May 2007 eNEWS

Orlando, FL Network Connection Luncheon

The event took place at the CORT Furniture Showroom in Orldando, FL on April 25, 2007. Karen Kennedy and Chris Ocala with the Florida Department of Revenue addressed the implementation of the tax laws in the state of Florida. If corporate housing providers find the tax laws unjust, then they are to seek a voice in Tallahassee. Those in attendance were enthusiastic and intrested in pursuing representation to lobby the tax issues that corporate housing providers are facing in the state of Florida.

If you are interested in hosting a Network Connections event, please contact Andrea Danz at adanz@chpaonline.org .

The Greening of Corporate Apartments

By Karen Blair, CCHP, Marriott ExecuStay

Recently my husband and I watched former Vice President Al Gore's Oscar-winning documentary – An Inconvenient Truth. The movie is very compelling as it makes a strong case of the danger to our planet from greenhouse gas emissions and the corresponding global warming caused.

Global warming is getting attention everywhere, not just in the movies. We know that more and more people, particularly those that are young, want to use products and services that are good for the environment. In the past few years, questions pertaining to our company's “green” stance have come to Marriott ExecuStay more frequently from small and large customers alike. Recently some government agencies have stated they will only do business with “green” companies.

As a corporate housing industry, we have a phenomenal opportunity to take a leadership role in creating a healthier environment and enabling “green” lifestyles for our residents. Some of the ways we can all help include:

• Replacing standard light bulbs with florescent light bulbs, which use 65-70% less energy.

• Working with apartment communities to install low-flow showerheads and toilets that use less water.

• Installing recycling bins in our apartments with directions for use.

• Offering incentives (such as free parking, free HSIA) for residents with hybrid cars.

• Purchasing products that are not made from endangered plants or animals.

• Making residents aware of local community clean-up projects and volunteering on our own.

• Making residents aware of carpool and public transportation.

At Marriott, we have put many of these ideas to work already. As a company, we have focused on energy and water conservation for over 20 years. We are on track to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 1 million tons over the years 2000-2010. We have decreased our energy use and saved 65% on property lighting costs by replacing 450,000 light bulbs with fluorescent lighting last year alone. Our hot water usage has been reduced by 10% by replacing shower heads. And our associates have volunteered to clean up communities through Clean Up the World, a global environmental organization.

With your help, the corporate housing industry can be recognized as leaders in environmental stewardship. For additional resources, please go to:

• U.S. Department of Energy:   http//www.eere.energy.gov
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: http//www.energystar.gov

Karen Blair, CCHP is the senior vice president of Owner and Franchise Services for Marriott ExecuStay and serves on the CHPA board of directors.

Position Profile: A Glimpse at Houskeeping Operations

This month, Lisa "G" Niesen, member of the CHPA Communications Committee, interviewed Amy Welsh, Operations Specialist with Corporate Housing Solutions, about her role as it relates to Housekeeping Operations.

Niesen: How often do you use housekeeping?

Welsh: Depends on move-ins, move-outs and dependent on the time of year when and how often needed.

Niesen: Do you include housekeeping on all your properties?

Welsh: It is optional based on the client.

Niesen: How do you go about deciding what company to use for housekeeping?

Welsh: We use two local companies on a regular basis unless they are booked.

We have been very pleased with their service, and so have our clients.

Niesen: What do they NOT include in their regular services?

Welsh: Laundry and dishes.

Niesen: Do they clean blinds?

Welsh: Yes – and, if bed linens are provided, they will change them. If any laundry is needed, it must be requested.

Niesen: If a client requests weekly cleaning, can you do this?

Welsh: Yes.

Niesen: Have you received any special requests regarding housekeeping?

Welsh: Yes, we had one client request that his socks and underwear be laundered at same time we laundered his towels and sheets.

Niesen: How do you go about placing a housekeeping order?

Welsh: Fax over a request to the company.

Niesen: Do you receive confirmations on this?

Welsh: Yes, via fax also.

Niesen: Can you recall any out of the ordinary situations?

Welsh: Yes, 2006 and 2007 blizzards – the streets were impassable and entire city shut down. We had to reschedule on several occasions and several properties.

What position do you hold within your company? Would you like to share what you do "day-to-day" in your job? We need volunteers to be interviewed. If you are intrested, please contact Andrea Danz at adanz@chpaonline.org.

Members in the News…

Hospitality Industry Benefits from Satellite Mapping Systems

Corporate executives in search of the perfect place to stay while away on business already know BridgeStreet Worldwide is comfortable, business friendly, and offers the best customer service in the industry, but now that service is extended providing customers with 3-D mapping of accommodations in relation to office or airport locations.

Providing a real-time visual of BridgeStreet Worldwide locations with an interactive map for indicating places of interest such as parks, schools, museums, restaurants, and the client's workplace, helps traveling executives get a better sense of the neighborhood before they even arrive.

BridgeStreet Worldwide is able to put all of that information at traveler's fingertips with the Microsoft Virtual Earth mapping software. This software offers high-resolution satellite imagery with aerial views of apartment communities and an interactive mapping solution for points of interest nearby.

“It's important for our Web site to provide an efficient, easy-to-use online experience—including our mapping solution. In the travel business today, this is a must,” says Jon Wohlfert, Sr. VP of Marketing & Sales for BridgeStreet Worldwide. “We receive feedback from customers asking for information and ‘pushes' to e-mail and wireless devices. This is where we will take our Virtual Earth implementation next.”

In addition to providing customers with interactive accommodations mapping, BridgeStreet's implementation of Microsoft Virtual Earth has been laced throughout its systems via web services allowing for real-time modeling of building vacancy in relation to customer travel patterns. Comparing geographic information with customer travel behavior helps to minimize vacancy losses.

“Instead of our development team struggling with an inferior geographic application programming interface [API] we needed to invest in an efficient way to visualize our business data so we can better anticipate where to provide the specific locations and services our clients seek,” says Wohlfert.

National Realty Partners Purchases CAM, Inc.

National Realty Partners, one of the fastest-growing real estate firms in the Washington Metropolitan area, announced the purchase of Community Association Management, Inc. ( CAM ). CAM operates 31 homeowner association communities throughout Northern Virginia . Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“We are very pleased to announce the purchase of Community Association Management,” said Jim Foley , President of National Realty Partners. “National Realty Partners' vision for the future is to be recognized by our associates, customers and competitors as the premiere property management company in the industry. This recent acquisition will further our efforts towards that goal.”

National Realty Partners Purchases Berenbaum Management of Northern Virginia

Deal Includes Seven Homeowner Association Communities, Six Office Building Complexes and One Town Home Community

National Realty Partners, LLC, one of the fastest-growing real estate firms in the Washington Metropolitan area, announced the purchase of Berenbaum Management of Alexandria, Virginia. Berenbaum Management's holdings include seven Homeowner Association Communities (HOA), six office building complexes and one town home community. Terms of the deal were not disclosed

“We are very pleased to add Berenbaum Management's substantial group of properties to National Realty Partners' portfolio,” said Jim Foley , President of National Realty Partners. “They add to our already growing portfolio of real estate investments increasing our presence in the Northern Virginia real estate market.”

National Realty Partners Purchases Koger Management Inc.

Company Adds Koger's 350 Properties to its Rapidly Growing Real Estate and Asset Management Portfolio, Nearly Doubling Its Size

National Realty Partners, one of the fastest-growing real estate firms in the Washington Metropolitan area, announced the purchase of Koger Management Group, Inc, operator of approximately 350 properties including Homeowner Association (HOA) complexes and office buildings. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Koger Management Group, Inc. is one of the Washington Metropolitan area's premiere community association management firms offering a full array of services to condominiums, housing clusters, and planned unit developments.

“The addition of Koger management will nearly double our size,” said Jim Foley , President National Realty Partners. “This acquisition will significantly increase our market presence, allowing for greater economies of scale. Our company's mission is to provide service excellence for our customers while professionally and profitably managing real estate assets with the goal of enhancing asset value through; exceptional associates, outstanding customer service and superior product quality.”

Oakwood Worldwide Opens Company's First Japanese Luxury Services Apartments in Tokyo Midtown

Oakwood Worldwide opened the doors of Oakwood Premier Tokyo Midtown, 107 fully-furnished and serviced luxury apartments located in the new Tokyo Midtown development. Oakwood Worldwide's first luxury endeavor in Japan, the Oakwood Premier apartments – now available for rent – provide extended-stay accommodation for business travelers or consumers in need of convenient and deluxe transient living.

Offering a unique meld of classic Japanese elegance and modern technology, all Oakwood Premier Tokyo Midtown apartments are equipped with high-speed Internet, plasma TVs, Bose home theater systems, steam showers, private balconies with panoramic views, wood and marble furnishings, executive writing desks and modern steel appliances, and offer guests a choice of light or dark color schemes.

The generously appointed complex, offering both chic studios and spacious three-bedroom apartments, also offers residents the convenience of a state-of-the-art fitness center with an integrated jogging track, high-tech business center, 24-hour reception area and concierge, outdoor Japanese style gardens, lounge and bar area, and regular maid service. Additionally, Wi-Fi Internet access is available throughout the property.

Their convenient location within the Tokyo Midtown development provides residents with numerous, easily accessible resources, making the Oakwood Premier apartments an ideal place to live. Spanning ten hectares of land, Tokyo Midtown is made up of offices, residences, commercial facilities and other amenities, creating a people-friendly work/live environment that contributes to the “urban revitalization” of Tokyo . In addition to three office complexes, direct access the city's vast transportation network and even the Suntory art museum, the Tokyo Midtown development includes numerous shops and restaurants such as Chloe, Harry Winston and Dean & Deluca Café.

Forty percent of Tokyo Midtown is comprised of greenery and park space, making it a relaxing and eco-friendly place to live and work. The East side of the development is home to Hinokicho Park, which offers sweeping views of Old Tokyo, while the nearby Midtown Garden is equipped with wireless LAN access points, allowing people to access business resources in a beauteous, outdoor environment.

The development also incorporates the Tokyo Midtown Medical Center , the first Japan-based collaboration with Johns Hopkins Hospital . The Medical Center staff includes professionals capable of supplying services in English, ensuring peace of mind for both Japanese natives and foreign visitors.

Global Businessman Launches New Campaign to Help Establish Polar Bears as Face of Global Warming

Howard Ruby , founder and chairman of Oakwood Worldwide, is launching a new public campaign around Earth Day to help bring a recognizable face – the polar bear – to the global warming debate. The new campaign will kick off with several public photographic and educational programs during the South Coast Earth Day Festival in Santa Barbara .

A life-long outdoor photographer with more than 60 years of experience, Ruby will premiere his powerful photos, which show polar bears in their natural Arctic environment, in one of the largest global warming exhibits ever displayed in the world. The exhibit will spotlight 70 prints, extending 600 feet or almost two football fields, in downtown Santa Barbara . His dramatic images will also appear on 125 banners lining the city's State Street from Wednesday, April 18 through Sunday, April 22.

The wildlife imagery marks the inauguration of the polar bear as an important symbol of the drastic impacts of climate change on the Arctic , one of Earth's most environmentally-sensitive regions. Ruby has traveled to the Arctic numerous times and taken hundreds of pictures of the bears . One of his images depicts a lone bear searching for food on nearly melted sea ice. The photos capture diminishing ice flows, which are critical to the mating and hunting practices, and the continued survival of polar bears.

"After witnessing first-hand the impending loss of the polar bears' habitat and food source, I realized I could make a difference in two unique ways, through my images and through my company. Scientific and technical data can illustrate the impact of global warming, but are difficult for people to relate to. Through my photography, I hope to breathe life into this important issue by representing the plight of these beautiful, endearing creatures. The polar bear is really the canary in the coal mine for global warming. If we don't take steps now to reduce greenhouse gases and slow down the warming trend, we will lose them," said Ruby.  “And as chairman of a global company, I recognized that Oakwood Worldwide could also make a difference by implementing far-reaching green practices." 

As a leading global businessman, Ruby has guided Oakwood through its 47-year evolution to become the world's largest provider of temporary furnished apartments throughout the United States , United Kingdom and Asia . His personal commitment to this cause has inspired the company to launch the Oakwood Worldwide Green Initiative through three parallel programs:

•  Corporate Program - $2 million investment to reduce the corporation's production of greenhouse gases by 35 percent in 10 years. Oakwood is implementing environmentally-friendly improvements in all its processes and procedures; improving recycling efforts; researching and purchasing earth-friendly products whenever possible; and replacing and upgrading to more energy efficient equipment such as washers, dryers, air conditioning units, lighting and hot water systems. Oakwood is also working with graduate and doctoral students from the University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB) Bren School for Environmental Science & Management to determine additional ways that the company can reduce carbon emissions.

•  Associate Program – An employee corporate social responsibility initiative called the “Global Warming Crusade” to increase public awareness and present educational outreach programs in local elementary schools across the country. After a successful pilot program, Oakwood will provide associates with lesson plans, DVD slideshows of polar bears and the Arctic , and Polar Cards to distribute to elementary school students. The collectible Polar Cards are designed to not only educate children and adults about polar bears and global warming, but also to inspire them to take action. The fronts of the cards feature different polar bear and Arctic images, donated by Ruby, while the backs of the cards feature facts about the animals, the Arctic , climate change, and simple tips to help children and families conserve energy and help combat global warming. The Global Warming Crusade is also launching a Web site on Earth Day to make the polar cards, lesson plans and other materials available to the general public at www.globalwarmingcrusade.com

•  Guest Education Program – Various informational products (such as calendars and postcards) and reminder stickers are placed in apartment units to educate guests about global warming and remind them of Oakwood's energy conservation program, which encourages them to take six simple steps to reduce energy and water consumption during their stay. Oakwood estimates that if 10 percent of its guests reduce their energy and water use by five percent, this would decrease carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas emissions by more than one million pounds.

In addition to the large public displays during the Earth Day Festival, Ruby's polar bear photos will appear on:

•  Bookmarks, which are being distributed throughout every high school and public library in Santa Barbara

•  Two 8' x 12' banners above the Children's Area and the Mainstage during the festival

•  An 8' tall standing polar bear cut-out display with a backdrop to create a special photo area for children at the festival

•  Polar Cards that were distributed to students in Santa Barbara elementary classrooms as part of a very successful educational outreach program conducted by UCSB Bren School students

•  A set of Polar Cards that will be distributed free of charge to every child in attendance at the festival

The South Coast Earth Day Festival is being presented by the Community Environmental Council (CEC) of Santa Barbara and the UCSB Bren School . CEC organized one of the first Earth Day events in the United States in 1970 and has presented the festival every year since 1990.

Oakwood Worldwide to Honor Four L.S. Area Fire Departments for Heroic Efforts in Toluca Fire

To honor the heroic efforts and quick response of the fire fighters to the March 30 fire near Oakwood Toluca Hills, Oakwood Worldwide will present representatives of the four responding fire departments – City of Los Angeles, County of Los Angeles, City of Burbank and Warner Brothers – with plaques. Howard Ruby, founder and chairman of Oakwood Worldwide, will present the plaques on behalf of the company for their efforts in preventing the fire from spreading to the Oakwood apartments and the landmark Hollywood sign.

The fire left approximately 160 charred acres, and more than 50 Oakwood employees and families will lead an effort to replant 1,500 trees and shrubs in the area. In addition, Oakwood is expanding and enhancing the current irrigation system for the native plants. The replanting reflects the company's multi-million dollar commitment to the environment through the Global Warming Crusade, Oakwood's Corporate Green Initiative.

Oakwood Worldwide Kicks Off Aggressive Asia Development Strategy
By Michael B. Baker, Business Travel News

Oakwood Worldwide, the world's largest serviced apartment management firm, recently opened a complex of 107 apartments in midtown Tokyo, exemplifying an initiative to grow rapidly throughout the Asia/Pacific region.

Oakwood is following through on a plan to open 19 properties in the next 26 months, said Frank Foster, who joined the firm as its vice president of marketing and sales for the Asia/Pacific region at the beginning of this year. Oakwood's new property in Tokyo-which features high-speed Internet, plasma televisions, steam showers and private balconies-is its first luxury property in Japan, according to the company.

The growth is necessary to meet an enhanced interest in corporate housing as an alternative to hotels, Foster said. "Demand has picked up tremendously," he said. "A lot of major corporations that have really just focused on hotels in their requests for proposals you now see asking for serviced apartments and long-term accommodations."

The Asia/Pacific region is of particular interest for growth, he said.
There already are two projects earmarked in southern China, and Oakwood has plans to expand to other key locations including the Indian cities of Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai and Pune.

"Multinational corporations are relocating senior executives for projects with middle to long periods, so they need to have this accommodation," Foster said. "Also, a number of relocation companies have established themselves in key markets, especially when looking at developing countries such as India or China."

Oakwood has more than 20,000 apartments throughout North America, Europe and Asia. In the Asia/Pacific region, it currently features three brands. The Oakwood Premiere brand, which includes the recently opened Tokyo property, caters to senior executives with amenities including daily housekeeping and room service, and properties are planned for China, India, Indonesia and Thailand. The Oakwood Residences brand is geared toward business travelers who are relocating with family for long assignments, with properties being added in Beijing and Bangalore. The third brand, Oakwood Apartments, features modern-style apartments in central locations aimed toward younger business travelers.

In addition to growing those brands, Foster said Oakwood has plans to introduce a resorts brand that will feature furnished residences and villas in exotic locations.

"We don't compromise in terms of quality of product or service," Foster said. "A lot is happening, especially with this recent property, our ninth in Japan. It's extremely exciting and stimulating further growth."

Prior to his new position, Foster had worked predominantly with international chains in the region, including Le Meridien Hotels & Resorts, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts and Radisson Hotels Worldwide. He also helped develop and deploy a rebranding strategy for Meritus Hotels & Resorts, which resulted in a 73 percent increase in central delivered revenues.

"It was a great opportunity," Foster said of the Oakwood appointment.
"Obviously, there's a huge focus on development in the region."

John Rivera, CRP, GMS, Joins Churchill Corporate Services As Senior Account Manager

Churchill Corporate Services proudly welcomes John Rivera, Senior Account Manager. Mr. Rivera's responsibilities include servicing, maintaining, and growing corporate housing client accounts in New Jersey , as well as new business development. He will also be assisting with expanding current client bases, as well as monitoring and managing service processes for all clients within assigned territories.

Mr. Rivera brings 14 years of domestic and international relocation experience to Churchill Corporate Services. His career began with working as a New York State Licensed Realtor and later was employed by International Furniture Rentals as Director of Real Estate. He has also worked for Ryder Move Management, selling full domestic and international relocation services to corporations. In addition, he has worked for MI Group, Xonex Relocation and most recently as a Client Service Manager at Weichert Relocation.

Mr. Rivera has held CRP (Certified Relocation Professional) credentials since 2002 and GMS (Global Mobility Specialist) credentials since 2006. He may be contacted at JohnR@churchillcorp.com or 973-636-9406 Ext. 378.

Tricia Rodriguez Joins Churchill Corporate Services As National Corporate Housing Manager

Churchill Corporate Services proudly welcomes Tricia Rodriguez, who will serve as National Corporate Housing Manager. Ms. Rodriguez will oversee the marketing and sales functions of national properties, as well as manage the apartment coordination processes involving employees and customer service.

Ms. Rodriguez brings more than 10 years of broad-based management experience in corporate housing, convention housing and hospitality to Churchill Corporate Services. She began as a Manager at The Phoenician in Scottsdale , Arizona , a five-star luxury property. She then later joined the Sales staff at The St. Regis in New York City . In addition, she has worked at Travel Planners managing convention programs nationwide, then at SIRVA, where she managed the Corporate Relocation Department. Most recently she was employed at Korman Communities, where she was the Assistant General Manager.

Churchill Corporate Services Features First of Many Real Estate Sales Tools Workshops

Churchill Corporate Services recently held its first Real Estate Tools Workshop at their Manhattan Showroom.

The workshop was an invitation-only event for New York City Realtors and provided an opportunity for agents to learn the most advanced methods for securing successful and lucrative sales.

Featured speakers who participated in the workshop included Kitty Schwartz, Owner of Classic Home Staging, who discussed getting the most out of listings with Home Staging. Eric Carlsen, Vice president of Luxury Online Walkthru spoke on the topic of professional video tour services. For those interested in exploring different sales methods for the luxury Real Estate market, Andrea Condon and Kathleen Flemming of the New York Times presented ideas on how to find opportunities to increase sales via the Internet. They reviewed advertising options on the New York Times Urban Eye Newsletter and Great Homes.

This catered event was organized by Gina Iacobellis, General Manager for Furniture Rental at Churchill's New York Showroom. “The workshop was well attended and because of all the positive feedback received, we plan to hold more realtor workshops in the future,” stated Ms. Iacobellis.

BridgeStreet Worldwide Expands into Property Management

in New York City

BridgeStreet Worldwide to Manage Sorrento Structuring Property Being Developed in Manhattan ; Prime Site Purchased for $98 million

BridgeStreet Worldwide, one of the world's largest corporate housing providers, announced today that it will exclusively manage a luxury high rise property being developed by parent company Sorrento Structuring - a Dublin-based, privately held investment group. The building site, consisting of 110 residential apartments over 35 floors is located on 34 th street in the established Murray Hill area of Manhattan , one block from the Empire State Building and just off Madison Avenue.

With the addition of the Sorrento property, named the S 34 to its portfolio, BridgeStreet Worldwide continues to offer more options to guests seeking the perfect place to stay while on extended visit to New York City . The S 34 , BridgeStreet's first “easy to stay with” building, offers a fresh approach to business travel accommodations by combining the privacy and comfort of a luxury residential building with the impeccable services and amenities you would expect to find at a fine hotel. The full roster of premium amenities and services include Wi-Fi throughout the building, concierge and doorman-attended lobby , state-of-the-art fitness center, rooftop terrace and spaciously designed residences.

BridgeStreet Worldwide president and CEO, Lee Curtis, is enthusiastic about the natural synergy that exists between BridgeStreet Worldwide's property management expertise and Sorrento 's real estate investment acumen. “BridgeStreet Worldwide and Sorrento are committed to furthering our excellence in service to clients by proactively seeking real estate and management opportunities in key world markets,” said Curtis.

Sorrento purchased BridgeStreet Worldwide in January of this year as a catalyst for growth. “This acquisition is yet another strategic and financial milestone for BridgeStreet and Sorrento . The combination of our global real estate activity and BridgeStreet's operational expertise has opened the door for opportunities such as this,” said Bryan Turley, Sorrento 's chief executive officer. “Our objective remains to identify and invest in established robust property markets and we are confident that New York remains one of the most attractive cities globally for this purpose.”