Nov/Dec Apartment Times

BROWNLEE WHITLOW & PRAET, PLLC

We Provide the Following Services to Property Managers and Owners: Purchase and Sale of Communities Lease Preparation and Negotiation Policy Review Defense of Property Claims

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4020 Westchase Blvd. Suite 530 Raleigh, NC 27607 Follow us on Social Media @brownleewhitlowpraet Visit us at: www.bwpf-law.com

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Eviction Appeals Fair Housing Compliance Instruction on Legal & Lease Issues, Fair Housing or any other legal topics.

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6060 Piedmont Row Drive South, Suite 575, Charlotte, NC 28287 704/334-9511 • 704/333-4221 (fax) • www.greatercaa.org The Apartment Times is published by the GCAA ©2019. The GCAA grants permission to reprint articles from Apartment Times, provided that credit is given to both the author and the publication, with the exception of information reprinted from other media, in which case permission must be obtained from the original source.

MISSION STATEMENT: The GCAA promotes the interests of its members through legislative advocacy, education and networking; and supports housing quality, value and choice throughout the Greater Charlotte community.

GCAA 2020 SPONSORS These member firms, recognizing the importance of the GCAA’s purposes and objectives, have provided additional, sustaining support to the Association. Please give them careful consideration, whenever possible, in your business dealings.

EXECUTIVE

CORPORATE

SUPPORTING

AFR Furniture Rental • ALN Apartment Data • Asurtey • Brownlee Whitlow & Praet, PLLC • CORT • Crescent Communities • Dasmen Residential • Grandbridge Real Estate Capital, LLC • Greystar • Loebsack & Brownlee, PLLC • Night Owl Contractors • Onsite Industries • Publix Super Market, Inc. • Redi Carpet • Reliable Restorations • Rent Ready • RestorePro Reconstruction • Securitas • Sherwin-Williams • Spangler Restoration • Spectrum Community Solutions • Westdale Real Estate Investment & Management • Yardi

1 Choice Construction Management • Ginkgo Residential • HD Supply Facilities Maintenance • Maintenance Supply Headquarters • Northwood Ravin • Real Floors • RKW Residential • Turner Asphalt • Weinstein Properties st

Blue Ridge Companies • Carocon Corporation • Full House Marketing • Glass Doctor • Lat Purser & Associates • Marsh Properties • SYNCO Properties

RESERVATION/CANCELLATION POLICIES FOR GCAA EVENTS: Dinner Meetings/Seminars: Reservations/cancellations must be made (either online, via email, or by phone) by the deadline published for each event on the GCAA’s website calendar (www.greatercaa.org).

NAA Education Classes: Registration and/or cancellation in writing only at least 14 days prior to initial scheduled class. For all GCAA events: No-shows and late cancellations will be responsible for payment.

2020 Board of Directors President: John Scott Trotter, SilverCap Partners, LLC Vice President: Deidre Wilson, Blue Ridge Companies Treasurer: Russell Tindall, Southwood Realty Secretary: Mike Rinaldo, New Horizons Unlimited LLC Immediate Past President: Holly Casper, RKW Residential Lisette Barteau, CoStar Group Gabrielle Bouknight, HHHunt Brian Brand, Guardian Construction John DeMario, RKWResidential Lisa Foley, Westdale Management Michael Gribble, Northwood Ravin Kate Irving Jarrell, BGMultifamily BetsyKirkpatrick,BGMultifamily Michelle O’Brien, RKW Residential Eddie Robertson, Redi Carpet Wendy Sikorski, GCI Residential Michael Susen, Greystar Michael Tubridy, Crescent Communities Leah Vinansky, Powerhouse Brianna Wood, Ginkgo Residential

GCAA Staff Kim Graham, MPA Executive Director kim@greatercaa.org Pat Dorcy, Director of Education pat@greatercaa.org Lonnie Harris, Director of Finance & Administration lonnie@greatercaa.org Michelle Manns, Director of Strategic Initiatives & Legislative Affairs michelle@greatercaa.org Ashley Honeycutt, Events Manager ashley@greatercaa.org Wesley Masters, Marketing & Communications Manager wesley@greatercaa.org

To advertise in Apartment Times please contact us at 704.334.9511 x109 or PR@greatercaa.org

from your president features 5 FROM YOUR PRESIDENT & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

7 FROM YOUR PSC PRESIDENT

8 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

9 COMMITTEE NEWS

14 THE BATTLE OF TYPE A UNITS

16 2021 EVENTS & EDUCATION CALENDAR

18 INSTRUCTOR APPRECIATION

20 2021 SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

23 MEMBERSHIP

24 EVENTS RECAP

28 2021 VIRTUAL FORECAST BREAKFAST

2020…We Survived (For the most part)

Just eight months after the COVID-19 pandemic sent shockwaves through the global economy, rental housing providers are still trying to get their bearings. The pandemic has accelerated many changes at our properties, some previously underway (virtual leasing) and others brand new (sociallydistanced operations). These times present their own challenges and uncertainties. Unfortunately, help has been slow to reach our owner members as funds earmarked for COVID-19 assistance remain unallocated while these owners navigate current eviction moratoriums.

While the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County led the state in the creation of rental assistance funds, most in the local multifamily industry find that the new statewide rental assistance programs are out-of-reach. This is due to the requirement that landlords agree not to evict assisted tenants for the duration of the lease, which is a requirement not found in many other states’ assistance programs. This prevents our owners from accessing much needed resources. With the threat of additional eviction moratoriums after the recent elections, owners are finding it hard to be optimistic that help is on the way unless changes are made to the current assistance programs.

Yet, thanks to our members, there were a few points of light in 2020 despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. For instance, earlier in the year, Camden Property Trust established a $5 million relief fund to help its residents pay rent. More locally, Grubb Properties discounted rent by 10% for its renters in April. And countless owners and management companies worked with tenants to provide discounts, accept partial payments and waive late fees. These concessions, no doubt, cost the local apartment industry tens of millions of dollars in lost revenue. However, we can all agree it was the right thing to do.

Other bright spots came by way of awards. The Greater Charlotte Apartment Association’s A.C.C.E.S.S. (Apartment Career Credentials that Empower Students to Succeed) Program was selected to receive the National Apartment Association’s (NAA) Anthony V. Pusateri Award for Comprehensive Program Excellence. In just its second year, the A.C.C.E.S.S. Program graduated five maintenance tech interns with one being hired full-time by Greystar. Also, one of our longstanding members, Ginkgo Residential, was honored by the Charlotte Observer as a Top Workplace for another year.

While there is plenty to be encouraged about, this year has left a lasting impact on all of us. The GCAA’s membership numbers are down as the pandemic has taken a toll on our supplier members, some of whom have had a sudden, prolonged drop in business that forced them to close their doors.

Additionally, some of our owner members had layoffs or have sold properties to fill the voids left by months of inability to collect rents or evict non-payers. And, the GCAA has had its own reduction in staff as a result of the pandemic’s financial impact.

Despite this, the GCAA remains ready to meet 2021 head-on. We will continue to meet the needs of our long-time members, look forward to helping new members and stand ready to continue to serve as a critical resource for our industry. It is likely that 2021 will have its fair share of COVID-related challenges.

We survived 2020, for the most part, and we will confidently face whatever a new year brings.

We thank you for taking this journey with us. #WeAreGCAA John Scott Trotter, Board President Kim Graham, Exective Director

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2021 trade show

MARCH 25, 2021

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WHO SHOULD ATTEND? APARTMENT OWNER/OPERATORS MULTIFAMILY DEVELOPERS COMMUNITY, ASSISTANT & REGIONAL MANAGERS LEASING PROFESSIONALS MAINTENANCE TECHNICIANS & SUPERVISORS MARKETING, TRAINING & PURCHASING DIRECTORS WHAT DO GUESTS GET? 156 UNIQUE EXHIBITORS HUNDREDS OF PRODUCTS & SERVICES TO EXPLORE DELICIOUS FOOD SELECTIONS NETWORKING TIME WITH PEERS AND PALS DOOR PRIZES AND GIVEAWAYS CASH BARS & CONCESSION STAND AVAILABLE WHAT ABOUT PRIZES? GRAND PRIZE: $1,000 CASH FROM GCAA FIVE $100 CASH PRIZES FROM GCAA & SO MUCH MORE!

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from your products and services council president

One Heck of a Year...

As outgoing President, this will be my last letter to you, and I can say it has been one heck of an interesting year! Most of us have said it at least once this year, in some form, “When will 2020 end?” … “I can’t wait for 2021 so we can put this year behind us” … “You had to know that was going to happen, it’s 2020.”

It’s a common narrative that allows us to blame a specific circumstance for a sequence of negative events. It also allows for us to have hope for a better future.

Brian Brand I am here to tell you that when the calendar resets in a month, the circumstances that we face will not. I don’t bring this to light to insert negative energy into the coming year, but to merely challenge you to change the lens that we will use to measure positivity for the future. While 2020 came with a unique set of challenges, the world made amazing adjustments to overcome these obstacles. As an industry, we have done the same.

Over the course of this year, we have adapted to our circumstances, and worked diligently to maintain our value proposition to our owners and suppliers by shifting to a virtual platform. While many of our social events had to be delayed, canceled or changed, we still found ways to bring value to our associate members through a variety of online offerings. We started the COVID-19 Era with "PSC Presents," an opportunity for our supplier members to share not only their services, but a unique perspective on various topics. We also hosted a virtual business exchange, that paired suppliers and prospects in a one-on-one meeting to discuss business opportunities. We found ways to gather in small groups, in a safe manner, that would allow us to keep a version of our social element. As we close the book on 2020, let’s look back at what we have learned from this year and how we found ways to succeed in the face of adversity.

Let’s look forward to 2021, not with unrealistic expectations, but with the knowledge that we have gained as the foundation for future successes. I would like to especially thank the GCAA staff for the countless hours of planning and effort that went into this year.

Action Plus Ideas has been servicing clients nationwide for more than 26 years and has built an outstanding reputaion based on our ability to provide unique and quality branded items. We are passionate about providing excellent customer service to meet and exceed every need.

Proud Member of the GCAA for 5 Years

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board of directors

Board of Directors In October, the GCAA’s Nominating Committee developed the following list of Board of Directors candidates for consideration by the full membership. The GCAA is pleased to present the following 2021 Board of Directors roster: NEWLY-OR RE-ELECTED MEMBERS:

RETURNING BOARD MEMBERS (No re-election required):

FOR 3-YEAR OWNER/MANAGEMENT TERMS: Tiffany Edwards, Northwood Ravin

Lisette Barteau, CoStar Group Gabrielle Bouknight, HHHunt John DeMario, RKW Residential Lisa Foley, Morgan Properties Michael Gribble, Northwood Ravin Kate Irving Jarrell, BG Multifamily Betsy Kirkpatrick, BG Multifamily Michelle O’Brien, RKW Residential Eddie Robertson, Redi Carpet Wendy Sikorski, GCI Residential Michael Susen, Greystar Michael Tubridy, Crescent Communities Leah Vinansky, Powerhouse Brianna Wood, Ginkgo Residential

Shane Raby, Tribridge Residential Russell Tindall, Southwood Realty John Scott Trotter, SilverCap Partners Michael Tubridy, Crescent Communities Deidre Wilson, Blue Ridge Companies FOR 3-YEAR ASSOCIATE TERMS: Brian Brand, Guardian Construction Patrick Johnson, Brownlee Whitlow & Praet Jonathan Cheville, Crown Town Carpentry

Outgoing Members As 2020 draws to a close, the GCAA would like to express its gratitude to two Board members who will be concluding their terms of service this December. Each has made a unique contribution to the GCAA, and we thank them for their unprecedented volunteer efforts as Board members.

Mike Rinaldo New Horizons Unlimited

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Holly Casper RKW Residential

committee news

Final Reports from the GCAA’s 2020 Committee/Council Chairs Read all about the accomplishments of our councils and committees throughout the past year and consider joining one of these dynamic groups in 2020.

BUS TOUR Brianna Wood - Ginkgo Residential This year the Bus Tour Committee started planning two exciting tours, unfortunately we were forced to cancel both due to COVID-19 restrictions and capacity limits. Originally, we had planned the 6th annual GCAA Rehab Tour (The Multifamily Makeover Tour) and the 24th annual GCAA New Construction Tour which have been postponed to 2021.

I would like to thank all our committee members for all the hard work put into planning both tours for 2020. As we look forward to the future, we are excited to feature NEW properties and creative ways to make our 2021 Bus Tours better than ever!

EDUCATION ADVISORY COUNCIL Kate Irving Jarrell - BG Multifamily We all knew by April that the word of the year would be “pivot”. Not one for ignoring innovation, it’s been one of the most progressive years that the EAC has seen. From pivoting our classes to accommodate virtual teaching, pivoting to allow for socially distanced in-person credential classes and constantly keeping our students and educators up to date on what was happening, I can say truthfully that I think we’ve all earned a restful holiday season.

Without bringing the pandemic with us into 2021, I hope we retain some of the things we’ve been taught this year. Pivoting, for example, can be a good thing. Allowing for additional methods of teaching means more room for growth and a wider area of educational reach if we can teach virtually. 2020 has also brought in a new wave of advocacy for underrepresented people groups; our Black brothers and sisters, the disabled population, our LGBTQ+ friends and our Latinx colleagues. With the birth of the GCAA’s Diversity & Inclusion Task Force, the EAC has been able to jump on board and ask questions such as “how do we reach these people groups when it comes to credentials, scholarships and continuing education for the industry?”.

It’s no secret that this year has thrown into sharp relief and imbalance of diversity amongst credential holders, students and yes, even educators.

Another thing 2020 has taught us is that change is a marathon, not a sprint. As the EAC continues to partner with the D&I task force, which will become a full fledged committee in 2021, we will strive to keep asking these tough questions, strive for diversity, equality and

above all, respect for all people in our beloved industry. We’ve seen a tough year. We’ve also learned that things like human touch, support for one another and the ability to be real in a world that seems to be falling apart is what makes our GCAA special. This year might have just put the “family” in “multifamily”.

As my tenure comes to a close, I can’t help but reflect on what a powerful two years we’ve had in the EAC. 15 potential new instructors have joined our ranks, 49 credentials have been earned (25 this year) and we’ve seen some of the biggest student numbers in recent history. Our powerful years did not come from me, but from our passionate group of people who’ve come together for the purpose of education in this industry. It’s amazing what a group of people can do when they have a single vision in mind.

During my maternity leave earlier this year, I was able to pass the proverbial torch to Shane Raby of Tribridge Residential. Shane’s enthusiasm for not only training, but in furthering his own instructing skills made him an easy choice for succeeding me as EAC president, serving in 2021-2022.

Thank you to our instructors, the GCAA staff, the support of the Board of Directors, and to all our students who choose to invest in themselves and this industry through education.

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS John DeMario - RKW Residential The Government Affairs committee was very active in 2020 and handled each curve ball thrown in its direction. There are many victories to note including: • An adjustment to Type A units which has reverted the NC code back to 5% of the first 100 units plus 2% of the additional units as the required number of Type A fully accessible units. The change also makes 20 units the starting point for requiring Type A units. This lessens the number of units our development members need to include on projects and removes another sore point to the continued growth in our region.

• An amendment to the state fire code was finalized this year and allows our communities to continue to use door to door trash services. This service is widely used in our area and provides an additional revenue stream to communities.

• Worked with industry partners to advocate proposed changes in the Charlotte Stormwater Pollution Control Ordinance (SWPCO) to ensure that changes to the ordinance were in the best interest of our members.

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committee news

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The development of a Census 2020 toolkit, which included information sessions with a member of the Census team, and the dissemination of information to on site teams on how to work with Census workers to gain accurate information for multifamily units.

• We were also able to get in a voter registration drive for the primary election before COVID-19 hit.

The work continues though. COVID-19 provides an ever-changing set of rules and needs as it relates to the operations of our communities.

Our committee has worked to provide information sessions and free webinars for our members, with the help of Chris Loebsack, Norm Praet, Patrick Johnson and others, to keep everyone aware of how to operate, and what the new rules mean for our operations, evictions, and rent collections. We will continue to do this as we move through the next weeks and months.

We also face a new challenge when it comes to affordable housing.

While there is a need to address this issue head on, the past months have brought a wave of conversation surrounding creating Source of Income Discrimination (SOID) laws locally and statewide. This proposal would make it mandatory for owners and operators to accept Housing Choice Voucher and other HUD rental assistance if the unit matched certain guidelines. The GCAA works in tandem with the Rental Housing Alliance (RHA) PAC, an advocacy group for all our members. However, we will also need the support of our members to help us in our opposition to the mandatory nature of this proposal.

We have already seen a disinformation campaign begin from those who want to move SOID further. We are working with our partners at the AANC on a sub-committee working group so that our efforts are combined with others throughout the state.

As we move in to 2021, the Government affairs committee has clear challenges it will continue to address. It has been my pleasure to chair this committee for 2 years, as we have stepped up to make positive changes for our members. I also take pride in the fact that our committee has grown from the beginning of 2020 to the end. There is an interest in our actions, and more voices help refine our purpose.

GREEN Rebecca Mignery - SLNusbaum Realty Co. From streets to streams, the Green Committee had another successful year in 2020. We’ve continued our smoke-free certifications, welcoming communities both new and transitional. Our Adopt-a-Street and Adopt-a-Stream programs are always looking for additional volunteers, as we continue to Keep Charlotte Beautiful. Our social media pages have served as a great tool to communicate to GCAA members how exactly "to be green". Lastly, we’re continuing to work on ways to help revamp other initiatives with the City and County to have a greater and greener impact on our community.

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MEMBERSHIP Michelle O'Brien - RKW Residential Missy Clements -RangeWater Real Estate In a year that’s been filled with so many ups and downs for the multifamily industry, we truly believe that membership has provided many privileges for our members. Whether it’s been access to our new downloadable member directory or exclusive COVID-related content on the GCAA website…we’ve spent this year with our members at the forefront of our minds.

At the beginning of the year, we transitioned to an annual renewal process from a rolling renewal to make it easier for members to budget GCAA dues while also simplifying accounting procedures. We also added a Member Services email account to provide one place for members to send their concerns and requests. The entire GCAA leadership and staff have recommitted themselves to ensuring excellent customer service.

The GCAA wasn’t immune to COVID-19 and we saw our membership roll take a hit. We lost suppliers whose businesses were severely impacted by stay-at-home orders and mandatory closings. We will greatly miss those members. At the same time, we gained some new members, and we look forward to what they will contribute to the Association.

A few of our highlights for the year (as of October 30th) include: • New supplier member sign-ups increased by 7% over 2019.

• A downloadable membership directory was made available on the website to assist suppliers in busines development and owners in finding reliable service providers.

Our member breakdown is as follows: Owner, Small owner and Owner no units Supplier members Apartment communities

219 259 741

A special thanks to all of our Committee members for investing their time and talents to support the GCAA’s membership efforts. The Membership Committee is critical to the work of this Association by connecting new as well as current members to the many opportunities available. If you missed a membership event in 2020, make it your mission to attend one or more in 2021.

MULTIFAMILY CAREER AWARENESS Betsy Kirkpatrick - BG Multifamily Chiccorra Connor - Occupancy Heroes The Multifamily Careers Awareness Committee exited 2019 with great success and had plans to soar through 2020 with even greater success. Then out of nowhere COVID-19 reared its ugly head. It is not easy to hear of tragedy all around and still focus on your goals. Most of our plans

committee news

would likely not have gone unaffected. Difficult times like these may look and feel unique, indeed some are historical, but there is an underlying commonality of all struggles. It is that the people who are unwilling to give up; that remain unwavering in their pursuit of success itself, taking it as a duty, generally fare better. Challenging times may shape us, but we don't have to let them break us.

Now more than ever in 2020, it was time for us to embrace our creativity, talents, and passion. We embraced that life is still happening and people still need viable careers. Despite the present troubles, properties are still exchanging hands, communities are seeing increases in leasing, and maintenance teams are hard at work, giving us yet another reason to praise them. Our nation recognizes how vital our industry is.

We have great plans for 2021 and we are looking forward to helping those plans of action come into fruition. The 2021 MCAC Committee mission has three objectives. First is the #IAmGCAA Careers Social Media Campaign, a new initiative to spotlight industry professionals and their unique stories. Second is a renewed effort to build relationships in our top ten Charlotte area community colleges and high schools and participate in their job fairs and career services efforts. Third is an effort to raise the bar even higher for the May 2021 Hiring Extravaganza and incorporate Maintenance and Leasing into our recruitment efforts.

Want to help? Join our committee! Or send us your story (video of 90 seconds or less) and help us raise awareness for this fantastic industry!

NEXT GEN Wendy Sikorski - GCI Residential, LLC

OUTREACH Lisa Foley - Morgan Properties It’s unbelievable that in a couple of months 2020 will be over. The Outreach Committee continues to achieve much success by giving back to those in need. Thisyear,we’ve continued our partnership with Urban Ministry Center, Samaritan House, The Relatives and Moore Place residents. Under normal (non-pandemic) circumstances, our committee members volunteer monthly on a rotational basis to serve refreshments to the homeless at Urban Ministry Center, dinner at The Relatives and lunch at Samaritan House. At Moore Place, a wellness initiative encourages residents to participate in the “Living Well Health Challenge” Program, which allows residents to work with a trainer and receive nutritional guidance. Our annual charity bowling tournament fortunately carried on this year and saw new attendance numbers and helped us raise money for APT scholarships. Early into 2020, we were faced with a challenge as a committee. In-person volunteering had to cease to protect the safety and health of all parties involved. This meant volunteering would look completely different. Despite these difficulties and tweaks, our committee has stayed committed to serving these organizations to the best of our abilities. We created a blog post on the GCAA website to help members stay up-to-date with ways they can assist the community during COVID. We decided to create this blog post since giving back was still needed in the community, despite the world seemingly crumbling around us. This served as a helpful resource and is something we will continue to update and add to in 2021.

We’re excited & looking forward to the opportunities in 2021!

During 2020, the Next Gen Committee worked on continuing our growth and meeting all the needs of GCAA members.

We are enthusiastically investing in the future of our industry, by being proactively involved with the advancement of our young apartment professionals. Our first social event of this year was our Re-branding Brewery Tour Kickoff which was a huge success. We had almost 40 attendees come out to celebrate and embrace our Next Gen Committee.

During the year, we had many other planned events such as the 1st Annual Queens Cup Steeplechase Tailgate, Classroom Central, Annual Kickball Tournament and bi-monthly brewery tours.

Unfortunately, we were not able to host all these events and look forward to coming back strong next year.

Our final event of the year will be our Ugly Sweater Party on December 17th. After this, we are looking forward to next year and our continued development within the GCAA. We will continue our Bi-Monthly brewery tours throughout 2021 while exploring new areas of Charlotte to showcase. Keep an eye out for our official rescheduled date for the Queens Cup in April of 2021!

PRODUCTS & SERVICES COUNCIL Brian Brand - Guardian Construction While 2020 was not what we expected, the PSC had a great year with lots of NEW accomplishments! Many of our members anticipated our large events, such as the Trade Show or Charity Golf Classic, but 2020 looked a bit different. While we were not able to see each other conventionally we thought of new, creative ways to make it happen!

Early in the year, PSC’s program planning committee, Associate Development, was able to host our Morning Perks event, which it was a HUGE success! Ellie Norton spoke on “Burnout is Real” with over 70 members in attendance at Novel Montford Park. We look forward to continuing the success of this series in 2021.

After COVID-19 affected so many of our events, we started a new webinar series, “PSC Presents”, which showcased topics such as the power of authenticity and leading in uncertainty.

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committee news This was an excellent opportunity for our supplier members to share their expertise with all GCAA members. All our presenters went above and beyond, for which we could not be more thankful!

During the month of September, we hosted a month-long virtual business exchange. We held over 65 private one-on-one meetings for our supplier members to get that much needed “face-to-face” time with our Owner/Management partners.

A special thanks to the entire PSC committee who worked so hard to make this year as amazing as possible! We will continue the hard work into 2021 and encourage our supplier members to join the PSC. We are looking forward to 2021 and getting back to normal!

We have the “American Heroes” Trade Show scheduled for March 25, 2021 at the Park Expo Center and the Charity Golf Classic on May 14, 2021 at Olde Sycamore Golf Plantation.

PROGRAMS Gabrielle Bouknight - HHHunt The 2020 Programs Committee has done a fantastic job staying the course and reinventing GCAA learning opportunities.

2020 started out strong with the always popular, Economic Forecast Breakfast on January 30th with GCAA favorite Mark Vitner, Wells Fargo Managing Director and Senior Economist, Cindy Clare, Bell Partners Chief Operating Officer and NAA’s Government Affairs Manager of Public Policy, Jodie Applewhite. The event took place at Le Meridien Hotel with a stellar turnout of 265 attendees.

Our February 19th Dinner Meeting at the Crowne Plaza featured the dynamic Apartment All Star, Kate Good. She provided cutting edge industry trends on what we can expect from the Gen Z’s. 128 enthusiastic GCAA members came out to see Kate shine!

In person seminars obviously were few, however we were able to host 8 essential trainings with a total of 232 attendees. Hands on HVAC Troubleshooting and Appliance Repair with Chadwell Supply’s Vann Flippen, Regional Manager Training with Kelly Thomas and Amy Kosnikowski, Understanding Property Financials with Mindy McCorkle, Landlord Tenant Law and NAA Lease Review with Patrick Johnson and Fair Housing Training with the City of Charlotte Community Relations Team.

Once COVID-19 hit, the GCAA staff jumped in with both feet and offered free webinars hosted by wonderful GCAA instructors who donated their time and talent. These came at a time when people needed both support and information! In all, GCAA hosted 8 free webinars with 456 attendees. Topics and teachers included Managing the Madness with Mindy McCorkle, COVID-19 Property Clean Up with Restore Pro, Change Management through the Eye of a Needle with Dr. Debbie Phillips, Straight up Communications with Rebecca Rosario, Covid-19 Evictions and Fair Housing Updates with Chris Loebsack, Homelessness & Housing Policies with Pam Weidman, Fred Dodson and Phillip Pane and HUD Guidelines for Emotional Support Animals with Patrick Johnson.

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GCAA’s legendary veteran CPO instructor of 25 years, Roy Fielding, passed away suddenly in late March. Roy taught 1000s of students at Associations throughout our state and will be missed by many. Roy was a Senior Lecturer UNC Charlotte and on the National Advisory Board for the American Red Cross. The GCAA would like to thank Mark Cukro, Service Team Training, for stepping in for us this year. Mark was able to certify 74 students through online CPO and in class trainings to leave us with a total number of 132 CPO students for the year.

GCAA Appreciation Night at Top Golf on November 12 was a highly anticipated opportunity for outdoor and socially-distanced fun in honor of all our on-site apartment heroes. A great addition this year was the RHA PAC fundraiser event. Thank you to all appreciation gift sponsors and RHA PAC fundraising sponsors.

The Bravo Awards will be our last virtual event of the year and although it won’t be in person, there will be watch parties and lots of interactive celebrations of our 150 nominated apartment industry heroes. We look to 2021 for a future filled with new opportunities for our committee to meet its goal of providing exceptional learning and networking experiences to meet the changing needs of GCAA members.

Interested in joining a committee in 2021?

Visit greatercaa.org/committees-and-councils to read more about committee & council opportunities.

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Goverment affairs highlights

By Michelle Manns, GCAA's Director of Strategic Initiatives & Legislative Affairs What sometimes starts out as bad can end well. That was the case with the battle of the Type A unit calculation reversion.

It all started in late 2018 when the fight for valet trash was just beginning to gear up. Led by GCAA member Charley Watts and supported by the GCAA and the AANC, we all worked hard and fought to the end to convince the NC Department of Insurance (NCDOI) and the North Carolina Building Code Council (BCC) of the need to revert the requirements for the number of Type A units back to the requirement consistent with the 2012 code.

Late 2018 It all started with a discreet appearance and request to the NC Building Code Council in late 2018 to increase the number of all accessible units from 2% to 5%.

A staffer with the NC Department of Insurance and advocate for accessibility convinced the BCC to increase the A type unit count to 5% of the total developed without any input or notice to the apartment industry. No one knew about it and therefore no one opposed it. The Apartment Association had previously gone through the process of changing the requirement to the 5% plus 2% compromise into the 2012 Code.

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January 2019 Charley contacts the GCAA Charley Watts, a long-time multifamily architect and member of the GCAA, realizes that we cannot allow this change to ride and contacts the GCAA. We agreed! We knew we must try to get this provision changed back to the previous rule (which was a compromise from the IBC) to 5% of the first 100 and 2% of any above that number.

February 2019 A small working group is established to strategize A working group consisting of the GCAA and member representatives was established. It met to prepare a strategy to have the code reverted to the 2% requirement and discuss the path of getting the code requirement reverted.

March 2019 DOI staff challenges our position and stands by its interpretation After reaching out to the NCDOI to get a better understanding of its rationale, email exchanges occur, and we defend each position. This is a statewide issue, so we enlist the help of the AANC. The AANC agrees to join the cause.

April 2019 GCAA conducts survey of owners and operators GCAA develops and distributes a survey to obtain information concerning the usage of accessible units at their GCAA member properties. The surveys concluded that 3.2% of the units were Type A,thirty percent (30%) of the apartment communities’ units had remained vacant at least 60 days or more and 43% had to offer reduced rents or concessions to lease them. This supports our request to revert the code back.

May – September 2019 Application to change code back to 2% is filed with the NC Building Code Council An application is submitted to the BCC on behalf of the AANC requesting that the code requirement be changed back to the 2012 code. The application moves successfully throughout the BCC’s process but hits a snag in October.

October 2019 Things began to heat up We send our interpretation of the rule to the BCC. In response, the NCDOI staff presented its interpretation as well and the matter is taken under advisement by the BCC. December 2019 Uncertainty The NCDOI staff surprisingly appears at the December 12 BCC hearing to oppose our request with information we feel is inaccurate.

This throws a wrench in the process. However, the BCC advanced our item to the March 2020 agenda for approval.

February 2020 Meeting with NCDOI staff to try to come to an understanding Representatives of the RHA PAC/GCAA, AANC and Charley meet with the NCDOI’s Chief Accessibility Code Consultant to attempt to reach a consensus on this issue and garner the department’s endorsement prior to the next March BCC meeting.

March 2020 Victory!

On March 10, the BCC approves our request to revert the Type A unit calculation to 5% for the first 100 units and 2% for the rest passed with no discussion. The next step is to wait on the Rules Review Commission discussion in May. Until the Rules Review Commission approves the language, we are unable to implement the “approved” change.

May 2020 It’s official!

We receive news that the Rules Review Commission accepted the code change language on May 21st and it is available for use as an Alternate Method until January 1, 2021, when it officially becomes part of the NC Code. This code amendment can be used on all projects in North Carolina immediately.

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2021 calendar of events & education

2021 GCAA Events & Education Calendar Visit the GCAA Events Calendar online at greatercaa.org/events for details & RSVP options (Events are posted online as details are finalized) 1/26

NC Pool Certification 9am-5pm 5 CECs $159 GCAA Members ; $206 Public

6/8

NC Pool Certification 9am-5pm 5 CECs $159 GCAA Members ; $206 Public

1/28

Virtual 2021 Fun Kickoff Celebration Via Zoom 11am-1pm .5 CEC $25 GCAA members; $33 Public

8/18

2/25

2021 Economic Forecast Breakfast Via Zoom 9-10am 1CEC $39 GCAA Members; $49 Public

Understanding Property Financials With Mindy McCorkle 9am-5pm 6 CECs Basic 9am-12pm / Advanced 1:30-4:30pm $99 -$159 GCAA Members

3/19

3/31

Live Online CFC/EPA Certification with John Riggs Via Zoom 9am-1pm $179 GCAA Members; $225 Public Assistant Manager Superstar Training With Mindy McCorkle 9am-12pm 3 CECs $99 for GCAA Members; $129 Public

3/24

American Heroes Trade Show The Park Expo & Conference Center

4/13

NC Pool Certification 9am-5pm 5 CECs $159 GCAA Members; $206 Public

4/14

May TBD 5/12

5/13

5/14

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National Pool Certification 9am-5pm 5 CECs $300 GCAA Members combined with 4/13 NC CPO Leasing & Manager Appreciation Night NC Pool Certification 9am-5pm 5 CECs $159 GCAA Members; $206 Public National Pool Certificattion 9am-5pm 5 CECs $300 GCAA Members combined with 5/13 NC CPO Charity Golf Classic Olde Sycamore Golf Plantation

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September TBD New Construction Bus Tour Leasing 101 With Mindy McCorkle 9am-5pm 6 CECs $139 GCAA Members; $180 Public

9/8

October TBD

Service Team Appreciation Night

November TBD

Volunteer Appreciation Night

December TBD

Bravo Awards Gala NAAEI Credential Classes April 15, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30

Certified Apartment Manager (CAM) $965 June 22 , 24, 28, 30, July 1 Certified Apartment Portfolio Supervisor (CAPS) $999 8/5, 8/6, 8/10, 8/11, 8/19, 8/20 , 8/24, 8/25, 8/31 Certified Apartment Maintenance Technicians (CAMT) $499 TBD Certified Apartment Leasing Professional (CALP formerly NALP) $499 September 27-30 Certified Apartment Manager Fast Track (CAM) $965 September 27-29 Certified Apartment Supplier (CAS) $499 November 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19 Train the Trainer

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instructor appreciation

Thank you to our 2020 Instructors Without our amazing instructors, 2020 would not have been as successful.

We thank these instructors for their passion, time, effort and dedication to the future of the apartment industry.

CAMT: Chris Moffett Ed Shaffer Jonathan Cheville Paul Buchman

NALP: Dana Montgomery Ellie Norton Kate Irving Jarrell Kelly Thomas Lauren Lee Kim Upton Mary Beth MacKenzie Mike Rinaldo Teresa Sandman

CAM: Kate Irving Jarrell Kim Upton Marcie Williams Mary Beth MacKenzie Melody Adames Melody Poetzsch Mindy McCorkle Tami Fossum Teresa Sandman CAPS: Marcie Williams Melody Poetzsch Mindy McCorkle Tami Fossum

If you're interested in being an instructor for 2021, contact Pat Dorcy at pat@greatercaa.org

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ACCESS program feature

Mitigate Risk with NAA Click & Comply

RISK MITIGATION Automate and trust that your properties NAA’s newest performance management and compliance software allows property management companies to consolidate processes and systems into one place for ease of use, transparency and communication for your teams.

are remaining compliant.

Benefits: RISK MITIGATION

• Mitigate risk across your entire portfolio

SOPS

• Extend the life of costly equipment • Achieve consistency and compliance INSPECTIONS

PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE

• Save time and avoid costly violations • Lower insurance premiums and deductibles

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• Build accountability and trust through real time visibility

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PREVENTATIVE

Learn more or request a demo at comply.naahq.org. apartment times

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2021 Sponsorship Opportunities GCAA’s Sponsorship Program allows YOU to choose the benefits that suit your company best! The three levels of Sponsorship offer affordable options for companies of all sizes. 2021 Sponsorship requests are processed as received; respond quickly for the best selections.

Benefits

Executive $3000

Corporate $1600

Supporting $800

Listed as a sponsor in the 2021 Apartment Times magazine, Weekly E-blast Banners, sponsorship display board and general meeting slideshow.

Program Sponsorship: Greet and distribute marketing materials to attendees at one of the continuing education trainings or leadership programs. You may also provide food at your own cost.

One free advertisement in the Virtual Apartment Times Magazine. You choose one of six issues. *Size varies for sponsorship level.

Company logo appears on GCAA Homepage.

ONE of the following: - One Trade Show Booth at the 2021 GCAA Trade Show (limited number available).

- One Major Event Sponsorship.

Receive microphone time, distribute marketing materials and have your company name on all pre-event promotion.

Includes two admissions to sponsored event.

- Board of Directors Meeting Presentation.

Send two representatives to attend a GCAA board meeting and have a five minute presentation before the meeting.

- Social Media Blitz.

Run 3 ads on a chosen GCAA social media platform for your company.

To enroll please visit Greatercaa.org. Enrollment deadline is November 29, 2020.

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2021 sponsorship opportunities

Thank you 2020 Sponsors Executive

2021 Sponsorship Opportunities GCAA’s Sponsorship Program allows YOU choose the benefits that suit your company best! The three levels of Sponsorship offer affordable options for companies of all sizes. 2021 Sponsorship requests are processed as received; respond quickly for the best selections. *These dates are tentative and subject to change.**

2021 Major Events:

Corporate

Forecast Breakfast (Feb 2021) January General Meeting (Jan 2021) Golf Classic (May 14, 2021) Next Gen Queen's Cup (April 24, 2021) Leasing & Manager Appreciation Night (May 2021) Multifamily Makeover Tour (May 2021) Reverse Trade Show (August 2021) New Construction Bus Tour (September 2021) Service Team Appreciation Night (November 2021)

2021 Programs & Seminars:

Supporting

Pool School (February 25, April 13, May 13, June 9) Assitant Manager Training (March 2021) Fair House Training (April 2021) EPA Section 608 Certification (April 2021) Understanding Property Financials (August 2021) Leasing 101 (August 2021) Landlord Tenant Law (September 2021) NAA Lease Review (October 2021)

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Call Now 704-909-7616

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event recap

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SERVICES Asphalt Milling Asphalt Repair Parking Lot Accessories & Asset Protection Concrete Repairs Crack Sealing Liquid Road Treatment Pavement Striping Paving Seal Coating

The Carolinas’ #1 Choice for

PAVED ASSET MANAGEMENT

ABOUT RAM RAM Pavement is an asphalt services company based in Charlotte.

From conception through completion, RAM Pavement offers the finest in pavement services to Charlotte and surrounding areas.

Our emphasis continues to be on great communication with a plan for cost-effectiveness and timely execution. Our team of skilled employees is committed to doing the job right the first time. We understand the demanding job of property managers and owners, so we strive to view paved assets the way you do. Our proven process helps maintain safety and aesthetics in parking lots and paved areas while making sure every job site is left cleaner than we found it.

Most owners and property managers need safety for their patrons and predictable costs for their bottom line. RAM Pavement has a proven process for taking your paved asset from unpredictable to future-proof.

CORE VALUES We give second chances, give people grace, look people in the eye, are always already listening, and are truthful.

We honor our word, do complete work, give back, and always complete The Last 5%.

We take ownership of what we do, see more in individuals than they see in themselves, and feel that everyone is a leader.

CONTACT US RAM Pavement Services Inc. 551 E. Hebron St. Charlotte, NC 28273 704.622.1300 info@rampavement.com

We’re innovative, have honest conversations and open dialogue.

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join a committee or council

GCAA needs YOUR ideas in 2021; join a volunteer Committee or Council!

Serving on one of the Greater Charlotte Apartment Association’s Volunteer Committees is a great way to connect with our growing organization and the ever-changing apartment industry. As a committee member, you’ll network with other industry professionals while participating in important Association business and decision-making. Choose to be involved in 2021.

BUS TOUR COMMITTEE: This committee’s members play key roles in planning and executing the GCAA’s annual New Construction Bus Tour, a major annual undertaking which showcases new apartment product in our market.

They also assist with smaller-scale tours which have specific areas of focus, such as the Rehab Tour and the Boutique Tour.

EDUCATION ADVISORY COUNCIL: This council oversees the NAA Education Institute Designation Programs, including NALP, CAM, CAMT, CAPS, and CAS. Council members provide guidance in the areas of policy, member and community outreach, faculty development, program evaluation, curriculum design, and student participation. Council members must be GCAA volunteer instructors. Meeting schedule varies.

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE: This committee monitors legislative issues affecting the multifamily industry at the local, state, and national levels. Its members represent the apartment industry before Charlotte City Council, Mecklenburg County Commission, and governmental staff. This committee also works closely with the AANC. GREEN COMMITTEE: This group’s focus is to educate GCAA‘s owner/operator members about the latest trends and opportunities in environmentally-conscious, sustainable multifamily operations. The committee organizes educational programs, has guest speakers and goes on outings.

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE: This group performs the important tasks of obtaining quality new members and retaining existing members. Its members develop and execute strategies for member recruiting, orientation, and retention -including direct contact and follow-up with prospects and current members. This group organizes annual membership drives and additional networking opportunities throughout the year.

MULTIFAMILY CAREER AWARENESS COMMITTEE: This committee will serve as a local mentorship program for high school and college students. The multifamily industry can be an overlooked career path but with this committee we are dedicated to showing our next generation of leaders that it is a viable career path and one that should be explored.

NEXT GEN COMMITTEE: This group’s efforts focus on increasing association involvement of members who are “young” in the industry. Next Gen volunteers organize quarterly social events at which GCAA members can network with industry peers, learn more abut the Association, and explore multifamily career opportunities.

OUTREACH COMMITTEE: This group works to identify areas of need in the community and plan activities which will provide appropriate service and support. In recent years the Outreach Committee has partnered with The Relatives, the Urban Ministry Center, Moore Place, Samaritan House, Habitat at Charlotte and other charitable organizations.

PRODUCTS & SERVICES COUNCIL: The PSC is open to any/all GCAA Associate members in good standing; its overriding goal is to enhance the valuable working relationships between GCAA member apartment owner/ operators and vendor/suppliers. PSC Subcommittees focus on specific areas/programs including Associate Development, the Trade Show, the Golf Outing, and the Executive Dinner/Reverse Trade Show (alternating years).

PROGRAMS COMMITTEE: This committee researches and schedules quality programs for the monthly General Membership meetings. Its goal is to secure a range of informative, engaging speakers and to present subjects that will appeal to the diverse membership. The group also schedules seminars of industry-related topics for the membership, supplementary to the NAAEI designation courses.

Join TODAY at greatercaa.org/committees-and-councils

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health and safety precautions

We are requiring masks and sanitizer use upon entering classes,

Our Loebsack & Brownlee Education Center has spaced out

seminars or for any meeting with one of our staff members.

seating to fulfill the 6ft apart social distancing requirements.

Upon entering our office, a temperature check will be required

We are disinfecting not only our chairs, tables and common

along with the mask. If you do not have a mask, we can supply

areas but also the pens required at sign-in for any class, seminar

one upon request.

or meeting.

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2021 forecast breakfast

Breakfast Forecast pg 101019.qxp_Layout 1 10/11/19 2:03 PM Page 1

Wake up and smell the coffee.

(And see what’s trending for the year ahead) Join us and hear from a fantastic virtual line-up of expert panelists forecasting 2021 industry trends.

• Mark Vitner, Managing Director & Senior Economist, Wells Fargo • Susan Passmore, EVP Operations, Blue Ridge Companies & More!

Register online at greatercaa.org.

Thursday, February 25 2021

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9:00-10:00 am Breakfast & Program Via Zoom $39 Member / $49 Public CECS: 1 RSVP: greatercaa.org/events DEADLINE: January 23, Noon

NATURAL DOG PARK PRODUCTS

GymsForDogs.com sales@GymsForDogs.com 800-931-1562 apartment times

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Greater Charlotte Apartment Association 6060 Piedmont Row Drive South, Suite 575 Charlotte, NC 28287 Address Service Requested