The King of Storage the SSA Rocks Vegas September 5–7
Total Page：16
File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb
Vegas Conference & Trade Show Co-Sponsored Info by the Inside… Nevada SSA! FOUNDATION VOL. 11, NO. 9 SEPTEMBER 2012 ISSUE $8.00 / ANNUAL $96 THE OFFICIAL VOICE OF THE SELF STORAGE INDUSTRY The King of Storage The SSA Rocks Vegas September 5–7 TROUBLED WATER HAIL, CAESARS! KEEP ON Truckin’ P.8 P.14 P.20 FOUNDATION September 2012 Published for the SSA by the Self Storage Association Foundation Viewpoint. .................... 4 Legal Q & A .................. 35 TROUBLED WatER Las Vegas storage operators are up in arms SSA Education ................ 54 over a controversial water surcharge. P. 8 2012 CSSM List ............... 56 SSA Member Benefits .......... 58 State Association News ......... 65 HAIL, CAESARS! The SSA’s host hotel has welcomed many Around Self Storage .............81 memorable movies, TV shows and sporting events. P.14 Globe Advertisers .............. 85 Data Depot. 86 KEEP ON TRUCKIN’ U-Haul International Chairman Joe Shoen looks to the future in his SSA convention keynote address. P.20 CLASS IS IN SESSION We profile each of this year’s SSAF scholarship recipients. P.28 SSA HALL OF FaME The SSA is proud to induct John Yelland and Lorin Christean into its Hall of Fame. P.47 TRADE SHOW TIPS Here are some suggestions on how best to maximize your trip to Vegas. P.52 Cover photo by Ben Zimmerman, taken at National Self Storage in Las Vegas, Nevada. Publisher The SSA Globe is published by the Art Director Michael T. Scanlon, Jr. Self Storage Association Foundation Jan Sklennik [email protected] 1901 N. Beauregard Street, Suite 450 Alexandria, VA 22311 Staff Writers Executive Editor Phone 703.575.8000 Timothy J. Dietz Tom Comi, Tim Dietz [email protected] ©Copyright 2012 by the SSA Foundation. SSA and SSA Globe are trade- Philip Gianolpoulos marks of the Self Storage Association, Inc. D. Carlos Kaslow, Scott Zucker Advertising Sales Opinions expressed by authors and other contributors do not Contributors Tom Comi necessarily reflect those of the publisher or editors, nor do [email protected] they represent the policy or positions of the SSA. Information John Dunlap, Laura Williams-Tracy contained within articles should not be construed as the Mark Wright primary basis for legal or investment decisions. www.selfstorage.org Important Industry Dialogue By Pat Reilly, SSA Board Chairman I want to take a moment to welcome those of you joining us in Las Vegas this month for the Self Storage Association Fall Conference & Trade Show. With all of the networking SSA Staff and information that is shared beginning September 4, perhaps there is no better week of the year to be a member Michael T. Scanlon Jr. of your national trade association. I encourage you to join President & CEO us in Las Vegas. [email protected] I’m excited about this year’s fall conference for many Timothy J. Dietz reasons. Each year I leave these events armed with new information to help Sr. Vice President me improve my business, from the general sessions to roundtable discussions, Communications & Gov’t Relations to the best trade show in self storage. I will not repeat the entire program of [email protected] events and learning opportunities here, but I encourage you to peruse the schedule and pick the track that is best for you. Mike Blackett Vice President Most of all this year I am encouraged to see that the SSA is filling one of its most Operations critical roles, as host to healthy dialogue about topics that, though controversial, [email protected] are important for us to confront and consider openly. These panel discussions will be particularly spirited with some of the most debated issues that our Derek Knights industry has faced in many years. A perfect example is our opening day session Vice President about the future of the lien process, particularly the changing regulatory envi- Finance & Administration ronment and the effect of increasing public awareness. [email protected] What exactly is the influence of Storage Wars and other similar reality cable Stacey Loflin television shows? Many of our members have embraced the amplified attention. Director More bidders at auctions certainly can increase the returns from the lien situa- Membership & Marketing tions, which historically fall significantly short of the unpaid rent that created [email protected] the situation in the first place. So, why the controversy? The problem, as many operators see it, is that the shows essentially depict a Tom Comi small portion of the industry’s collection process, which by no means is the Director actual “face” of self storage. Business owners like me and you work hard to Advertising Sales present a positive and useful image to the public. Thus, it rubs many the wrong [email protected] way when entertaining characters cheerfully purchase and rummage through the former belongings of others. What can the industry do to take advantage Jennifer L. Pettigrew of the phenomenon? What safeguards can be considered, such as disclaimers, Director that might portray the self storage industry in a better light? We’ve gathered Registration, Vendor & Sponsorship Relations the perfect panel of storage professionals who see many sides of the issue. [email protected] On the final day of the conference the SSA will once again set the stage for a lively debate, this time about the consequences of Internet-based “aggrega- Erin Morr tors.” The dynamics surrounding the ever-growing online presence of these Director Learning & Social Media Networking services are very complex. As is the case with the cable shows, some opera- [email protected] tors appreciate the exposure provided by the aggregators. However, many self storage experts see significant pitfalls, most of which we do not completely Patricia Fratarcangelo understand yet. Director State Association Management Although the discussion about aggregators at our conference will likely not [email protected] satisfy everyone’s concerns, it is important that the SSA provide the setting for open consideration and perhaps offer some options to help operators traverse D. Carlos Kaslow, Esq. the evolving issue. General Counsel These are just two examples of what I believe will be one of the most memorable [email protected] SSA events in years. The board and staff of the SSA have listened; we believe we have put together a truly compelling program that you won’t want to miss. v Patrick Reilly is a partner and president of Urban Self Storage, as well as the chairman of the SSA board of directors. PAGE 4 SSA GLOBE SEPTEMBER 2012 Location: Store America LLC, Camillus, NY Intuitive. Efficient. Resourceful and Performance-Based. And that’s just her Syrasoft management software... From the moment a new customer walks through your door, every aspect of your operation should reflect the highest level of service, professionalism and efficiency. Similarly, your management software should provide your staff with a powerful tool to process and maintain your customers with speed and precision. This is why Syrasoft management software continues to lead the industry with more features and functions specifically designed to make your entire operation run smoothly and profitably. You see, each of us at Syrasoft believes that we’re much more than just a software company... PA-DSS Certified Payment Application. we’re part of your success. Customer Online Payments & Reservations Syrasoft... Solutions Beyond the Software. 800.817.7706 www.syrasoft.com SSA Board of Directors Patrick J. Reilly Chairman Kelly Gallacher Brenda Scarborough J.R. Clisham Vice Chairman Secretary Treasurer Terry Bagley, John Barry, Lisa Chiappetta Mitchell Danzis, Jim DiNardo, Shelley Geiler, Michael Riva, Marc M. Smith D. Carlos Kaslow, Esq., Michael T. Scanlon Jr. SSA Foundation S S A F e Industry’s 501c-3 Charitable / Educational Organization SSA Foundation Board of Governors Phyllis McArthur & Michael Nunez Co-Chairs Foy R. Cooley, Joanne Geiler, John Gilliland, Tim Hobin, Barry Hoeven, William F. Kenney, Maurice Pogoda, Robert Schoff, Marc M. Smith, Kenneth M. Woolley Mission It shall be the Mission of the SSAF to provide timely, accurate industry information, communication and exceptional educational experiences for SSA members and owner-operators and investors across the United States and in affili- ated nations. The SSAF will sponsor an “SSA Foundation Forum,” a general session executive education program, at both national SSA conferences and conventions on topical and cutting-edge topics of interest to the industry at-large. Also, SSAF will provide information, education and training as to the SSA-adopted “Code of Ethics” and by promoting respect for the anti-trust laws of the United States and foreign nations that must be adhered to by all companies involved in this industry. The Board of the Foundation is authorized to recognize accomplishments, achievements and significant landmarks within the industry, including serving as the Nominating Body of persons to the SSA Board for annual induction into the Self Storage “Hall of Fame.” The Board of the Foundation may from time to time acknowl- edge persons both inside and outside the industry who have contributed to the betterment of the industry by way of special awards and recognitions. Also, the SSAF will make charitable contributions to worthy causes, efforts and for educational purposes on behalf of the self storage industry. PAGE 6 SSA GLOBE SEPTEMBER 2012 Troubled Water Las Vegas storage facilities are drowning financially due to an increased utility fee. By Laura Williams-Tracy During one of the hottest summers on record in Las Vegas, Public Storage, which has 20 facilities in Las Vegas, is also a fight has been burning about water that has little to do feeling the impact. with how much of the liquid is being used. “The only way we can demonstrate we are unhappy is to Self storage owners and operators, among other busi- use our feet,” said Public Storage spokesman Clemente nesses and nonprofits, were hard hit by a new fee associ- Teng, “but we can’t move our facilities to better markets.” ated with their large but little-used water lines feeding fire sprinkler systems and hydrants.