MiniCo Offers Pre-Publication Discount on 2011 Self-Storage Almanac

MiniCo has announced that it will publish the 2011 Self-Storage Almanac at the end of the year with shipment anticipated by December 23, 2010. First published in 1992, the Self-Storage Almanac, a statistical reference guide for the self-storage industry, has become a highly respected resource for investors, developers, operators, financial institutions, real estate brokers and other business publications worldwide. The 19th edition of the Almanac includes statistical data, reports and analysis of important industry topics including occupancy and rental rates, valuation, security, financing, marketing, construction, CAP rates, manager training and compensation, population mobility, loan and investment analysis, and supply and demand.


The 2011 Self-Storage Almanac will be published in both print and digital formats with a cover price of $149.95. Customers who pre-order the Almanac before December 31, 2010, may take advantage of significant discounts. The pre-publication price for the print or digital edition is $99.95. A value package containing the print and digital editions also is available for $134.95.

Orders for the 2011 Self-Storage Almanac may be placed at www.ministoragemessenger.com or by calling Robin Dodge at 800-528-1056, extension 3526.

MiniCo Insurance Agency, LLC, publishes the Mini-Storage Messenger, the leading monthly trade magazine covering the global self-storage industry. Other publications include Self‑Storage Now!, Mobile Self-Storage Magazine, RV & Boat Storage Today, Self-Storage Canada, the Self-Storage Almanac, the Self-Storage Development Handbook, and the Self‑Storage Buyer’s Guide.


Since 1974, Phoenix-based MiniCo Insurance Agency, LLC, has been a self-storage leader providing superior specialty insurance programs, informative publications and valuable products and services created expressly for the self‑storage industry.

For More Information:
Mini-Storage Messenger – http://www.ministoragemessenger.com/

Self-Storage Marketing and Conversion Ratios the Focus of MiniCo Webinar by “Hat Lady” Anne Ballard

On November 10, 2010, highly respected self-storage industry expert M. Anne Ballard, known industry-wide as “the hat lady,” will present the free webinar Converting Your Traffic, Calls and Walk-Ins into Move-Ins. Ms. Ballard’s presentation will address the importance of tracking and measuring conversion ratios to improve overall revenue. Topics will include the following:

· The four magic questions
· How to sell on the phone and in person
· Techniques for closing the sale
· The importance of conversion ratios
· Improving revenue by tracking and measuring conversion ratios
· The importance of traffic source

A longtime top operator in the self-storage industry, Universal Management Company offers self-storage business owners the benefits of the company’s extensive industry experience as well as professional, unbiased management services. Ms. Ballard is a frequent speaker at self‑storage industry conventions and workshops, and she is a regular contributor to the Mini‑Storage Messenger, Self‑Storage Almanac, and other self-storage publications. Her latest book is The Hat Lady Speaks: Marketing Self-Storage.

The webinar Converting Your Traffic, Calls and Walk-Ins into Move-Ins is part of the ongoing Mini-Storage Messenger Self-Storage Webinar Series, which offers informative monthly webinars free of charge to self-storage professionals and other individuals. For more information or to register, visit www.ministoragemessenger.com. Online registration is required for this free live event.

MiniCo Insurance Agency, LLC, publishes the Mini-Storage Messenger, the leading monthly trade magazine covering the global self-storage industry. Other publications include Self‑Storage Now!, Mobile Self-Storage Magazine, RV & Boat Storage Today, Self-Storage Canada, the Self-Storage Almanac, the Self-Storage Development Handbook, and the Self‑Storage Buyer’s Guide.

Since 1974, Phoenix-based MiniCo Insurance Agency, LLC, has been a self-storage leader providing superior specialty insurance programs, informative publications and valuable products and services created expressly for the self‑storage industry.

For More Information:
Universal Management Company – www.universalmanagementcompany.com

Self-Storage Marketing Expert Derek Naylor Hosts MiniCo Webinar on Improving Sales, Marketing and Customer Service

The three key skills needed to thrive as a self-storage manager in today’s competitive marketplace are sales, marketing and customer service. On October 19, 2010, Derek M. Naylor, President of Storage Marketing Solutions, will present a free webinar for self-storage professionals entitled How to Become a Self-Storage Sales, Marketing and Customer Service Ninja. The webinar will provide tools and information to help facility managers and owner-operators improve skills in these three critical areas. Topics will include the following:

 

• Why site-level personnel are one of the most important links to success
• Why bonuses and other incentives don’t work the way we all want them to
• Creating real and lasting change in your sales, marketing and customer service culture
• Four simple steps to double your lead-to-rental conversion ration
• The most effective and affordable training formula for site-level personnel

 

The webinar will be sponsored by Storage Marketing Solutions. Publisher Poppy Behrens will moderate the presentation as part of the ongoing Mini‑Storage Messenger Self-Storage Webinar Series. For more information or to register, visit www.ministoragemessenger.com. Online registration is required for this free live event.

 

MiniCo Insurance Agency, LLC, publishes the Mini-Storage Messenger, the leading monthly trade magazine covering the global self-storage industry. Other publications include Self‑Storage Now!, Mobile Self-Storage Magazine, RV & Boat Storage Today, Self-Storage Canada, the Self-Storage Almanac, the Self-Storage Development Handbook, and the Self‑Storage Buyer’s Guide.

Since 1974, Phoenix-based MiniCo Insurance Agency, LLC, has been a self-storage leader providing superior specialty insurance programs, informative publications and valuable products and services created expressly for the self‑storage industry.

 

 

 

Strategies for Self-Storage Success in a Hard Economy the Topic of Next MiniCo Webinar

The next webinar in the MiniCo webinar series for self-storage professionals will feature longtime self-storage management professional Stephan A. Ross, owner of Cutting Edge Self Storage Management, discussing the key actions that self-storage operators can take to help their businesses thrive in today’s hard economy. The webinar entitled Five Things You Must Do to Thrive in 2011 and Beyond will be presented on October 13, 2010. Topics will include the following:


· New ways of marketing in today’s economy
· Improving customer service
· Effectively presenting your products
· Providing ongoing manager support and training
· Managing revenue

Cutting Edge Self Storage Management is sponsoring the webinar, which will be moderated by MiniCo’s Poppy Behrens as part of the Mini‑Storage Messenger Self-Storage Webinar Series. For more information or to register, visit www.ministoragemessenger.com. Online registration is required for this free live event.

MiniCo Insurance Agency, LLC, publishes the Mini-Storage Messenger, the leading monthly trade magazine covering the global self-storage industry. Other publications include Self‑Storage Now!, Mobile Self-Storage Magazine, RV & Boat Storage Today, Self-Storage Canada, the Self-Storage Almanac, the Self-Storage Development Handbook, and the Self‑Storage Buyer’s Guide.

Since 1974, Phoenix-based MiniCo Insurance Agency, LLC, has been a self-storage leader providing superior specialty insurance programs, informative publications and valuable products and services created expressly for the self‑storage industry.

For More Information:


Mini-Storage Messenger - http://www.ministoragemessenger.com/
Cutting Edge Self Storage Management – www.cuttingedgeselfstorage.com

Reducing Energy Costs Through Self-Storage Roofing Retrofits

Self-storage operators may not realize it, but their roofing may be costing them money and profits. On September 22, 2010, Bill Shanko, Regional Manager for leading national roofing contractor D.C. Taylor Co., and Gary Shultz, a representative for Carlisle SynTech, Inc., will present a free webinar for self-storage professionals entitled Metal Retrofit: Eliminate Leaks and Reduce Energy Costs. The webinar will address daily weathering effects on roofs and options for extending the life of existing roofs. Topics will include the following:


· Extending the life of your current roof
· Creating a stable environment by reducing expansion and contraction
· Water resistant roofing with proven performance
· Implementing a cool roof option and/or additional energy savings
· Improving R value to save energy
· Preserving existing metal roofs to prevent further deterioration

D.C. Taylor Co. has over 60 years of experience providing roofing solutions specifically designed for the self-storage industry. The company is sponsoring the webinar as part of the ongoing Mini‑Storage Messenger Self‑Storage Webinar Series. For more information or to register, visit www.ministoragemessenger.com. Online registration is required for this free live event.

MiniCo Insurance Agency, LLC, publishes the Mini-Storage Messenger, the leading monthly trade magazine covering the global self-storage industry. Other publications include Self‑Storage Now!, Mobile Self-Storage Magazine, RV & Boat Storage Today, Self-Storage Canada, the Self-Storage Almanac, the Self-Storage Development Handbook, and the Self‑Storage Buyer’s Guide.

Since 1974, Phoenix-based MiniCo Insurance Agency, LLC, has been a self-storage leader providing superior specialty insurance programs, informative publications and valuable products and services created expressly for the self‑storage industry.

Self-Storage Legal Expert Jeffrey Greenberger Presents MiniCo Webinar on Words to Avoid While Marketing

Marketing a self-storage facility is a great way to increase business and keep established customers. However, using some words in marketing messages can give customers the wrong impression. On September 15, 2010, self-storage legal expert Jeffrey J. Greenberger, Esq., and Joseph Dahlquist, Product Manager for Chamberlain Access Solutions, will present the free webinar Seven Words You Should Never Say: Legal Reasons for Taming Your Advertising Claims. Topics will include the following:


· Words that should never appear in your advertising and why
· Keeping your claims reasonable in all communications with customers
· Making reasonable claims in your business correspondence
· Legal reasons to protect your business

Mr. Greenberger is an attorney based in Cincinnati, Ohio. His practice is focused on representing self-storage business owners and operators. The legal advisor to several state self‑storage associations, Mr. Greenberger is a widely known industry consultant, contributes to many industry publications, and is a frequent speaker at self-storage conventions and seminars.

Seven Words You Should Never Say: Legal Reasons for Taming Your Advertising Claims will be sponsored by Chamberlain Access Solutions and hosted by MiniCo as part of the ongoing Mini-Storage Messenger Self-Storage Webinar Series, which offers informative monthly webinars free of charge to self-storage professionals and other individuals. For more information or to register, visit www.ministoragemessenger.com. Online registration is required for this free live event.

MiniCo Insurance Agency, LLC, publishes the Mini-Storage Messenger, the leading monthly trade magazine covering the global self-storage industry. Other publications include Self‑Storage Now!, Mobile Self-Storage Magazine, RV & Boat Storage Today, Self-Storage Canada, the Self-Storage Almanac, the Self-Storage Development Handbook, and the Self‑Storage Buyer’s Guide.

MiniCo Webinar Focuses on Self-Storage Roofing Retrofits to Reduce Energy Costs and Improve Performance

For self-storage operators, minimizing cost and streamlining maintenance are important issues. On September 22, 2010, leading national roofing contractor D.C. Taylor Co. will sponsor a free webinar for self-storage professionals, architects and construction professionals to discuss the daily weathering effects on roofs and offer options for extending the life of existing roofs while eliminating day-to-day leaks that cost money, upset tenants, and damage otherwise rentable storage spaces. The webinar Metal Retrofit: Eliminate Leaks and Reduce Energy Costs will be presented by Bill Shanko, Regional Manager for D.C. Taylor Co., and Gary Shultz, a representative for Carlisle SynTech, Inc. Topics will include the following:


· Extending the life of your current roof
· Creating a stable environment by reducing expansion and contraction
· Water resistant roofing with proven performance
· Implementing a cool roof option and/or additional energy savings
· Improving R value to save energy
· Preserving existing metal roofs to prevent further deterioration

D.C. Taylor Co. has over 60 years of experience providing roofing solutions specifically designed for the self-storage industry. The company is sponsoring the webinar Metal Retrofit: Eliminate Leaks and Reduce Energy Costs as part of the ongoing Mini‑Storage Messenger Self‑Storage Webinar Series. For more information or to register, visit www.ministoragemessenger.com. Online registration is required for this free live event.

MiniCo Insurance Agency, LLC, publishes the Mini-Storage Messenger, the leading monthly trade magazine covering the global self-storage industry. Other publications include Self‑Storage Now!, Mobile Self-Storage Magazine, RV & Boat Storage Today, Self-Storage Canada, the Self-Storage Almanac, the Self-Storage Development Handbook, and the Self‑Storage Buyer’s Guide.

Since 1974, Phoenix-based MiniCo Insurance Agency, LLC, has been a self-storage leader providing superior specialty insurance programs, informative publications and valuable products and services created expressly for the self‑storage industry.

MiniCo Webinar Focuses on Unique Legal Topics for Self-Storage Operators

Operating a self-storage business involves dealing with a variety of legal issues, some more common than others. On August 18, 2010, renowned self-storage industry professional Tom Litton, President of Litton Property Management, Inc., will present a free webinar focusing on several legal topics that are seldom discussed but important to successful self-storage operations. The webinar Unique Legal Topics for Self-Storage Owners and Managers will address the following legal topics:


· The importance of a redaction policy
· Changing and enforcing the rental agreement’s limit of value clause
· Legally postponing an auction
· Posting the rental agreement online
· The legal definition of “sold to the highest bidder”
· Advertising lien sales in the right newspapers
· Applying the statute of frauds to self-storage
· Legally entering a rented self-storage space

Unique Legal Topics for Self-Storage Owners and Managers will be sponsored by Litton Property Management, Inc., and moderated by MiniCo Publishing’s Poppy Behrens. The Mini‑Storage Messenger Self-Storage Webinar Series offers informative monthly webinars free of charge to self-storage professionals and other individuals. For more information or to register, visit www.ministoragemessenger.com. Online registration is required for this free live event.

MiniCo Insurance Agency, LLC, publishes the Mini-Storage Messenger, the leading monthly trade magazine covering the global self-storage industry. Other publications include Self‑Storage Now!, Mobile Self-Storage Magazine, RV & Boat Storage Today, Self-Storage Canada, the Self-Storage Almanac, the Self-Storage Development Handbook, and the Self‑Storage Buyer’s Guide.

Since 1974, Phoenix-based MiniCo Insurance Agency, LLC, has been a self-storage leader providing superior specialty insurance programs, informative publications and valuable products and services created expressly for the self‑storage industry.

For More Information:
Litton Property Management, Inc. – tomlitton@msn.com

“HAT LADY” ANNE BALLARD PRESENTS MINICO WEBINAR TO TEACH SELF-STORAGE OPERATORS HOW TO GROW RENTALS AND REFERRALS USING ON-SITE EVENTS

In the current challenging economy, it’s more important than ever for self‑storage business owners to identify efficient methods to market and attract customers to their facilities. Universal Management Company President and Founder M. Anne Ballard, popularly known in the self-storage industry by her nickname, “the hat lady,” asserts that increasing RRM – referrals, repeat customers and marketing-sourced customers – represents the lowest cost per lease for facilities. On August 25, 2010, Ms. Ballard will host the free webinar Using On-Site Events to Grow Referrals, Repeats and Marketing-Sourced Move-Ins. Topics will include the following:

· Getting the most value out of on-site events
· Setting up a referral program
· Working with existing customers to get more rentals and referrals
· Why facilities need more Door Turns to improve occupancy and referrals

A longtime top operator in the self-storage industry, Universal Management Company offers self-storage business owners the benefits of the company’s extensive industry experience as well as professional, unbiased management services. Ms. Ballard is a frequent speaker at self‑storage industry conventions and workshops, and she is a regular contributor to the Mini‑Storage Messenger, Self‑Storage Almanac, and other self-storage publications. Her latest book is The Hat Lady Speaks: Marketing Self-Storage.

Using On-Site Events to Grow Referrals, Repeats and Marketing-Sourced Move-Ins will be hosted by MiniCo as part of the ongoing Mini-Storage Messenger Self-Storage Webinar Series, which offers informative monthly webinars free of charge to self-storage professionals and other individuals. Publisher Poppy Behrens will moderate the presentation. For more information or to register, visit www.ministoragemessenger.com. Online registration is required for this free live event.

MiniCo Insurance Agency, LLC, publishes the Mini-Storage Messenger, the leading monthly trade magazine covering the global self-storage industry. Other publications include Self‑Storage Now!, Mobile Self-Storage Magazine, RV & Boat Storage Today, Self-Storage Canada, the Self-Storage Almanac, the Self-Storage Development Handbook, and the Self‑Storage Buyer’s Guide.

Since 1974, Phoenix-based MiniCo Insurance Agency, LLC, has been a self-storage leader providing superior specialty insurance programs, informative publications and valuable products and services created expressly for the self‑storage industry.

For More Information:
Universal Management Company – www.universalmanagementcompany.com

MINICO WEBINAR FOCUSES ON INCREASING SELF-STORAGE OCCUPANCY AND INCOME VIA E-MAIL CAMPAIGNS

On July 7, 2010, Derek M. Naylor, President of Storage Marketing Solutions, will present a free webinar for self-storage professionals focused on using e-mail as a marketing tool to increase occupancy and income. The webinar A Non-Geek Guide to Using E‑Mail Marketing for Automated Occupancy and Income Growth will address issues to include costs, demographics, and SPAM regulations. Topics will include the following:

• Setting up an inexpensive, automated e-mail machine
• The secret to enticing recipients to open your e-mail
• Four crucial groups you should be e-mailing
• Understanding and complying with SPAM laws

Publisher Poppy Behrens will moderate the presentation. The webinar will be sponsored by Storage Marketing Solutions as part of the ongoing Mini‑Storage Messenger Self-Storage Webinar Series. For more information or to register, visit www.ministoragemessenger.com. Online registration is required for this free live event.

MiniCo Insurance Agency, LLC, publishes the Mini-Storage Messenger, the leading monthly trade magazine covering the global self-storage industry. Other publications include Self‑Storage Now!, Mobile Self-Storage Magazine, RV & Boat Storage Today, Self-Storage Canada, the Self-Storage Almanac, the Self-Storage Development Handbook, and the Self‑Storage Buyer’s Guide.

Since 1974, Phoenix-based MiniCo Insurance Agency, LLC, has been a self-storage leader providing superior specialty insurance programs, informative publications and valuable products and services created expressly for the self‑storage industry.

For More Information:
Storage Marketing Solutions – www.storagemarketingsolutions.com

Go to http://www.ministoragemessenger.com/webinar/7A10_Naylor/index.html to register.

Massachusetts Self Storage Association Selects MiniCo Publication as Member Benefit

The Massachusetts Self Storage Association (MASSA) has joined associations from 22 other states and the District of Columbia in choosing to provide MiniCo's Self-Storage Now! magazine as a member benefit. The quarterly management-focused publication will be distributed to MASSA members beginning in the third quarter of this year.


Publisher Poppy Behrens commented, "MiniCo welcomes Massachusetts Self Storage Association members to its readership. We look forward to working with Executive Director Lorna M. Bolduc and the association leadership in support of the association."

MiniCo Insurance Agency, LLC, publishes the Mini-Storage Messenger, the leading monthly trade magazine covering the global self-storage industry. Other publications include Self-Storage Now!, Mobile Self-Storage Magazine, RV & Boat Storage Today, Self-Storage Canada, the Self-Storage Almanac, the Self-Storage Development Handbook, and the Self-Storage Buyer's Guide.

Since 1974, Phoenix-based MiniCo Insurance Agency, LLC, has been a self-storage leader providing superior specialty insurance programs, informative publications and valuable products and services created expressly for the self-storage industry.

For More Information:
Massachusetts Self Storage Association - www.maselfstorage.org

Self-Storage Expert Anne Ballard Hosts MiniCo Webinar Focused on Helping Owners Find "Hidden Money" and Improve Income

On June 23, 2010, M. Anne Ballard, known throughout the self-storage industry as “the hat lady,” will present a free webinar entitled Finding Hidden Money in Your Store’s Operating Reports. The presentation will discuss techniques self-storage facility owners may use to find “hidden money” inside a store’s operating reports in order to improve income. Topics will include the following:


· Specific actions to improve store income in 2010
· The benefits of balancing and making deposits daily
· Writing successful rate-increase letters
· Management techniques for achieving monthly income goals

Ms. Ballard is the president and founder of Universal Management Company, the sponsor of the webinar, and a longtime top operator in the self-storage industry. The company provides professional, unbiased third-party management services backed by extensive self-storage industry knowledge and experience. Ms. Ballard is a frequent speaker at self‑storage industry conventions and workshops and a regular contributor to the Mini‑Storage Messenger, Self‑Storage Almanac, and other self-storage publications. Her latest book is The Hat Lady Speaks: Marketing Self-Storage.

Finding Hidden Money in Your Store’s Operating Reports will be hosted by MiniCo Publishing as part of the ongoing Mini-Storage Messenger Self-Storage Webinar Series, which offers informative monthly webinars free of charge to self-storage professionals and other individuals. Publisher Poppy Behrens will moderate the presentation. For more information or to register, visit www.ministoragemessenger.com. Online registration is required for this free live event.

MiniCo Insurance Agency, LLC, publishes the Mini-Storage Messenger, the leading monthly trade magazine covering the global self-storage industry. Other publications include Self‑Storage Now!, Mobile Self-Storage Magazine, RV & Boat Storage Today, Self-Storage Canada, the Self-Storage Almanac, the Self-Storage Development Handbook, and the Self‑Storage Buyer’s Guide.

Since 1974, Phoenix-based MiniCo Insurance Agency, LLC, has been a self-storage leader providing superior specialty insurance programs, informative publications and valuable products and services created expressly for the self‑storage industry.

MiniCo to Add Mobile Storage Specialty Magazine to Print Version of Flagship Publication

MiniCo has announced that the company’s Mobile Self-Storage Magazine, currently available as a digital publication only, will be printed within the pages of the Mini‑Storage Messenger magazine on a quarterly basis. The first print issue of Mobile Self‑Storage Magazine will be distributed inside the July 2010 issue of Messenger. Subscribers will continue to receive the digital version of Mobile Self-Storage Magazine.


Publisher Poppy Behrens commented, “Adding a print edition of Mobile Self-Storage Magazine to Mini-Storage Messenger fulfills a long-standing request by Mobile readers and advertisers, and we are happy to have developed a strategy to make that request a reality.”

MiniCo Insurance Agency, LLC, publishes the Mini-Storage Messenger, the leading monthly trade magazine covering the global self-storage industry. Other publications include Self‑Storage Now!, Mobile Self-Storage Magazine, RV & Boat Storage Today, Self-Storage Canada, the Self-Storage Almanac, the Self-Storage Development Handbook, and the Self‑Storage Buyer’s Guide.

Since 1974, Phoenix-based MiniCo Insurance Agency, LLC, has been a self-storage leader providing superior specialty insurance programs, informative publications and valuable products and services created expressly for the self‑storage industry.

Finding Hidden Money in Your Store’s Operating Reports

Known throughout the self-storage industry as “the hat lady,” M. Anne Ballard, president and founder of Universal Management Company, will host this free webinar focused on helping self-storage business owners improve income throughout the year. During the webinar, she will provide techniques for using a store’s operating reports like a treasure map to unlock additional income.


TOPICS WILL INCLUDE:

• Specific Actions to Improve Store Income in 2010
• The Benefits of Balancing and Making Deposits Daily
• Writing Successful Rate-Increase Letters
• Management Techniques for Achieving Monthly Income Goals

It will take place on Wednesday, June 2, 2010 at 2 pm ET / 1 pm CT / 12 pm MST / 11 am PT.

This webinar will be presented by M. Anne Ballard, President, Universal Management Company and will be moderated by Poppy Behrens, Publisher, MiniCo Publishing.

M. Anne Ballard is the founder and president of Smyrna, Ga.-based Universal Management Company. Universal Management Company is a longtime top operator in the self-storage industry offering self-storage business owners the benefits of the company’s extensive industry experience as well as professional, unbiased management services. A global industry consultant, Anne has served for more than a decade on state and national self-storage association boards. She has written many articles for the "Mini-Storage Messenger" and other publications, and is a regular contributor to the annual "Self-Storage Almanac." Anne’s latest book is "The Hat Lady Speaks: Marketing Self-Storage."

Go to https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/946347642 to register.

ARAN INSURANCE SERVICES GROUP ACQUIRES MINICO INSURANCE AGENCY, LLC

PHOENIX, ARIZ. – MiniCo, Inc., today announced that the company has sold its insurance agency operations and publishing division, MiniCo Insurance Agency, LLC, to Aran Insurance Services Group, an insurance services provider based in Rockville Centre, N.Y. MiniCo Insurance will continue to operate from its Phoenix headquarters providing commercial insurance, tenant insurance and publishing products and services.


Hardy Good, founder of MiniCo, Inc., will assist in the transition and serve as a special advisor to the board of directors of MiniCo Insurance Agency, LLC. Mr. Good, an icon in the self-storage industry for over 35 years, commented, “I am pleased to pass the MiniCo baton to Aran Insurance Services Group and look forward to the positive benefits of this transaction for our self-storage customers and independent insurance agents.”

Mike Schofield, President and CEO, MiniCo Insurance Agency, LLC, said, “This step will enable MiniCo to join a growing multi-faceted insurance organization that will allow a wide range of insurance products to be made available to customers. We want to assure MiniCo’s self-storage insureds and independent insurance agents that their interactions with the company will be unchanged as Liberty Agency Underwriters™ will continue as our underwriting partner and MiniCo’s underwriting, claims, and customer care staff will remain in place to provide the world class service for which our company is known.”

MiniCo’s insurance products include MiniPak Gold commercial property and liability coverage, MiniPak Silver general liability only coverage, TenantOne Direct customer storage insurance, and MiniCo pay-with-rent tenant insurance. Publications include Mini-Storage Messenger, Self Storage Now!, the Self-Storage Almanac, and the Self-Storage Development Handbook.

Since 1974, Phoenix-based MiniCo Insurance Agency, LLC, has been a self-storage leader providing superior specialty insurance programs, informative publications and valuable products and services created expressly for the self storage industry.

For More Information:

MiniCo Insurance Agency, LLC – http://www.minico.com/

Aran Insurance Services Group – http://www.aranins.com/

CMBS Loan Workouts, Modifications and Maturity Extensions

The challenging real estate market of the last two years has put a spotlight on commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) as a financing source. In this webinar, a group of experienced self-storage finance professionals will provide strategies for addressing CMBS loan issues.


TOPICS WILL INCLUDE:
* Maturity Date Extensions
* Modifications
* White Knight and Capital Providers
* New CMBS and Other Debt Available

It will take place on Wednesday, June 9, 2010 at 2 pm ET / 1 pm CT / 12 pm MST / 11 am PT.

This webinar will be presented by Shawn R. Hill, Principal, The BSC Group, Devin Huber, Principal, The BSC Group, Ann Hambly, President/CEO, 1st Service Solutions, Todd Moore, Executive Vice President, 1st Service Solutions and will be moderated by Poppy Behrens, Publisher, MiniCo Publishing.

The BSC Group offers financial and loan advisory, mortgage brokerage and workout solutions to commercial real estate property owners and investors with a special emphasis on the self storage market. 1st Service Solutions was the country’s first firm dedicated to serving as a borrower advocate in loan restructuring and assumptions for CMBS borrowers.

Shawn R. Hill, Principal, The BSC Group, advises clients on debt and equity financing and loan workout services for all commercial property types, with an emphasis on self-storage. He is a frequent speaker and panelist at self-storage industry trade shows and contributes to self-storage industry publications.

Devin Huber, Principal, The BSC Group, arranges commercial property debt and equity financing across the capital spectrum with expertise in the multi-family, medical and self-storage asset classes.

Ann Hambly is the President/CEO and founding partner of 1st Service Solutions. She has more than 30 years of commercial mortgage servicing experience.

Todd Moore is Executive Vice President of 1st Service Solutions. He has more than 20 years of experience performing commercial loan servicing and problem loan resolutions.
 
To register go to https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/608407643. Space is limited!

Security

Physical security is a minimum expectation customers have of their self-storage providers. Self-storage renters are paying rent so that they can leave their belongings and return to find them safe and intact. Part of the services self-storage operators are offering customers is keeping their belongings secure.

Customer surveys show that the perception of adequate security is one of the three leading characteristics that attract new renters to a self-storage facility (curb appeal and convenience being the other two). Crime threatens self-storage owners and manager's ability to attract ad retain customers by critically impacting service delivery. While actual crime has decreased dramatically over the past 30 to 40 years, concerns with crime have not fallen. In fact, concerns about security and terrorism are higher than ever.

While the best time to put security systems into place is during facility planning and construction, self-storage sites can also be upgraded and enhanced with contemporary security measures at any time. Security installation typically falls within the five to six percent range of total initial facility development cost.

The sophistication of security systems can vary greatly from facility to facility, from individual unit alarms, comprehensive activity monitoring, and electronic access on the automated end of the spectrum, to staff scrutiny of new renters, adequate padlock requirements, and ample lighting on the low-tech end. Fancier facilities tend to employ more advanced, expensive security measures.

Crime impacts all aspects of life, personal and business, and crime in self-storage occurs withing this larger context of crime in America. Criminals are opportunities, taking advantage of situations that lend themselves to anonymity and easy access to goods. Self-0storage can seem tailor made for theft with its storage of personal property combined with discrete comings and goings.

Law enforcement and officials categorize crimes into two main groups: crimes against persons and crimes against property, with crimes against property involving no force or threat of force against those victimized.

Crimes against persons are unarguably the most serious, but the nature of the self-storage industry leads to a significant concern with property crimes, particularly theft. Property crimes make up over 75 percent of all crimes in America, and theft makes up 66.7 percent of property crimes. In addition to theft, employee fraud, storage of illegal and dangerous materials, violence, and graffiti are the most frequent crime-related concerns of storage owners and operators.

Besides the harm crime causes to victims, crime negatively affects employee morale, customer satisfaction, operation costs, and general community and individual well being. The costs of crime far exceed the value of stolen property. Those costs extend to include damage to both the renter's and the facility owners’ property, fire danger, civil suits, and loss of rental income.

By working to prevent crimes, self-storage owners and managers increase the stability of their rental base, lower operating costs, increase marketability, and reduce anxiety amongst staff. Crime prevention techniques include target hardening; this involves making properties less vulnerable to theft, renter and employee screening, management awareness of the signs of illegal activity and how to respond, and rental agreements that enable managers to take action when they suspect a renter or employee is engaging in criminal activity.

Security measures need not employ expensive or technically advanced equipment to offer renters, staff, and property adequate protection. That being said, computerized access control confers a sense of security that enables operators to charge an average of 30 percent higher rents. Security enhancement, therefore, can serve dual goals of protecting people and property and enhancing a facility's appeal to prospective renters. Security measures combine with a facility's convenience and overall physical appeal to attract new business.



For more information about the 2010 Self-Storage Almanac, please visit http://www.ministoragemessenger.com/cart/shopexd.asp?id=1998

ROOF MAINTENANCE, INSPECTIONS AND COATINGS FOR SELF-STORAGE FACILITIES THE FOCUS OF MINICO PUBLISHING WEBINAR

PHOENIX, ARIZ. - On May 5, 2010, D.C. Taylor Co., a leading national roofing contractor with over 60 years of experience providing roofing solutions specifically designed for the self-storage industry, will sponsor a free webinar for self-storage professionals focusing on the importance of roof inspections and maintenance as well as the energy-saving benefits of cool-roof coatings. Bill Shanko, Regional Manager for D.C. Taylor Co., and Kathy Schoch, Sales Manager for KST Coatings, a business unit of The Sherwin-Williams Company, will present the webinar Roof Inspections, Maintenance and Coatings: Tasks You Need to Address Now. The presentation will include the following topics:


* Benefits of roof inspections and maintenance
* Prolonging roof service life with reflective coatings
* Saving energy and promoting sustainability with cool roofs

Roof Inspections, Maintenance and Coatings: Tasks You Need to Address Now is part of the ongoing Mini-Storage Messenger Self-Storage Webinar Series. Poppy Behrens, Publisher, MiniCo Publishing, will moderate the presentation. For more information or to register, visit www.ministoragemessenger.com. Online registration is required for this free live event.

MiniCo Publishing, a division of MiniCo, Inc., publishes the Mini-Storage Messenger, the leading monthly trade magazine covering the global self-storage industry. Other publications include Self-Storage Now!, Mobile Self-Storage Magazine, RV & Boat Storage Today, Self-Storage Canada, the Self-Storage Almanac, the Self-Storage Development Handbook, and the Self-Storage Buyer's Guide.

Since 1974, Phoenix-based MiniCo, Inc. has been a self-storage leader providing superior specialty insurance programs, informative publications and valuable products and services created expressly for the self-storage industry.

For More Information:
D.C. Taylor Co. - http://www.dctaylorco.com/
KST Coatings - http://www.kstcoatings.com/
Mini-Storage Messenger - http://www.ministoragemessenger.com/

Finance - An excerpt from the 2010 Almanac

Epic shifts in access to credit continue to harm borrower's ability to secure attractive financing. Any comprehensive discussion of financing includes both what is and what is not available in the market place. Despite the stabilizing effect of massive governmental stimulus plans around the world, for the most part, banks now remain alone in the lending realm and continue to hold their breath as they make their way cautiously through the aftermath of the credit storms which so recently tore through the system, unsure as to whether the storm is truly gone for them. Much analysis has been conducted on the challenge of how to undo the high leverage loans on low cap rate properties, both in the CMBS realm and throughout the commercial banking system. These high flyers are coming back down to earth to a transformed landscape, a lower leverage/higher cap rate new land.

Market Conditions: One Step At A Time To Recovery

On the positive side, conditions in the capital markets have improved with the breath-of-life stimulus packages around the globe. First and foremost, we are at the beginning of the largest global wave of monetary and fiscal stimulus ever on an absolute and relative basis. The wisdom of certain initiatives can be debated, as there is little doubt that overall they will have a meaningful positive economic effect in the short, medium, and long term. Many continue to have concerns that this massive money creation will soon lead to explosive inflation. The counter point is that higher inflation won’t become a realized risk, for at least a couple of years; even then, a problematic inflation is not inevitable per se. Central bankers are correctly providing liquidity in an effort to stave off deflation and bolster financial institution balance sheets. Inflation is unlikely until a more robust economic recovery causes money velocity to reaccelerate and business capacity becomes again more fully utilized.

Encouraging signs of normalcy include capital market signals such as: credit markets have eased considerably from last year’s severe dysfunction, interbank lending rates dropped to their lowest levels on record, credit spreads have narrowed, and firms with strong credit ratings are issuing debt without government assistance below pre-crisis interest rates. All of these are important indicators for the market health in general; the benefits to self-storage will remain “trickle-down/” So while the global economy is still in recession and is likely to remain so for possibly well into 2010 in some regions, the stock markets are moving ahead and providing encouragement. Keep in mind that backward-looking economic data do not determine future market conditions. Stocks discount future expectations, so one can take a measure of comfort that the upward trend from the depths of last year’s lows will benefit all sectors in time.
All of this bodes well for a move off the severe bear markets of last year, yet commercial real estate still has its trials to face. Namely, the unwinding of unsustainable cap rates, the unwinding of over-leveraged loans issued with unsustainable loan variables: interest rate, debt service coverage ratios, and loan to value.
There are also considerable regulatory headwinds and other uncertainties that are impacting the financial sector and the band’s appetite to lend. Additionally to shore up their balance sheets, many financial firms have been force out issue new shares, diluting their shareholder equity and putting downward pressure on their share prices.
The present administration has outlines a new regulatory framework as well. The framework contains elements both positive and negative; in essence, however, these changes appear to be largely benign. All of these legislative efforts will be significantly negotiated and reworked before any changes are ratified, so it is still too early to opine about ultimate outcomes and effects. Nonetheless, financial sector firms remain in listening mode for new legislation which may impact their functionality in both intended and unintended ways.
In summary, there is reason to be highly encouraged by recent market activities and there are significant sighs that we are improving, however it will not be without setbacks and will continue to require a demonstration of patience, especially for those in commercial real estate. Consumer spending accounts for 70 percent of U.S. gross domestic product, but high debt and job losses will keep consumers from spending as much in the next few years as they have in the past; this contributes to the slow speed of the economic recovery timeline.

For more information or to order the 2010 Almanac, visit ministoragemessenger.com

MiniCo Company BBQ

What a great time we all had! Delicious food and great company. Check out the photos below!

Managing in the Great Recession

There is no clear-cut management roadmap for today's recession, as it is unlike past economic slowdown in several ways. This recession is deeper than past recessions. Job losses are a more significant component of this recession, with very high unemployment rates.

Consumer spending is not simply growing more slowly, it has dropped significantly and is unlikely to return to prior levels in the foreseeable future. Consumers' finances are weak, and the spending contraction is a reflection of a change in consumer priorities in favor of saving and cutting debt. In the long term, this will be good for the economy, but in the short term, it will slow recovery in an economy that is seventy percent driven by consumer consumption.

Business consumption is weak as well, causing the recession to affect more business sectors than past recessions. The credit crunch i dampening recovery by slowing access to capital for solid personal and business transactions. For all these reasons, the Great Recession is a different animal than past recessions, and the management techniques required to survive ant thrive in this new economy are different as well.

To remain stable in tumultuous economic times, owners and managers must focus on their core competencies, honing efficiencies yet still pursuing the most promising opportunities.

(From page 115 of the 2010 Self-Storage Almanac)

Don't Miss our Upcoming FREE Webinar

Sign up now for our FREE webinar: Roof Inspections, Maintenance and Coatings: Tasks You Need to Address Now.

Presented by Bill Shanko, Regional Manager, D.C. Taylor Co. & Kathy Schoch, Sales Manager, KST Coatings

Sponsored and presented by D.C. Taylor Co.
Moderated by Poppy Behrens, Publisher, MiniCo Publishing

 Spring is here, and it’s time for self-storage owners and managers to inspect their facilities and identify maintenance tasks. In this webinar, Bill Shanko and Kathy Schoch will provide information about the importance of roof inspections and maintenance.

 TOPICS WILL INCLUDE:

• Benefits of Roof Inspections and Maintenance
• Prolonging Roof Service Life with Reflective Coatings
• Saving Energy and Promoting Sustainability with Cool Roofs

About our speakers:
Bill Shanko is a Regional Manager for D.C. Taylor Co. Bill has been with the company since 2003 beginning as a laborer and working his way up to Regional Manager. He now specializes in identifying and solving roofing problems for a variety of industries, most notably self-storage facilities. Bill has participated in several self-storage trade shows where he has made presentations on topics such as maximizing your budget with roof restoration and implementing energy-saving roof system solutions.

Kathy Schoch is a Sales Manager for KST Coatings, a business unit of The Sherwin-Williams Company. She has 21 years of experience with the Uniflex® industrial roof coatings.

Click Here to Register Now!

Self-Storage & Social Media

The way businesses communicate with their customers and potential customers has changed. Using social media to share information about your company is more critical than ever. According to a study by Forrester Research, over 80% of Americans use social media on at least a monthly basis. If you are not effectively using social media, you are missing out on crucial marketing opportunities.

A couple of months ago, we put on a webinar titled "Self-Storage & Social Media: How to Make it Work Without Wasting Time & Money."

If you are interested in putting social media to work for your self-storage business, this is a great webinar to watch for tips and ideas on how to get started.

The webinar, presented by Derek Naylor, President of Storage Marketing Solutions and Rebecca Morse, focuses on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube, and:

 

•The Ever-Growing Social Network

•Live Demonstrations of Social Media Sites

•Time-Saving Tools to Increase Efficiency

•How Self-Storage Facilities Are Using Social Media

•How to Get Started & Best Practices for Your Facility

To view the webinar in our archives, CLICK HERE.

The Hat Lady Speaks: Marketing Self-Storage Pre-Sale!

Increase demand, occupancy and income. That’s the goal of The Hat Lady Speaks: Marketing Self-Storage by industry icon M. Anne Ballard. The president and founder of Universal Management Company will walk you through the steps to prepare your facility for customers, market effectively, generate more on-site visits, and rent more units. Her techniques have been proven over years of trial-and-error proofing in self-storage facilities nationwide.

Topics include:

• Telling Your Facility’s Story
• Practical Solutions for Improving Store Performance
• Proven Programs Anyone Can Use
• Step-By-Step Marketing Instructions
• Real-Time Processes That Maximize Your Marketing
• An A-To-Z Guide for Marketing, Management and Team Motivation

  

Pre-order yours today! Visit ministoragemessenger.com for more information or to place an order.

  

Expected ship date: April 20, 2010

Edmund Wagner Named Production Manager for MiniCo Publishing

MiniCo Publishing’s Edmund Wagner has been promoted to the position of Production Manager reporting to Publisher Poppy Behrens. Mr. Wagner joined MiniCo Publishing in 2008 as Production Coordinator for the division’s multiple periodical and annual self-storage industry publications. In his new position, he will also be responsible for classified ad sales.


Mr. Wagner’s previous experience includes production for several other publications including Broker Agent Magazine as well as a diverse range of print items for At-a-Glance®/Mead®. He holds an associate’s degree from Ivy Tech Community College in Columbus, Ind.

MiniCo Publishing, a division of MiniCo, Inc., publishes the Mini-Storage Messenger, the leading monthly trade magazine covering the global self-storage industry. Other publications include Self-Storage Now! magazine, the annual Self-Storage Almanac, and the annual Self-Storage Development Handbook.


Since 1974, Phoenix-based MiniCo, Inc. has been a self-storage leader providing superior specialty insurance programs, informative publications and valuable products and services created expressly for the self‑storage industry.

Erica Shatzer Named Editor of MiniCo’s RV & Boat Storage Publication

MiniCo Publishing’s Erica Shatzer has been named Editor of the company’s biannual RV & Boat Storage Today and will be responsible for managing the publication’s editorial direction and content as well as editing and writing features and columns. She also serves as the editor of the quarterly Mobile Self-Storage Magazine and Self-Storage Now! magazine and associate editor for MiniCo’s other publications including the Mini-Storage Messenger and Self-Storage Almanac.

Ms. Shatzer joined MiniCo Publishing in October 2007. Her previous experience includes positions as Marketing Professional for State College, Pa.-based AccuWeather, Inc., and Marketing Manager for Clyde Peeling’s Reptiland of Allenwood, Pa. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania.


MiniCo Publishing, a division of MiniCo, Inc., publishes the Mini-Storage Messenger, the leading monthly trade magazine covering the global self-storage industry. Other publications include Self-Storage Now!, Mobile Self-Storage Magazine, RV & Boat Storage Today, Self-Storage Canada, the Self-Storage Almanac, the Self-Storage Development Handbook, and the Self‑Storage Buyer’s Guide.

Arizona State Legal Update: Lien Law Changes 2009

Join us for a Webinar on April 27

The webinar will highlight recent changes to the lien law such as the end of certified mail notices and legal advertising and how these changes benefit owners and operators. A 15-minute Q&A session will immediately follow the presentation by Richard Marmor.

It will take place on Tuesday, April 27, 2010 at 4 pm ET / 3 pm CT / 2 pm MST / 1 pm PT.

This webinar will be presented by Richard Marmor, Chair, AZSA Legal and Legislative Committee. The webinar is sponsored by the Arizona Self-Storage Association, and will be moderated by Poppy Behrens, Publisher, MiniCo Publishing.

Founded in 1996, the Arizona Self-Storage Association was created to strengthen the self-storage industry in Arizona, promote professional standards and quality, and present a unified voice on issues affecting the industry in the state and in its communities. The AZSA continues that mission today with more than 500 facility and vendor members.


Space is limited.
Reserve your Webinar seat now at:
https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/567878082

Who We Are

Since 1979, MiniCo, Inc. has published the self storage industry’s most important news and information products:

MINI-STORAGE MESSENGER Since 1979, the Mini-Storage Messenger has delivered the self storage industry’s most important news and information. Each issue of Mini-Storage Messenger offers cover stories and feature articles on the most timely industry topics and trends. Monthly columns contributed by industry experts and accomplished business professionals address a wide range of topics including construction, development, security, facility operations, technology, legal issues and legislative updates.
In every monthly edition of Mini-Storage Messenger, subscribers discover news and reliable, useful information that is relevant to the real-world challenges of developing, owning and operating self storage businesses.
Subscriber benefits also include:

• Annual Buyer’s Guide as a bonus 13th edition
• Exceptional reports featured annually- Top Operators - Software Review- Facility of the Year- REIT Report- Investors Survey- State of the Industry
• Exclusive discounts and special offers

SELF STORAGE NOW! Self Storage Now! is a quarterly magazine launched in 1991 to help self storage managers increase profits by providing valuable information such as marketing tips, business advice, product reviews and industry news. With the largest audience of any publication covering the industry, Self Storage Now! pays particular attention to space rental sales techniques and methods of increasing revenues through retail and ancillary sales to tenants and other customers.

MOBILE SELF STORAGE MAGAZINE Mobile Self Storage Magazine is a quarterly publication written specifically for mobile self storage professionals. This industry segment is growing rapidly, and Mobile Self Storage Magazine offers news and information to help businesses grow in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

SELF STORAGE ALMANAC Since its first edition in 1992, the Self Storage Almanac has become the most comprehensive statistical reference guide for the self storage industry, offering over 150 pages of reliable and up-to-date information, statistics and analysis. Investors, developers, operators, financial institutions, real estate brokers and other business publications worldwide turn to the Self Storage Almanac for reliable information about the self storage industry.

SELF STORAGE DEVELOPMENT HANDBOOK The Development Handbook focuses on developing and building self storage facilities. This book guides you through the development process with editorial coverage on a wide range of topics including:site selection, feasibility studies, zoning and permits, building components, construction costs, site layout and unit mix, financial facts, hiring and management, and marketing.

SELF STORAGE BUYER’S GUIDE The annual Self Storage Buyer’s Guide is widely recognized throughout the industry as the Yellow Pages of self storage. With detailed listings of over 450 industry-related vendors, consultants and associations, the Buyer’s Guide is a valuable resource for self storage professionals.

RV & BOAT STORAGE DEVELOPMENT HANDBOOK The annual RV & Boat Storage Development Handbook is an A-to-Z guide to the development process for this rapidly growing segment of the self storage industry. This useful reference includes information about key differences between traditional and RV and boat storage, site selection, financial feasibility, retail services, marketing, management and legal issues.

Nevada Self Storage Association Selects MiniCo Publications as Member Benefits

PHOENIX, ARIZ. – Poppy Behrens, Publisher, MiniCo Publishing, has announced an agreement with the Nevada Self Storage Association (NVSSA) to provide the company’s Mini‑Storage Messenger and Self-Storage Now! magazines as member benefits beginning in April 2010. In addition, NVSSA members will receive discounts on other MiniCo publications to include the annual Self-Storage Almanac and Self-Storage Development Handbook.

NVSSA President Travis Morrow commented, “Mini-Storage Messenger and Self-Storage Now! are excellent resources for self-storage owners, operators and managers. We look forward to working with MiniCo Publishing to provide these publications to our members.”

Ms. Behrens stated, “MiniCo Publishing is excited to have the opportunity to work closely with the Nevada Self Storage Association in its efforts to serve one of the fastest-growing groups of self‑storage professionals in the nation.”


MiniCo Publishing, a division of MiniCo, Inc., publishes the Mini-Storage Messenger, the leading monthly trade magazine covering the global self-storage industry. Other publications include Self-Storage Now!, Mobile Self-Storage Magazine, RV & Boat Storage Today, Self-Storage Canada, the Self-Storage Almanac, the Self-Storage Development Handbook, and the Self‑Storage Buyer’s Guide.

Since 1974, Phoenix-based MiniCo, Inc. has been a self-storage leader providing superior specialty insurance programs, informative publications and valuable products and services created expressly for the self‑storage industry.

For More Information:

MiniCo Publishing – http://www.ministoragemessenger.com/

Nevada Self Storage Association – http://www.nv-ssa.org/



###

Market conditions as featured in the 2010 Self-Storage Almanac

Market Conditions by Major City or CBSA
Another tool of benchmark analysis is comparing market conditions in the largest metropolitan areas of the country or CBSA (core based statistical area), This analysis is based on comparing existing supply to a forecast of stabilized demand. The demand forecast is based on an econometric model developed by the Self Storage Industry Group of Cushman & Wakefield. It compares existing demand in a CBSA to four Demographic variables: population, percentage of renters, average household income, and average household size. Using multi-variable regression analysis, the data is compared from the forecast CBSA to all other CBSAs in the data set. The outcome is a quantified indication of stabilized demand for self-storage for each CBSA….

Location, Location, Location
Understanding a local market begins with a survey of the local competition within the trade area – not some of the facilities, but all of the facilities in the trade area. This total supply can be compared to demographic data, such as total population within the trade area, to determine the amount of self-storage measured in terms of square feet per person. The rentable square feet per person of self-storage within the trade area can be compared to national, state, and CBSA benchmarks.
Another way to analyze market conditions in the local trade area is to understand occupancy of competing facilities. Some investors consider a marked under-supplied if occupancy of all competitors is 90 percent or higher within a trade area, market equilibrium if occupancy is in the 80 percent to 89 percent, and oversupplied if below 80 percent.

Tools of Analysis
Ultimately, investors must complete their own due diligence to satisfy their own investment criteria. Cumulatively, these tools can be used as benchmarks in identifying self-storage opportunities. The state index is comparative, although not comprehensive. Even in areas with a high index score, local markets or trade areas may be underserved. Similarly the CBSA tables can be a useful reference to review market conditions in large cities. Yet, most importantly, it is the market condition sin the local trade area that warrant the most consideration. As self-storage demand is local and demand is difficult to induce from outside the trade area, determining market conditions in the local trade area (either qualitatively by surveying the competition or through quantitative demand modeling) is key to a successful self-storage facility.



Since its first edition in 1992, the Self Storage Almanac has become the most comprehensive statistical reference guide for the self storage industry. Investors, developers, operators, financial institutions, real estate brokers and other business publications worldwide turn to the Self Storage Almanac for reliable information about the self-storage industry.

Being informed is essential, especially in today’s constantly changing self storage market. The industry we know today has evolved into a professionally run business that far surpasses the expectations of its earliest pioneers. The Self Storage Almanac offers over 150 pages of the latest, most up-to-date facts, statistics and analysis about the self storage industry including:

• Owner Profiles
• Population Mobility
• Rental Rates
• Crime And Security Issues
• Occupancy Rates
• Rent-Up Issues
• Manager Training And Compensation
• CAP Rates
• Marketing Issues
• Loan And Investment Analysis
• Seasonal Occupancy Variance
• Construction Costs
• Climate Controlled And Multi-Level Facilities
• MSA Supply And Demand Analysis
• State-By-State Occupancy Levels
• And Much More!



This is just a sample of the wealth of information that is available in the 2010 Self-Storage Almanac, published by MiniCo Publishing. For more information or to order go to ministoragemessenger.com.

Free Publications from MiniCo Publishing

Did you know that you can subscribe to four informative FREE digital publications by simply filling out one form?

If you are a self storage professional, or are interested in learning more about self storage, then these publications are perfect for you!

Self-Storage Now! is a quarterly publication focused specifically on managing self-storage facilities. Each issue includes informative articles, product profiles, and tips and techniques to help managers and owner/operators operate successful, profitable businesses.

Mobile Self-Storage Magazine is a quarterly magazine devoted to the mobile self-storage industry. You'll find valuable information on products, legal issues, marketing, logistics, management and other topics in each issue. Mobile Self-Storage Magazine is the official publication of the Mobile Self-Storage Association.

RV & Boat Storage Today is a biannual publication dedicated to the RV and boat storage market. Twice each year, the magazine offers articles about topics specific to RV and boat storage facilities including construction, marketing, leasing, legal issues and management.

Messenger Xtra is a quarterly e-newsletter for self-storage owners, operators, managers and developers. Each issue focuses on a topic of interest to self-storage professionals.

All you have to do is visit http://www.ministoragemessenger.com/free_products.asp and fill out one simple form. You will receive your publications directly in your email inbox.

Innovative Auction & Collection Techniques

Presented by Tom Litton, President, Litton Property Management, Inc.

Sponsored and presented by Litton Property Management, Inc.Moderated by Poppy Behrens, Publisher, MiniCo Publishing.

It will take place on Wednesday, April 7, 2010 at 2 pm ET / 1 pm CT / 12 pm MST / 11 am PT.

Changing technology and shifting consumer behavior has altered the way self-storage businesses manage delinquencies and recover rents from past-due customers. In this webinar, Tom Litton will provide information and techniques to assist in auction and collection activities.

TOPICS WILL INCLUDE:

Ground-Breaking Marketing, Advertising and Auction
Techniques

Collecting More Money from Auction Sales

10 Innovative Ways to Keep Customers Happy and
Collect Past-Due Rents

About our speakers: Tom Litton is a well-known self-storage industry expert who heads Litton Property Management, Inc., and the self-storage management division of Litton Management & Consulting, Inc. He began his self-storage career when the industry was in its infancy and has managed over 150 self-storage facilities in 11 states. Tom currently manages and/or owns 21 commercial properties in Indiana and California. In addition, he fee manages and consults on a daily basis in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, France, England, Scotland and Canada. Tom has conducted over 150 seminars worldwide on various topics regarding self-storage operations, management, development and ownership. His latest books, Auditing Self-Storage: Preventing Employee Theft & Embezzlement and The Key to Success: How to Manage Self-Storage, are available from MiniCo Publishing.

Visit http://www.ministoragemessenger.com/webinar/4A10_litton/index.html to register now!

Marketing Strategy vs. Tactics – A Game-Changing Marketing Distinction for Our Industry

Join us for the upcoming webinar, Marketing Strategy vs. Tactics – A Game-Changing Marketing Distinction for Our Industry, on Wednesday March 24, 2010 at Wednesday, March 24, 2010 at 2:00 pm ET / 1:00 pm CT / 12:00 pm MT / 11:00 am PT.


Traditional assumptions about marketing your self-storage facility may be detrimental to the success of your efforts. In this webinar, Derek Naylor will provide techniques to help you increase marketing efficiency while improving net operating income.

TOPICS WILL INCLUDE:

• Direct mail
• Yellow Pages advertising
• Marketing to other businesses
• Free rent and discounts
• Internet marketing

About our speaker:

Derek M. Naylor is the President of Storage Marketing Solutions (SMS). Over the past seven years, Derek has incrementally increased sales revenue for his clients more than $250 million through innovation and advanced marketing strategies. In 2003, he directed his talents and unique growth strategies exclusively to the self-storage industry and founded SMS. SMS now helps hundreds of operators from coast to coast to increase their occupancy and profits through the company’s unique Outsourced Marketing Director program and other tools. He is a regular contributor to industry magazines and a dynamic speaker at trade events. Derek lives in Pleasant View, Utah, with his wife and two daughters.

Space is filling up quickly! For more information and to register visit ministoragemessenger.com.