Insite Online - NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2009(Plain Text Version)
In this issue:
HAI Group Newsletter Changing Name, Format
Wrapping Up…
Falek Captures NAHRO Award
Never Underestimate the Value of Giving
Legislative Affairs
Green is the Color of Public Housing
Risk Corner
Group Viewing Has its Benefits
Protecting Assets through Preventive Maintenance
Inspection Guidelines Are Important
Snow Big Deal
Falek Captures NAHRO Award
Leo Durocher was wrong: Nice guys do finish first.
Stephen Falek is one of the nice guys. One conversation with the Milwaukee Housing Authority veteran illustrates his decency and commitment to residents of public housing. So when Falek, a member of the Housing Authority Insurance Group Board of Directors, was awarded the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials’ M. Justin Herman Award at its national conference in Washington, D.C. on Oct. 3, there was no shortage of smiling faces.
“He is a man of conviction and puts his heart in everything he does,” HAI Group Board Chairman Barry Romano said. “Steve’s the kind of person who makes things happen. HAI Group is fortunate to have him on our Board.”
The M. Justin Herman Award is given to a housing industry leader who has made “outstanding contributions to the quality of life through service in the field of housing or community development.” The award was created in 1975 to honor M. Justin Herman, a long-time San Francisco housing official.
To qualify, a candidate must demonstrate “outstanding contribution to the nation's effort to provide a decent home and a suitable living environment for every American family.”
According to HAI Group Vice President of Marketing and Agency Operations Ed Malaspina, Falek has that covered.
“What most impresses me about Steve is his devotion to his residents and staff,” Malaspina said. “Whether it’s taking phone calls during off hours or sharing how things are going for his residents in our uncertain economy, he consistently exhibits a rare level of commitment. HAI Group is lucky to have a guy like Steve on its side, as is the City of Milwaukee.”
Due to his efforts with the Housing Authority Insurance Legislative Affairs Committee, which is currently lobbying for changes to the Liability Risk Retention Act, all public housing residents may owe Falek a debt of gratitude.
“Steve has been a strong and steady leader of the HAI Legislative Affairs Committee,” HAI Group Vice President of Legislative Affairs Brian Braley said. “He has been an engaged and effective grassroots leader within his own state of Wisconsin on housing issues via its state housing association and his cultivation of its Congressional delegation.”