We are very thankful for each and every one of you and genuinely appreciate all of your hard work and dedication. We believe that all of our team members are the best in the industry. This year, the company recognized the most outstanding teams and individuals on their success by giving out seven prestigious awards at the company holiday party. We would like to take a moment to congratulate each award recipient on their hard work and commitment to excellence.

Community of the year (Affordable): Waterford Pointe

Community Manager of the year: Aurelia Vaughan

Community of the year (Market Rate): The Devon at South Riding

Dan Thomas Award (Service Manager): Gabriel Campbell

Above and Beyond: Matt McBroom

Assistant Community Manager of the year: Jordan Hudson

WCF Award: Connie Hill

Every child deserves to experience the joy of Christmas morning. TFJG was a proud sponsor of The Salvation Army's Angel Tree program which provides new clothing or toys for children. Angel Trees' are decorated with numbered paper angel tags with the first name, age, and gender. The company supported two Angel Tree children - Skylar and Tyrone, both the age of nine. Thank you to all for the generous contributions (over $500) and support of the Salvation Army Angel Tree program, thousands of children will find gifts waiting under their Christmas trees this year. 

Donate online  to The Salvation Army. 

Tom Johnston, our Chief Development Officer, and Chris McKee, our President of Operations, spoke to the Finance Club at the Old Dominion University Strome School of Business to share how they got their start in real estate. After presenting to the club, they learned one student already changed his major to Finance with a Real Estate concentration! Tom and Chris hope that opportunities like speaking at Old Dominion University enhance students' learning, and encourage them to pursue real estate as an academic and professional path.

Brad Fleenor and Mary Stine hosted a marketing training for Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia communities. Going back to the basics helped us remember the simple tools and techniques that we use every day in leasing. In case you missed it, here are a few of the highlights:

• Closing The Sale! - Remember the ABC rule, Always Be Closing. Every team member at the community is responsible for leasing.
• Tour Path - Check your tour path each morning and afternoon! Remember, if you deny a tour for any reason, you have to deny all other tours for the day (Fair Housing).
• Safety - (1.) Always request ID for each prospect touring over the age of 18 before going on a tour (Keep in a safe spot in the leasing office), (2.) Don't let them know you're alone, (3.) Engage the deadbolt to make sure the door does not close when walking into the apartment, (4.) Maintain safe distance. Stay between the door and the prospect at all times, (5.) Open communication with others: Always bring your phone, and be alert!
• Relate 24/7 - Make your message unforgettable to prospects and residents! It is suggested to post 7 times per week: 4 emails to prospects and 3 emails to residents.
• Outreach Marketing - Make your visit memorable. Check out Pinterest for great ideas, use the outreach marketing log found on the FJG website and place in your marketing binder.

Marketing trainings will be hosted each quarter. Please save the date for February 15, 16, & 17 in 2016 for "Falling In Love With Marketing".