RESOLUTIONS.

Welcome to a new year! I'm excited to begin my year as president of the National Apartment Association and looking forward to working with our members from around the country on a full plate of projects and goals for the year.

Thanks to the leadership and dedication of the 1997 Executive Committee and Board of Directors, we have a solid foundation on which to build greater success. We can only build that success with the involvement of our members, however, so we'll be counting on all of you to take an active part in this year's activities.

Before being sworn-in as president, I took a hard look at NAA and the multifamily industry. Both are in good shape as we begin 1998: the association is strong and growing, and the industry is beginning to realize a more positive image. Rents are up, occupancy is up, and we're doing more with our communities than we ever dreamed of just a few short years ago.

Our professionals are just that--professionals. They work hard to provide the best service possible in a friendly, efficient atmosphere. From the first-year leasing representative all the way to the corporate CEO, there has never been such a feeling of dedication throughout the business as there is today. I'm proud to say I'm a member of it.

I'm also proud to be affiliated with NAA. We've grown a lot over the past few years and are now the largest trade association dedicated solely to multifamily rental housing. Our Education Conference and Expo is the premier annual event for the industry, our education programs have been updated and redesigned, our legislative representation is second to none, and everything we do is done to the very best of our ability.

There's no doubt about it. This is an exciting time to be part of NAA. In every area, we're taking great strides toward excellence. Our trade show is second to none, our legislative activies have made tremendous strides in the past few years, and we're listening harder than ever to our members.

To continue growing, we must set priorities for ourselves and our association. These goals will put us far ahead of our competition and, in the end, help push the industry toward even greater success.

PRIORITIES

People who know me know what a fan I am of education. I've been teaching apartment industry courses for more than 20 years and know first-hand their value. My industry education has served me well in my own career and I enjoy sharing my experiences with others.

Education is going to get a lot of attention this year, as we develop and release more updated programs and individual courses on topics important to our members. Thanks to our new NAA. Education Foundation, we will be able to respond like never before to the hot issues of our business, from lead to asbestos to fair housing and beyond. If it's in the news, chances are NAA will soon respond with a class, seminar, or media presentation.

Contact your local affiliate or the national office to find out which education programs are best for you, and then take part!

I'm also a big believer in the value of grassroots involvement and will be spending a big part of the year traveling to our affiliates nationwide. I'm really looking forward to meeting with members in different states, listening to their concerns, and taking them back to the national office.

By the same token, I'm looking forward to hearing from many of you as the year goes on, even if my visits don't bring me to your hometown. Each of our members should feel free to pick up the phone and get in touch with our national office any time they have questions, concerns, or ideas. This is your national trade association and your input is vital.

It's going to be a great year! I and the rest of your volunteer leaders are 100 percent committed to the association and its members, and we've got a full plate of plans for the year. We want you to be part of our success!

Molique, NAA's 1998 president, is a regional vice president with the Regency Windsor Companies, based in Vero Beach, Florida.