As a reminder, the SAHMA Biweekly Update and Quarterly Outlook are sent via email, so please add sahma.org to your list of accepted domains. Keep an eye out for the SAHMA Update and SAHMA Outlook Newsletter in the subject line.

You can view the Outlook Newsletter archives at www.sahma.org/outlook.

Presidential Perspective 
Another Successful Year at SAHMA Comes to a Close
It is hard to believe it is the end of the year already!  SAHMA had another great year with super attendance at all state meetings and the Regional Conference in Jacksonville.  One of the highlights of this year’s Regional Conference was the “Best of the Best” awards presented during the opening session.  Later in this Outlook you can read about the deserving award winners.  I would like to thank the HUD leadership in Jacksonville and Mr. Ruben Brooks, MF Southeast Regional Center Director, Atlanta for participating in our Regional Conference as well as ALL of our Southeast PBCA’s who not only attended to support our organization, but facilitated special MOR Q & A sessions. Other guests included our partners from NAHMA, Mr. Ken Pagano, President and Larry Keys Jr., Director of Government Affairs who participated and networked with attendees.  

As I traveled the region this year as your President, I was impressed by the wonderful sessions and events that were held in every state, and I truly enjoyed meeting so many members and guests. Meeting all the Drug Free Poster Art winners was such a joy and seeing our talented residents receive high praise and prizes was a real highlight.  

SAHMA has made a lot of changes this year with our new association management system coming online recently as well as the roll out of SAHMA-U, our on-demand e-learning library.  Please visit the SAHMA website and see all the enhancements we’ve made possible for the membership.

My first year as SAHMA President is about to end, so allow me to say it has been my pleasure to work with the SAHMA volunteers and staff to witness firsthand the impact our events have in our industry.   We all have so much to be thankful for, and as the year comes to a close I wish you a safe and happy holiday season, and I look forward to seeing you next year as our State Meetings commence in February!
 
Introducing SAHMA-U

SAHMA is excited to present SAHMA-U; an on-demand eLearning library with convenient and affordable on-demand training that allows you anywhere, anytime access to valuable information.  Our webinars run from 35-60 minutes and include a video, a printable handout, assessment questions to gauge how much you learned, and a certificate of continuing education for just $45.  Content is optimized to display on any mobile device allowing you the ability to access webinars from anywhere there is an internet connection.  SAHMA-U is fully integrated with our new SAHMA Website which allows your information to seamlessly flow from one system to the other, allowing for a single log-in.

SAHMA-U Webinars

               · Basic Tax Credit                                    · Intro to Layering Tax Credit and HUD Properties
               · Calculating Expenses                          · REACtion to REAC
               · Calculating Income                               · Smoke Free Implementation 
               · Determining Effective Dates               · Student Rules
               · EIV Discrepancy Reports                     · Understanding the UPCS/REAC Process
               · Fair Housing for Maintenance            · Waiting List Management
               · Calculating Assets                                                       


Great News SAHMA Members!
We are pleased to announce some exciting changes and upgrades to SAHMA systems.

We are now  LIVE with our newly  updated Website.  The most exciting part of our new site is that it is integrated into our  NEW Association Management System Database

ALL members will now have access to view their account with SAHMA, register quickly for events within your account, view any outstanding invoices (to include dues renewals) and much more.

Emails have been sent to our Primary representatives (main contact for a company membership) as well to all associates of all member companies to announce the new system and provide information on how to create a web account.   

All members should make sure that their 2017 membership dues have been paid in order to register for state meetings and other events without interruption.

THIS IS WHAT YOU NEED TO DO TO GET STARTED!
  • Go to www.sahma.org and in the upper right corner click the “Forgot your Password” link.
  • Enter the email address used for your SAHMA Membership, confirm that you are not a robot, and click “Retrieve Username and Password”.
  • An email will be sent to you with your SAHMA Account information, a temporary password, and a link to login to your account.
  • Once you login, reset your password, and review your SAHMA Account information.  SAHMA does not store password information. 

There is an extensive list of frequently asked questions FAQ’s and instructions on the SAHMA website to assist you with creating a web account but if you have any difficulties please contact our Admin & Member Services specialist [email protected] or 800-745-4088. 
Drug Free Poster Art Contest
2016 National Contest Winners
The 2017 NAHMA Drug Free Calendar included artwork by several residents from SAHMA member communities. Two SAHMA residents were selected as National Contest Winners. Congratulations to our National Winners: Eli from Kentucky, Alco Apartments, Alco Management Inc. and Jeziel from Puerto Rico, Villas de Manatí,  Martinal Management Corp.!

And congratulations to our honorable mentions: Ciondra from South Carolina, Winnsboro Arms, Southern Development Management Company Inc., and Dimfred from Puerto Rico, Marie Gardens Apartments, Fernando L. Sumaza & Co. Inc.!
2017 Drug Free Poster Contest
Looking for a great activity for your community? Check out the 2017 Drug Free Poster Art Contest! This year's theme is Learning Will Get Me Where I’m Going: Reaching for Knowledge. We can't wait to see everyone's fantastic creations this year! 

All children, elderly, disabled and special needs residents of SAHMA member communities may participate - SAHMA will thank every participant with a gift and there will be special awards presented to winners during SAHMA State Meetings!

Want to learn more about the NAHMA's Drug Free Kids Calendar Program? Visit www.sahma.org/dfk for more information. 
 
Welcome in 2017 with a NAHMA Drug-Free Kids Calendar!
Looking for that perfect gift for the stocking? One more last minute gift to make the office shine? At $5.50 each, NAHMA Drug-Free Kids Calendars are the perfect way to start off the New Year! The calendars  feature outstanding original artwork by children, seniors and adults with special needs living in affordable multifamily housing, including several SAHMA member residents. Order yours today by clicking the following link -  bit.ly/DFK17Calendars or by visiting the online store.
Awards and Recognition at Regional Conference
Achieving Excellence
SAHMA’s Excellence in Management, Maintenance and Service Coordinator programs are steadily growing.  Please make sure your property staff is aware of these programs and actively participates.

Annually we honor an outstanding member in each one of these programs as we did during the Regional Conference in Jacksonville. 
2016 Manager of the Year  award was presented to  C. Todd Rife  of Riverwood Tower Apartments in Madison, TN, Alco Management.  Todd holds several credentials; his property is recognized as a Community of Quality and also participates in the annual Drug Free art program. Todd works constantly to improve his knowledge of the affordable housing industry and consistently goes above and beyond the call of duty. 
2016 Maintenance Person of the Year award was presented to Tony Chevalier of Riverside Park Apartments in Jacksonville, FL, SPM, LLC.  Tony has almost 30 years of experience as a maintenance professional holds CAMT, EPA, and HVAC certifications, as well as having had extensive experience in carpentry.  His property consistently has high REAC scores because of the time and effort Tony puts into making sure the property is kept in top notch condition.
2016 Service Coordinator of the Year award was presented to Shannon Atchenson of Episcopal Place in Birmingham, AL, SPM, LLC.  Shannon has earned an undergraduate as well as a Master’s Degree in her chosen field.  She also holds the Professional Service Coordinator and Geriatric Care Manager credentials, and she is a licensed clinical social worker.  Shannon attempts to create a welcoming, open and accepting community at Episcopal Place.
For more information about the SAHMA Excellence Programs, please visit www.sahma.org/excellence
Sisson/Ownby Rising Star Award

The Sisson/Ownby Rising Star Award is in honor of one of SAHMA’s founding members, the late Ed Sisson. And, someone who has made a profound impact on our organization from its earliest days, Past President, Patty Ownby. Both were recognized early on in their careers as rising leaders, and they exemplified the same commitment and dedication to affordable housing management.

Rindy Kirkman, Manager of Woodstone Apartments, in Charlotte, NC was selected to receive the 2016 Sisson/Ownby Rising Star Award. Rindy was chosen for this award because, like Mr. Sisson and Ms. Ownby, she conducts her career with the same great commitment and dedication to professionalism. 

Rindy has a true passion for her work and community.  She has earned the NAHMA Certified Professional of Occupancy and Fair Housing Compliance credentials and is working toward a National Affordable Housing Management credential. Rindy’s dedication has been recognized by both the Governor of North Carolina and the Mayor of Charlotte. She also volunteers with SAHMA as a site coordinator for the drug free poster art contest and was recognized as an outstanding volunteer.   

Congratulations Rindy!

NAHMA Educational Foundation Scholarship Recipient Spotlight
Featuring Joyce Kane-McGhee, resident of Kensington Forest in Powell, Tennessee. 

My current educational plan is to achieve my B.A. in Applied Psychology nonprofit
organizations with a minor in Social Work at Carson-Newman University. My internship that I would love to have would be with Family Promise of Knoxville. Without them I wouldn’t be where I am today. I would give back my knowledge and
more to the community through them.

My motivation comes from my children. Another motivator is my mother telling me
that I can’t do it, because I can and I will just to prove her wrong. LOL. I also have a great
network of people who encourage me to continue my education.

I have a few goals after I have completed my education, one is to take a cruise, this is my gift to myself and my daughter. The second goal is to give back to the community that has helped me at my time of need. Through volunteering or working for a nonprofit organization. Maybe United Way or CAC. I look up to these people who have helped me, and I just wouldn’t be where I am. I am truly blessed by these people in the Knoxville Community.

Kensington Forrest is managed by Emerald Housing Partners.

Service on the SAHMA Board of Directors
Have you ever considered serving on the SAHMA Board of Directors to help guide our organization and work toward bringing, even more, value to our membership?

The SAHMA Board of Directors consists of eight officers, ten directors, and five regional director positions.  Members meet quarterly (in person) with some meetings taking place at the SAHMA office in Atlanta, one in conjunction with the Regional Conference and every other year a board meeting is held as part of a two-day strategic planning event. 

To be qualified to serve on the Board of Directors, persons must be a SAHMA member in good standing.

Serving on the SAHMA Board of Directors is a voluntary position.   Each board position has a job description, and each member is expected to fulfill the duties and responsibilities assigned to the position.   These may include leading various standing (Finance, State Activities, Regulatory Affairs, Membership, Education & Tax Credits Affairs) or state (AL, FL, GA, KY, MS, NC, PR, SC & TN) committees  as well as special committee’s involved with Social Media, Awards/Scholarships, Elderly/Disabled Issues, Bylaws & Ethics and Housing Authority Issues. 

If you are interested in serving, please take into consideration the time commitment required to be sure that your work schedule and your company support your involvement.  SAHMA does not reimburse board members for any expenses related to their service. 

If you are interested, please click here to complete the form. 

Remember, an important way to get involved as a SAHMA volunteer is work with your state committee.  You can fill out our “Get Involved” form on our website at http://www.sahma.org/getinvolved  to let us know you have an interest to serve on the state level. 

A Special Event, Brought to You by NAHMA
A Day in the Life of a Property Management Staffer
Techniques for improving communication, organization and managing your “to-do” list!
This special webinar event is brought to you by NAHMA and hosted by our colleagues at Rocky AHMA.  Members of AHMA’s nationwide will have an opportunity to register for this (first of its kind) informative and interesting webinar.  For more information, click here
Thank You 2016 Sponsors
The SAHMA sponsorship program is designed to provide prominent recognition for SAHMA members whose committed support has been an integral part of the success of the SAHMA mission to Inform, Educate, and Connect the SAHMA community of affordable housing professionals.