Association News

Breaking News - October 31, 2007
Real Access Alliance Voices Disappointment with FCC’s Order Banning
Exclusive Contracts.
Elizabeth (Betsy) Feigin Befus, Vice President and Special Counsel for the National Multi Housing Council/National Apartment Association (NMHC/NAA) Joint Legislative Program, responded for the Real Access Alliance (RAA) to the Federal Communications Commission’s order this morning banning exclusive access contracts between video providers and operators of apartment communities and other “commonly managed real estate developments.”
Feigin Befus explained, “Traditionally apartment owners have used exclusive contracts to play one communications provider against another to negotiate the best possible deal for residents in terms of cost, customer service, and products. By banning both existing and future exclusive access agreements, the FCC today hands an inordinate amount of market power to the large entrenched telecom monopolists who have for too long dominated the multifamily market. This decision does not enhance tenant choice and will not result in lower prices."
Feigin Befus added, “Pending our review of the details of the order, the RAA will keep all of its options open. The RAA will continue to participate in further related proceedings. To date, the Commission has recognized the distinction between exclusive access agreements, exclusive marketing agreements, and bulk purchase agreements. We look forward to providing further insight demonstrating that the only party served by banning exclusive marketing and bulk sales agreements are the dominant players in the marketplace, not consumers.”
The Real Access Alliance is a coalition of eleven trade associations representing approximately one million members engaged in all aspects of the real estate industry. The Alliance was formed to encourage free market competition among telecommunications companies for services to tenants in commercial and residential buildings, and to safeguard the constitutional property rights of America's real estate owners.

Member News – Promotions, New Hires and Transfers…
AvalonBay
Dianna Bernardo was promoted to Community Manager at Avalon Grove in Stamford.

Profiles
Each month, we profile CTAA Board of Directors member.

Jim Mas
CTAA Director of Associate Affairs



How did you enter the multifamily industry?
I became a service provider to the multifamily industry first as an interiors contractor refurbishing apartment homes.  In 1991 I moved from sheetrock and paint to furniture and household goods.  This led me to servicing the long term and short needs of relocates and individuals.

What led to your current position?
I became aware of the important contributions that were be made by several people within the CTAA and wanted to be in the position of gaining knowledge of how I could participate.  
 
What made you want to volunteer with CTAA?
CORT is on the National Suppliers Council and very active throughout the country supporting the efforts of the NAA through its affiliated apartment associations.  CORT has been associated with the CTAA from its inception and I felt that my participation could help motivate others in becoming active members by volunteering their time and resources.
 
What do you hope to accomplish with your service to CTAA? or Do you have a vision of what you would like CTAA to become?
The CTAA has demonstrated to me the necessity to have concerned industry professionals focused on the growing demands of managing and servicing the multifamily industry throughout CT.    The CTAA has continued towards its mission of providing education and current relevant information in an effort to heighten its member’s personal awareness of industry changes.  As a participating member my goal is play a role in the continued growth and stability of the CTAA. 

Articles and information you can use….
The subprime mortgage market is very much in the news.