August 2021 | Page 8

BOARD PERSPECTIVE
BY ANGELA FLETCHER , AAMD PRESIDENT

Recognizing our Industry for a Heroic Effort

This past year has tested us mentally and physically , but we all figured it out and continued to take care of our properties and tenants which made everyone a hero . We all were able to think outside the box to get our jobs done .

In the apartment industry we may not think of ourselves as heroes but the decision to act heroically is a choice that many of you will be called upon to make at some point in your apartment work life . Heroes are ordinary people who make themselves extraordinary .
When I think of AAMD members whether you are a property manager , regional director , maintenance tech , supplier / vendor or AAMD staff , I know each and everyone of you exude one or more of the following heroic traits :: Bravery , Conviction , Courage , Determination , Loyalty , Helpful , Honesty , Inspirational , Moral Integrity , Protective , Self-Sacrifice , Selflessness and Strength .
Remember difficult times don ’ t create heroes . It is during the difficult times when the “ hero ” within us is revealed .
I remind you all -this is an exciting time to be a part of the Apartment Association of Metro Denver . I am truly honored to serve as President of the Board for AAMD and work with all of you heroes . This next year is going to be challenging and rewarding as everyone gets back to normalcy . AAMD will continue to serve its members on all of our core objectives , but here is a short list of some key priorities we ’ ll be focusing on …
• Expand our legislative engagement & outreach by increasing the willingness of AAMD members to advocate for their business interests .
• Create an advocacy tool kit for AAMD leaders
• Improve industry public image by telling a better more accurate story of how we provided housing to hundreds of thousands of Coloradans .
• Increase the number of people who are willing to participate in the Public Relations message with the media
• Expose poorly thought out legislation for causing less affordability
• Expand & improve the ( Hands On Maintenance Education ) H . O . M . E . Program
• Attract new talent to our industry through our Maintenance Apprenticeship Program ( MAP )
• Showcase our Career Center - ProApartments . com to help further attract talent to the industry
• More on-site team roundtable events and opportunities
• Showcase residential property management as a long term career
• Increase our scope of on-site leadership growth
• Increase the number of organizations we can partner with and build strong coalitions
• Revitalize the importance and funding for our Independent Rental Owners
I ask that you take this journey with me and with AAMD as a fellow hero by our side . We will make daily work tasks we face less difficult to manage each day .
6 | TRENDS AUGUST 2021 www . aamdhq . org