Observations from Michael E. Gorman, CAPS, CPM, CCIM
The end of my term as NAA Chairman of the Board is nearing. It has been a pleasure serving in this role and meeting such wonderful people.
The annual Assembly of Delegates, held this year Nov. 3-5 in Atlanta, is always among the highlights of my year. I enjoy having a chance to network with NAA and NAAEI members and both listen and participate in committee meetings.
This year, I also had the distinct pleasure of introducing our association to Jerry Wilkinson, CCIM, the incoming 2012 Chairman of the Board. In his role as founder and chairman of The Wilkinson Group Inc. in Atlanta, Jerry has shown unparalleled leadership and talent. I know he will do wonderful things for NAA. You can read more about Jerry’s professional career and his plans for NAA on page 32.
AOD is a time to check in and learn more about all that NAA offers its members. And here, I’d like to take a moment to highlight the various financial support funds that are available to NAA members nationwide.
The NAA Affiliate Assistance Fund (AAF) is a fantastic program that exists to support non-government affairs-related project of significant importance to affiliates. The fund can be used for such things as purchasing membership database software or conducting education courses relating to compliance with a local ordinance or regulation. This fund can really help take an affiliate to the next level.
In addition to the AAF, NAA also offers the Strategic Growth Fund (SGF). SGF is designed to assist NAA affiliates with a market penetration rate of 50 percent of below in major metropolitan areas to grow their memberships.
To be considered for funding, an affiliate must complete the strategic growth fund application in its entirety. Submitting an application does not guarantee that NAA will fund a request, however an affiliate’s ability to fund their plan will be considered. Funding is based on an affiliate’s desire and ability to participate, potential unit growth and the financial resources based on a minimum return on investment. There is strength in numbers and at NAA we want to do all that we can to help your membership grow exponentially.
If you are interested in learning more about these programs, please contact Valerie Hairston. She can be reached at valerie@naahq.org or 703/797-0138.
—NAA’s Chairman of the Board Michael E. Gorman, CAPS, CPM, CCIM
In Memoriam: Russ Sandlin
Prominent industry education and service partner executive Russ Sandlin, 61, of
Prosperity, S.C., died last month as the result of a boating accident near his home.
Sandlin was founder of The Russ Sandlin Group and served the industry for three decades, including as a member of the NAA Education Institute faculty. He is Past Chairman of NAA’s National Supplier’s Council and a member of the National Multi Housing Council. Among his many accomplishments, Sandlin worked for MRI/Intuit on its web-based residential property management solution and was a frequent speaker at industry conferences and events.