Simpson Property Group Introduces S.A.V.E. Program.

NAA member Simpson Property Group's new S.A.V.E. Program (Smart Accruing Valuable Equity) allows residents of SPG-owned and managed apartment communities to apply up to 20 percent of their monthly rent toward the purchase of a new home from a growing list of participating builders. Residents can use their accrued S.A.V.E. funds to reduce the purchase price their new home, or apply them to closing costs, options or upgrades if they choose. The maximum amount that can be applied is 2.5 percent of the purchase price--or $5,000 off a home priced at $200,000. "Owning your own home is still the American dream, and this program enables our residents to save money toward a new home purchase while they're renting," said SPG's Diane Medina, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Training. SPG is currently offering the S.A.V.E. Program to residents of its communities in Colorado, Oregon and Texas, and may expand to other markets. Program benefits are transferable if covered residents move to another participating SPG community. Participating home builders are selected based on quality, locations and the range of home prices offered, and are limited to a maximum of five per market. Builders currently involved in the program include Richmond American Homes, Pulte Homes and The Writer Corporation, all active in Colorado; Centex Homes in Oregon; and Pulte Homes and Richard Fuller Homes in Texas.

Axcess Releases New Family of Activation Antennas

NAA member AXCESS Inc. released a new family of activation antennas for asset management, personnel tracking and vehicle access control. The plex antennas are available in several configurations to facilitate installation on walls and ceilings as well as next to roadways for vehicle access control applications. As an integral part of the active tag[TM] long range radio frequency identification (RFID) system, the plex antenna has proven its versatility in a variety of applications. Antennas installed at a large data center help track people and secure computer equipment at strategic points throughout the building. In an asset containment application, a ceiling-mounted plex antenna is used to prevent the unauthorized removal of computer and personnel in an aesthetically pleasing manner--no special portals or unsightly gantries are required. The plex antenna is comprised of a loop wire embedded between two thin pieces of Plexiglas that can be installed as is or painted over if desired. The antennas thin profile and robust construction make it suitable for mounting on walls, ceilings or posts in both indoor and outdoor applications.

ASHA Releases New Report About the Senior Housing Industry

American Seniors Housing Association (ASHA) released a new report containing comprehensive information about the seniors housing industry and the residents it serves. The Seniors Housing Statistical Digest 2000-2001 provides a complete statistical profile of the professionally owned and managed, purpose build seniors housing industry. A sampling of the topics covered include the demographics of aging, seniors housing statistics and senior housing resident demographics. In releasing the report, David S. Schless, ASHA's President, noted that, "We have added more than 20 new charts and tables to the revised edition, making the Statistical Digest the most comprehensive desk reference available to seniors housing professionals and others interested in this dynamic industry." For more information contact ASHA publications at 202/237-0900 or visit www.seniorshousing.org.

ilambs Brings Property Management Software to the Internet

Bishara Computer Systems announced the release of ilambs.com, a property management database solution that is accessed over the Internet. "ilambs.com provides leasing agents and executives access to vital tenant information via handheld wireless devices," notes John Bishara, President of Bishara Computer Systems Inc., the developer of ilambs.com. It also provides property owners and managers with alternative property management software products. Managers need only an Internet connection to computerize tenant lease administration. Owners and property managers may enter and update property and tenant lease information into the ilambs.com database via a browser, such as Microsoft's Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator. ilambs. com is the perfect add-on for all AS/400 users. iambs.com will work with any AS/400 database of tenant lease information to make it Internet available and makes it a far more powerful tenant lease management tool for leasing agents and executives.

Ultra Light Available from Custom Service Hardware Inc.

Custom Service Hardware Inc., now offers a compact, powerful light that can be run end-to-end seamlessly. It can be connected in the same manner as a removable plug and is available for immediate shipment from Custom Service Hardware. Ultra Light is one of the slimmest, lowest profile and easiest to install fluorescent light fixtures. Available in 13 or 20-inch sizes, it provides abundant natural light for kitchen cabinets, counter tops, work stations and other areas. A Power Link[R] connector system with custom cord lengths allows users to run multiple fixtures end-to-end seamlessly for plug in models. A hard-wired commercial version is also available. Ultra Light uses a miniature electronic ballast circuitry that lasts up to 20,000 hours. The electronic ballast provides maximum efficiency, with flicker free instant-on starting and correction and fuller light spectrum. With average usage of three hours a day, its fluorescent bulbs have an expected life of seven years or 8,000 hours of life. Ultra Light exceeds the EPA's standards for energy efficiency, which helps users save money while protecting the environment.

Perma-Tech Polyurea Now Available

Perma-Tech polyurea, available exclusively from Perma-Tech Industrial coatings contractors, offers a versatile solution to many commercial/industrial roofing problems. Perma-Tech polyurea can be applied as a protective topcoat over metal, asphalt or built-up roof systems, or over sprayed-on polyurethane foam (such as Perma-Tech-XC-407) to create a tough, resilient elastomeric roof system. The material's outstanding tensile strength and elongation characteristics give it the flexibility to withstand extreme contraction and expansion that often create problems in large, flat, exposed roofs. Its quick set time also makes it ideal for sealing and topcoating high-pitch roofs as a new application or to repair a failed system. PermaTech Polyurea is easily sprayed in a single coat to the desired thickness, usually 30 to 60 mils. The fast-set formulation can be applied in freezing without compromising the final product performance. Polyurea isn't sensitive to moisture during application, and forms an abrasion and chemical resistant surface when set. The finished surface's thermal tolerance exceeds that of most urethane, epoxy, vinyl and bitumen systems. Used with polyurethane foam insulation, the Perm-Tech polyurea fire retardant formulation can be used to create a class A roofing system that meets the specifications of UL 790 testing.

NAA/NSC member Maytag Corp's. Dixie-Narco division will expand its traditional line of beverage venders by manufacturing vending machines that dispense one-time-use cameras and film. Additionally, the company will be providing equipment for test marketing milk sales in schools through vending machines. In cooperation with Eastman Kodak Co. and e-Vend.net Corp., Dixie-Narco will produce Internet-connected vending machines that will be used to sell Kodak one-time-use cameras and film. Using e-Vend.net's wireless technology, these machines will be placed nationwide in high traffic travel and leisure locations where consumers have the most need for a one-time-use camera or film. The vending machines will be climate controlled to keep film at optimum conditions, and they will be connected to the Internet by e-Vend.net's proprietary technology, which enables the machines to process credit card transactions an be monitored and controlled through e-Vend.net's network servers.