NYARM is keeping managers ahead of the game.

Margie Russell, executive director of the New York Association of Realty Managers, NYARM, is very optimistic about the future of the property management profession.

"Look around, the streetscape and the skyline offer a broad range of opportunities with one new building after another, all requiring the professional services of a skilled property manager," she said.

"These new buildings are far more complex both mechanically and administratively. For example, the average new mixed-use building has several corporate ownership groups. When you sit down to prepare an annual budget it's not one owner-one check book. Understanding the overlapping financial entities not only requires a great deal of brain power but also a keen grasp of strategic planning.

"Additionally, being employed in this field means the mind is always working because property managers must keep pace with the constant flow of diverse situations and challenges that take place each and every day. Maintaining these skills is a perpetual necessity which requires a commitment to continuing education because the city, state and federal laws and administrative codes are always tightening their grip on how a building should be operated."

With the necessary skills being so specific and complex how does one stay on top? NYARM, as an organization, is dedicated to raising the standards of excellence for the real estate management professional through education, information, legislative initiative and a peer network. "The education component is something we take great pride in. Our goal is to provide classes where Property Managers can sharpen their skills, Assistant Managers can advance in their career, and Superintendents can become Resident Managers."

One way to encourage people to continue their education is through our scholarship program. This past year COINMACH CORPORATION partnered with NYARM to provide scholarships at the NYARM School for Property Management. Coinmach's President and C.O.O, Mitchell Blatt, says: "I hope this trailblazing project encourages both property managers to avail themselves of an educational opportunity and other firms to follow suit. Apartment building management offers many career opportunities and in combination with today's technological advances and local law/administrative code requirements, the need for further education is vital."

Achieving NYARM Certification, the New York Accredited Realty Manager, ARM designation can be achieved by taking classes at a convenient location one block from Penn Station at 35th Street and 8th Avenue. The classes offered are: 1. Local Laws & Adminstrative Codes which concentrates on The Building Envelope & Exterior Systems as well as the Mechanical and Interior Systems. 2. The Law & The Courts which concentrates on Contract Law from Construction & Services, as well as Landlord & Tenant Law. 3. Ethics; where we will explore pertinent ethical issues in simple terms and give participants the blueprint they need to evaluate situations and make sound ethical decisions. 4. People Skills delves into how to manage and supervise employees as well as strengthen building occupant relations. 5. Expenditure Budgeting; emphasizes both Variable and Fixed Costs. 6. Fundamentals of Financial Management not only deals with Payables & Receivables but teaches you how to read and interpret monthly and annual financial reports.

For those interested in achieving certification, courses are held throughout the summer. To sign-up for an accelerated program, call Margie Russell at [phone].

NYARM's other educational emphasis is conducting the seminars that HPD requires superintendents to take to be in compliance with Administrative Code 27-2055. Russell advises all owners and managers to log onto www.nyarm.com for more information on compliance and a summer schedule for both Property and Residential Management courses and seminars.