Calendar of EventsThe 2011 JES Holdings Holiday Video was created to celebrate the holiday season. The video was choreographed by Kelly Stevens of Affordable Equity Partners and was recorded and mixed by Kyle Jeffery of Kyle Jeffery Studios. Please enjoy our efforts!
In December of each year, employees from across each JES Holdings affiliate companies are invited to a formal recognition luncheon honoring individuals who have been with the company for 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 years. Each employee receives a gift of appreciation and a warm thank you and congratulations from Jeff Smith. Employees are acknowledged for dedication and service with notable milestone awards. Click for a list of 2011 recipients.
Each year, the Michelle Sharp Outstanding Achievement Award is presented to an employee who exemplifies strong leadership qualities and dedication. Michelle Sharp, a dedicated
Asset Manager for Affordable Equity Partners, Inc. passed away in 2008. Prior to her death, Michelle was very active in Cystic Fibrosis (CF) awareness, as her husband has CF. The 2011 recipient of the award was Patrice Shumate. Pictured with Jeffrey Smith is Steven Nation, (2010), Patrice Shumate, (2011), Christie Haynes, (2008) and Leon Krieg, (2009).
The very first Roger Garner Recognition Award was recently presented to a well deserving employee of Fairway Management, Inc. This special award will be presented each year in memory of our dear friend and employee, Roger Garner, who passed in October of 2011. Roger will be forever remembered, admired and memorialized with the award that recognizes an employee who best exemplifies the outstanding qualities of patience, dignity, kindness and overall dedication to a job well done. The 2011 recipient of the award is Greg Lowery. Pictured with Jeffrey Smith is Shara Garner, Roger Garner's daughter and Greg Lowery, 2011 recipient.
Employee appreciation extends well beyond the annual employee recognition luncheon. All office personnel participate in a monthly birthday celebration.
The December luncheon was provided by Hy-Vee. Employees celebrating birthdays in December, 2011 include: Devin Brown, Andy Burks, Hannah Grewach, Carol Hall, Christina Heilman, Della Luster, Robert Muchow, Tyler Nieman and Dan Torgerson.
Every December, JES Holdings sponsors a week of employee-driven events to raise funds for our local United Way. On December 5, 2011, JES Holdings kicked off the United Way Campaign with an Employee Breakfast with Timothy Rich, the Director of the United Way, the Development Director of Coyote Hill, Kari Salmon, and the Executive Director of Services for Independent Living, Aimee Wehmeier, as our featured speakers, who shared the goals of their organizations.
The JES United Way Committee planned a calendar of events for the week including a Happy Hour, a Pizza Bread Lunch, a week-long Bingo game, a “Treat Trolley,” and raffle ticket sales for an assortment of prizes including gift certificates, holiday hams, gas cards, jewelry, and travel accessories. We closed out the week with a Chili Lunch on Friday, where the winners of the raffle tickets sales and door-prize drawings were announced.
The following week employees had the opportunity to volunteer and spend some time helping the organizations represented at the kick off breakfast. Many groups cleaned and organized the homes at Coyote Hill, a professional home of love for abused and neglected children; and also for children whose families just need a chance to regroup and get a fresh start, as well as wrapped gifts and stuffed stockings for the children in the community. Other groups volunteered by building wheelchair accessible ramps for those in need acquired through Services for Independent Living.
Thank you to the JES Holdings United Way Committee members, Carol Hall, Amy Voltmer, Alice Jones, Tami Oidtman, Emily Rost, Tiffany Ostermann, Alana Slaughter, Jordan Gulliford, Hannah Grewach, Maureen Kokoska, Jose Rodriguez and Stephanie Rousseau, for making our 2011 United Way week a success.
JES Holdings is proud to introduce a new company project. For the first time, the entire staff traveled to St. Louis for a full day dedicated to "Extreme Makeover: JES Edition 2011." The trip allowed the opportunity for everyone to enjoy a day of team building while contributing to the cleaning and updating of three recently acquired properties, Hanley Crossings, Oak Tree Apartments and Lackland Plaza Apartments.
The staff was divided into four teams and assigned to work at one of the three properties. Hanley Crossings hosted two teams due to the size and amount of work refined. Each team cleaned, painted, landscaped, removed trash, power washed and even got acquainted with current residents. The transformation at each site was tremendous. The improvements were only the beginning of many more to come.
The staff at JES Holdings follows a unified mission each and every day, "To develop, build, manage and invest in quality housing where our families would be proud to live." The efforts put forth during the Extreme Makeover reinforced the JES mission statement. The opportunity to work on-site reflected the mission in a unique way most employees had never experienced. The working improvements delivered a powerful message as to what truly matters to JES Holdings and its founder.
The teams worked extremely hard and were proud of the work they accomplished. The very first Extreme Makeover: JES Edition was a great success due to the working efforts, dedication, and teamwork put forth by each individual employee.
For a short video of the project click here.
The 6th annual Emerging Issues and Trends in Real Estate Forum was held on Thursday, October 6th, and Friday, October 7th at the University of Missouri. Each year, the Jeffrey E. Smith Institute of Real Estate hosts a real estate forum in partnership with and sponsored by JES Holdings. Nationally recognized speakers are invited to attend the annual event and deliver presentations on topics of interest to the commercial real estate industry.
The Forum began on Thursday afternoon in Cornell Hall with an opening address by Missouri State Representative, John Diehl. Following the opening address, four breakout sessions were held and presented by speakers from different facets of the real estate industry. The attending students had the opportunity to attend two out of the four sessions offered.
The Forum continued on Friday, October 7th, in the Reynolds Alumni Center with presentations delivered by internationally acclaimed speakers. The keynote speaker, via live video conference, was Larry A. Silverstein, President and CEO of Silverstein Properties, Inc., as well as the developer of the $8 billion office component of the World Trade Center. Mr. Silverstein delivered an inspirational speech and answered several questions from attending students.
Dr. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist and Senior Vice President of Research at the National Association of Realtors, presented as the opening speaker on Friday. Dr. Yun's presentation focused on Market Trends and Forecasting. He currently directs research activity for the national association and regularly provides commentary on real estate market trends for its 1 million Realtor members. USA Today listed him among the top 10 economic forecasters in the country in 2008.
Elliott Bross Umann, General Director and Partner at Planigrupo, one of Mexico's largest development and leasing companies, was also an attending speaker. He delivered a presentation concerning the challenges of Developing in a Hostile Environment. In the last 7 years, he participated in the development of over 30 shopping centers anchored by HEB, Walmart, Chedraui, Home Depot, cinema and junior department store chains and over 1200 smaller retail tenants.
Click HERE for the 2011 Emerging Issues and Trends in Real Estate Forum Program.
For the fourth time since 2008, a select few students from the Robert J. Trulaske College of Business were chosen to attend "Mizzou Tigers on Wall Street," an exclusive trip to New York City intended for students to experience life on Wall Street as well as provide networking opportunities with prestigious business professionals.
Seventeen students were chosen to attend the 2011 trip to New York City. The students spent a total of five days, from September 27 – October 1, exploring the city and meeting with a number of influential business leaders including Woody Johnson, owner of The Johnson Company and the NY Jets, Jim Cramer, from Mad Money CNBC, Alan "Ace" Greenburg, CEO Emeritus of JP Morgan, Bill McComb, CEO of Liz Claiborne, INC., David Herzog, CFO of AIG, and many other renowned professionals on Wall Street.
The opportunity for consideration is open to sophomores and juniors who are members of the Cornell Leadership Program. Students are asked to submit an application, resume, and an essay to be considered. Following the selection process, students are required to attend 7 weeks of classes in preparation, known as "Wall Street Boot Camp." During this time students are required to research prominent business leaders and corporations on Wall Street as well as follow current events in government and finance.
The 2011 "Mizzou Tigers on Wall Street" trip was sponsored by JES Holdings and Harvey Eisen. Jeffrey Smith and Harvey Eisen were both in attendance with the students alongside Joan T.A. Gabel, Dean of the Robert J. Trulaske College of Business and Mary Beth Marrs, Assistant Dean, Undergraduate Programs and Strategic Initiatives.
The full schedule of events included conferences, job shadowing, receptions, group dinners and even a Broadway show. The event allows for a once in a lifetime experience for students as well as a unique networking opportunity for students and business professionals.
Click HERE for the Mizzou Tigers on Wall Street 2011 Itinerary
For the first time, ten JES Holdings Striders participated in The Walk to End Alzheimer's on Sunday, October 9th, at Stephen's Lake Park. The Striders walked in Memory of Norma Smith, Jeffrey Smith's mother, who was affected by Alzheimer's disease. The entire fundraiser raised over $40,000, the Striders raised over $600. Fundraisers held the week prior to the race included shirt sales, jean day, and treat trolley.
Today, an estimated 5.4 million people suffer from Alzheimer's disease in the United States alone. The disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the country and the only cause of death among the top 10 in the United States that cannot be prevented, cured or even slowed.
Since 1989, millions of Americans have participated in the Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk. The Alzheimer's Association has extended the fundraising efforts by hosting the Walk to End Alzheimer's, the nation's largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's care, support and research.
The JES Holdings Striders participated in the Susan G. Komen “Race for the Cure,” on September 18, 2011. Over 20 JES employees supported the cause by walking or running in the race held on the University of Missouri campus. The week prior to the race, JES Holdings employees sold t-shirts, hats and bracelets to raise additional funds for the cure.
The global movement was established by Nancy G. Brinker in honor of her sister, Susan G. Komen, in 1982. Over the last 29 years, the foundation has accumulated over $1.9 billion, the largest non-profit fund dedicated to fighting breast cancer in the world. The Mid-Missouri Affiliate, established in Columbia, MO, has been supporting the cause since June of 2006.
Tyler Davidson, a member of Metro, a JES Holdings Company, has been competing in rodeos since 2007. He is affiliated with the Missouri Rodeo Cowboys Association and participates in a number of rodeos each year.
The 2011 MRCA season recently came to an end with a series of final competitions held August 11th – 13th during the Missouri State Fair. Tyler competed in the bareback division and finished the season as Reserved Champion. This was not the first time Tyler has been recognized in the MRCA finals. Previously, in 2008 he was named Rookie of the Year, in 2009 he finished 5th in the bareback division receiving a buckle for recognition, and finally in 2010 he finished 3rd receiving an additional buckle.
Each year Tyler participates in a number of rodeos mostly held in Missouri with an occasional competition in Kansas or Iowa. The 2012 rodeo season recently began in August. Currently Tyler is in first place in the bareback division of the MRCA standings. He is looking forward to competing in the upcoming rodeos of the 2012 season.
State Housing Finance Agencies (HFAs) are state-chartered authorities established to help meet the affordable housing needs of the residents of their states. The lives of thousands of everyday people, and the communities in which they live and work, have been transformed by the federal housing programs HFAs administer. These programs are the difference between homelessness and home, between vulnerability and security, between hopes and dreams come true.
Every day HFA's use federally supported programs to make having a home a reality for thousands of people. The National Council of State Housing Agencies (NCSHA) produced a video chronicling the stories of how some of the lives are transformed by the programs. In the state of Missouri they chose to tell the story of Jennie Johnson who resides at Bethel Ridge Estates, a senior community in Columbia MO.
Bethel Ridge Estates and Bethel Ridge Estates II are an Affordable Equity Partners, Inc. (AEP) investment and Fairway Management, Inc. (FWM) managed properties.
To read Jennie's story click here. To view the entire video click here.
JES Holdings' employees are proud sponsors and participants in the Boys and Girls Club of Columbia’s Annual Chili Cook Off event. Each year, an employee committee plans a themed booth for the event and begins to polish the JES signature chili recipe. This year, the design represented an authentic vintage-style highway “chili” diner. The Capital Improvement Group constructed the diner. Fundraising becomes a community-wide effort, extending sponsorship opportunities to restaurants, local retailers, and other businesses. Some of the top contributors include, Maly Commercial Realty, Providence Bank, Mid-City Lumber Co., and Sherwin Williams.
Thanks to everyone’s hard work and generous donations, the JES Holdings’ team was recognized with several notable distinctions:
Biggest Bowl Award 2nd Place: The primary objective of the Chili Cook-off is to raise money for the Boys and Girls of Columbia. JES Holdings was able to raise over $5,000 through our sponsor donations and office fundraisers.
Best Costume Award 2nd Place: Trophies are awarded to the top three teams for the unique and appropriate way costumes support the theme of each individual booth.
Showmanship Award 2nd Place: Trophies are awarded to the top three teams for overall presentation of theme, demonstrations and performances.
Best Booth Award 3rd Place: Trophies are awarded to the top three teams with the best theme, booth design and decorations.
In previous years, the JES team has received Best Booth Award, (2008 - 1st place, 2009 - 1st place, and 2010 - 2nd place), and the People's Choice Award, (2008 - 1st Place, 2009 - 1st place, 2010 - 2nd place).
Thank you to the JES Holdings Chili Cook Off Committee members and participants, Carol Hall, Tami Oidtman, Emily Rost, Alice Jones, Alana Slaughter, Dana Ehler, Bridget Nelson, Gina Henry, Matt Covington, Maureen Kokoska, Peter Shaughnessy, Rachel Bigge, Ellen Vossbrink, Andy Burks, Jim Harralson, Kevin Magee, Hannah Grewach and Tiffany Young for making our week a success.
Each year, JES Holdings sponsors a week of employee-driven events to raise funds for our local United Way. On December 6, 2010, JES Holdings kicked off our United Way Campaign with an Employee Breakfast. The Director of the United Way and two Representatives of the Boys and Girls Town were our featured speakers, sharing the goals of their organizations. The JES United Way Committee planned a calendar of events for the week which included employee's volunteering time at the Central Missouri Food Bank, a Carnival-themed Happy Hour, a Pizza Bread Lunch, raffle ticket sales, a week-long Bingo game, and a “Treat Trolley.” We closed out the week with our famous Chili Lunch on Friday, where the winners of the raffle tickets sales and door-prize drawings were announced.
Thank you to the JES Holdings United Way Committee members, Carol Hall, Tami Oidtman, Emily Rost, Alice Jones, Alana Slaughter, Dana Ehler, Maureen Kokoska, Jose Rodriguez and Stephanie Rousseau, for making our 2010 United Way week a success.
A creative seed planted by Monica Swoboda, Executive Vice President of JES Holdings, led us to finish out 2010 with a company-wide performance of the Black Eyed Peas hit, "I've Got a Feeling." The viral video was choreographed by Kelly Stevens of Affordable Equity Partners and was recorded and mixed by the JES Holdings' Marketing Department. Please enjoy our efforts!
Improving Our Communities
Get To know Our Family
2010 United Way Campaign
Exciting Opportunities
Bethel Ridge Estates II