August 2007 eNEWS

June Network Connections

Boston, MA - June 12, 2007

By Steve Wohl, American Furniture Rentals

Boston 's Network Connection Luncheon on June 12 was definitely a successful event. The 40 or so attendees were in a comfortable setting, the AFR showroom, and were served a fantastic lunch, courtesy of Equity Corporate Housing.

After networking and eating, a lively discussion by Greg Vasil, CEO Greater Boston Real Estate Board, evolved including a discussion on the tax issue. He also spoke about what it will take to keep businesses coming into the New England area and focused on the Bio-Med and Hi-Tech industries.

The meeting ended with a brief talk from Patty Libbey, President Greater Boston Association of Realtors. She discussed why people would like to live in New England and based it on her own life experiences since she has been a lifelong resident of the Boston area.

Toronto, Ontario, Canada - June 14, 2007

By Daniel Bar-Dayan, Delsuites Inc.

Toronto, Canada was host to a CHPA Network Connection Event on June 14, 2007. There was a fabulous turnout which included 35 people representing approximately 20 different provider and supplier companies. These companies included both CHPA members and prospective members. 

The main focus of the meeting was the formation of a Canadian furnished housing association with direct ties to CHPA.  Tracy Hayes, President of CWS Corporate Housing and CHPA Immediate Past President, was on hand to share her experiences with CHPA and to discuss the benefits of developing a Canadian furnished housing chapter with its own unique identity. Tracey used the the Association of Serviced Apartment Providers (ASAP) in the UK as a model to work towards.

The event also included a presentation on Revenue Management by George Van Noten of Minto Furnished Suites and an update on the Rental Furniture Industry by Mark Miller of Executive Furniture Rentals.  The afternoon concluded with some delicious cocktails and appetizers courtesy of our hosts The Rosemont Residences.

All in all, it was a very productive an enjoyable afternoon of networking.

Click here for additional information about upcoming CHPA Network Connection Events.

"Prepared?"

By Pam Wade, CCHP, Gables Corporate Accommodations

Is your company prepared for the next natural disaster, terror attack or flu pandemic outbreak? What would you do if the building your business is located within is damaged or destroyed in a disaster? Where would you go to continue providing services your customers? Would you be prepared and have the correct resources, databases, contact information and other necessary items?

While we often think of how we can service those customers who have been displaced during a disaster, what happens when your company is displaced? Having a disaster management and recovery plan will help ensure your business is prepared to survive and continue working if disaster strikes or your team is depleted due to a pandemic.

A few areas to consider as part of your disaster management plan:

Do you have another office location that can be your back up?

If so, be sure they have all of your vendor, property and occupant information, so they can begin servicing your accounts immediately.

Have you thought about how much you rely on email?

So much of our business is done via email or the Internet, whether it is with our clients to complete paperwork, or order services through our vendors. Do you have a vendor list in place with alternative contact information? Also, consider two-way paging or instant messaging as ways to communicate with your vendors or staff. Compiling a list of personal email addresses for your staff is helpful if your internal network goes down.

How are you going to communicate with your residents or clients?

If you own or manage your own apartment communities, a preparedness letter can be easily distributed. However, if manage inventory in cities where you have no team members, how will you distribute any notifications? A good idea to consider is creating an e-mail distribution list of residents, so a mass announcement can be made if necessary. If email is down, do you have telephone contact information for everyone ? Our clients will also expect an update on the status of your operations, so creating a client contact list is imperative.

What about your banking, accounting and human resources processes?

Continuing to pay your employees will be necessary if your area is impacted by a storm or pandemic outbreak. Be sure your payroll systems have a back up plan. And what about paying your vendors? Will you be able to cut manual checks? Do you access your banking information on-line?

Are associates in your office cross-trained?

It is estimated that 20% to 60% of the workforce may be absent for an extended period of time during a pandemic, due to personal illness, family member illness, fear, community containment, quarantines, school closures and public transportation closures. Take time to cross train your associates so no department is without someone who can handle those duties.

FEMA provides several resources to assist business owners in making a disaster plan. Visit http://www.fema.gov/business/index.shtm for a complete list of resources. The odds are that your business will eventually be challenged by an unexpected disaster or crisis. If you do not have a disaster plan in place, all is not lost! Get started today!

Pam Wade, CCHP is the Regional Vice President of Gables Corporate Accommodations and sits on the CHPA Board of Directors. If you have questions, you can contact Pam at pwade@gables.com.

Spotlight on Committees

Education Committee

Marilyn Kempter, CCHP, ABODA

The Education Committee would like to welcome two new members, Becky Barriault from Gables Corporate Accommodations and Cecilia Tanner from Post Properties! As a group, we have completed our recommendations for topics for the 2008 Conference, which are now in the capable hands of our Conference Committee. We are on to tackling the update for the 2008 certification test to be held on Monday, February 18, 2008 at the Conference in Las Vegas, NV . There are 25 questions in the process of either being rewritten or created. Also, revisions to the 2007 Study Guide are under way based on your feed back. Thank you also to the Communications Committee for providing suggestions regarding the format. More to come! It's not too early to register to take the 2008 test. Send your inquires to Shana Kneib at skneib@chpaonline.org.

To get involved, volunteer or contribute to the committee, please contact the CHPA staff at info@chpaonline.org or Marilyn Kempter, CCHP, Education Committee Chair, at marilyn.kempter@aboda.com.

Members in the News...

Churchill Corporate Services Announces New Corporate Housing Office in Boston , MA

Churchill Corporate Services has announced the opening of its newest office, located in Boston, MA. The Boston office has been established to serve the needs of clients in need of corporate housing services in the greater-Boston area. Following the same standard as the longer-established Churchill offices in New York , New Jersey and Connecticut , this operation's main focus is on creating direct landlord relationships in order to bring the highest level of service to clients.

“We have been providing relocation services for more than 30 years and have been looking to expand into the New England market for some time,” stated Yudel Kahan, president of the company. “We have established a new office in the city of Boston and now have the resources to meet Boston 's temporary housing needs of our current and expanding customer base.”

Patrick Flynn joined the company to head its Boston operations. A Boston native, Mr. Flynn brings extensive industry experience and is already tracking successes for Churchill by spearheading the efforts in expanding Churchill's relationships with various properties throughout the Boston area.

“We've opened up this new market in response to the demand we have received from our client base for services in this area,” says Charles Horne, Executive Vice President. “After so many years of successfully serving New York , New Jersey and Connecticut , Boston is the next logical step. It's a wonderful area and we look forward to becoming a part of the business of New England.”

New Oakwood Rockefeller Center Offers Five-Staff Luxury, Lifestyle and Location

Oakwood Worldwide, the leading global temporary housing and serviced apartment provider, today announced the signing of new five-star apartment residences in the premier Oakwood Rockefeller Center, located adjacent to the famed Rockefeller Center in New York City. The addition of this premium property marks Oakwood's latest offering in New York and continues Oakwood's track record of success as the New York area's largest temporary housing provider.

At Oakwood Rockefeller Center, true opulence and upscale living begins, as each guest finds grandeur in a fully-furnished apartment including: 24-hour concierge; flat-screen plasma televisions; Italian imported amenities throughout the kitchen; large marble bathrooms with double sinks and a separate bathtub and shower; premium cable; and wireless Internet.

Each Oakwood Rockefeller Center apartment also features premier Signature Package furnishings. The package includes sleek, European styling, contemporary solid wood furniture to complement Oakwood's plush Dream Bed along with top-of-the-line china and linens.

“Oakwood Worldwide has a strong history and presence in New York , and we are thrilled to offer truly exceptional, premier temporary housing options at Oakwood Rockefeller Center ,” says Oakwood Worldwide's Senior Vice President and General Manager Gavan James . “It is located in the most desirable location in one of the world's most celebrated cities, and our guests will experience five-star service and quality from the moment they contact us about this outstanding property.”

Other opulent touches include:

• Many units with floor-to-ceiling glass windows with amazing views of the city and Rockefeller Center , including the famed Rockefeller Christmas tree during the holidays.
• Modern kitchens featuring a Sub-Zero refrigerator and dishwasher.
• Décor featuring museum-quality photography from Oakwood's founder, Howard Ruby. You can view the entire Howard Ruby collection at www.howardruby.com.
• Washer and dryer in each apartment.

Location and Building Amenities

Designed by the architectural firm of Perkins Eastman, all 33 floors represent nothing less than one of the city's premier residential developments.

Oakwood Rockefeller Center features a wealth of luxurious amenities, including a spa, fitness center, club room, state-of-the-art conference center, lounge, and elegant cigar room. The Oakwood Rockefeller Center even comes with special effects in the common area in the form of a unique “glass curtain” covering that changes color depending on the outdoor light condition.

Located on West 48 th Street, the property lies in the heart of New York 's business center and is one block from Radio City Music Hall and overlooks NBC “Today” show studios. Oakwood Rockefeller Center is also steps away from extraordinary shopping, including Saks Fifth Avenue, a wealth of fine-dining establishments, and historical landmarks such as St. Patrick's Cathedral.

“There are hundreds of residential buildings in New York, but Oakwood Rockefeller Center is truly a one-of-a-kind premier property,” says Oakwood Worldwide's Regional Sales Manager James Higgins . “It offers the finest in New York living in the heart of the business center, all with Oakwood Worldwide's hallmark service and home-away-from-home environment.”

Click here to view “Adjusting His Focus” – LA Business Journal Article of Oakwood's Chairman, Howard Ruby

BridgeStreet Worldwide Announces Global Alliance Expansion

Corporate Housing Provider Evolves Innovative Partnership Alliance

Encompassing the Global Housing Industry

BridgeStreet Worldwide, responding to changing client needs and the rapid globalization of the temporary housing industry has restructured its existing licensed partnership into a cohesive international alliance of high quality serviced apartment providers.

This network, known as the BridgeStreet Global Alliance is a conglomerate of like-minded corporate housing providers dedicated to high quality accommodations and services. The industry first alliance gives customers a comprehensive global housing solution, which delivers a consistent extended stay travel experience across the board.

“A pillar of BridgeStreet Worldwide's success is our dedication to superior services offered consistently across international borders to both clients and guests,” said Lee Curtis, BridgeStreet Worldwide president and CEO. “By evolving the standards and participation levels of our Global Alliance program we further ensure our customers will receive reliable, high quality service wherever they are traveling – whether it be Dubai or Silicon Valley.”

BridgeStreet Worldwide selectively recruits the highest quality local corporate housing providers throughout the world to participate in the Global Alliance. “We have assembled a team of industry experts that are placed strategically in key cities to assess client demand for specific locations and perform rigorous due diligence on potential global alliance members”, reports Curtis. Members work through a stringent certification process, graduating to the status of Certified Partner.

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The BridgeStreet Global Alliance is further stratified with the addition of the category of Premier Global Alliance Partner. This is the highest level of the Alliance and applies to providers who currently participate in the US-based Licensed Global Partner program. It is the goal of the BridgeStreet Global Alliance program to offer members the opportunity to join, gain membership benefits and evolve their businesses through the levels of the Alliance over time, through solid commitment and consistent delivery to superior customer service practices; thus, further formalizing and evolving the serviced apartments industry internationally.

“The Global Alliance participation levels are based on the longevity and strength of the partner's relationship with BridgeStreet Worldwide. Our long-term objective is to establish partner relationships that advance through the hierarchy of the Global Alliance, ultimately developing Premium partners throughout major metropolitan areas across the globe,” said Curtis.

Multiple benefits are realized by both customers and alliance members through the Global Alliance program. Global Alliance customers receive a seamless process of reservations, billing and account management and are assured consistently high quality accommodations, service delivery and innovative processes they've come to expect from BridgeStreet. Alliance members benefit from shared operational knowledge, technology, shared buying power and training.

Redefining the BridgeStreet Global Alliance and committing additional resources to roll out the program along with developing new, supportive technology, BridgeStreet Worldwide is positioned to become the first-choice corporate housing provider for clients demanding quality accommodations and impeccable service at their choice of locations around the globe.

BridgeStreet Worldwide Leads the Way in Corporate Housing Certification

BridgeStreet Worldwide is pleased to announce a record number of BridgeStreet associates have received certification in the first Corporate Housing Providers Association's (CHPA) certification program. Representing 15% of certificate holders, BridgeStreet leadership and the company's Premier Global Alliance Partners proudly retain the highest number of Certified Corporate Housing Professional (CCHP) members among the industry.

The recently created CCHP recognition reflects a dedication to setting the highest standards for professionals in the corporate housing industry and is awarded to those who successfully complete a certification examination. The two-hour, 100 question examination tests three areas of knowledge: operations, financial management and sales and marketing. Nationally recognized subject matter experts and psychometricians worked to ensure the exam's content and format were statistically accurate and valid.

The CHPA Education Committee, comprised of corporate housing professionals who volunteer their time and expertise to ensure integrity of the program, oversees the CCHP program. BridgeStreet's Natalie Hickernell, Vice President of Human Resources, assisted in developing the certification program as a member of the CHPA Education Committee and the Certification Development Panel Subcommittee.

“We are proud that BridgeStreet and our Premier Global Alliance Partners are leading the industry with the number of certified associates on our team,” said Lee Curtis, President and CEO of BridgeStreet Worldwide and current CHPA President. “Participating in this certification program is yet another way in which BridgeStreet clients can be assured we are holding true to our commitment of superior services and quality accommodations and our promise of making corporate housing easy. The CCHP recognition is an indication to our clients and guests that BridgeStreet associates and partners have the knowledge and expertise to meet their unique and diverse needs.”

“BridgeStreet Worldwide continues to demonstrate its dedication to the continuous improvement of the corporate housing industry with its participation in the CHPA certification process and gaining CCHP recognition,” said Mary Ann Passi, Executive Director of CHPA. “BridgeStreet is committed to providing the resources of its senior management for the betterment of the industry and has been a member of the trade association since its inception.”