From the President

A Special Note of Thanks

by Eric Andresen

Three incredibly talented and dedicated San Francisco Apartment Association board members retired at the end of 2002. Their expertise and knowledge have substantially improved the conditions of our industry. Moreover, their leadership proved truly advantageous for all of us at SFAA. Please join me now in offering our sincere appreciation for their outstanding contributions to our industry and conveying in our best wishes as they move on to new opportunities and challenges.

Most of you readily recognize the name Nancy Lenvin. Nancy has been incredibly active in our industry for decades. Her expertise and legal acumen have substantially improved the world in which we now operate. She has not only given years of service to our board, but she has also served on the California Apartment Association board including her role as secretary a couple of years ago. You will also remember Nancy for her leadership and help in developing the “Legal Q & A” sessions before our monthly membership meetings. Although Nancy has now retired from our board and at the same time has also taken steps toward her own retirement in the legal profession, she still sits on the CAA Board and promises to continue to be active in the defense and guidance of our industry.

Jim Forbes has served on our board for many, many years. You will recognize Jim for the variety of intriguing magazine articles he has written, as well as the spectrum of market studies he has compiled. Jim was the first person to create an up-to-date survey of rental values and market changes, which he enhanced with his own expert and uncannily accurate opinions and predictions. Jim is also known for his willingness to express his convictions and take a stand for what is right, in spite of potential backlash or political fallout. Jim’s expertise and “say it like it is” talents will truly be missed.

Tom Garber also is stepping down from our board, although we know he won’t be going very far. Tom has always been the voice of restraint, particularly in terms of how it applies to the finances of SFAA. We could always count on him to argue against spending. Tom’s efforts ensured a continually balanced budget for SFAA, and with this came our increased pride in building a more financially adept organization. On several occasions, he took the risk and stuck his neck out by participating in Rent Board challenges and legal proceedings. Thanks to his actions, the entire industry has benefited. There is no question that Tom is totally dedicated to this industry and, like Nancy, will continue to serve on the CAA Board and also be available for consultation for many years to come.

To face these changes is a challenge for all of us at SFAA, especially now that three such remarkably talented and dedicated board members have stepped down. However, change can be viewed as a time to infuse fresh ideas into our organization through the eager participation of new members. Nancy, Jim and Tom will certainly be missed, but we are excited by the insights and energies that our new board members—Bob Berger, Meg Ruxton and Robert Link—will bring to the table. Let’s give our abundant thanks and good wishes to our retiring members and, at the same time, enthusiastically welcome and support three great new members to our board. Thank you all, as always, for your commitment and dedication to SFAA.

Nancy, Jim and Tom: I want to personally thank each of you for your outstanding contributions to our industry. I am so proud to call each of you a good friend. I know that only through the relationship I enjoy with each of you, and others as well, that I am able to serve the industry to the best of my abilities. But be forewarned, I’m not letting any of you retire easily and I will be in touch!

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reect the viewpoint of the SFAA or the SF Apartment Magazine. Eric Andresen owns West Coast Property Management and West Coast Property Maintenance Companies. Eric is also the Treasurer of the California Apartment Association's Executive Board and serves on the boards of many other leading housing industry organizations.