FAA Update: Shining a Spotlight on Our People, Purpose, Passion

Shining a Spotlight on Our People, Purpose, Passion

By Josh Gold, CAE, CMP
FAA Executive Vice President

The theme of the 2016 FAA Annual Conference & Trade Show was people, purpose, passion: three elements every business needs to succeed. I also believe those elements can make a tremendous difference in how rewarding and enjoyable our jobs are. But for many of you, your purpose and passion far exceed your jobs.

To celebrate the theme, we asked local affiliates, apartment communities, management companies, and supplier partners to submit photos and descriptions of some of the ways they support various charities, nonprofits, and other worthy causes. You and your colleagues sent us photos and stories about everything from raising money for charity by bowling, golfing, playing softball, running or walking, to providing housing, appliances, furniture, food and more to families in need.

You pooled your resources to help apartment residents who were affected by tornadoes or fires. You’ve painted shelters for survivors of domestic violence and planted gardens that will yield fresh vegetables for low-income families. You’ve provided countless toys, school supplies, and even bicycles to children who otherwise might go without.

The photos and descriptions were displayed on towering cubes in a “Philanthropy Zone," near the conference registration desk. Sadly, as Hurricane Matthew approached, the Boca Raton Resort & Club and the surrounding area were placed under a hurricane warning, and FAA was forced to cancel the conference. Only the FAA board of directors and a few other early arrivals were able to see the displays and appreciate how they showed the impact we have on the larger communities we serve.

This edition of Multifamily Florida has been expanded to showcase many of the photos and stories illustrating how the apartment industry gives back, beginning on Page 10. In addition, Building Community on Page 19 tells how giving back can benefit people, companies, and communities.

We all know of the tremendous giving that multifamily professionals do all year long, and the stories and photos in this magazine only scratch the surface. “People, Purpose, Passion” is more than the theme for this conference. Each element is an integral part of the multifamily housing industry, and we will continue to share these stories. Watch for more about how apartments give back in future issues of Multifamily Florida magazine and in the Florida APTitudes monthly e-newsletter. If you have a story about giving back that you would like considered for publication, please send an email to laureen@faahq.org.

Editor’s note: This column originally appeared in the Winter 2016 issue of Multifamily Florida magazine.