Now that the budget debate in Harrisburg is over, everyone expects to see a great deal of legislative activity this fall.  It all goes in to high gear in September. The Pennsylvania Senate will resume session days on September 19th. The House has not yet released its fall schedule.    

      In the meantime we are reviewing issues (tell us what's bugging you besides bed bugs) and preparing for our annual trip to the National Government Affairs Roundtable with fellow lobbyists from NAA affiliates around the country. 

     One of the issues we'll be talking about is the great number of inspections ordinances around our fair Commonwealth. We'll be  exploring various approaches such as North Carolina's recently enacted law that allows municipalities the option of periodic inspections if there is reasonable cause to believe unsafe, unsanitary or otherwise hazardous or unlawful conditions may exist.

    So please send your thoughts on whether we should pursue a statewide inspections law. Include your experiences with your own local inspections ordinances.   You can contact Christine at cgertz@aagp.com

The AAGP Helping Hands Committee is hard at work.

On June 29, AAGP and representatives from Habitat for Humanity had the honor of presenting the keys to two deserving families at the home dedication on West Stiles Street in Philadelphia. The Helping Hands Committee and the recipient families broke ground September 2010 to begin building two new Habitat for Humanity Homes. After months of hard work, hundreds of volunteers and the tremendous support of all of our members, the houses were complete and the families received their keys. Congratulations!

The Helping Hands Committee does not rest on their laurels. Shortly after the home dedication they got together to discuss the next big event…the 5k Race. Plans are underway for another fabulous race. The 2nd Annual 5k Race will be held October 16 at Hatfield Village Apartments. Proceeds from the race will fund the AAGP Backpack Giveback program. Over 700 backpacks filled with school supplies will be distributed to more than 30 AAGP properties.

There is nothing more important in business than being healthy, yet so few organizations have a plan in place to ensure their ongoing good health.  To be healthy means that your customers and your employees rave about you and enjoy the relationship they have with your company.  Do your customers rave about you?  If not, why not?

Next month, AAGP will host a training session for property owners, executives and regional managers to provide insight into this issue.  Bill Nye, a national apartment industry speaker and former regional property manager, property manager and maintenance director, will share critical tips on how to build cohesion, clarity and better communication within your organization.

To all of you execs and regionals out there – give yourself a treat and get into class on August 11^th.  In addition to picking up great tips from Bill, you will leave refreshed and energized after having a couple of hours with your industry peers.  And, as usual, AAGP will provide decent coffee and surprisingly good muffins.  Grab the flyer or register online at www.aagp.com.  Hope to see you there.

Linda