Observations from NAA's President.

Your voice counts. If you don't believe me, just ask Al Gore and George W. Bush. Every year we encourage our members to attend the Capitol Conference in Washington, D.C. Legislative issues are important and our federal lobbying team, comprised of NAA and National Multi Housing Council (NMHC) staff, does an excellent job of keeping all of us abreast of the latest news from Capitol Hill. Make the most of this important membership benefit by attending the conference March 10-13, 2001.

Did you ever want to attend the NAA Capitol Conference, but you're not quite sure what happens during the conference? Here's what you need to know: NAA offers complimentary registration and legislative updates to prepare you for meetings with your legislators and their staffs at their Hill offices. What an incredible opportunity you have when you attend the Capitol Conference and venture up to Capitol Hill. Clarine Nardi Riddle does an excellent job in her article on page 29, "Planning Your Capitol Hill Visits," discussing frequently asked questions about meeting with your representatives. Did you know that you never discuss issues and campaign contributions in the same meeting? Learn more about the conference, such as, "What issues will be lobbied at the 2001 Capitol Conference?"; "How do I arrange a meeting with my elected officials?"; and "What kind of follow up should we do after our meeting?" Riddle also pens another article on page 26, "Toward a More Balanced Homing Policy." This issue affects you, your business and our industry. Telling elected officials that the nation would be better served by a housing policy that seeks to provide all Americans with good, quality housing, regardless of whether they rent or own should be your mission whenever you encounter your elected officials.

In "Your New Representatives Are ..." on page 34, NMHC staff member Eric P. Stine provides a thorough run down of who's who in Congress. This year's election results in the Senate and the House of Representatives significantly impact our issues. It is really amazing to see how many Senate and House seats changed and who will be in charge of those committees that NAA members are interested in. Last, but certainly not least, meet the NAA/NMHC staff that lobbies on your behalf. These resumes read like a Who's Who and you will be most impressed with the backgrounds and expertise of our staff. Did you know that we are fortunate to have six attorneys, two Ph.D.s, one CPA, a professor, a home builder and a former state attorney general lobbying on the federal level on our behalf? Meet these professionals in, "Advancing the Industry: NAA/NMHC Joint Legislative Staff Works on All Fronts," written by Kim Fernandez, a former Units managing editor, and featured on page 22.

While it might seem that this whole issue is devoted to NAA's legislative efforts, the human resources article is one that can benefit all of us. Did you know that 46 percent of employees leave a company because they feel unappreciated and a whopping 88 percent said they do not receive enough acknowledgment for the work they do? Written by Dee Hansford, a founding member of the National Association for Employee Recognition, "Recognition Isn't Rocket Science" on page 46 is an eye opening article with myriad practical suggestions on how you can thank those who help make our companies and apartment communities successful.

It's great to begin my term as your president with such an informative issue of Units. Please take some time and get to know the legislative issues that affect our industry. Many of you find that our lobbying efforts are the best benefit of NAA membership. Consider maximizing this benefit by attending NAA's Capitol Conference, March 10-13, 2001. Registration information can be found on pages 32-33.