFoundation.org

2018 CBECS and Upcoming Changes to ENERGY STAR

By: Owen Kavanagh and Kathryn Kavanagh

The US Department of Energy’s Energy Information Administration (EIA) has completed the release of the 2018 Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Survey (CBECS), providing valuable insights into energy usage in commercial buildings across the United States.

What is CBECS?

CBECS is a comprehensive survey conducted regularly (usually every 5 – 7 years) that collects data on the energy consumption and energy-related characteristics of commercial buildings in the United States. The survey covers a wide range of building types, including office buildings, retail stores, hospitals, schools, and warehouses, among others. The 2018 survey is the 11th iteration, and it has marked several notable changes since the 2012 CBECS and first survey in 1979.

This survey is notable for many reasons, and one of its most important uses is in calculating ENERGY STAR® scores. ENERGY STAR scores are built on comparisons between like buildings using CBECS data. With many new updates to ENERGY STAR on the horizon, the 2018 CBECS data will prove very useful in defining upcoming scores.

CBECS samples multiple classes of buildings in the U.S., with the 2018 CBECS sampling approximately 6,436 buildings to represent the 5.9 million buildings across the U.S. CBECS data is then used to calculate ENERGY STAR scores and provide ENERGY STAR certifications based on a 1–100-point scale.

The national average in energy efficiency and performance is always 50, and to be ENERGY STAR certified, a building must receive a score of 75 or higher.

The first step to receiving an ENERGY STAR Score is benchmarking. Using the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager, you can input emissions, water, and energy use data. After a year of benchmarking, your data is compared to the CBECS data set, and then given a score showing a building’s rank on the national curve.

Results of the 2018 CBECS Energy Consumption

The 2018 CBECS found that the average energy consumption per square foot of US commercial buildings decreased by 12% since the 2012 survey. The survey also found that the total floorspace of commercial buildings grew overall, and electricity intensity (the energy consumed per square foot) decreased 14% and natural gas intensity decreased by 11%.

Between 2003 and 2018, the total number of buildings increased by 22%, and the total floorspace of those buildings increased by 35%.

Building Types and Construction

Of these buildings, the 2018 CBECS showed that warehouse and storage (17%), offices (16%), and service buildings (15%) made up the largest proportion of building types.

Warehouses and storage (18%) and offices (17%), and education (14%) made up the majority of building types by total floorspace in square feet, representing 49% of the 96.4 billion square feet of building space in the U.S.

Of the 5.9-million buildings in the U.S., over half were built between 1960 and 1990, and 25% were built after 2000. The median year of construction in the 2018 CBECS was 1981.

This survey also found that newer buildings were on average larger than their older counterparts. Buildings constructed after 2000 were found to be 2,700 square feet larger than the national average and were over 5,000 square feet larger than buildings constructed prior to 1960.

Regional Results

Commercial buildings were found to be largest in the Middle Atlantic (New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania) at 23,600 square feet on average, and the Northeast region (made up of New England and the Middle Atlantic) had the highest average at an average building size of 20,100 square feet.

The South Atlantic (Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, and DC) had the second highest average overall, and the South had the second highest regional average at 16,300 square feet.

This survey showed that the South accounted for 38% of the U.S. population, 36% of buildings, and 36% of the floorspace.

The southern region of the US had the largest total energy consumption at 2,357 trillion Btu (British Thermal Unit), and the highest share of electricity usage at 69%.

The Midwest region saw the second highest consumption at 1,936 trillion Btu. Commercial properties spent approximately $142-billion on energy in 2018, averaging $1.47 per square foot.

Energy Use and Tech Changes

The survey also showed that electricity and natural gas continued to be the dominant energy sources at 94% of total energy consumption, with electricity representing 60% of consumption in 2018. Electricity was used in 95% of buildings, across 98% of total floorspace.

Natural gas was used for the majority of heating (44%), however electricity was used for a similar amount (43%). In terms of cooling, electricity was the primary energy source used at 78%. In addition, electricity use for space heating was highest in the South (55%), and natural gas for space heating was the lowest (33%).

Lighting technology saw significant changes between the 2012 and 2018 CBECS, with LED being the only technology to see an increase in use.

Incandescent lighting fell from being used in 33% of buildings to only 19%, standard fluorescent fell from 84 to 68%, compact fluorescent fell from 41 to 19%, and LED grew from 9-percent in 2012 to 44% in 2018.

The release of the 2018 CBECS data is a significant milestone for the energy industry, and its findings will inform the upcoming ENERGY STAR scores, and many decisions within the industry and governing bodies.

ENERGY STAR NextGen

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has proposed a new certification called the ENERGY STAR NextGenTM certification. This certification mirrors the ENERGY STAR certification in a few ways, and NextGen certification will be tracked through Portfolio Manager. This certification is expected to be released late-2023 or early-2024.

ENERGY STAR NextGen is meant to increase efficiency, grow national renewable energy capacity, and transition from fossil fuels to electricity while achieving net-zero emissions economy wide by 2050. There are three proposed categories of this certification: efficiency, renewable energy use, and electrification. Each category has requirements that set a standard of excellence for buildings, with a strong focus on the future.

EFFICIENCY

Studies have consistently shown that inefficiencies in building systems snowball into wasted energy, greater emissions, higher costs, and increased strain on energy grids. One of the goals for the EPA’s ENERGY STAR NextGenTM certification is to ensure energy efficiency. To meet the requirement for the efficiency standard, properties must be eligible for ENERGY STAR certification and achieve an ENERGY STAR score of at least 75.

ENERGY STAR certifications recognize building efficiency, and ENERGY STAR portfolio manager is a widely used tool for tracking energy use. Currently, ENERGY STAR NextGenTM recognition will only apply to ENERGY STAR eligible property types, but this will expand as the EPA expands scores and certifications for other property types.

RENEWABLE ENERGY

To meet the requirement for the “renewable energy” standard, buildings must use at least 30% renewable energy meaning at least 30% of the energy a building uses must be from a renewable energy source. This can include “onsite renewable electricity, offsite green power procurement, renewable fuels, and/or renewable thermal certificates.”

Note that the 30% required from renewable energy cannot be from renewable components of standard grid electricity, and this requirement is expected to increase over time. To track renewable energy use, the EPA will expand energy tracking features in Portfolio Manager to include tracking for renewable energy credits (REC), other renewable energy products, and inform users if they meet the 30% threshold.

ELECTRIFICATION AND EMISSIONS

To meet the “electrification/emissions” category, a building must be 100% electric and have a specific greenhouse gas emission intensity (GHGi). Each building will have a specific GHGi target based on Heating Degree Days (HDD). By using a building’s HDD, the EPA is normalizing each building’s target because GHGi is different based on heating needs.

Through research for the development of the NextGen program, the EPA found that for each property type, median GHGi per HDD is relatively consistent across climate zones and can be applied broadly.

This section will also be tracked through an expansion of Portfolio Manager to show NextGen Direct GHGi Target and GHGi Factor. You can learn more about the proposed factor for calculating direct GHGi targets in the full NextGen proposal.

For more information about the 2018 CBECS survey and its findings, read through the Preliminary Consumption and Expenditure Highlights release at the QR code below, and keep an eye on www.CREInsightJournal.com for more information on CBECS, ENERGY STAR NextGen, and other changes in sustainable technologies and programs.

Scan here to read the key findings of the 2018 Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Survey (CBECS)

Sources

2018CommercialBuildingsEnergyConsumptionSurvey:Building CharateristicsHightlights| U.S. Energy Information Administration

2018CommercialBuildingsEnergyConsumptionSurvey: PreliminaryConsumptionandExpendituresHighlights| U.S. Energy Information Administration

2018CommercialBuildingsEnergyConsumptionSurvey: Final Results| U.S. Energy Information Administration

ENERGYSTARNextGenCertificationforCommercialBuildings| ENERGY STAR

My Career Path in CRE

By: Crystal Baptiste

Commercial real estate is a challenging industry to navigate, with a constantly evolving landscape and a multitude of factors at play. For me, my journey in commercial real estate began in 2011 when I was working at Regus Executive Suites.

Through my work with Regus, I gained a wealth of knowledge about managing tenants, even though it was on a smaller scale. I also had the opportunity to learn more about property management since I worked so closely with the property management teams in the buildings we were located in. I excelled at Regus and won awards for being top in sales across North America.

My properties were always doing well, but as in all business, new competitors come around and the company evolves. I was eventually laid off due to a change in the company’s business model.

That experience was the beginning of my passion for commercial real estate and the start of a journey that would eventually lead me to my current role as a property administrator for CP Group at One Overton Park.

Revisiting Commercial Real Estate

After Regus, I took some time away from the industry to open my creative consulting and virtual assistant business. My business really moved into a space of freelance work and of course, you are never sure when a new client is coming.

I decided to revisit my passion for commercial real estate. Could I use my experience at Regus to get a position for a property management company?

I was not sure, but I decided to take a leap of faith. Through a staffing agency, I attained a temporary position as a tenant services coordinator for a small commercial real estate company. Amazingly, when the assistant property manager interviewed me, I recognized her.

She was on one of the property management teams that I worked with when I was a general manager for Regus. The assistant property manager took me under her wing and taught me about many of the business aspects of commercial real estate.

She said I had a knack for the people management of the building staff, vendors, and tenants, and she wanted me to truly understand the business because she saw my potential.

As a Black woman, she felt it was very important to open the door for other young, Black women coming up in the industry.

I loved every aspect of commercial real estate. I enjoyed planning the tenant events, learning about the budget, and all the ins and outs of running a commercial building. When the assignment was finished, I was ready for my next opportunity in commercial real estate. I felt equipped and knowledgeable.

Pivoting in the Industry

After I learned and grew in that role, I was able to land an assistant property manager role for Stafford. My portfolio focused on shopping plazas, and I quickly realized that this area of commercial real estate did not align with my strengths and interests.

As an assistant property manager for shopping plazas between Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina, I didn’t get to interact with people as much as I did when I worked on the office side of commercial real estate. I knew I needed to pivot again to find a role that would allow me to better utilize my skills and passions.

It is important to know your strengths and passions to make sure what you are doing aligns with that. Do not stay somewhere where you are unhappy.

That’s when I found a temporary position with JLL doing split responsibilities as an executive assistant for the regional property manager and regional operations manager, as well as doing accounts payable for the South Downtown Project.

The South Downtown Project was managed by a powerful, intelligent Black woman. She made sure that I learned as much as possible with such a unique project.

This project was an exciting undertaking, as it involved a major overhaul of the South Downtown area to make it more appealing for businesses, families, and the emerging new, young leaders in Atlanta. This experience gave me a greater appreciation for the impact that commercial real estate can have on a community.

Growing and Finding Passions

When that temporary assignment was finished, I was offered an accounting position, but both my manager and I knew that it wasn’t a fit for me because it wasn’t what I was passionate about doing. Back to the search again.

I hadn’t found the position in commercial real estate that I wanted, and I felt like my experience should have spoken volumes to interviewers. I realized that relationships and networking play a large role in hiring as well.

I had some relationships, but not what I needed to grow. By this time, I had experience in sales, event planning, A/P, A/R, and people management, but I wasn’t finding anything.

Eventually, I ended up getting a great position with IMG Marketing Agency (now known as 160/90) as an operations manager. This role allowed me to broaden my skill set and gain valuable experience in a related field.

However, as fate would have it, the pandemic hit, and I was laid off from the agency. While it was a difficult time for all of us, this presented an opportunity for me to explore new paths and see where my skills and passions could take me.

Pandemic and New Opportunities

During the pandemic, I continued my freelance work and I even worked remotely in the nonprofit sector, all while keeping an eye out for a new opportunity in commercial real estate.

On Valentine’s Day 2022, I finally landed my current position as a property administrator for CP Group at One Overton Park.

As a property administrator, I oversee the day-to-day operations of the property, including tenant management, vendor management, building staff/contractor management, and ensuring that the property is running smoothly. I work closely with the property manager and assistant property manager to ensure that the property is always at its best and that tenants feel like this is their second home.

Lessons Learned

Working in commercial real estate has taught me many valuable lessons over the years. One of the most important lessons I learned was the importance of adaptability. In an industry that is constantly evolving, it is important to be able to adapt to changes quickly and effectively. During the pandemic, we had to learn to adapt to a new normal.

Many people would like to return to how business was conducted before the pandemic, but I think if you don’t adapt to changes, you will become obsolete. With a new generation of leaders on the horizon, we need to look at benefits that are important to them and make sure our business models meet those standards. It is all about adapting.

Another lesson I learned was the benefits of strong relationships. In commercial real estate, relationships are everything. I remember when I was younger, my dad told me that it is not always about what you know, but who you know, and who knows you.

Whether it’s building relationships with tenants or working closely with vendors, having strong relationships is essential to success.

It’s important to always be professional, courteous, approachable, authentic, and treat everyone with respect.

Working in commercial real estate has also taught me the importance of being proactive. In an industry that is ever changing, it is important to stay ahead of the curve and anticipate potential issues before they become problems. By being proactive and thinking ahead, you can ensure that everything runs smoothly and that your property is always at its best.

An important aspect of becoming a leader in this industry is being able to fill your own cup, relax and recharge after working all day.

For me, after I finish working, I like to hone my gifts and talents. I am currently doing content creation and I have a YouTube channel that is all about living beyond labels. I want to help people understand how to pursue their gift and purpose in life.

I am helping them to find fulfilment in their lives. I also shed light on invisible disabilities as I deal with an autoimmune disease and my daughter deals with learning disabilities.

Reflecting on My Journey

My journey in commercial real estate has taught me the power of perseverance and the importance of representation in this industry. As a Black woman, I faced unique challenges and setbacks along the way.

However, seeing another Black woman in a leadership role and having her show me the ropes gave me the confidence to keep going. It’s crucial for minorities to see that this is a field we can not only dive into, but also succeed in.

As I reflect on my journey, I recognize that industry needs more diversity to reflect the world we live in. We need more representation of people of color, women, and other underrepresented groups in leadership positions. By amplifying diverse voices and experiences, we can create more inclusive spaces that foster innovation and growth.

Moving forward, I’m committed to being a voice for change in the industry. I want to inspire and empower other minorities to pursue their dreams in commercial real estate and to change the view of this field to reflect the diversity of our world.

Yes, we are great at supporting, but we are amazing leaders, innovators, and trendsetters. It’s through our unique perspectives and experiences that we can create a more vibrant and inclusive industry that benefits us all.

Her 20-year-old son, Cristian, is attending GSU for accounting and music, while her 22-year-old daughter, Ciara, is building an awareness movement brand for people dealing with invisible disabilities.

As a Property Administrator for One Overton Park with CP Group, Crystal brings her “Jackie of all trades” ability to the table, ensuring that everything runs smoothly for the property. Her creativity and attention to detail make her a natural at event planning, and her clients rave about her work.

Born and raised in New York, Crystal’s family is from the islands of Trinidad and Tobago, making her a first-generation American with a rich cultural background. Her diverse experiences and can-do attitude have made her an asset to every team she’s been a part of, and she’s excited to see where her journey takes her.

Crystal Baptiste serves as property adminstrator for One Overton Park with CP Group. She is a CRE professional with a diverse background and a passion for making a difference. As a single mother of two, Crystal’s experiences have shaped her unique perspective on life and work.

Pollinator Friendly Tips for Building Owners and Managers

Spring is in the air (pollen included) which means that native pollinators like honeybees, butterflies, moths, hummingbirds, and many more animals and insects are helping to pollinate green roofs and other landscaping features at CRE properties.

In recent years, there has been an ongoing conversation about the importance of pollinators to the health of ecosystems and biodiversity. Commercial real estate industry stakeholders have a unique opportunity to implement ways to support these vital species.

Pollinators are an integral part of the landscaping at CRE properties, as well as the food we eat and ocean of trees we enjoy in Georgia, and helping our multitude of pollinators will ensure the green spaces we all enjoy remain healthy and vibrant. Here are a few tips to help you help pollinators.

PLANT POLLINATOR FRIENDLY VEGETATION

Native species are an excellent choice for planting vegetation that attracts pollinators. Being intentional about planting native species that are beneficial to pollinators is not only helpful to biodiversity but also cost effective. Native plants use less water, pesticides, and fertilizers and require little maintenance, thus saving money.

Some non-native plants can also be useful in attracting pollinators depending on the species. The University of Georgia’s Georgia Pollinator Plants of the Year Program helps in identifying top performing landscape plants that support pollinators.

From this program, the Blue Wild Indigo (BaptisiaAustralis) was selected as the best spring bloomer in 2022. This 4-foot-tall perennial features cobalt blue flowers and helps support native bees and many other pollinators. See the photo above for an example of this pollinator friendly flower.

PLANT A VARIETY OF SPECIES

Pollinators are known to have distinct color preferences so planting a variety of native species with a diversity of colors will help attract pollinators and create a balanced habitat.

In the Southeastern United States, wildflowers such as Golden Alexander and Butterfly Milkweed are native to this region and are pollinator friendly. In the Pacific Northwest, native flowering plants such as Selfheal and Large-Flowered Collomia are perfect for attracting pollinators.

In the Midwest region, Pale Purple Coneflowers and Wild Geranium are ideal for pollinators. In some instances, it may also be beneficial to plant native and non-native species that can co-exist.

USE Fewer PESTICIDES

Pesticides with harsh chemicals can be harmful to pollinators and can potentially drive them away from a property entirely. Specifically, pesticides like organophosphates and pyrethroids, commonly used to combat mosquito infestations can be lethal to honeybees.

Instead, opt for a more diluted and less harmful spray with a vinegar or oil-base.

MAKE A MONARCH WAYSTATION

Monarch waystations are monarch habitats designed to be a resting point while monarch butterflies migrate. A monarch waystation is simple to set up and operate in an urban area.

According to the Monarch Watch organization, monarch waystations can be as simple as planting monarch resources like Milkweeds or nectar plants like Goldenrods, Butterfly Bush, Lilac, and more. Monarch waystations can also be a food source for other pollinators like honeybees.

CONSIDER AN URBAN BEEHIVE

In urban areas, beehives can be accommodated in multiple ways. Numerous organizations exist to help maintain and install honeybee hives at commercial buildings. These hives provide pollinators for landscaping features, and an interesting and educational tenant amenity. They can also provide a wealth of excellent local honey!

“Studies show honeybees thrive in urban environments: they have reduced stressors, they’re in stable living conditions, and they have more diversity of food throughout the year” says Leigh-Kathryn Bonner, founder, and CEO of Bee Downtown.

Beehives in commercial real estate are an investment but there are a wide range of benefits through tenant engagement events, green certifications, positively impacting your local environment, and more.

Engaging in just a few of these recommendations can have a large impact on the environmental health of your property. Whether you choose to set up pollinator friendly habitats, plant native vegetation, or are more intentional about which pesticides your property uses, you are helping pollinators help you and your environment thrive.

BeeFact

According to the USDA, over 100 different crops in the United States rely on pollinators, and these pollinators add over $18 billion in revenue to crop production each year.

In an average diet, one in every three bites of food required a pollinator’s help. These include almonds, berries, non-citrus fruits, melons, and squash.

My First Year in CRE

By: Theresa Nguyen

How did you enter the industry?

I very much “fell into” CRE after I was placed by a recruiter into an administrative role at a commercial real estate company located in Midtown over a decade ago supporting the vice president of easing for the Southeast region. I was very lucky in that that particular supervisor always took time out of their busy schedule to help me build my knowledge of CRE from the ground up.

What was your first impression of it?

Like most people who first enter the CRE world, I think it’s surprising to learn how much goes on behind the scenes at your typical office or retail building. I don’t think the average person may be aware of how many lines of business there are within CRE whether that’s leasing, property management, engineering, sustainability just to name a few.

How has your impression changed?

I started off working in leasing and was initially unaware of how many different moving parts there are to ensure that daily building operations run smoothly. Aside from daily operations, and depending on the owner’s financial long-term goals for a particular building, there’s almost always the underlying mission to increase the value of the asset which I think those different lines of business mentioned earlier ultimately should have as their overarching goal. I think seeing it from that perspective has changed my impression of the industry to be broader and more “big picture.”

What have you learned?

I’ve learned over time that CRE is very much people-based. A building will only run as well as the property management team who’s running it and tenants also play a huge role in helping the property run as optimally as possible and their relationships are interdependent. I also learned that in CRE, as in probably all other business sectors, those who are the most successful in the industry are those who remain curious not just about their own subject of expertise but subjects that surround and overlap theirs.

What have you enjoyed most about CRE?

What I’ve enjoyed the most is getting to work with and learning from some of the most intelligent and hardest working professionals in the CRE industry including my primary supervisor, Derrick Brown, director of property management for Jamestown who has been a wealth of knowledge for me over the last few years. Also, the opportunity to work for a company like Jamestown these past three years makes me realize how fortunate I am to get to work for such a progressive company that truly cares about the communities their properties are located in and gives back in a way that is really inspirational to its employees.

What was the biggest challenge you faced as you entered the industry, how did you overcome it?

I think the preliminary lack of knowledge was the biggest obstacle initially which was overcome by asking a lot of questions along with firsthand experience, and I’m still learning something new everyday. It can feel intimidating to ask seemingly basic questions, but in actuality, those who are experts in their field love to talk about their experiences and share their knowledge. You rarely have to ask them twice to do so.

What should someone just entering the industry know?

I think those just entering the industry should know how important it is to be a sponge for information, especially when first starting out in CRE. For myself at least, it seemed as if there were a million acronyms and industry terms. It can sometimes feel like everyone is speaking another language, but slowly over time, and the more you are able to listen in and sit in on operational meetings, the easier it becomes to make connections and the more the pieces of the puzzle come together.

About the Author

Theresa Nguyen is a property management and sustainability coordinator / executive assistant at Jamestown in Atlanta. Prior to joining Jamestown in 2020, Theresa worked at Transwestern, a commercial leasing company as an administrative associate, and before that, at Selig Enterprises, another commercial real estate company, as a leasing & marketing assistant. Theresa’s hobbies include cooking, running, yoga and spending time with her husband, their infant son Matthew and their Golden Retriever, Charlie.

CRETERM:VFD

A Variable Frequency Drive, or VFD, is an alternating current motor drive that controls tourque and speed by varying the frequency of electical inputs. In CRE, VFDs are typcially used as fan controlers, and an optimized VFD can significantly decrease a fan’s energy consumption.

Unlock exclusive webinars, articles and videos with a CRE Insight 365 membership. For $149 a year, real estate professionals can gain even more insights from some of the top CRE thought leaders across the country.

CRE Insight 365 is for those looking to stay on top of everything trending in the industry. With a growing library over 75 incredible educational videos, webinars, articles, and more, all on CRE Insight 365.

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From Idea To Law: The Georgia Process

By: Katie Roberts | Fiveash-Stanley

On the surface, the legislative process sounds relatively simple: identify a need, introduce legislation, debate it and call the vote, then send it to the Governor for enactment.

While this is the foundation of how ideas morph into laws, the actual process is nuanced, complex, and riddled with opportunities for derailment.

Here we will explore Georgia’s unique legislative process, underscored by a key example from the 2023 session, which concluded on March 29.

Identifying a Need

A legislator, constituent, the Governor, executive agencies, advocacy groups, and others can identify the need for a new law or a change in existing law. Advocates must persuade a member of the House or Senate to sponsor a bill.

Even the Governor and agencies like the Department of Insurance and Department of Transportation must enjoin the services of a member of the legislature to pursue legislation.

The lawmaker then works with a lawyer employed by the General Assembly to research the proposal and draft a bill that incorporates the change into the official code of Georgia.

That legislator, now the sponsor, formally files the bill with the Clerk of the House or the Secretary of the Senate and the legislation is officially read into the record and assigned to a standing committee. In 2023, the 180 members of the House of Representatives introduced 850 bills; 56 Senators introduced 331.

Committees are Critical

Committees play a critical role in the legislative process. They are the workhorses of the legislature, allowing for the division of labor and subject matter expertise.

This system enables the scrutiny of many measures during the short 40-day session. Measures of interest to the Commercial Real Estate industry are often routed to the following standing committees:

House Senate

Economic Development & Tourism Economic Development & Tourism

Judiciary

Energy, Utilities & Telcommunications

Judiciary

Regulated Industries & Utilities

Transportation Transportation

Governmental Affairs

State & Local Governmetal Operations

The committee’s chairperson controls the committee process and determines if a bill will be considered by the committee members. If the bill is given a hearing, the sponsor will present it to the committee and answer members’ questions. Others might testify in support of or opposition to the measure.

The committee can make changes – major or minor – to legislation, sometimes doing so without the support of the sponsor.

Once the committee believes the bill has been “perfected” they can vote to pass or defeat it. Most frequently, bills are assigned to a committee and never even receive a hearing, languishing unceremoniously until the session expires.

A bill that is favorably reported from a standing committee then goes to the Rules Committee. The Rules Committee acts as a gatekeeper, deciding which measures will make it to the House or Senate floor for a full vote.

This is another hurdle where many bills simply fall short. In the House alone, nearly 60 measures made it out of a standing committee only to remain in the Rules Committee this year.

A bill that makes it out of the Rules Committee is placed on the debate calendar. This is the quintessential legislative experience you are most familiar with: the sponsor presents the bill to all members in the expansive chamber, members stand at their desks with microphones in hand to ask questions and debate the merits of the legislation.

When the debate is over, members vote, and the measure passes or fails. Most bills that make it to the floor are not controversial and overwhelmingly pass. The contentious bills with split votes are the ones that make the news; they are not as common as it may appear.

The Long Road Ahead

After all the maneuvering and potential pitfalls, the legislation still has a long way to go. The process repeats in the opposite chamber: a bill is officially read and moves its way through the two-part standing committee and Rules committee process before receiving a second floor vote. The bill can be stalled or defeated at any point in the progression.

As the forty-day session wears on, advocates of derailed measures become increasingly desperate to advance their language. This year, BOMA Georgia had a front-row seat for some of the creative tactics used to keep issues alive.

Creative Tactics

Midway through the session, Sen. Josh McLaurin (D-Atlanta) introduced SB 247 to prohibit vehicle booting statewide.

One of BOMA’s founding principles is the unwavering support of property rights.

For years the Association has responded to potential booting bans by underscoring that property owners must have the right to enforce parking on their premises.

After SB 247 failed to meet a key procedural deadline, proponents removed all the original content from an unrelated bill (HB 119) and replaced it with the booting prohibition language.

The Senate Public Safety Committee favorably reported this amended version. While this may not be the model lawmaking process, measures advanced in this manner are no less “lawful” than others.

Within hours of the bill coming out of the Senate Public Safety Committee, BOMA Georgia had distributed letters to key members of the Senate urging them to carefully and thoroughly vet HB 119 before allowing it to advance.

The bill was added to the Senate’s final debate calendar, which Sen. McLaurin attempted to leverage to bring the Parking Enforcement Coalition and other interested stakeholders to the table.

Article continued on page 32

local advocacy

Do you know who your state representative is? Do you know how to contact them? Writing, calling, or emailing your local representative is one of the most direct ways you can affect governmental change, find your legislator on www.BOMAGeorgia.org under the Advocacy section.

ASK YOURSELF THESE QUESTIONS

Do my elevators run reliably?

Are there too many recurring elevator problems?

Do I only see the elevator technician when my elevator is broken?

Am I getting billed for trouble calls that could have been prevented by maintenance?

On some problems when I really need my elevator ser vice company to help me out, do I instead feel like I am being held over a barrel?

Now ask yourself this question: What would true preventive maintenance look like?

Our highly skilled technicians take pride in o ering world-class service with a friendly and professional approach.

To avoid the outright prohibition contained in HB 119, Sen. McLaurin requested that booting companies and BOMA Georgia voluntarily submit to several provisions, including:

• A prohibition on booting except where expressly authorized by local ordinance,

• A prohibition on predatory monitoring,

• A prohibition on property owners receiving any portion of booting fines,

• A 30-minute window to release a boot following payment, and

• A $50 cap on booting fines.

BOMA continued to communicate with all members of the Senate, calling for a more deliberative approach to this important issue.

Ultimately HB 119 faded as time expired on the final day of the 2023 legislative session. This is likely to be a priority issue for Sen. McLaurin in 2024 and both the original SB 247 and the amended HB 119 remain eligible for additional consideration next year.

For its part, BOMA will continue to have a seat at the table, advocating for property owners to have access to a variety of parking control methods, including vehicle booting and immobilization.

Amendments Matter

As the forty-day session wears on, it is rare for a bill to make it all the way to the floor in the second chamber without being amended along the way.

Those that pass cleanly are often technical measures offered by an executive agency; they have been carefully negotiated outside the legislative process and their passage is seen as essential for the operation of state government.

These measures are often shielded from some of the more imaginative techniques leveraged against other bills. Only after legislation has been adopted by both the House and the Senate in the exact same form will it go to the Governor. Preparing legislation for the Governor’s consideration is a process known as enrollment.

The enrolled copies of measures signed into law are permanently preserved by the Secretary of State as of the official text of the act.

Sign, Veto, or No Action

The Governor has forty days after the session ends to act on legislation. He can sign, veto, or take no action; if he takes no action, the bill automatically becomes law at the end of the forty-day window.

A veto by the Governor applies to the entire bill, except the two appropriations bills in which the Governor can veto specific budget items or programs. Some bills specify an effective date, but most new laws become take effect on July 1.

This year, the Association monitored 80 separate bills for the commercial real estate industry. Of those, 40 were favorably reported by a standing committee, twenty-one made it to the opposite chamber, and just eight are eligible for enactment by the Governor.

The successful passage or defeat of legislation takes a dedicated legislative sponsor, key messaging and engagement from stakeholders, and a dash of luck to make it through the gauntlet of the Georgia General Assembly.

Katie Roberts serves as Director of Government Affairs at Fiveash-Stanley, Inc. In this role, she is critical in managing legislative and regulatory issues specific to the industry. Fiveash-Stanley is recognized as one of Georgia’s leading government and public affairs consulting firms and has represented BOMA Georgia since 2000.

About the Author

The BOMA Georgia Foundation has helped numerous young and emerging professionals with their continuing education goals. Since the Foundation was created in 2014, it has awarded over 750 scholarships to individuals seeking a certificate or professional designation in real estate. The Foundation has also conducted more than 15 research projects and white papers, all designed to give real estate owners and managers new tools to add value to their properties.

INDIVIDUALS

Associate Individualdonorswhohavegiven$100-$199

Brock Gallman

Florence Barbour

Holli Ingels

Judi Clements

Bachelor

Patti Brown

Robyn Shaw

Russ Offerman

COMPANIES

Associate Companydonorswhohavegiven$500-$999

Allied Universal Security Services

Arborguard Tree Specialists

Atlanta Property Group

Banyan Street Capital

BMS CAT

Brand Real Estate Services

Capital City Mechanical Services

Individualdonorswhohavegiven$200-$349

Dusty Muck

Jacob Wilder

Masters

Jen Wright

Individualdonorswhohavegiven$350-$499

Natalie Tyler-Martin Scott Doksansky

Doctorate

Individualdonorswhohavegiven$500-$999

CapRidge Partners

CBRE

Colliers International

Core Property Capital

Cushman & Wakefield

Empire Roofing

Engineered Restorations

ENTEK SOLUTIONS

EPIC

Flagship Healthcare Properties

Full Circle Restoration, A Cotton Company

GBM - A Pritchard Company

Georgia Paving

Mayberry Electric

OA Management

P3 Painting & Renovations

Parker Young Construction, A RESCON Company

Parsons Roofing

Physicians Realty Trust

PM&A

Pope & Land Enterprises

Portman Management

Prologis

Roof Partners

Rubbermaid Commercial Products

Russell Landscape

SERVPRO of Decatur

SERVPRO of North Lilburn and North Lawrenceville

Structural Restoration Solutions

The Morley Companies

The RMR Group

Mark Gallman

Mike Valenzuela Vontreale Terry

Post-Doctorate

Individualdonorswhohavegiven$1,000+

Granite Properties

Gray Contracting

Highwoods Properties

JLL

Lillibridge Healthcare Services

The Simpson Organization

The Surface Masters

USI

Western Specialty Contractors

Gabriel Eckert

Mark Dukes Melody Frcek

Dean’s List

Individualdonorswhohavegiven$25,000ormore

Orlando Ojeda

ALLIED MEMBER PRODUCT AND SERVICE DIRECTORY

Access Control Systems

Dormkaba USA, Inc. (404) 210 0717

Airduct Cleaning

Ductz Of Greater Atlanta ........(770) 631-2424

Appraisal Consulting

Fellers, Schewe, Scott & Roberts, Inc. (770) 621-9548

Architects

Mosa Architects (404) 918-5433

Attorneys

Andre Kill & McCarthy LLP (404) 653-3005

Audio Visual Services Vertical AVTV ........................(404) 352-2488

Bldg Mgt Consultants

Lamarr.ai LLC (617) 913-8328

MRI Software ........................(800) 321-8770

Bldg Services

Bio Green Pressure Washing (404) 557-2777

CBM Atlanta Inc. (770) 988-9001

Century Fire Protection LLC

Contractors

Centennial Contractors Enterprises Inc. ...................(770) 613-2999

Crawford Contractor Connection

(470) 970-7467

Double T Contracting, Inc. (770) 617-0167

Gray Contracting (678) 530-9700

Innovative Engineering Inc. (678) 883-5868

Nova Commercial Interiors Inc. ........................(770) 592-0260

PKS Paving & Concrete Construction .........(404) 401-8551

Rand Construction Company ............................(770) 777-4177

Reliable Drywall & Paint, Inc. 678) 229-7905

Structural Restoration Solutions (404) 876-9408

Western Specialty Contractors of America (678) 553-0170

Distribution

JSG Companies (770) 374-3992

(678) 775-4870

Engineered Restorations Inc. (770) 682-0650

Painters on Demand ..............(404) 603-6550

WiseGuys Pro-Wash (404) 596-5559

Building Automation Controls

Dormkaba USA, Inc. .............(404) 210-0717

ENTEK SOLUTIONS (678) 910-1326

Hoffman Building Technologies (470) 387-1619

Siemens Industry Inc. (678) 230-0625

Carpet/Floor Mad Matter GA (678) 361-6704

ServiceMaster Cleaning & Restoration

(770) 514-1789

SOLID Surface Care, Inc. (404) 788-5425

Catering/Food Svcs

Ben & Jerry’s

Cleaning Equipment/Supplies

Spartan Chemical Company

Client Gifts and Recognition

(404) 666-2232

(843) 789-9821

Christie Cookie Co. ...............(470) 792-4868

Commercial Moving

Flood Brothers Commercial Moving and Storage (404) 799-3744

Construction

JSG Companies

Construction Products

The Home Depot Pro

Yancey Power Systems

(770) 374-3992

(470) 270-1379

(518) 651-6353

Electrical Allison-Smith Company ..........(404) 351-6430

Conger Electrical Services (678) 690-0038

Martin Technical, Inc. (770) 590-7449

Mayberry Electric, Inc. (404) 991-7007

Prime Power Services Inc. (678) 898-4960

Elevators/Escalators

Elevations South (404) 375-0390

Fujitec America Inc. ...............(770) 209-0322

Otis Elevator Company (980) 808-7026

Phoenix Elevator of Georgia (678) 574-2447

TK Elevator ...........................(770) 820-6579

Employment Specialist BG Talent (470) 724-0185

Core Executive Recruiting (352) 317-7026

Energy

Baker Engineering LLC .........(404) 307-3237

Lamarr.ai LLC (617) 913-8328

Mallory & Evans Service (478) 747-0551

McKenney’s Inc. (404) 622-5000

Tecta America (770) 740-0018

Trane....................................(678) 775-4179

Yancey Power Systems (518) 651-6353

Applied Technical Services (678) 444-2943

Criterium-Raby Engineers (770) 740-9720 IES Mach .............................(404) 759-5391

Innovative Engineering Inc. (678) 883-5868

Martin Technical, Inc. .............(770) 590-7449

Mayberry Electric, Inc. (404) 991-7007

NOVA Engineering & Environmental

SERVPRO of Norcross ..........(404) 640-7831

SERVPRO of North Lilburn SERVPRO of North Lawrenceville (770) 709-3266

Foreign Government Office

Quebec Government Office of Atlanta ............................(470) 814-3325

Glass

NGS Films and Graphics (470) 523-0014

Guard Services

Allied Universal Security Services

(678) 923-5775

Capital Guard Security ...........(770) 880-6389

EKG Security, Inc. 770-531-3326

Marksman Security Corporation

(678) 923-5775

Prosegur ..............................(770) 670-8902

Securitas Security Services USA

Security Solutions of America

(470) 773-1074

(470) 543-1157

Walden Security ....................(404) 937-1743

Health & Hygiene Products

Essity Professional Hygiene

GOJO Industries

Life Safety Solutions Plus LLC

Rubbermaid Commercial Products

HVAC

Addison Smith Mechanical Contractor Inc.

(678) 642-6042

(330) 819-0044

(770) 843-3671

(470)-356-5088

(770) 832-9006

Axis Portable Air ...................(706) 587-4304

Capital City Mechanical Services Inc. .......................(770) 449-0200

Daikin Applied (770) 514-5880

Ductz Of Greater Atlanta (770) 631-2424

ENTEK SOLUTIONS

Legacy Mechanical Services Inc.

Mallory & Evans Service

(678) 910-1326

(770) 432-1171

(478) 747-0551

Maxair Mechanical LLC .........(678) 940.7413

McKenney’s Inc.

(404) 622-5000

Shumate Mechanical, Inc. ......(678) 584-0880

Trane (678) 775-4179

Insurance

USI Insurance Services ..........(470) 428-9754

Interior Design

Mosa Architects (404) 918-5433

Nova Commercial Interiors Inc.

(770) 592-0260

ALLIED MEMBER PRODUCT AND SERVICE DIRECTORY

Janitorial

ABM

Allied International Cleaning Services, Inc.

Landscaping-Interior

Paper Products

(770) 634.0450

(770) 426-8779

BCJ Building Services ...........(770) 601-4880

Building Cleaning Solutions, Inc.

Building Maintenance Services Inc.

(678) 445-3806

(770) 218-2993

CBM Atlanta Inc. ...................(770) 988-9001

CleanRight Services

Constant Contract Services, LLC

Environmental Service Partners

GBM, A Pritchard Company

Georgia Pacific Corporation

(404) 267-1312

(404) 583-8514

(470) 654-0569

(770) 457-5678

(770) 815-9552

HTH Building Services Inc. (770) 988-0084

Planned Companies

Pro Squared

Janitorial Services

Rubbermaid Commercial Products

Junk Removal and Disposal

College HUNKS Hauling

Junk & Moving

(571) 220-7475

(678) 905-8885

(470)-356-5088

(770) 654-4289

Funky’s Junk Removal ...........(404) 351-1500

Lake Management

Aquascape Environmental

Landscaping-Exterior BrightView Landscape Services

Chapel Valley Landscape Co.

(678) 445-0077

(770) 822-9530

(470) 244-0980

Color Burst ...........................(770) 822-9706

Crabapple

LandscapExperts .................(770) 740-9739

Cumberland Landscape Group .................................(470) 423-4105

Gibson Landscape Services

Greenwood Group Landscape

HighGrove Partners

LandCare LLC

(404) 991-1864

(404) 886-6104

(678) 626-3469

(770) 510-8570

Landscape Workshop ............(678) 714-5100

Nature Scapes Inc.

(770) 923-7023

Ruppert Landscape ...............(770) 931-9900

Russell Landscape Group (404) 520-7903

The GreenSeason Group, Inc.

Yardnique Family of Companies

Life on Earth, LLC (404) 875-6706

Sedgefield Interior

Landscapes, Inc. (770) 984-0171

Lighting

Blue Frog Lighting.................(404) 569-7995

E. Sam Jones

Distributor Inc......................(404) 307-8504

Voss Lighting (770) 438-8557

Managed Services

Kastle Systems .....................(404) 272-4765

Marble Restoration & Maintenance

ADDCO Metal

Maintenance Co. .................(770) 985-5611

Mid America Specialty Services .............................(800) 544-4576

Natural Stone Services (404) 255-8133

Metal Fabrication

Elevations South ...................(404) 375-0390

Metal Finishing

ADDCO Metal

Maintenance Co. (770) 985-5611

Mid America Specialty Services .............................(800) 544-4576

Networking Infrastructure

AiOS Group (770) 743-9209

Office Furniture

Atlanta Office

Liquidators Inc. (404) 505-9623

Paint/Wallcoverings

A & D Painting Inc. (404) 376-7076

American Painting & Renovations Inc. (770) 995-8787

Artistic Painting Concepts (678) 222-6049

Atlanta Painting Company (770) 551-0101

Burke Painting, Inc. (770) 582-0847

CertaPro Painters of Atlanta (404) 548-7940

Certapro Painters of Duluth & Norcross (678) 895-5730

CertaPro Painters of Roswell (404) 913-3972

Horizon Painting and Renovations Inc. (404) 447-0385

Integrity Finishes, Inc. (678) 401-8969

KC Painting & Coatings (678) 691.1561

Oakcliff Painting (404) 867-3707

P3 Painting & Renovations.....(470) 350-2452

Paint Applicators (470) 606-4268

Atlantic Paper & Packaging (770) 461-3557

Essity Professional Hygiene (678) 642-6042

(678) 714-4114

(678) 812-9858

Yellowstone Landscape .........(678) 271-3700

Painters on Demand ..............(404) 603-6550

Sherwin-Williams 678-951-3214

Spectrum Painting Inc. ..........(770) 497-0101

Valcourt Building Services LLC (770) 971-2000

WiseGuys Pro-Wash .............(404) 596-5559

Pump Service and Repair

Monumental Equipment, Inc. ...................(770) 490-4001

Relocation Services

College HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving ....................(770) 654-4289

Flood Brothers Commercial Moving and Storage.............(404) 799-3744

Rentacrate Enterprises (678) 643-1551

Renovation

Cornerstone Renovation Group LLC

(770) 363-2529

Restoration Addco Restoration and Preservation Group, LLC (770) 688-5419

Cornerstone Renovation Group LLC (770) 363-2529

Riser Management

IMG Technologies, Inc. ..........(630) 737-9800

Roofing

All Roof Solutions Commercial Inc. (404) 697-9294

Ameristar Roofing (470) 680-9330

ApolloPrimm Commercial Roofing (770) 751-6191

C.L. Burks Construction ........(706) 372-0509

Commercial Roofing Group LLC .........................(770) 831-9440

Core Roofing Systems (678) 514-2846

Empire Roofing Company Inc. (770) 948-7663

ENCORE Roofing Inc. (770) 945-0100

Innovative Roofing Group (404) 351-8797

Parsons Roofing Company (678) 756-0224

Pinaire Roofing LLC ..............(470) 766-3464

Reliable Roofing (770) 457-0000

Roof Management Inc. ..........(770) 798-9102

Roof Partners LLC (770) 680-2900

Tecta America .......................(770) 740-0018

Tower Roofing (770) 592-9889

Vista Roofing Systems, LLC (913) 940-9687

Zurix Roofing Systems (706) 587-2009

Sealcoating

The Surface Masters Inc. (404) 821-2388

Security

ADT Commercial, LLC / Critical Systems (770) 612-9172

Allied Universal Security Services (678) 923-5775

Capital Guard Security (770) 880-6389

DataWatch Systems (678) 910-0778

ALLIED MEMBER PRODUCT AND SERVICE DIRECTORY

EKG Security, Inc. .................(770)-531-3326

Marksman Security Corporation

(678) 923-5775

Mitec Controls Inc. (770) 813-5959

Planned Companies (571) 220-7475

Prosegur (770) 670-8902

Securitas Security Services USA ......................(470) 773-1074

Security Solutions of America (470) 543-1157

Walden Security ....................(404) 937-1748

Signage

APCO Sign Systems (404) 688-9000

NGS Films and Graphics........(470) 523-0014

Riot Creative Imaging (404) 797-6785

Storage

Rentacrate Enterprises ..........(678) 643-1551

Tax Consultants

CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen) (404) 262-3300

Fellers, Schewe, Scott & Roberts, Inc.

(770) 621-9548

Graham Group ......................(404) 634-4652

Telecommunications

AiOS Group

Mobilitie

(770) 743-9209

(561) 878-1523

Waterford Consultants, LLC (703) 596-1022

Transportation

Universal Parking & Transportation (404) 798-6327

Tree Care/Tree Services

AKA Tree Service LLC (404) 713-4305

Arborguard Tree Specialists (404) 299-5555

Bartlett Tree Experts (770) 496-9848

BrightView Landscape Services .............................(770) 822-9530

Pelfrey Tree Service (678) 430-6216

SavATree ..............................(404)-288-8733

Sesmas Tree Service LLC (678) 896-8352

Tropical Plants Life on Earth, LLC ................(404) 875-6706

Waste Removal

American Disposal Services (678) 736-0140

Water Damage/Structure Drying

BELFOR Property

Restoration

BluSky Restoration Contractors

(770) 939-0128

(470) 345-5327

BMS CAT .............................(770) 614-3248

Capital Restoration (770) 825-3024

Champion Cleaning Services

(678) 920-8520

EPIC (770) 516-3491

Full Circle Restoration, A Cotton Company (770) 232-9797

Parker Young Construction, A RESCON Company (678) 634-8538

Remediation Group/ RGI Commercial (404) 214-1470

SERVPRO Of Decatur ...........(770) 820-1319

SERVPRO of North Lilburn SERVPRO of North Lawrenceville .........(770) 709-3266

Water Leakage Protection The Detection Group (470) 488-5106 WaterSignal LLC ...................(626) 222-7370

Water Treatment

Blackmore Enterprises Inc. (404) 474-4352

Waterproofing

Engineered Restorations Inc. (770) 682-0650

Structural Restoration Solutions ............................(404) 876-9408 The Morley Companies (770) 569-1100

Waterproofing Contractors Inc. (770) 449-5552 Western Specialty Contractors of America (678) 553-0170

Window Cleaning

Aguilar and Duran Enterprise LLC (770) 568-5444

Structural Restoration Solutions (404) 665-2265

Valcourt Building Services LLC ......................(770) 971-2000 Windows Top Of the Line High Rise Service LLC (404) 569-9544

Wireless Connectivity Mobilitie (561) 878-1523

Workplace Violence/Active Threat Training & Consulting

Consulting (404) 512-8649

Asphalt Paving

PKS Paving & Concrete Construction

www.pksasphaltpavingatlanta.com

Building Services & Maintenance

PKS Paving & Concrete Construction

www.pksasphaltpavingatlanta.com

Commercial Cleaning

Pritchard Industries, inc www.pritchardindustries.com

Concrete/Masonry/Structural Repairs

Engineered Restorations Inc. www.er-inc.net

Structural Restoration Solutions www.structural-rs.com

PKS Paving & Concrete Construction www.pksasphaltpavingatlanta.com

Western Specialty Contractors www.westerngroup.com

The Morley Companies www.morleycompany.com

Demolition

The Morley Companies www.morleycompany.com

Electrical Contractors

Eckardt Group www.eckardtgroup.com

Mayberry Electric, Inc. www.mayberryelectric.com

Elevators

Phoenix Elevator of Georgia www.phoenixelevatorofga.com

Escalators

Phoenix Elevator of Georgia www.phoenixelevatorofga.com

Environmental Consultants NOVA Engineering & Environmental www.usanova.com

Environmental Products & Services

The Morley Companies www.morleycompany.com

Parking Deck Maintenance

The Morley Companies www.morleycompany.com

PKS Paving & Concrete Construction www.pksasphaltpavingatlanta.com

Paving Products and Services

Georgia Paving, Inc. www.georgiapaving.com

PKS Paving & Concrete Construction www.pksasphaltpavingatlanta.com

Wildcat Striping & Sealing www.wildcatstriping.com

Pressure Washing

Structural Restoration Solutions www.structural-rs.com

Specialty Roofing & Coatings, Inc. www.src-roofing.com

Top of the Line High Rise Service www.highriseservice.com

Plumbing Products and Services

Art Plumbing www.artplumbing.com

Pumping Equipment

Monumental Equipment Inc www.monumentalequipment.com

Restoration & Preservation

Structural Restoration Solutions www.structural-rs.com

The Morley Companies www.morleycompany.com

Roofing Services and Products

Specialty Roofing & Coatings www.src-roofing.com/

Sealcoating

PKS Paving & Concrete Construction www.pksasphaltpavingatlanta.com

Wildcat Striping & Sealing www.wildcatstriping.com

Tree Care/Tree Services

Arborguard Tree Specialist www.arborguard.com

Waterproofing

Engineered Restorations Inc. www.er-inc.net

Structural Restoration Solutions www.structural-rs.com

The Morley Companies www.morleycompany.com

Top of the Line High Rise Service www.highriseservice.com

Waterproofing Contractors www.wcinc.com

Western Specialty Contractors www.westernspecialtycontractors.com

Windows/Cleaning Equipment/Supplies

Structural Restoration Solutions www.structural-rs.com

Top of the Line High Rise Service www.highriseservice.com