Monday, December 2, 2013

Guns in the Workplace A Loaded Question




In the state of Washington and Oregon, along with 35 other states, a person may legally open-carry, in any place it is legal, a loaded handgun, as long as there is no "intent to intimidate another or alarm for the safety of other persons". Also, in Washington and Oregon anyone who applies and meets the criteria will be granted a concealed carry permit, with no training required.

Normally, it is only when I see someone, other than a police officer, with a gun strapped to their belt, that I consider my state's gun laws. However, as an employer in both Washington and Oregon, the topic of "open-carry" and "concealed-carry" has been raised.  It is a debate that is bigger than a simple "allowed or not allowed" response.

Employees who want to carry a gun, openly or concealed, into the workplace or while on duty may feel it is their state-given right to do so. They may express that their weapon is for self-defense and they need it for protection. Senator Mark Green of Tennessee has similar views, saying, "The only thing that can stop a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun."

Employers, on the other hand, must examine the question of liability that can come from an employee being armed on the job. If the employee accidentally or purposefully causes harm to or threatens another employee, would these mental or physical injuries be covered as job-related workers' compensation claims? Does allowing employees to have near, immediate access to firearms, at work, create an unnecessary element of risk? According to a National Council for Occupational Safety and Health report, there were 458 workplace homicides in 2011. Of these, 358 were linked to guns.

Does the employer's right to provide a safe work environment for employees and visitors trump an individual's right to possess a firearm? Today, many large employers have written policies that specifically address weapons in the workplace, and, not surprisingly, it depends on the area of the country as to the rigidity of these policies. Other employers are deciding to create "Workplace Violence Prevention" policies that ban guns and weapons of any kind on worksites, as well as bullying, harassment, and threatening comments in or out of the office.

We are in the process of creating a written policy addressing weapons in the workplace.  Quite honestly, even 10 years ago I would have thought it was a "no brainer" as in no weapons at work.

I've considered not having a policy in place at all to avoid the controversy, however, legal counsel advised that we establish a policy.  TMG has nearly a 100 employees and I believe they are probably evenly split on this debate.  I personally take this issue and its potential consequences very seriously as I know other employers do.

Carmen Villarma
President 

Friday, November 22, 2013

NEW LUXURY APARTMENTS, THE TIMBERS, IS A GOOD EXAMPLE OF ECONOMIC RECOVERY AND NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION





Neighborhood leaders have been hopeful the redevelopment efforts in Hazel Dell would help sprout subdivisions and make the region attractive to new residents. The opening of The Timbers, a 45-unit luxury apartment complex located walking distance from the NE Hazel Dell Avenue Target and new retail district called Hazel Dell Towne Center, demonstrates the area is well on its way to its revitalization goals.

The Timbers apartments offer amenities usually found in high-end, downtown buildings - granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, 9 foot ceilings, underground parking, and a club house with gym, sports lounge, and special events room.  The Management Group, Inc., a local property management company, is currently accepting rental applications for The Timbers’ one, two, and three bedroom apartments.

“Hazel Dell is an ideal neighborhood for a new apartment complex,” explains Carmen Villarma, President of The Management Group. “Residents can walk to Target or Safeway in 5 minutes and be on the I-5 freeway in 3 minutes. The accessibility of the area is highly desirable and, with more people making Hazel Dell their one-stop shopping destination, we anticipate The Timbers will be popular with professionals, retirees, and families wanting luxury and convenience.”

Sharif Burdzik, with Riverview Community Bank and Vice President of the Hazel Dell/Salmon Creek Business Alliance (HDSCBA), says, “The HDSC Business Alliance welcomes new and redevelopment projects to the Hazel Dell area. We support plans with the mission of improving land use. The Timbers is a valued addition to the community.”

“The Timbers project will absolutely help with the revitalizing of the Hazel Dell area,” agrees Vicki Fitzsimmons, Board Member of HDSCBA and Financial Advisor at Edward Jones. “Drawing new residents to Hazel Dell will not only benefit the local businesses and economy, but encourage industries and corporations to consider Vancouver a rewarding location to establish themselves and grow.”

The Hazel Dell/Salmon Creek Business Association provides a positive forum for business owners, employees, neighborhood associations, and community representatives to gather and share information and common issues impacting the Hazel Dell/Salmon Creek area. Their website (www.hdscba.org) has information about upcoming sponsored events, association membership,

and news about matters affecting the community – most recently the requested sidewalk improvements along Highway 99.

Supporting community leaders from the Vancouver Chamber of Commerce and the HDSC Business Alliance will be present at The Timbers’ ribbon cutting Thursday, December 5th, from 4 – 6pm (cutting at 5pm). Local residents, business owners, and community members are invited to attend the ceremony. For more information about The Timbers, visit www.thetimbersvancouver.com or phone (360) 448-7908.
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For more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Carmen Villarma,  please call 360-397-0334 or email: Jennifer.Riddle@TMGnorthwest.com

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

RIBBON CUTTING FOR NEW LUXURY APARTMENTS, THE TIMBERS, DECEMBER 5TH





RIBBON CUTTING FOR NEW LUXURY APARTMENTS, THE TIMBERS

The new Hazel Dell apartment complex The Timbers Luxury Apartments has scheduled a ribbon cutting event on Thursday, December 5th, from 4 – 6pm. The Timbers invites community members, residents, and anyone interested in touring the innovative, modern property to join them at the ribbon cutting celebration. The apartments feature slab granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, zonal heating with high-efficiency heating and cooling, tile fireplaces, nine foot ceilings, and a remote access parking garage. The onsite clubhouse amenities include free Wi-Fi, cardio fitness center, sports/movie lounge with two large flat screen televisions with cable, and an Events Room with full kitchen. Appetizers and beverages will be offered to guests as they explore the contemporary, spacious floor plans and expertly landscaped grounds.  The Timbers is located at 608 NE 86th Street in Vancouver - minutes from I-5 and just a short walk to shopping, entertainment, and dining. For more information about The Timbers, please visit www.thetimbersvancouver.com or phone (360) 448-7908.


For more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Carmen Villarma, please call 360-397-0334 or 

Monday, November 18, 2013

We invite you to participate in TMG’s Adopt-A-Family program


TMG has been adopting families during the holidays for the past several years. TMG works with the Adopt-A-Family program, sponsored by the Salvation Army and Open House Ministries, to support local Vancouver families who otherwise would not be able to enjoy a traditional Christmas Holiday with special foods and gift giving.  The families are screened by the Salvation Army to determine that they are in need, or are living in the Open House Ministries shelter.

The program supplies TMG each family member's name, ages of the children, clothing and shoe sizes, and a wish list of the items they would like or need.  In order to make it personal and truly beneficial for the families, the families can be contacted and "interviewed" to obtain food preferences and a list of other items that may be difficult to put on paper.

Every year, TMG's Adopt-A-Family organizers find the experience humbling and rewarding.

"I talk with parents who wish nothing for themselves, only that their children can have a Merry Christmas with a gift to open," explains Ellen Nelson. "Parents will also request basic items, like paper towels, cleansers, laundry detergent and shampoo.  Most of these items they are unable to purchase with food stamps, and many of us take these items for granted. The families are so appreciative and nothing beats seeing the smiles on the children's faces as you bring in the food and presents."

We invite anyone who is interested to participate in our Adopt-A-Family program. TMG will match what we get in donations. For more information contact Ellen Nelson at 360-397-0302

Friday, October 25, 2013

For Rent: Roomy, fenced yard, DBL pantry in open kitchen-3BR+bonus

Roomy, fenced yard, DBL pantry in open kitchen-3BR+bonus

 


16301 NE 71st Street, Vancouver, WA 98682
3 BR, 2.5 BA, plus an additional bonus room! Formal living room, and extra large family room, with gas fireplace. Open kitchen, with double pantry. Fully fenced back yard and DBL car garage with opener. You must see the inside to believe!

By applying for this unit you acknowledge that you have read, understand, and accept the Rental Criteria. Click on this link (or copy into your browser): https://www.tmgnorthwest.com/forms/disclaimer.php?st=wa Anyone 18 years or older must submit an application. In order to accurately process a multiple party application, please notify us of the names of all associated applicants (including married couples). Applications submitted without payment will not be processed until payment is received. A property is NOT reserved until the deposit to hold has been received.
Square feet: 1,924

Amenities

  • Area: East County
  • Type: House
  • Style: 2-Story
  • Year Built: 2000
  • Floors: Carpet & Vinyl
  • Fireplace: Gas
  • Dining Room: Area
  • Bonus Room: Large
  • Parking: Double Garage
  • Garage Opener: 1
  • Fence: Full
  • Laundry: Hookups

 

  • Heat: Gas Forced Air
  • Range
  • Dishwasher
  • Pets?: Small Only
  • Pet Deposit:$500
  • Pet Nonrefundable Fee: $150
  • Pet Rent: $25
  • Lease Term: 12-18 Month Lease
  • Deposit: 1000
  • Nonrefundable Fee: $275 Other Terms: Non Smoking
  • Renter’s Insurance Required

Rental Terms

Rent: $1,395.00
Application Fee: $50.00
Security Deposit: $1,000.00
Available On: 10/22/2013

Video Walkthrough

Map of 16301 NE 71st Street, Vancouver, WA 98682

Contact Us

The Management Group, Inc.
www.TMGnorthwest.com

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Resort Style Condo in Desirable Peterkort Woods!


Resort Style Condo in Desirable Peterkort Woods!

 


10436 SW Windwood Way, Portland, OR 97225
See more photos at: http://chadney.zenfolio.com/p674390362.
Just call for an appointment to view this beautiful, like new, luxury townhouse development. Cherry hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances, slab granite, tile back splash, every custom touch possible! Two huge bedrooms, both master bedrooms, formal dining room, den area off living room, media room and sound system throughout home, A/C and central vac system. Very private feeling deck overlooks treed park, or enjoy the trees from the living room through huge windows while enjoying the fireplace. Peterkort is like resort living with a gorgeous pool and clubhouse. Close to MAX line, downtown and Sunset corridor. Est. JF

By applying for this unit you acknowledge that you have read, understand, and accept the Rental Criteria. Click on this link (or copy into your browser): https://www.tmgnorthwest.com/forms/disclaimer.php?st=or Anyone 18 years or older must submit an application. In order to accurately process a multiple party application, please notify us of the names of all associated applicants (including married couples).
Applications submitted without payment will not be processed until payment is received. A property is NOT reserved until the deposit to hold has been received.
Square feet: 2,150

Amenities

  • Area: Portland
  • Type: Condo
  • Style: 2-Story
  • Year Built: 2005
  • Floors: Carpet & Hardwood
  • Fireplace: Gas
  • Family Room: Yes
  • Dining Room: Formal
  • Bonus Room: Small
  • Parking: Double Garage
  • Garage Opener: 1
  • Sprinklers: Yes
  • Laundry: W/D Included

 

  • Heat: Gas Forced Air
  • Air Conditioning: Yes
  • Range
  • Refrigerator
  • Dishwasher
  • Microwave
  • Pets?: Small Dog Only
  • Lease Term: 12 or 18 Months
  • Deposit: $1500
  • Pet Deposit: $800
  • Pet Rent: $25/Month
  • Other Terms: Non Smoking & CC&Rs & OR Garbage & OSP

Rental Terms

Rent: $2,095.00
Security Deposit: $1,500.00
Available On: 11/29/2013

Video Walkthrough

Map of 10436 SW Windwood Way, Portland, OR 97225

Contact Us

TMG Property Management Services NW
(800) 678-6199
www.TMGnorthwest.com