BAAA Hosts Government Affairs Specialists in St. Pete.

The Bay Area Apartment Association (BAAA) hosted forty apartment industry government affairs professionals at the 2001 Government Affairs Roundtable, August 9-11, at St. Petersburg's Renaissance Vinoy Hotel. The association executives came from all across the United States--California to Massachusetts, Michigan to Texas.

Bay Area Apartment Association President Marc Rosenwasser of Meadow Wood Property Company in Tampa welcomed the participants on Friday morning. His greeting was echoed by Region IX Vice President Dave Watkins of Greystar Management in Tampa and Florida Apartment Association President Gary Cherry from Tallahassee. National Apartment Association (NAA) President Phil Carlock traveled from Atlanta to speak with the attendees. He believes the work of apartment industry government affairs staff is important in supporting the Strategic Growth Initiative launched by the NAA during Carlock's term. His address marked the first time a national president has attended a Government Affairs Roundtable.

Two local lawmakers met with the group on Friday, discussing the relationship between industry representatives and government officials. State Senator Jim Sebesta (R-St. Petersburg) emphasized the need to be truthful when providing information to legislators. St. Petersburg City Councilman John Bryan talked about maintaining a cordial relationship with government officials even when you don't need their vote on an issue. Both men have had productive careers in the real estate industry, building and managing rental units in Florida.

The Government Affairs Roundtable participants made additional presentations and discussed other issues which are affecting the apartment industry around the country. The topics included: the no-growth ballot initiatives in Arizona and Colorado; Atlanta-area zoning moratoria; rent control in the Silicon Valley; toxic mold; minor repairs by maintenance staff; and the recent Massachusetts court decision on mandatory access. The Bay Area Apartment Association's Jeff Rogo invited Katie Cole of the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce and Kat Hase of the Builders Association of Greater Tampa to join him for a presentation on "Building Coalitions".

Lisa Kinley of ZOM Development Inc. in Orlando provided the Roundtable participants with an on-site preview of The Madison at St. Petersburg, a 277-unit urban infill community under construction on the south end of downtown. Ms. Kinley fielded a number of questions regarding municipal incentives, amenities and floor plans.

The 2001 Government Affairs Roundtable was not all-work and no-play. Thanks to the generosity of the many sponsors listed below, the participants enjoyed a reception on the Vinoy veranda, a guided tour of the Salvador Dali Museum, dinner and sunset on St. Pete Beach, and a Tampa Bay Devil Rays baseball game.

The Bay Area Apartment Association recognizes the magnanimous contribution of the Florida Apartment Association and the support of the following:

Platinum Sponsors

* Apartment Finder

* Bay Area Apartment Guide

* Century Maintenance

* Sears Commercial Sales

* Tampa Tribune

Gold Sponsors

* GMS Group

* Meadow Wood Property Co.

Silver Sponsors

* ATB Industries

* Capstone Credit Services Inc.

* Commercial Laundries of West Florida

* Valet Waste Inc.

* 4807 Bayshore Partners