Training Tales

You would think the fourth quarter would be the downhill run for the Training Department but you would be wrong! As tempting as it might have been to rest on our laurels after a successful Managers Conference in September, we rode the wave of enthusiasm into a busy and exciting end of year schedule.

In October we continued with our new “Shopper's Classes” in Atlanta along with Leasing Basics and Renewals. The HR department presented a “Crucial Conversations” class that had been popular at earlier Manager Meetings to all employees and Michael hit the road traveling to Florida and Nashville for New Hire and Leasing Classes.

Our big event for October was the Annual Apartment Association Food-A-Thon Parade. We were so proud of our truck full of food and hardy employees that turned out to walk in the rain. Our shirts read “Hunger is not Logical” and we all sported Spock ears and eyebrows. We looked like we just came from a “Star Trek” convention! Next year we want to see an even bigger turn out.

In November we brought back the theme “RAM ROCKS” for a Leasing Convention at the BellSouth Building in Atlanta. Our consultants learned how to be a “Leasing Rock Star” and rubbed shoulders with such stars as Madonna, Linda RAMstadt (not to be confused Linda Ronstadt) and a member of Duran Duran. After the show, Michael jetted up to Virginia for New Hire, Leasing and Marketing classes.  In addition to a Manager Operations class in Atlanta, we introduced a new class for managers, “Annual Performance Appraisals”, for help conducting those critical year end employee reviews.

With November so busy, Michael and Chris still found time to attend the annual “Brainstorming” Conference held in Las Vegas by the National Multi Housing Council. (Cindy stayed home to mind the office, maybe next year!) Michael also contributed as a facilitator representing RAM Partners. RAM was also well represented at the Atlanta Apartment Association Award Dinner and Reverse Tradeshow.

Things really cranked up after Thanksgiving with all the preparations for the Holiday Awards Banquets. RAM hosted parties in Atlanta, Charlotte, Austin, Greenville, Virginia, Raleigh, and Tennessee. We'd like to say a special “Congratulations” to all our Annual Award Winners recognized in this issue. You are the best of the best!

Now, it is onward and upward into a brand New Year... May it bring all of you the best!

See you in class!

Chris, Michael, & Cindy