TWO RPBG MEETINGS FOCUS ON BEST PRACTICES FOR MULTIFAMILY
In April, RPBG hosted back to back meetings covering topics of great importance to housing providers and to property managers. Clearly, our guest speakers provided attendees of these meetings with invaluable information that can potentially earn or save thousands of dollars and, as to preventing fraud, avoid major headaches.
These meetings demonstrated the incredible value offered by neighborhood housing provider organizations like the RPBG - let alone other exceptional organizations like RPBG throughout the City and County, many of whom are affiliates of the Neighborhood Building Owners Alliance (NBOA).
At RPBG's April 26 meeting, we presented an exceptional panel discussion about fraud that impacts owners of multifamily. Truth be told, perhaps as a result of AI, incidence of fraud is on the increase. US Postal inspector Thomas Mejdrech offered tips on how we can keep our tenants' mail safe. Wintrust Rogers Park’s Ana Popoca stressed the importance of keeping our checks and checking account information out of public view and she cautioned attendees to be mindful of employee fraud. Apartment Source President Tyson Schutz’ described the prevalence of fraud when it comes to tenant screening, and the importance of carefully reviewing tenant applications, and that even minor inconsistencies may reveal a fraudulent applicant. He urged housing providers and property managers to use modern technology to verify the identity of a potential future tenant, even if the cost of using those tools exceed the $50 cap now imposed on us by the State for application fees.
AI WAS THE TOPIC AT RPBG'S BEST PRACTICES MEETING
On April 29 - the day after the RPBG monthly meeting described above - the Best Practices lunch series, lead by RPBG Treasurer Steve Shah, focused on how multifamily owners can utilize artificial intelligence (AI) to increase operating efficiencies. The speaker, Mo Daher of Aurelius Automation,provided invaluable information to the packed room of owners and operators eager to learn about the efficiencies offered by AI.
Attendees at the meeting quickly took it over - asking insightful questions about how virtual assistants like "Claude" or "Chat GBT" can provide tremendous efficiencies and help make our staffs more efficient and serve tenants and applicants more efficiently.
Yet, one cannot participate in a discussion like this and not be concerned about the transformational impact of this new technology. How will AI impact employment? As much as AI can bring incredible efficiencies to our businesses, how can we assure that we maintain a human connection with our tenants?
Email info@rpbg.org if you are a housing provider and/or property manager and want an invite to our Best Practices lunches, hosted every six weeks or so by Wintrust/Rogers Park (also an RPBG Director.)
These two meetings remind us that Chicago and Cook County have an incredible array of neighborhood building owners organizations that provide valuable networking and learning opportunities. Each provide their own series of informative meetings offering exceptional networking opportunities.
Learn more about these organizations at the NBOA website.
Michael Glasser
RPBG President
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
JENNIFER CLARK
LOYOLA UNIVERSITY - CHICAGO
I am the Associate Vice President for Community Relations at Loyola University Chicago. Loyola owns and operates more than 60 buildings in Rogers Park and Edgewater, including 500 units of market rate rental apartments and approximately 30,000 square feet of taxable commercial storefronts. I am the liaison to the neighborhoods and elected officials as the face of the administration for capital planning and development. I am currently working on the entitlement processes for new developments as part of Loyola’s ten-year Campus Plan. In 2028 Loyola will open a $300mm state-of-the-art, pre-professional nursing and science building at 1144 West Loyola Avenue which will open doors for more registered nurses to enter this critically needed profession.
RPBG'S 30TH ANNIVERSARY VIDEO
Watch our video showcasing RPBG's 30 year history. Learn how our organization was formed, of the challenges we faced and the opportunities we've been given.
CHARITABLE ENDEAVORS
Every year, the Rogers Park Builders Group strives to give back to the Rogers Park community in generous, creative and impactful ways. Below are a few projects from recent years that we are most proud.
BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
For the 2nd year in a row, RPBG and some of its members covered the full cost for Sullivan High School's Annual Middle School Basketball Tournament. This free, double elimination tournament, provided a competitive and fun outlet for 120 Chicago area students. The youth were introduced to this terrific local high school and participated in classroom discussion focusing on Dr. Martin Luther King's legacy as well.
LIFE SKILLS CLASSROOM
One of RPBG's finest moments occurred in 2016, as the RPBG helped transform a regular classroom at Sullivan High School into a full fledged life skills space. Serving the students of the School's special needs program, which helps students with autism and Down Syndrome, the classroom includes a full kitchen, laundry and day bed. The students eagerly use this room to learn basic life skills and independent living.
FUNDRAISER FOR IMMIGRANTS
During Covid, our community partner, Northside Community Resources told us that many immigrant families living in Rogers Park were struggling, as they did not qualify for federal relief programs. RPBG and its members engaged in a special fundraising drive generating contributions totaling $18,000 to support our newest community members.
GLENWOOD ART FESTIVAL
Starting in 2002, RPBG has consistently sponsored the Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest, an important local festival, founded by our Board member Al Goldberg, which showcases our eclectic and creative community. Many of our members also support this summer street festival through booths and generous sponsorships.
CHICAGO HIGH RIDGE FOOTBALL TEAM
A tragic fire resulted in a local youth football program losing its equipment. RPBG's $2500 gift helped purchase new replacement items. Other local businesses and community members joined the RPBG in supporting this drive, which allows for the Hi Ridge Chargers to continue to compete, offering youngsters from around the neighborhood the chance to gain play tackle football, under the guidance of a set of skilled coaches.
RPBG believes that these sorts of time tested activities are what is needed to keep the neighborhood youngsters engaged and involved in challenging and fun activity.
RESTORED VINTAGE MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS FOR LOCAL H.S.
In 2019, Andrew, the Sullivan High School Music Director, told us that someone had uncovered 60 year old musical instruments in the school's basement. "If we can restore these," Andrew promised, "I can create a marching band and revive a rock 'n roll program. RPBG came through with funding, resulting in restoration of dozens of instruments. That Fall, Sullivan had a marching band and a successful rock 'n roll band program. RPBG also underwrote private music lessons in partnership with Loyola University Chicago and renown local music store, Flatts & Sharpe.
SULLIVAN GRADUATION PICNIC
Due to Covid, the Sullivan HS graduates in Spring, 2021 had no prom, and little fanfare to commemorate their important milestone. At Principal Thomas' request, the RPBG covered the cost of a pre-graduation picnic, attended by graduates and staff. Many students happily celebrated their accomplishment over tacos, pizza, raffle prizes and festivity with their friends and SHS's dedicated faculty.