Murfreesboro Workshop: Code of Conduct

Over forty Board members and Ghertner & Company team members attended the February Leadership Training Workshop in Murfreesboro.  Participants were treated to a complimentary lunch at the Hampton Inn, while learning more about developing a code of conduct for Board members.  The presentation and ensuing discussion focused on the basic factors of an official Code of Conduct and how it will benefit the Board and Homeowners. 

Ghertner & Company Director of Development and Training, Kathleen Sutherland, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, presented the workshop and led the Q&A session.

Plant Native Shrubs When Replacing Dead Evergreens

The flash freeze in December in Middle Tennessee killed many exotic evergreen shrubs.  Naturalist and author, Joanna Brichetto, makes a strong appeal for choosing certain deciduous and evergreen shrubs in her article, “Skip the Skip Laurel, Say No to Nandina: Choose Native”.  She includes an extensive list of the names of shrubs to look for and locations where these can be purchased.  As a member of the Middle Tennessee Chapter of Wild Ones and of the Tennessee Native Plant Society, she shares factors to consider when choosing plants and the reasons why ‘choosing native plants’ plays an important role in our environment. The following is an excerpt:

 “If your exotic evergreens are now “ever-brown” from the recent freeze, this is an ideal time to upgrade to natives. It doesn’t make sense to simply plant more of the same: the same non-native foundation shrubs that are anything but foundational to our ecosystem. Laurel, boxwood, nandina, Chinese holly, euonymus, false cypress, red-tips, Japanese cedar, and so forth: plants that evolved with creatures and conditions on different continents. What we need in Tennessee are more shrubs that evolved nearby. Native shrubs can be more likely to survive extreme weather, year-round. And most importantly, natives are the only sustainable choice: they contribute to local foodwebs in countless, critical ways that non-native plants cannot. 

 But, which native shrubs give us the color, texture, and size we want, while giving birds, bees, and butterflies what they need?”

 Read the entire article at https://ghertner.com/sustainability/sustainability-articles.

 As part of Ghertner & Company’s commitment to sustainability in middle Tennessee and managed communities, our website has many other resources at Ghertner.com/sustainability. 

Unique Amenity for Downtown HOA

The Muse, featuring 56 condominium homes in the heart of Nashville, has added to its uniqueness of a mixed residential and commercial space with the opening of The Drip Bar.  This onsite business allows residents and guests to schedule vitamin therapy treatments to increase energy and improve overall health.

Chanel Mumford is the Community Association Manager. 

State Representative Freeman Speaks at CAI Event

The Tennessee Chapter of the Community Associations Institute (CAI) began the year with a record attendance for the January lunch meeting.  Featured speaker, State Representative Bob Freeman, addressed topics and issues relevant to middle Tennessee and the state such as, taxes, infrastructure, traffic, and political dynamics.  Many Ghertner & Company managers and associates were present as part of the company’s ongoing investment as industry leaders. 

CAI is dedicated to enhancing the quality of community association living through education, legal advocacy, professional development and networking opportunities.  Learn more at CAITN.org.

Top Five Reasons to Love Your HOA

While living in a homeowners association (HOA) does have rules and regulations for residents to follow, there are also great benefits to living in an HOA. From protecting home values to fostering community, HOA living does have its advantages, and understanding them will help you appreciate your HOA more.

1. It protects your home value (and may even increase it).

According to the July 2019 Journal of Urban Economics, “houses in HOAs have prices that are on average at least 4%, or $13,500, greater than observably similar houses outside of HOAs”. In addition, a 2022 Homeowner Satisfaction Survey by the Foundation for Community Association Research (FACR) revealed that 68% percent of homeowners in HOAs believe their association’s rules protect and enhance property values. The same FCAR survey found that 89% of homeowners rated their overall experience of HOA living as “very good or good” (67%) or “neutral” (22%).

2. It keeps your community looking clean and in tip-top shape.

When your Board of Directors employs a HOA management company, it can help with day-to-day activities like maintaining front entry signage, common areas, and community amenities. In addition, community rules (outlined in your governing documents) establish individual home maintenance and appearance standards that all homeowners must abide by. 

3. You can enjoy community amenities.

From the pool to your clubhouse or walking trails and gyms, some HOAs provide generous community amenities for all residents to enjoy. If your community has an amenity to enjoy, follow all rules while you utilize it.

4. Your HOA allows you to know your neighbors better and be social.

The heart of a homeowners association is the community! Many HOAs have welcome committees to welcome new neighbors or social committees that plan events for neighbors to gather and get to know each other better. Some communities Ghertner & Company manages host holiday parties, community breakfasts and pool parties to kick off or end the pool season. If your HOA doesn’t have a social committee or welcome committee, contact your Community Association Manager and they can ask your Board about starting one.

5. Your HOA is your voice in the city you live in.

HOA management companies and HOA leaders monitor important HOA issues and legislation in your city and state that affect homeowners associations, such as restrictions on leasing and large leasing companies owning homes in HOAs.

Do you want to learn more about your homeowners association? Log into your Ghertner & Company owner portal today at ghertner.com/owner to view association documents and the community calendar or make a payment.

Successful Board Member Training Event

Ghertner & Company’s Board Leadership Training kicked off in Murfreesboro in 2023 after a successful training session in the area at the end of 2022. Around forty-five Board members and several community association managers attended. January’s topic was Strategic Planning and Board Dynamics led by industry leader Kathleen Sutherland, Director of Training and Development.

Board members participated by creating community goals and plans to achieve them this year utilizing Board member strengths, available funding, and community dynamics.

Ghertner & Company provides monthly leadership training for its HOA Board members, free of charge, with a complimentary lunch to support the volunteers in this critical role.  For more information, contact your community association manager.

Annual Partnership Benefits Children

Ghertner & Company representatives present donation to Our Kids

Our Kids Center is a Middle Tennessee nonprofit that provides expert medical evaluations and crisis counseling in response to concerns of child sexual abuse in a compassionate environment. Our Kids is dedicated to increasing community awareness of child sexual abuse, conducting research, and offering education and training about the issue in 47 counties. 

Each year, Ghertner & Company associates collect and donate much-needed resources in support of their work in the community as part of its Giving Back initiative.  Executive Director Sue Ford White and Development and Communications Coordinator Jill Martindale received the donation on behalf of Our Kids.

Nichols Vale Community Hosts Diwali Event

Homeowners in the Nichols Vale HOA in Mount Juliet celebrated Diwali in October. Diwali is an Indian holiday celebrating light overcoming darkness. Homeowners celebrated with food, dancing, and other activities.

The Mount Juliet Police Department was invited to participate in the festivities, and homeowners recognized them for their efforts to protect the city. The mayor of Mount Juliet also attended.

Demetria Nunley is the Community Association Manager for Nichols Vale.

Christmas Party at Cool Springs East Brings Neighbors Together

Cool Springs East HOA in Franklin recently celebrated Christmas as a community on December 11. There were activities for homeowners and residents of all ages, including cookie decorating, reindeer food-making, and a gingerbread house decorating contest. A quartet from Ravenwood High School performed Christmas carols. Santa made a visit to the neighborhood to attend the event and meet the youngest residents to hear their Christmas wishes.

Jennifer Williams is the Community Association Manager for Cool Springs East.

Murfreesboro Workshop for HOA Board Members

Over 60 Board members from Murfreesboro and surrounding areas attended the Lunch & Learn workshop on December 1. Director of Development and Training Kathleen Sutherland presented on Financial Reports and Planning. An overview of how to understand income statements, balance sheets, and related data was beneficial to attendees in setting strategic goals for their communities.  Also discussed was how easy these reports are for Board members to access through their online Board portal.  Questions and discussion were shared as Board members related the topic to everyday challenges.  Many managers and Board members met extensively after the meeting to further discuss the topic. 

Monthly Lunch & Learn workshops are provided as a complimentary service to Ghertner & Company-managed communities throughout the year online and in-person, covering a wide variety of practical subjects.   

Getting In Shape for the Holidays

As the holidays approach, Ghertner & Company associates participated in the fall Turkey Wobble as a reminder to make good health a priority throughout the year by getting out and walking.  This 5K event takes place near the corporate offices and is one of the many ways the Go365 wellness ‘Champs’ encourage exercise in cooperation and support of the Humana Wellness Program.  Besides enjoying the outdoor air and fellowship during the walk, incentives were provided by the company and wellness provider. 

HSC Team Enjoys Hands-On Experience

Looking for a way to build camaraderie within the Homeowner Service Center team, the group had a unique outing to a local business, Painting With A Twist. Each associate was able to create their own Nashville skyline work of art while spending time sharing, laughing together, and encouraging each other. This talented team is the first line of engagement with homeowners handling a myriad of challenges, including helping homeowners with billing or general questions, helping homeowners navigate the owner's portal, and reaching the community manager or administrative assistants for additional support. The team is led by team lead Alaina Beard and Homeowner Service Center director Felecia Berry.

Ghertner & Company Annual Trade Show Returns!

Over 100 people attended the recent annual Ghertner & Company Trade Show and seminars at the Millennium Maxwell House Hotel in Nashville on Friday, November 4th.  Board members, community managers and Ghertner associates were able to network with a wide variety of vendors to learn more about their products and services.  A complimentary lunch was provided for attendees and door prizes were given by vendors.

Helpful seminars were provided in two sessions prior to the midday Trade Show.  Industry professionals shared to a full room the value of reserve studies along with another seminar on ways to increase a community’s environmental features. 

Canine Events Benefit Local Animal Charities

To wind down the summer season, two Ghertner & Company managed communities let furry neighbors in on some pool fun. Windstar Bay and Wright Farms Homeowners Associations recently held puppy pool parties for the dogs in their communities and also used the events as an opportunity to collect donations for local animal shelters.

Wright Farms’ Puppy Plunge was on Sunday, October 9. The community accepted donations for Waggin’ Tails Animal Shelter. Sixteen to eighteen dogs and their owners participated. Dogs had a chance to swim and even non-swimming dogs got in on the fun running around and meeting new neighbors.

The Windstar Bay Doggie Dip took place on Sunday, October 16.  Dogs were required to be at least 12 weeks old and current with all vaccinations. Participants were asked to make a small monetary donation of dog-friendly items.  While the rainy weather kept some pups at home, the community was able to raise $90 for the Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary.

Todd Forsythe is the property manager for Wright Farms and Becca Breier is the property manager for Windstar Bay.

Food, Fun and Fellowship for Ghertner & Company Team

The Ghertner & Company team enjoyed a great time of food, fellowship and fun on Wednesday, October 26, at the first-ever company-wide Fall Festival. The cookout featured hotdogs and hamburgers, while associates brought a variety of sides and desserts. The two-hour event also had friendly competitions of cornhole, ladder toss, pumpkin decorating and even a dessert contest, allowing for everyone the opportunity to participate. This was the first large-scale, in-person event in a couple of years and was a chance to reinforce the value of each associate’s contribution to the property management excellence Ghertner & Company strives for daily.

September CAI Meeting Recognizes Retiring Leaders

A capacity crowd attended the September Tennessee Community Associations Institute (CAI) luncheon last month. The featured speaker was Davidson County Sherriff Daron Hall who spoke on the challenges and opportunities related to the new county jail facility.

Two long-time CAI leaders were also recognized as both entered retirement. Kathleen Sutherland, Ghertner & Company Director of Training and Development, was honored for her many years of contribution to the leadership and success of the organization. She will continue to serve Ghertner & Company in a part-time capacity focusing on Board training. Sherry Jones, CAI Administrative Assistant, was recognized for her 20+ years of outstanding service to CAI members. 

The Tennessee chapter of CAI provides education and networking opportunities to HOA managers, vendors, and members.  Ghertner & Company supports CAI as an annual sponsor and encourages manager participation in the chapter.

Team Building for Administrative Assistants

Ghertner & Company’s commitment to property management excellence is a team effort.  A key part of that effort is the 15 administrative assistants who serve 2-3 community association managers each.  The administrative assistant team met in person recently to get to know each other better by answering “ice breaker” questions and enjoying a casual lunch.

The administrative assistant team fills an important role by providing another level of communication and customer service to homeowners and Boards by supporting their community association managers.  Administrative assistants’ tasks include answering general homeowner questions, managing amenity reservations, programming and distributing pool keys and gate devices, annual meeting preparation, sending homeowner communications, and providing day-to-day support for their managers.

Time Management Workshop Well Attended

Board members from Middle Tennessee homeowners associations managed by Ghertner & Company participated in person and via Zoom in the September Board Leadership Training workshop held at the corporate offices in Metrocenter.  Led by industry professional, Kathleen Sutherland, the topic of time management was shared with a focus on how busy volunteer Board members create balance with this additional commitment.  Topics included how effective communication, delegating responsibilities, and avoiding “time stealers” can help strike a balance in these busy times. 

The seminar was offered midday and in the evening (online only) to accommodate the participants’ schedules. 

CAI Meeting Focuses on HOA Budgets and Business Partners

Industry professionals from local HOA management companies served on a panel during the August CAI meeting to provide input to business partners regarding the busy budget season ahead. The six panelists shared practical advice and fielded questions to a capacity crowd dealing with all phases of the process from request for proposals, to deciding factors on choosing a vendor, to the importance of communication and how to provide the best customer service during a project.

The Tennessee chapter of the Community Associations Institute (CAI) provides quality education, leadership training and networking opportunities for the homeowner association managers and business partners with a monthly meeting. Ghertner & Company is a annual sponsor of the CAI and encourages its managers to be participate as part of their professional development.