IMPORTANT DEADLINES FOR CHAPTER MEMBERS! Help us keep your PHMA Chapter Web sites current when you plan ahead. Please send your Chapter News (changes and updates) to smkeating@earthlink.net. All changes/updates will be made bi-monthly starting on the 1st and 15th day of each month. Show your PHMA pride and send your Chapter News today!

New PHMA President Del Eulberg, P.E., Maj Gen, USAF (R), takes a moment to welcome Brett Nation during Chapter Hospitality Night at PDS Atlanta.

PHMA Members Network for Success at PDS Atlanta

Insights and Perspectives from a "first time" PDS Attendee

By Brett Nation

Serving as the creative director for Web design and print media of the Professional Housing Management Association (PHMA) over the years I have always taken great pride in belonging to a special organization. Although I had never been to the annual Professional Development Seminar (PDS) in person – many of my design projects were always on hand to welcome PHMA conferrence attendees in the past. However, this year I was given the opportunity to attend PDS XXII Atlanta and I took a chance on a professional development experience of a lifetime. So let the new adventures begin!

A vision for success
The PHMA vision is to serve as a catalyst in inspiring housing professionals and their organizations to build and revitalize for the future. We improve our world by committing and channeling the talents and energies we possess to provide outstanding communities and housing services for all the members of the Armed Forces and their families.

PHMA will achieve this vision by providing the highest quality training and professional opportunities for its members. The membership in return shall dedicate their knowledge and job skills to ensuring our customers, military members and/or their families, are provided only the highest quality service and housing.

This vision is people oriented. Simply put, it means that we stake our future on our
people – our leadership, our staff, our customers – both the people who provide housing and services to our military personnel and/or their families, and to the military members and/or families themselves. Rather than only directing people in accordance with rules and regulations, our objective is to create an environment that will allow our customers to apply their focus and full resources to the accomplishment of the job.

All roads lead to PDS Atlanta
I arrived at PDS Atlanta on Sunday, 31 January 2010, just in time to take in the new attendee orientation with a quick tour of the Westin Peachtree and AmericasMart. Then, I checked into my room before attending the PHMA Board Meeting. It was great meet outgoing PHMA President Mike Shelton and tell him how much I enjoyed his articles for Defense Communities. Plus, it was an honor to see the induction ceremony for new PHMA President Del Eulberg and hear the animated annual report from Barry Scribner, PHMA Treasurer.

Afterwards, I rushed over to the PHMA Chapter Officer Meeting. Here I was able to greet many of the strongest advocates of PHMA Membership and introduce myself as the PHMA Web designer. Kevin Keating, MHLI Director of Training, also stopped by to remind everyone about the free Chapter Training Policy available – which is a great reason to get involved with your local PHMA Chapter! During the evening I was invited to the Corporate Platinum/Gold and Sponsor Reception in AmericasMart which was the perfect setting to relax and unwind with excellent food and drinks.

On Monday, 1 February 2010, I was up early to join the PHMA Staff for breakfast
at 0600. I was extremely impressed how smooth and organzized this annual event
was unfolding and this was my chance to lend a helping hand. I could definitely sense
the exciement brewing as I greeted PDS atendees near the Stabucks Cafe. PDS XXII provided a jam-packed agenda for over 1,800 attendees this year in Atlanta, GA. When our welcome ceremony was ready to begin, featuring a fantastic Keynote Adress by Steve Ford, there was standing room only!

PHMA and the Military Housing and Lodging Institute (MHLI.ORG) provided Military Housing Professionals with essential training opportunities at PDS XXII Atlanta. As the first classes were set to begin on Monday I also had a chance to work in the PHMA Raffle Booth, buy some tickets and to meet some of the first charter members of PHMA and learn about the history of PDS. Then I was able to work with our staff photographer, Jim Oberlander, and we visited most of the classrooms. I was extremely impreesed with the classroom settings and quality of the PDS Speakers who seemed to captivate students with highly-effective presentations.

Global opportunities at PDS XXII
Not all education comes from the classroom and the 2010 Trade Expo was sold out well in advance this year for Atlanta, GA. This annual event brings together exhibitors whose products are used worldwide by the Department of Defense Housing and Lodging operations. PDS Attendess were able to learn the best techniques from industry experts, discover new products and share ideas in a forum dedicated exclusively to the Future of Military Housing.

Having the opportunity to converse with the exhibitors and PDS sponsors while taking in the sheer volume of hard work that happens behind the scenes for this annual event was amazing. The trade expo was filled with fresh ideas and innovative solutions for PDS attendees and soon the trade expo floor was bustling with activity. It was also great to meet so many of our PHMA Corporate Sustainging Members and to offer thanks for their ongoing support of the Association.

Networking and tailgating
As a creative designer, I strongly believe its hard to produce good work when you're not having any fun. And, after an intense day of training opportunities and exploring the trade expo the stage was finally set for PHMA Chapter Hospitality Night. This year featured a Tailgate Party theme with some great barbeque and plenty of dancing.
It was also the perfect opportunity for networking and to raise money benefiting the PHMA Scholarship Program and the Wounded Warriors Association.

This was a very special night for me as I was able to introduce myself to Chapter Members from around the world and get feedback on the PHMA Chapter Web sites.
I also had some fun buying more raffle tickets and although I didn't win any of the fabulous prizes available to win, I know inside my heart that my contributions were going towards a special cause. This event was my personal highlight of PDS Atlanta and I hope you will send your Chapter news and photos as promised to Shannon Keating at smkeating@earthlink.net.

Lessons learned
I already knew PDS XXII and Trade Expo 2010 would be THE premier Defense Housing industry event. However, what really leaves me feeling "star struck" about PDS Atlanta was that special commradery that so many beautiful people from around the world share together. Plus, I learned The Cupid Shuffle dancing with the PHMA staff and had my picture taken with the (PHMA) president. I almost had a feeling of sadness when it was my time to depart!

The PHMA mission is to contribute towards better quality housing and housing services for our military members and their families by continuously raising the level of proficiency and professionalism within the within the Military Services’ housing profession. Working together, we will continue to achieve our goals through improved communications and networking; education and training; certification; and professional recognition.

Personally, there has never been a better time to JOIN PHMA TODAY and I hope to see everyone again next year at PDS XXIII and Trade Expo 2011 on 17-21 January 2011 in New Orleans, LA. I would also like to extend my "special thanks" to Jon Moore, PHMA Exectuive Director and Mona Pearson, PHMA Deputy Executive Director, as well as the entire staff at PHMA and MHLI for giving me this opportunity to attend PDS Atlanta and work together with you through the years. However, you could have warned me that attending PDS XXII and Trade Expo 2010 would leave me with fond memories that will last a lifetime, right?

Brett Nation serves as PHMA/MHLI Creative Director and he is also an honorary lifetime member of PHMA. Visit his Web site at nationdesign.com.

Calling All Chapters!