Timely Budget Lunch and Learn Seminar

Every HOA has to plan for it this time of year…the annual Budget!  Ghertner & Company resources its Board of Director members and Community Association Managers (CAM) with practical training and information as the focus of two September Volunteer Leadership Lunch and Learn Workshops.  Led by industry professional, Kathleen Sutherland, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, this seminar led attendees through the process of developing a budget and how to communicate it to homeowners.  As a convenience for board members, this seminar was presented at both the corporate office conference center in MetroCenter and the Hampton Inn in Spring Hill, Tennessee.

Monthly Lunch and Learn seminars are presented free of charge to HOA Board of Directors for associations managed by Ghertner & Company.  Contact theresa.savich@ghertner.com for more information.

CAM Leadership Team Expands

To meet the demands of training and resourcing our Community Association Managers (CAM), Ghertner & Company has promoted Angela Stone to CAM Team Leader.  With a background in education and hospitality, Angela will develop the entry level online resources for all new to Ghertner & Company Community Association Managers and will assist in mentoring them through the other processes involved in joining the Ghertner and Company team.  Angela shares, “I am so excited to have the opportunity to serve in the position of CAM Team Leader! It allows me the opportunity to indulge my true passion as an educator and help build the next wave of great Ghertner & Company Community Association Managers!”

Angela joins the existing CAM leadership team of Kathleen Sutherland, Deborah Wallace, Jaye Kloss and Henry Puckett to provide professional development to our growing number of Community Association Managers. 

Teaming Up for CAI Golf Tournament

Several Ghertner & Company associates participated as golfers and volunteers at the Community Associations Institute (CAI) Annual Charity Golf Tournament on August 28th at the Hermitage Golf Course.  Operation Homefront, a service providing valuable resources to military families, was the organization that received significant funding from this chapter effort.  Ghertner and Company participated as a tournament sponsor and entered a team.  Each team was joined by a local celebrity and the Ghertner player included (left to right, top left picture): celebrity T. Graham Brown, Stacy Adams, Bob Welborn, Jeff Campbell and Catherine Davis-Sales.

State Representative Bob Freeman Speaks at CAI Luncheon

The August Community Associations Institute (CAI) luncheon on Friday, August 30th featured State Representative Bob Freeman.  He challenged HOA board members, management companies and managers to take an active role in state politics by being knowledgeable about bills being presented and developing relationships with government officials.  Mr. Freeman was key in opposition to SB 1429 – HB 1290 in recent legislative sessions.

Ghertner & Company pays for its Community Association managers to attend and participate in CAI meetings and events to encourage professional development. Learn more at caitenn.org.

Photos compliments of Chuck Negas, Northwest Exterminating.

Murfreesboro and Metrocenter Lunch & Learn Seminars

Two Volunteer Training Workshops were provided in August to allow board members the opportunity to participate at a more convenient location.  The first Lunch & Learn took place on Tuesday, August 6, at the Hampton Inn & Suites in Murfreesboro.  The regular monthly Lunch & Learn was held on Tuesday, August 13, at the company training center in the Metrocenter area.  The pertinent topic of “The Role of the Board and Business Judgment Rule” gave attendees helpful information and resources on the subject and the discussion time allowed for board members to ask relevant questions to challenges faced in their community. 

Monthly training seminars are complimentary for board members of Homeowner Associations managed by Ghertner and Company.  Contact your Community Association Manager for more information. 

Professional Development for Associates

Over fifty associates participated in the monthly Human Resources Lunch and Learn presentation in the training facility on campus.  Led by Human Resources Director, Stacy Adams, team members were challenged on the topic of trust in the professional and personal areas.  Group discussion and small group exercises helped reinforce the value of building trust in all relationships throughout life.  Complimentary breakfast or lunch was provided according to which of the two seminars one chose to join.  Ghertner & Company believes in the investment of personal and professional development skills of every team member throughout the organization and makes these training opportunities available on a regular basis.

Encouraging Community Youth Through the Arts

Borderless Arts Tennessee is an eighteen year old statewide nonprofit organization committed to inclusive and accessible arts programs for people with disabilities to enhance educational curriculum, enrich creative expression, empower career development, and encourage community engagement. 

Programs include residencies in the schools using the arts to enhance math and science skills, a weekly music program, a weekly dance program, a theater program, a visual arts program, exhibitions, the Young Soloist music competition, and numerous special projects.  We work with individuals of all ages and all forms of disabilities. Learn more at www.borderlessartstn.org. 

Ghertner & Company believes in “Giving Back” to the middle Tennessee community.  Each quarter a $500 donation is made to a local nonprofit agency that is making a positive impact in individuals’ quality of life. 

Summer Heat... The Landscape’s Well Being

We have all had to deal with the intense heat this summer in Middle TN. Making sure our bodies

are hydrated as well as our pets with extra care.

But....how do we maintain our landscapes and grass? All to often we think they need more water in this type of weather. We certainly know that for most of the summer we’ve had a surplus of rain in our area. If you have an irrigation system you have most likely set the programs to water on a repeating cycle.

Here are some tips to apply to how to properly treat the landscape and grass during our

type of summer.

• Watering times should be in the early morning before sunrise. This will allow the

excess moisture to be burned off while the water soaks into the soil. Excessive

irrigation run time can create fungus in the grass and shrubs and causing more

harm than good. If your system is not equipped with a rain sensor, reduce the

amount of days when greater amounts of rain are forecasted.

• Cutting heights should be higher to reduce the amount of thatch returned into

the turf. This will also help reduce the risk of fungus appearing in the lawn.

• The application of fertilizer should be spread out over a longer time period

between application so that plants and grass can intake the nutrients and allow

the systemic growth to be stronger, healthier life.

• Prune dense shrubs with hand pruners and thin the plant from the inside to

promote air to pass thru. This practice will curtail the chances of disease and

fungal grow emerging.

Follow these tips to protect your investment during a summer like we’ve experienced!

Partner Post Provided by: Scott Oldham at LSI

Earth Month Travel

Traveling and going on vacation are great for your health.  But realistically, it’s not always great for the health of the planet. 

Here are some tips on how you can travel with less of an impact on the environment.

Be more efficient with transport

• Use the most fuel-efficient means of traveling. Believe it or not, the best-to-worst efficient modes of transportation would be bus, train, car, and then airplane.
  

• At your destination, walk, bike, or use public transportation to get around, as opposed to renting a car.
  

• This could get expensive, but if you need to fly by plane, try flying on a direct flight.
  

Pack for a sustainable trip

• Bring a reusable water bottle, coffee mug, and/or shopping bag to reduce single-use plastics during your trip. You might do takeout here and there, so forego the plastic utensils by bringing your own on the trip.
  

• Some areas may have local drinking water that is not safe for you. As an alternative to bottled water, a portable water purifier could be useful.
  

• If you’re going swimming in the ocean, wear sunscreen that does not contain “oxybenzone” or “octinoxate” (you only need to check under “Active Ingredients” on the bottle’s label). These ingredients have been linked to coral bleaching, and they will be effectively banned in the state of Hawaii in 2021. More research is needed overall on sunscreen’s effect on marine wildlife, but there is reasonable evidence that those two ingredients can damage coral reefs. I know you have heard about the disease that is taking place on the coral reefs in the Gulf.
  

• Every bit of weight on the mode of transport affects fuel economy, so travel light if you can (and save on potential baggage fees)… after you pack your reusable items, water purifier, and sunscreen, of course!
  

Be mindful of amenities

• To save on water, some hotels have policies where they change and wash towels and bed sheets only every two or three days, unless asked otherwise by guests. If you’re not staying at a hotel with such a policy, leave a “Do Not Disturb” tag on your door to be more water-efficient.
  

• It’s easier to forget when you’re on vacation, but watch your usage of air conditioning, heating, and lighting when you leave your lodgings.
  

• For longer trips, you may want to do some laundry. You may not have enough for a full load, so consider hand washing your clothes in cold or warm water and hang dry instead of using the dryer machine.

The Challenge of Effective HOA Meetings

Learning how to run effective meetings as a volunteer HOA board member was the focus of the July Lunch & Learn.  A full house was present to learn and discuss the practical elements of leading a productive meeting.  Topics covered reasons for and the many types of meetings that need to be considered.  Other helpful items included planning, keeping on track, making decisions and delegating action items, parliamentary procedure, and proxies and quorums. 

Ghertner & Company provides complimentary board member training each month as a part of the service to our clients.  For more information on how to attend please contact Theresa.savich@ghertner.com.

Luau Fun Brings Neighbors Together

On Saturday, July 6th, members of the Sugartree community came together for a luau at the pool.  This was the inaugural summer event for the community, who usually hosts an annual Holiday party at the clubhouse in December.  The event was planned by May Frederiksen and other members of the pool committee. When planning began the goal was to get at least 25 people to attend, and what a surprise that before the day of the event, there had been nearly 100 RSVP’s.  On the day of the event, Mother Nature tried to "Rain on the Party" with rumbles of thunder, a few showers and wind, but it cleared off just in time for everyone to come out and enjoy Bar-B-Que with all the fixings, ice cream and a refreshing summer beverage. The event was such a success that plans are already in the works for next year!

Fire Safety Featured at CAI Meeting

The Tennessee Chapter of CAI (Community Associations Institute) met on Friday, June 28th, with Franklin Fire Department Deputy Chief, Andy King as the featured speaker.  Topics included developing an access plan for emergency services, carbon dioxide measuring devices and overall safety tips for properties and communities.  Managers, on-site personnel and members of the leadership team were present.  Ghertner & Company encourages involvement in the association through attendance, committee involvement and by serving on the Board.

CAI is dedicated to enhancing the quality of Community Association living through education, legal advocacy, professional development and networking opportunities. Learn more at www.caitenn.org.

Summer Travel & Bed Bugs

Stopping Bedbugs and Summer Travel Woes

The weather is warm. You have been saving your vacation time for the summer travel season. It may be the beach. It may be the mountains. But, you are going on vacation and will be staying in some type of rental. Possibly even taking public transportation. Well, we have gathered 6 common tips that stop bedbugs from coming home with you from your summer vacation.

Sheets and Mattresses

At any hotel, motel, Air BnB, cabin or even rental rv, pull back the sheets and inspect the mattress seams, especially at the corners. Look for stains or spots. If you see anything that look suspicious, notify the building management, and change rooms immediately. If they do not have another acceptable room, leave and find a new place to stay.

Room Inspection

Upon entering your room or space, thoroughly inspect it before unpacking. Above all, behind the headboard and in/around sofas/chairs. If you see anything that look suspicious, notify the building management, and change rooms immediately. If they do not have another acceptable room, leave and find a new place to stay.

Switching Rooms

If you do need to change rooms, be sure that you do not move to a room adjacent or directly above or below the room with the suspected infestation. Bedbugs will hitchhike by means of the housekeeping carts, luggage, and through wiring or wall sockets. When an infestation spreads, is goes out like waves in the ocean. Adjoining rooms are the most susceptible.

Baggage

Place your suitcase, duffel bags, and other luggage in a plastic trash bags or protective covers during your trip. This ensures bedbugs cannot catch a ride on your baggage prior to leaving your vacation rental.

Stop The Hitchhikers

It is important to remember bed bugs spread by hitching rides with unsuspecting victims. After your trip, carefully inspect your suitcases, duffel bags, and backpacks before bringing them into the house. Leave them in a hot garage before vacuuming your baggage thoroughly. Garment hand steamers reduce bedbug hitchhikers by killing them before they can spread into your home.

Your Clothing

It is not fun to come home from a relaxing vacation and have to do a ton of laundry. However, it is imperative to wash all your clothing. This includes the ones that have not been worn. Use hot water to ensure that any bedbugs are not placed into your drawers, closets, or storage areas.

Check Ahead of Time

Don’t let bedbugs and summer travel be a bust. Here is a website to find out reported bedbug infestations. The Bedbug Registry. Always err on the side of caution and be informed.

The Bed Bug Registry exists to give travelers and renters a reliable and neutral platform for reporting their encounters with bed bugs. Though most Americans have still never come across one, these retro pests are spreading extremely quickly across American and Canadian cities.

Partner Post Provided by:

Investing in the Youth of Today for a Better Tomorrow

Ghertner & Company made a $300 donation to the Stoner Creek Elementary School’s Songs 4 Students program.  The donation helped purchase Chrome books to enhance the school’s technology resources.  Stoner Creek is located in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee and serves the families in this fast-growing community.

The Boys & Girls Club of Maury County strives to enable all young people in their programs to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens.  The focus is to offer a supportive environment where academic success, healthy lifestyles and good character can be achieved.  Ghertner & Company made a $600 donation in support of this valuable community organization.  Find out more at www.bgcmaury.com.

Stacy Adams, Ghertner & Company Director of Human Resources presents the check to these deserving young people and leaders.

Fireworks Safety Tips for the 4th of July

July 4th celebrates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence and for many people their celebration includes fireworks!

According to a statistic from USA.gov, during the month leading up to Independence Day over 250 people go to the emergency room each day with firework related injuries. This is definitely a cause to sit back and evaluate how you and your family engage in fireworks this year.

Here are a few tips when using fireworks you can use to ensure you and your family have a safe holiday:

1. Make sure fireworks are allowed within your community/HOA and legal within your local city, county or state. There are many rules and laws that may prevent you from setting off any type of fireworks.

2. Never let children play with or set off fireworks. Adult supervision should be present.

3. A safe distance should be kept after lighting fireworks. Never place your body directly over a firework when igniting.

4. Water should always be close by. Keep a bucket of water or garden hose handy in case of fire.

5. Do not carry or set off fireworks on your person.

6. Fireworks should not be ignited in a metal or glass container.

7. Do not attempt to re-ignite fireworks.

8. Ensure all fireworks are properly disposed of.

   1. Full submerge fireworks in water until saturated

   2. Place saturated fireworks in bags and disposed of per your local solid waste departments rules.

Kimberly Maynord

Ghertner & Company

Monthly Lunch & Learn Seminar Benefits HOA Board Members

June’s Volunteer Leadership Training for HOA Board Members was presented to a capacity crowd on Tuesday, June 11th at the Ghertner & Company corporate office in MetroCenter.  Dealing with the topic of “Communication”, Kathleen Sutherland shared about the need for, quality of, and different means of effective communication within HOA communities.  Many good ideas were shared as Board Members and Community Association Managers participated in the discussion.

Lunch & Learn seminars are presented monthly to Ghertner & Company managed communities and a complimentary lunch is provided as well.  Find out more by speaking with your manager.

Second Annual Spring Fling 5k Promotes Good Health

The 2nd Annual Spring Fling 5k took place on Friday, May 10, 2019 with a record number of Ghertner and Company team members participating.  With the purpose of promoting a healthy and active workplace, this annual event encourages associates to see the positive effect of exercising.  Each participant earned points on their Humana Go365 account while also getting incentive time at work.  The pleasant weather made for an enjoyable day for the 3.1 mile walk or run with coworkers and friends.

Remote Seminar Benefits Attendees

Homeowner Association board members in Rutherford County participated in a Volunteer Leadership Training seminar focusing on the importance of communication as a positive tool.  The complimentary seminar and lunch were held on Tuesday, June 4th at the Murfreesboro Hampton Inn & Suites on Thompson Lane.   Topics discussed were how good communication works to keep homeowners informed and to build support for board decisions, the proper use of email, social media and newsletters.

Ghertner & Company provides monthly Volunteer Leadership Training at the offices in MetroCenter (Nashville) for the board members of communities managed by our team.  Occasionally remote seminars are offered as a convenience for Middle Tennessee communities that find the midday drive to Nashville inconvenient.   To learn more contact Theresa.Savich@ghertner.com.

Irrigation Tips & Technology

As the Spring transitions into Summer, the best defense against the upcoming heat is an efficient and effective irrigation system...but it doesn’t have to break the bank or your back!

Here are some tips:

• Now is the time to have your service provider conduct the startup (or Activation). Don’t

wait until the heat of summer to prepare your system. During this startup process, the

system should be evaluated for any signs of deficiencies (repairs needs and leaks), while

making any minor needed adjustments that are detected. After the startup is complete, if

the climate trend is still producing adequate rainfall, then don’t feel tempted to turn the

system on until your plants and lawn actually need it. Usually the Spring season doesn’t

require much if any supplemental water, especially with established landscapes. Over-

watering is just as detrimental to plant material as under-watering.

• Ask your service provider about the use of the latest technology associated with irrigation

systems. Technology can take the guess work from the equation, resulting in a more

effective system. For example, high tech ‘smart’ controllers can adjust every zone every

day based on the weather conditions (taking into consideration temperature, precipitation,

wind, evaporation rate, soil moisture, among other factors). Daily adjustments to

the system will save you money on water by only watering when needed, and your

landscapes will flourish because they aren’t over or under-watered. It’s a win-win! If you

have a system older than 10 years, it is likely that you could save 15-25% of water by

simply changing the nozzles on the sprinkler heads, because the new modern nozzles are

far more efficient and effective. Couple that with a ‘smart’ controller, and the Return on

Investment will be significant. In addition, many ‘smart’ controllers can be monitored

from your laptop or smartphone to make your life simpler and easier (we all want that!).

Talk with your qualified irrigation service provider to gather the details regarding use of

technology to save you money and heart-ache. By the way, the equipment technology I refer to is

typically quite affordable too, so please don’t assume that it can’t fit in your budget!

Scott Oldham

Business Development Manger - LSI

Bus Brigade Shows Strength to Vote No on Key Legislation

HOA Board Members, Community Association Institute members and industry professionals took part in a special effort to show opposition to SB 1429 – HB 1290 and the accompanying amendment on Wednesday, April 3. Over 50 homeowners wore red shirts saying, “I Love HOA”, and rode a bus together to the Cordell Hull Building for the House of Representatives’ Committee hearing.

Please contact your own House and Senate Representative to voice your opposition to SB 1429 – HB 1290 and the accompanying amendment.