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.
Spring has sprung....Ready, Start, Go!!!
As we jump into Spring after experiencing record rainfall in February, it is now time to prepare
for the growing season ahead in regards to your lawn & landscape.
Here are some tips to help prepare your landscape so that it will look its best in 2019:
• The excessive amounts of rain this winter has created optimal conditions for weed
germination in our plant beds and turf areas. Although some weed presence is inevitable,
you can help control weeds by applying a pre-emergent herbicide in the early Spring.
Don’t wait too late, as timing is critical to the success of the herbicide treatment.
• Prior to the spring buds developing on your shrubs, the early Spring is a great time to
perform any winter pruning or deep cut-backs in order to re-shape or re-size plant
material. This practice will minimize pruning needs during the growing season while
providing a fresh appearance for old & tired shrubbery. This ‘rejuvenation’ or deep type
pruning should be performed before the shrubbery develops new leaves.
• Early spring is also a good opportunity to cut-back any spent perennials and appropriate
grounds covers to promote the upcoming seasonal new growth. Again, it is best to
perform this task prior to the flush of buds or leaves.
• Take advantage of the dormant season to coordinate and conduct a planning meeting with
your service provider representative. It is important for you to be aware of the schedule of
services for the upcoming months. This will keep you informed, and avoid any surprises.
• Ask your service provider to provide a property needs analysis or site audit. This report
will outline any property deficiencies, safety concerns, improvement needs, etc... along
with solutions. This tool can help you identify and prioritize your landscape needs for this
season, so that you can plan your funding accordingly.
Prepare for Spring prior to its arrival! The value of such planning and performance will pay
dividends during busy growing season.
Partner Blog provided by:
LSI
Scott Oldham
https://www.landscapeservicesinc.com/
Thank You Representative Bob Freeman!
Representative Bob Freeman
Homeowner Associations across the state of Tennessee appreciate the efforts of Tennessee Representative Bob Freeman in opposition to SB 1429 – HB 1290. If adopted, the bill would take away a neighborhood association's right to defend itself from out of state home rental companies.
Representative Freeman states, “Large firms are coming in, buying homes and renting them long-term. We should have the right to regulate them.” (Nashville Post, April 9, 2019 article).
Ghertner & Company, along with the Community Associations Institute, encourages HOA board members to contact their State Representative today to voice opposition to SB 1429 – HB 1290.
Pool Safety & Electrical Inspections
Danny Alter, General Manager with Greater Nashville Pool Management, shares with Community Association Managers about the need for electrical inspections at Homeowner association pools to provide a safe pool area. Managers were able to ask questions and participate in discussion about the frequency of inspections, signs to look for regarding issues and general costs for budgeting purposes. Ghertner & Company has a monthly meeting with all Community Association Managers to encourage communication, sharing of resources and company policies.
“Community Standards” Lunch & Learn Offered at Two Locations
In an effort to make the volunteer leadership workshop, Community Standards: Rules and Regulations more accessible to clients in Middle Tennessee it was offered in March at two locations. Several Board members and Community Association Managers were in attendance at the Murfreesboro Lunch & Learn on Wednesday, March 6. The seminar was presented again at the Ghertner & Company offices in MetroCenter on Tuesday, March 12 to a full house.
Monthly Lunch & Learn workshops are presented on a variety of topics to better inform and equip HOA Board of Directors in their role. HOAs managed by Ghertner & Company can have their Board members attend at no cost and a complimentary lunch is served. Ask your Community Association Manager about attending or contact Theresa Savich at theresa.savich@ghertner.com.
Fair Housing Seminar Provides Updated Information
Ghertner & Company held a Fair Housing seminar for its managers, leadership and staff recently as part of the ongoing in-house training. Gerald Wigger from the Ortale Kelley law firm led the seminar. Mr. Wigger is an experienced civil litigation attorney who focuses on homeowners’ associations, premises liability, personal injury, homeowner’s association disputes and insurance defense. Ghertner & Company is committed to providing its managers with the highest level of support for the community’s success.
5 Little Known Termite Facts
All Termites Are Not Created Equal
There are multiple species and sub-species of termites. The two largest classifications are Drywood and Subterranean. Drywood termites build their colonies in wood. Subterranean Termites build their colonies under the ground. The Subterranean Termites do they most damage to homes in the United States. Numbers go into the billions! Drywood Termites do damage as well. Their damage reports go into the millions!
Winged Termites are not their own species of termites
Many black termites with white wings are often wrongly identified. These caste termites sent out to start new colonies.
Termites Never Sleep
How can termites quickly do damage? In other words- they never sleep! They are one of Earth’s few living species that are awake 24 hours a day, 365 days a week. Could you imagine how much work human’s could accomplish if they never sleep.
Winged Termites Do Not Always Foretell An Infestation
If you see a small amount of winged termites around your windows, there is no need to panic. A small number of winged termites usually signifies an aging colony. If you see any termites, it is imperative that you have a home termite inspection.
Swarmers Flock To Light
In the evening, if you have a lot of outside porch and house lights you may be attracting termites to your home. It’s true. Termites are attracted to the light. In conclusion, the lack of outdoor lighting can have consequences, but it is important for safety.
This partner post has been provided by Absolute Pest Control. http://absolutepestco.com/
Company Donation Benefits Both Orphans and Widows
The non-profit organization, Both Hands, fills a unique need in the community by serving widows with much needed household projects while also assisting adoptive families with the enormous related expenses. The process is simple: adoptive families gather a support team that uses the widow’s home repairs as a fundraising project. The work for the widow is done free of charge and the adoptive family’s support team collects money from their sponsors once the work is complete. Both Hands refers to one hand assisting the widow and the other hand helping the orphan to be adopted. Learn more at www.bothhands.org.
Pictured at the check presentation are Both Hands team members Bethany Purdy, Founder JT Olson, John Ericson and Aimee Sipe. Ghertner & Company associates present were Jaye Kloss and Kim Maynord (centered behind the check). In an effort to support organizations within the Middle Tennessee that are making a difference, Ghertner & Company is providing a $500 donation.
Training Offered on Active Shooter Awareness
As part of the ongoing Human Resources Lunch and Learn series, an Active Shooter Awareness Presentation was made available for Ghertner & Company associates on February 20th. Kevin Johnson, Assistant Director of Training for the Nashville Sheriff’s Office shared about the need for preparedness and offered many practical tips that should be considered and implemented in the case a situation ever occurs. Attendees were able to ask questions and participate in the discussion.
Fun Team Building Event with a Purpose!
The Valentine’s holiday provided a great opportunity for an exciting team building event that showed the heart of Ghertner & Company associates. Team members participated in a collaborative craft session by decorating a canvas that focused on the non-profit organization, Both Hands. During lunch, a silent auction featuring team member and vendor donated items raised $1,500 for the charity! The event served as a good time to build camaraderie and benefit a local organization making a difference in the Middle Tennessee community.
Both Hands focuses on assisting families in raising funds for the expensive process of child adoption by doing various projects on widow’s homes. Learn more at BothHand.org.
February Lunch & Learn Focuses On Time Management
Many Home Owner Association Board members attended the February Lunch & Learn where they were able to learn principles of Time Management and how they relate to their role. Focus and discussion dealt with practical ways to balance board members volunteer roles with life. Attendees also enjoyed a complimentary lunch and one on one time with Community Association Managers and other Ghertner associates.
Two Lunch & Learn seminar opportunities will be available in March dealing with Community Standards, Rules and Regulations. Find out more by emailing or calling Theresa Savich at theresa.savich@ghertner.com or 615.277.0346.
Building Industry Relationships
The Tennessee Chapter of CAI (Community Associations Institute) met on Friday, January 25th allowing many opportunities for networking with industry professionals. Several 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.
Winter Freeze Precautions
We cannot emphasize too much or too often the precautions to be taken to prevent frozen or burst water pipes during cold weather. These bursts not only cause you as the homeowner inconvenience and damage, they also cost you money. This is because the insurance deductible for water bursts is high, and you will be responsible to pay the deductible for any cold weather-related burst in a water line serving your unit only. This may include the outside faucet, depending on your Community Association.
In late fall:
If applicable, close all foundation vents.
Outside hoses: Disconnect all hoses from outside connections, and then run water for a few minutes to be sure pipes leading inside are not still holding water from when the hose was connected. This is the most common cause of bursts in the water line for outside faucets, and often the damage is not discovered until the faucet is used again in the spring.
During extremely cold weather (20 degrees or below):
Leave some water running in faucets farthest away from the water heater, or where the faucet is on an exterior wall. The colder the weather, the more water should flow. Open all cabinet doors beneath sinks, wet bars, etc. so warm air from the room can circulate around the pipes. This is very helpful.
During warmer weather (you do not have to wait until spring):
Turn on the outside faucets to be sure they are working properly. While they are on, check the wall and carpet at the inside wall nearest the location of the outside faucet. Water could indicate that the line is broken inside the wall. If you see water, call your Plumber or if applicable your Community Association Manager, and do not use the outside faucet until it has been inspected and/or repaired by a qualified technician.
If you have a burst water line:
Turn off the water at the inside cut-off, if you have one – or at the outside cut-off.
Call your plumber to make repairs or if applicable to your type of community the Community Association Manager at Ghertner & Company during normal business hours of Monday-Friday from 8:00-4:30 at 615-255-8531. The after-hours maintenance emergency number is 615-255-4736.
General recommendations:
If you are going out of town, even for a short time, please consider leaving the heat set at a minimum of 65 degrees. You may choose to leave a key with a neighbor, in case of an emergency.
Know the location of your water cut-off, and how to turn off all water. This information is also helpful when you make plumbing repairs or change plumbing fixtures.
Feed America First Provides Solutions to the Hungry
With the vision of ceasing hunger in America by refusing to let neighbors go hungry, Feed America First, takes on the role of receiving large scale food donations and then distributing them to 200 partner agencies in the region. This non-profit organization’s from “truck to trunk” mindset allows them to distribute over 950,000 pounds of food every month. For every $1 donated, Feed America First is able to provide 10-15 meals. Learn more about how to offer support or volunteer at www.feedamericafirst.com. Ghertner & Company continues to give back to the Middle Tennessee community by supporting meaningful organizations with financial support and donations.
Receiving the check on behalf of Feed America First is Tom Henry, Founder and Co-Executive Director and Dave Speer, Board President. Jan Speer, Dave’s wife, is the board president at Willow Springs, a Ghertner & Company managed property. Ghertner & Company team members pictured are Deborah Wallace, Jaye Kloss, and Michael Ryckeley.
6 THINGS TO ASK YOUR COMMERCIAL PAINTING CONTRACTOR
Know when to call
for help!
First impressions are everything in business. When potential clients pass by a place of business, a positive first impression from a quality paint job done by a commercial painting contractor is key to grabbing and keeping their attention.
Curb appeal includes investing in quality work, done by quality contractors who have proven results. When it comes to finding your next commercial painting contractor, know what to ask when you begin your research.
These following six questions are a great place to start when identifying who will be doing the next painting project for your shopping center, multi-family complex, or retail store.
Is your company licensed?
Is the company properly licensed to perform commercial painting? Does each of the contractors working for the company have a valid, up-to-date license for themselves? If the answer is not Yes, move on. You are not protected in maintaining a quality of work with an unlicensed worker.
Each commercial painter and company has a lot to lose if the job is not completed to terms as noted and signed in a contract.
Does your company have the proper insurance?
Is the company bonded and insured in case of any problems or accidents while they are working at your business? While you may have insurance for your business, they should be responsible for any mishaps or problems which occur during their work.
Go the extra mile and request their insurance information and contact them to ensure the insurance is correct and valid. You will want to ensure they have comprehensive business liability and workman’s compensation insurance in place.
Does your company have references reviews and warranties?
Many commercial painting contractors will have a list of references from previous projects and often times contacts at those locations who have reviewed the quality of work which was completed.
If you are able to speak with past customers, they may be able to share any positive or negative feedback. If there has been problems, it will help you identify them and potentially avoid future issues.
Always ask about warranties offered. If there is a warranty, it can help save you money in the long run, rather than have to pay more to have something fixed, which wasn’t your fault in the beginning.
How long with the project take and who will be my point of contact?
You will always want to get as detailed a report as possible when it comes to the time it will take to complete a project. Owning a business, you must have commercial painting contractors who are up front and honest about project timelines.
What type of products will be used on our building?
The types of products are always a concern when investing in a commercial painting contractor. At Renovia, we identify the best products based on the type of project.
Never assume the contractors you speak with are planning on using the highest quality of products. Often times you will get a low quote and if you accept and the job is done with lower quality products, you will be back redoing the project much sooner than needed.
How much experience does the commercial painting contractor have?
Begin the conversation with questions around the company’s background to learn more about them, how long they have been in business. Commercial painting contractors who build quality teams with experienced workers who love what they do, great results will follow.
Don’t be afraid to ask how many jobs they have completed, if there have been any high profile jobs or how many years of service they have in the industry.
Finding a quality commercial painting contractor can at times present a challenge. Having a list of questions to start will help you narrow down, eliminate and hopefully identify the top one to three candidates for the job. Once you have narrowed down your search, then ask for a quote so you can do a full comparison based on the job at hand.
Blog posting provided courtesy of Renovia - https://renovia.com/
First Lunch & Learn of 2019 Is a Success!
Home Owner Association Board members participated in the first Lunch & Learn of 2019 by brainstorming solutions for the challenges faced by many communities. With the emphasis on Strategic Planning and Board Dynamics, many board members took advantage of the opportunity to work in small-groups on specific issues.
The February 12th Lunch & Learn seminar will explore the topic of "Time Management". Complimentary lunch will be provided and the event starts at 11:30 a.m. Reserve your place by emailing or calling Theresa Savich at theresa.savich@ghertner.com or 615.277.0346.
Take advantage of the busy dormant season!
We recommend utilizing the short winter season to prepare for a successful landscape experience in 2019. It may sound odd, but there are many tasks that should be performed during the dormant season that will benefit the landscape. It is important to accomplish these tasks sooner than later to prepare your grounds for Spring, before Spring arrives. Here are a few suggestions:
Develop a master landscape plan for your community. Your service provider can help create this plan, which will act as a guide and resource tool for the community moving forward over the next 1-5 years, helping you prioritize projects, make educated decisions, and budget accordingly. A plan will remove the haphazard guess-work from the equation, which typically results in a mediocre final product. A master plan for the community will typically cost extra, but may be the best money you ever spend on the community’s behalf, as it will reap good returns on the investment. You will need to engage a competent service provider for a project of this caliber, likely one with a landscape architect or experienced designer.
Engage your service provider to perform a site ‘Audit’ that lists items that need to be addressed such as safety concerns, enhancement projects, plant replacements, etc… This audit can help guide you in regards to more immediate spending needs and short term planning. An audit of sorts, depending on its complexity and scope, is usually offered by service providers at no extra charge. Conducting such an audit during the dormant season is beneficial, because many landscape related tasks are best performed in the winter season.
Perform any major tree work or tree pruning during the winter season, as trees respond more favorably to such cutting when performed while they are dormant and not actively growing.
Conduct ‘Rejuvenation’ type pruning of tired & overgrown shrubs and hedge rows during the winter season too. This type pruning refers to a significant cut-back of the shrubbery (usually removing ½ or more of the existing foliage) to re-shape and/or re-size the plant material. This service will promote the health and vigor of the plants resulting in an extended life-cycle, and create a safer environment while delivering a newer and fresh aesthetic.
The dormant season is also an optimal opportunity to have one-on-one conversations with your service provider about the expectations and goals of the community, while scheduling all the work early in the year to ensure a smooth start for the upcoming growing season and minimize any surprises.
The dormant season is actually a busy time of year for your qualified landscape service provider.
Spring is less than 60 days away, so start preparing now!
Written by: Scott Oldham
Landscape Services, Inc. (LSI)