SAAA Advocacy , Education , Programs & Events Just as Hot as Texas Heat !
by Kyle Ward , Executive Director , San Antonio Apartment Association
I ’ m a native Texan who has always considered summer my very favorite season . This year ’ s temperatures are possibly making me reconsider what is really my favorite . But then again , I wouldn ’ t pick anywhere to live but Texas , and as a newcomer , San Antonio is certainly not disappointing me . The multifamily housing industry leaders , the food , the people , and all the vibes in general make me ask , “ Why did it take me so long to get here ?” I still tell everyone in Austin that breakfast tacos are better in San Antonio !
Just as the Texas summer heat , the flurry of activity at SAAA is also on fire ! We have record attendance for our professional development classes this year , our member mixer in July reached nearly 200 attendees with many new members joining us , and Casino Night and our second Business Exchange were member pleasers with meaningful networking and collaboration .
SAAA showed our muscle during recent city council races resulting in SAAA endorsing winning candidates . Don ’ t stand on the sidelines ! You can donate to the SAAA PAC by going to https :// www . saaaonline . org / pac Elections matter .
A highlight for SAAA in July was joining the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce as an event sponsor for the new city council reception . SAAA had a strong representation at the reception with our leaders enjoying invaluable one-on-one time with the mayor and newly elected council representatives .
SAAA has several new faces and changes in job roles in our office . These staff leaders are committed to providing stellar service to our incredible members and volunteers . Please make sure you get to know these newcomers to their jobs and / or to our association .
Director of Member Services – Sandra Merlo ( sandra @ saaaonline . org ) Director of Programs , Events & Education – Stacy Frame ( stacy @ saaaonline . org ) Director of Communications & Marketing – Beverly Camp ( beverly @ saaaonline . org ) Government Relations Manager – Allison Cohen ( allison @ saaaonline . org ) Government Relations Consultant / Advisor – Daniel Ortiz , Ortiz McKnight PLLC
San Antonio , as it should , will be in the state association spotlight in the coming months . We are so excited that Past SAAA President Kelley Liserio will be installed as TAA President in October in San Antonio . TAA ’ s ONE Conference ( https :// www . taa . org / conference /) will be coming to San Antonio April 24-26 , 2024 , at the Henry B . Gonzalez Convention Center .
In closing , my request to our current members is to talk about the value of SAAA membership and encourage your peers to join too ! The City of San Antonio and multifamily housing in our great community are growing fast . Our association provides important professional development , networking , and a voice ( your voice ) for our thriving industry . SAAA is a fun group of people who are serious about the work we do making great , safe homes and memories for families .
Thank you to all our members for your amazing work . Kyle Ward , CAE SAAA Executive Director
20 AUGUST 2023 | WWW . SAAAONLINE . ORG