National Supplier's Council celebrates 25th anniversary of NAA partnership.

In 1979, property management companies which needed replacement parts for their plumbing had a great place to go--Pier-Angeli, a Pennsylvania plumbing parts specialty company.

Joseph Marcino, CAS, Vice President of Sales for Pier-Angeli 25 years ago, heard through the Columbus Apartment Association that NAA had instituted what was then called the National Product/Service Council. He joined the Council and played a key role in its growth.

Later named the National Supplier's Council (NSC), the group is designed to be a beneficial line of communications between suppliers and housing industry representatives. Now, file NSC celebrates its 25th year in operation.

Pier-Angeli was one of five initial members, along with Kendal Laughlin, Apartment Selector (Dallas) John St. Lawrence with General Electric/Hotpoint; Clarke Bentley with Marietta Drapery; Sears, Roebuck & Co.; and Jim Hunter with Web Service Laundry. Marcino, currently a Sales Director for Irving, Texas-based Network Multifamily, remains an active NSC member.

Today, the NSC comprises 117 member companies, covering every aspect of the multifamily housing industry. Through sponsorship opportunities and participation in committee meetings, the Council plays a key role in organizing and helping to promote the industry's premier trade show each June at NAA's annual Education Conference & Exposition.

The Founding Fathers

Marcino was the initial recipient of the NSC Member of the Year Award, when, in 1980, he was recognized for contributing to the writing of the NSC bylaws, suggesting long-term goals for the group and creating and modifying its marketing materials.

Marcino worked with Lee Hill, former NAA Director of Membership, and Roger Vance, then a Vice President of First Properties (now a VP with Equity), on creating the NSC bylaws. Marcino said he still has the "Robert's Rules of Order" that NAA Past President Ro Freeman gave him when working on that project.

When receiving that award from 1980 NAA President Rik Fulscher, Marcino said, "Joining the NSC was one of the smartest moves my company has made, opening many doors and establishing new contacts throughout the country."

The Right to Vote

Sarah Malone, Vice President, For Rent Magazine, has been involved with the NSC since 1995. She served as NSC Committee Chair in 1999.

"One of the key points in history was [in 1990] when the NSC earned a voting spot on the NAA Board of Director's," Malone said. "There had been some concerns about NSC membership and a lack of participation at the NSC meetings, so we had a brainstorming session designed to find out what NSC members wanted out of their membership. Creating a stronger partnership with the owner members was at big thing that came out of it. And having a say on the Board helped, too."

Malone said NAA's effort--particularly since 1999--to help propel NSC sponsors into the limelight during the annual Education Conference shows that NAA supports its partnership with NSC members.

"With our names on the banners in the exposition hall, NAA has made sure that the sponsorships are worth the money put into them," she said.

Creating CAS Designation

In 1999, Malone helped introduce the first class of Certified Apartment Suppliers (CAS) to the industry. Formed in 1998, the CAS designation program educates supplier partner companies to help them work better with the management side of the industry.

Exposure and networking, too, help bring value to NSC membership.

"The reason to join NSC is to get major national exposure for your company," said Marcino, who has not missed an NSC meeting in 25 years. "There are also opportunities for sponsorships. But what I tell anyone who shows interest is that you have to do more than just write a check for your dues each year. You have to attend the meetings."

Perfect Partners

"It's all about networking and meeting customers," Marcino said, "I've created so many strong relationships that if I need to know someone who owns or manages apartment communities in Florida or Georgia, for example, I can call on NAA Past Presidents, Board members or NSC members, who can help out. Those aren't even states that are part of my selling area, but because they know that I did something to help them and NAA, they will want to help me."

Current NSC Chair Todd Katler, CAS, Vice President, Rent.com, said the NSC is proud to be such an important part of the achievements of both NAA and its members.

"Nowhere else in our industry is there such a fine collection of supplier partners dedicated to the success of multifamily housing operators," Katler said.

"Because of the dedication of its members, the NSC is viewed by managers and owners as integral partners in their daily operations," Katler said. "Rent.com is a proud member of the NSC and considers its membership a 'must have.' Not only is the constant exposure a great value, but the ability, to use the NAA mailing list and receive preferred booth selection is well worth the investment."

Information Sharing 

Marcia Bollinger, Senior Vice President of Multifamily, Apartment Finder, has been involved in the NSC for more than 20 years, serving as its Chair in 2001.

"It is an incredible networking opportunity for suppliers to the multifamily industry," Bollinger said. "Being involved has allowed many of us to learn and grow together and become strong business partners. For our company, the exposure gained from NSC helps us reach our target audience and make contact with our customers."

She said the NSC offers suppliers to the multifamily industry a unique opportunity to share information and knowledge with each other about the industry.

"We garner support from each other that, in turn, helps propel our individual businesses forward. Being a part of this dynamic group keeps us in the loop on industry issues and up to date on current events for the multifamily industry."

Larry Duncan, CAS, SLA Technologies, who served as 2002 Chair, said the most important thing that has occurred was when about six or seven years ago there was a change in the attitude and availability of NAA leadership, which began to recognize NSC members as partners, not just vendors. "This change, wasn't just semantics, it was philosophical," Duncan said. "That is what has kept NSC members on board. And that attitude has filtered down to all parts of NAA--we're part of the team."

Larry Bellack, CAS, Regional Sales Manager, Sears Contract Sales, and NSC Chair in 2003 also noted the value of the NSC and supplier partnership relationship.

"The NSC has been instrumental in raising the awareness of the supplier partners and how important they are in the successful operation of the multifamily housing industry;" he said. "These companies have spent countless hours in educating, training and volunteering in both their local apartment associations as well as their national association. In doing so, these companies have distinguished themselves as the best of the best."

NSC CHAIRS

2004 Todd Katler

2003 Larry Bellack

2002 Larry Duncan

2001 Marcia Bollinger

2000 Joseph Marcino

1999 Sarah Malone

1998 Helen Pommer

1997 Scott Davidson 

1996 Peter Paulos

1994-1995 Pat Patterson 

1993 Russ Sandlin

1992 Robert Esposito

1991 Gloria Tibbs

1990 Marshall Hass

1989 Joseph Marcino

1988 Darl Williams

1987 Kendall Laughlin

1985-1986 Jim Hunter

1983-1984 Dr. Clarke Bentley

1980-1982 Joseph Marcino