Greater Hartford BOMA President's Message

March was a busy and productive month for BOMA. Members of the Greater Hartford BOMA board had the opportunity to meet with Rich Kehoe, state director, and Dana Nester from senator Richard Blumenthal's office. It was an interactive environment with the senator's staff showing a genuine interest in the issues we brought to their attention. Items discussed included requesting congress to extend, or make permanent, the 15 year leasehold depreciation period. The current law by January 1, 2012 tenant improvements are to be depreciated from 15 years back to a 39 year depreciation. The Energy Efficiency Tax Incentives and President Obama's Better Building Initiative, which was rolled out in February 2011 was discussed in detail. BOMA is very supportive with these new guidelines and is happy to see the focus on existing buildings and the challenges that the real estate community is having making the financial case to make our buildings more energy efficient. BOMA shared the many programs already in place to achieve the energy efficiency. Our March program was upbeat and informative highlighting Hartford Entertainment. The arts are critical to a vital community and we are grateful to have leaders like Joe Marfuggi, president and CEO of Riverfront Recapture, and Tim Yergeau, the assistant director of marketing for the Greater Hartford Arts Council, who were our featured guests. Marfuggi shared all of the updates, including the public parks and recreational facilities along the Connecticut River. The 2011 free events hosted by Riverfront Recapture run from May 7th, which is the Samba Fest which celebrates Brazilian heritage. through October 2nd when the Riverfront Rowing Regatta, New England's 3rd largest rowing event, is held. Yergeau shared that the Greater Hartford Arts Council is a national leader in connecting the public to the arts and entertainment, and New England's largest independent arts council. Free arts in Hartford include the weekly jazz series concerts in Bushnell Park that take place during the summer. A Let's Go Arts! Membership enrolls you in a program that allows discounted admission, special ticket offers and dining discounts and savings to Let's GO Arts! Cardholders. Early May will bring another great program, "South Windsor's Ongoing Developments". On May 24th, the Association will host its first "Nine, Wine, and Dine" event. This event will be held at the Glastonbury Country Club and will feature nine holes of golf, followed by a wine tasting at dinner time. As you can see, BOMA/Greater Hartford's Program Committee has been busy planning great educational and networking events. More will follow throughout the rest of the year. Consider joining the Association so that you can attend these events at a discounted rate.