The Latest Industry News

Summer is the most ideal time of year to perform repairs and routine maintenance to your parking lots.  The weather is warm, and rain is rare.  Once winter arrives, if needed repairs or maintenance are not made, excessive rain will always exacerbate issues and rapidly accelerate the deterioration of various asphalt/concrete areas. Now is a great time to evaluate any potential needs your properties may have in order to analyze the potential benefits of performing work prior to the winter months.

To our fellow CSSA colleagues, CAM Services is offering complimentary site surveys which include:

*Repair/maintenance recommendations
*Detailed repair diagram with corresponding photos
*Summarize any potential "high liability" areas/issues in an effort to help maximize asset life
*Review for ADA compliance, as we have a great depth of ADA experience

We are able to handle everything at your properties from the roof all the way to the curb.  If you're interested in a site survey or you think we can be of any assistance to you, please contact Nicole Taylor or our Marketing Manager, Gabriela Reyna, today.

We look forward to meeting you at the next CSSA event!

Phone: 800-576-3050
Email: info@CamServices.com

Contacts: Carrie Royce, VP Marketing Rich Cray, President

Direct Line 785-393-7370 Direct Line 913-469-0997

carrie.royce@storagefront.comrich.cray@storagefront.com

Immediate Release

StorageFront Launches Bilingual Web Pages

 The specialty search engine offers both English and Spanish pages to accommodate more of the American population

Kansas City, KS – July 15, 2010 – StorageFront president Rich Cray looked at his self storage search engine and similar websites in the industry, and realized that none of them were accommodating a large fraction of the self storage market.

Hispanics are the fastest-growing population in the United States. And according to a report in comScore, the Hispanic online demographic is growing 50 percent faster than the overall U.S. online population.

Bilingual services enable companies to overcome cultural barriers and ensure that their products and services reach a larger target audience. With this in mind, Cray decided to make StorageFront the first self storage search engine to have bilingual pages.

StorageFront hired professional interpreters to translate the site into Spanish. Unlike computer programs – which directly convert written materials from one language into another, but often result in awkward wording – translators must have excellent writing and analytical ability. And because the translations that they produce must be accurate, they also need good spelling and editing skills.

Furthermore, effective website translation is a lengthy process requiring more than word interpretation. Written materials must be extracted, translated, and reinserted into content sections that are routinely designed for shorter phrasing. Typically, the site has to be rebuilt, tested, and UI-verified in different web browsers to ensure that the translated text displays correctly.

To read StorageFront in Spanish, visitors to the site can simply click the Habla Espanol icon on the site's front page.

"Our clients at StorageFront are thrilled with the bilingual feature, especially in the South, because a huge part of their customer base speaks Spanish as their first language—and oftentimes as their only language,” Cray said. "At most self storage facilities in the lower half of the U.S., it's a requirement that their managers speak Spanish.”

Tracy Taylor, who is president of the National Self Storage Association, has facilities all over Texas and has hired several bilingual managers. Many of the Watson & Taylor stores have bilingual ads on billboards, but before signing with StorageFront, they did not have a bilingual presence on the web.

"StorageFront is really the only site where there is an amenity or an option to check ‘Habla Espanol',” Taylor said.

"We're all about making StorageFront a one-stop shop for anyone looking to rent a self storage unit,” Cray said. "Managers in the South tell us that trust is very important to their Hispanic customers, and they believe StorageFront bilingual's interface will help build that trust with their Hispanic clientele and pull in many more customers.”

About StorageFront (http://www.storagefront.com/)

StorageFront launched in 2009 to provide a web marketing resource for the self storage industry specifically, which now numbers over 50,000 facilities nationwide. A bilingual web portal featuring search-by-amenity and geo-relevant sorting, StorageFront serves self storage owners and renters with an advanced search engine that comprises the large majority of U.S. storage facilities. StorageFront is headquartered in Kansas City, Kansas.

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FOR IMMMEDIATE RELEASE

Industry Veterans Start New Self Storage Firm

Redwood City, CA - July 16th, 2010 

 

With the dramatic changes the self storage industry has seen over the last few years, Carl Touhey and Jason "Jay” Allen have started a new self storage firm called Performance Self Storage Group, Inc. The need for self storage specialist has never been greater, especially during a time when vacancies are up, revenue is down and cap rates are reaching near a 10. Performance Self Storage Group will be focusing on assisting self storage owners throughout the Country on a variety of levels including on‐site operations, management, implementing creative Gen‐Y marketing techniques and finding strong capital sources. Performance Self Storage Group is also actively looking to buy and invest in storage properties using their own capital sources and also through joint ventures with others in the industry.

Carl began his self storage career during the RTC days, purchasing storage properties throughout the United States and successfully turning them around in a short amount of time. Using creative marketing techniques and keeping a watchful eyes on the business, Carl has a proven track record for self storage success. From 1992 to 2010, Carl specialized in self storage investment sales in Northern California. He is now taking his experience and knowledge of the self storage industry and applying it to properties in need of help and assistance.

Jay began his real estate career in 1998 and has worked with some of the nation's top real estate firms, selling residential real estate, land and self storage properties throughout California. He has worked in self storage for 13 years alongside Carl Touhey and became heavily involved in the self storage industry in 2005. In that time, Jay has not only been a successful self storage investment specialist, but has assisted owners with marketing, management and has consulted on multiple storage properties throughout the state of California.

If you'd like more information about Performance Self Storage please call Carl Touhey at 650‐368‐2216 or Jason "Jay” Allen at 650‐260‐2242

San Diego, CA – July 9, 2010 – A-1 Self Storage, the premier provider of self storage in California, announced today the addition of 15 more of their locations that have partnered with GREENspot DROPoff to offer free E-Waste Recycling to the public. This brings a total of twenty-eight A-1 Self Storage locations in San Diego County, Los Angeles County, Orange County and the Bay Area that have become authorized GREENspot DROPoff Locations for the collection of old ink and toner cartridges, cell phones, computers, monitors and other electronic waste.

"A-1 Self Storage is proud to be involved with the proper disposal of E-Waste recyclables. This benefits our environment and reduces waste in landfills” Brian Caster, President and CEO of A-1 Self Storage explained, "As part of our commitment to our communities; all proceeds will benefit local schools. A-1 Self Storage recently sent proceeds from our GREENspot DROPoff / E-Waste collections to the following Union School Districts in California: Glendale, Mount Diablo (Concord), San Jose, San Diego and Vista (San Diego North County). We hope these proceeds will help out local schools that continue to experience budget cuts.”

For more information about the GREENspot DROPoff program or E-Waste Recycling, please visit http://www.greenspotdropoff.org/.

For more information about A-1 Self Storage, please visit http://www.a1storage.com/e_waste_recycling or http://www.a1storage.com/self_storage/locations.

About A-1 Self Storage:

A-1 Self Storage is one of the leading providers of self storage in San Diego with 17 locations in the greater San Diego area and over 40 locations across California. A-1 is the Self Storage division of the Caster Companies, a third generation family-owned company headquartered in Southern California since 1959. The Caster Companies specializes in acquisitions, development and management of A-1 Self Storage, and other commercial properties in California. Its Real Estate Portfolio includes over 4 million square feet in real estate properties. It is one of California's fastest growing companies.

CONTACTS:

Fran Laporga-Ching

A-1 Self Storage

(619) 287-8873 x 141

press@a1storage.com

http://www.a1storage.com/

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(July 2, 2010 – Temple, GA) Janus International is pleased to introduce a new portable storage unit – MASS New Generation. This new unit offers many upgrades to Janus' standard Movable Additional Storage Structure (MASS) unit, including lighter weight, no sharp edges, easier and quicker installation times and a sleek new design. MASS New Generation is ideal for increasing self storage facility units, and can also be used for home or retail applications. MASS New Generation is available with insulation, shelving and a variety of door colors. In addition, all Janus portable storage units have leasing options available, making them a cost-effective avenue for increasing rental space.

For more information, visit our website at http://www.janusintl.com/.

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Janus International is a leading provider of roll up doors, hallways systems, portable storage solutions and rolling steel doors. Headquartered in Temple, GA, Janus has six locations worldwide. For more information, visit our website at http://www.janusintl.com/

For more information, contact:

Amy Fuhlman

Director of Marketing

J A N U S I N T E R N A T I O N A L

p. 770.562.2850

f. 770.562.1991

m. 404.787.8444

http://www.janusintl.com/

amyf@janusintl.com

Media Contact:

Cyndi Ridge Begerhofer, GREENspot DROPoff

800.350.3550x5 pr@greenspotdropoff.org

 

GREENspot DROPoff awarded "Collection Program of the Year”

by International Electronics Recycling

 

June 28, 2010, Burbank, CA – GREENspot DROPoff, California's Leading e-waste recycling collector, was named "Collection Program of the Year” by International Electronics Recycling during this year's Closing Gala and Awards Ceremony on May 27^th, 2010.

International Electronics Recycling honors those recyclers and eco-friendly companies who are "trendsetters and leaders in electronics waste management.” GREENspot DROPoff's unique approach to e-waste recycling, dedication to providing free and convenient e-waste recycling to the public, and GREENsquared fundraising program have set GREENspot DROPoff apart as a leader in e-waste recycling.

"We are honored to be receiving this award so soon after we launched our GREENspot program,” beamed Barry Keyes. "With only 6 months under our belt, we have successfully opened over 150 GREENspots throughout the State of California and have plans for another 150 in the next 60 days. Our goal of providing free e-waste recycling to our local communities is becoming more and more of a reality each day as we continue to expand and offer more convenient locations throughout the State.”

About GREENspot DROpoff, Inc.: GREENspot DROPoff dedicated to providing free and convenient e-waste recycling to everyone in the US. Currently, we are a network of e-waste collection DROPoff sites throughout the State of California with plans to expand into other States in the second half of 2010. In addition to educating the public about the harms of e-waste, collecting e-waste for free, and advocating for free e-waste recycling for all, we are also dedicated to developing local communities via our GREEN² GIVEback program. To find your GREENspot visit us at www.greenspotdropoff.org

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Chamberlain Access Solutions has introduced a new product, the AccessMaster® Overlock™ system that revolutionizes self storage. Basically, the Overlock system can be engaged to prevent the hasp on a unit door from being opened. However, with an extensive list of capabilities and features the Overlock system changes facility management with benefits that include enhanced services, streamlined operations, and maximized profitability.

When the data provided by the Overlock system is harnessed, the business performs effectively at serving customers, operating efficiently, and generating profits. Facility managers can streamline operations and delinquency processes and access details about the facility from the office, minimizing the need for laborious lock and door checks. Business owners and operators can take advantage of tools and data that help to increase profitability and improve operational efficiencies. The technology sets the facility apart from competitors, providing an added layer of security that includes improved documentation of site activity.

Thanks to the patented technology of the Overlock system, customers will notice the

difference, managers will praise the simplicity, and owners will enjoy the significant gains.

Components working in unison

· Overlock Device: When activated, this wireless device secures the roll-up door on a self storage unit by preventing movement of the hasp to the open position.

· Overlock Transceiver: Similar to a wireless head-end, it is the communication center of the Overlock system, reporting commands and status for each Overlock device.

· Overlock Repeater: Extends the range of wireless communication through structures and over distances to ensure reliable wireless transmission of data.

· Overlock Application: An easy to use and simple to understand software application for control and visibility of the entire Overlock system.

Compatible door and hasp types/brands are listed in the technical specifications on the product sheet. The Overlock system is scalable: A single site can have anywhere between one and 8,000 Overlock devices working together to form a system. The system, including Overlock devices, can be installed without interrupting the flow of normal business. The unit door can stay closed and locked during the installation and wireless means no trenching will be necessary!

This Changes Everything

 

The Overlock system provides tools and capabilities that:

· Automate the move-in process.

· Prevent access to storage units with past-due rent, without manually placing additional locks on unit doors.

· Provide tenant access as soon as rent is made current.

· Streamline lien and auction procedures.

· Identify the status of all unit doors, without the need to leave the office to conduct visual inspections.

· Discourage tailgating into the facility.

· Prevent unit access during a customer's extended absence.

Chamberlain Access Solutions is a leading developer and manufacturer of access control, site security, and facility management products and services. Offering the AccessMaster, PTI, and Digitech brands, Chamberlain Access Solutions delivers integrated hardware, software, and service solutions for customers worldwide. The firm is a division of The Chamberlain Group, Inc. that was formed in 2008,

following the acquisition of PTI Integrated Systems and Digitech International. Chamberlain Access Solutions continues the proud legacy of these 25-year industry leaders with innovative quality products and superior customer services for the self-storage industry.

The Chamberlain Group, Inc. manufactures and markets access control products including residential garage door openers, commercial door operators, residential and commercial gate operators, telephone entry systems and related access control products.

# # #

Contact: Robbi Graham
480-588-9674
Robbi.Graham@chamberlain.com

Together Online to Capture Renter Leads in an Increasingly Competitive Industry

Kansas City, KS – June 23, 2010 – The largest privately-owned self storage company in the United States and Puerto Rico has teamed up with the self storage industry's most comprehensive search engine for web marketing and related support.

Simply Self Storage (http://www.simplyss.com/) has signed the majority of its locations up for premium service at StorageFront (http://www.storagefront.com/), becoming one of the largest self storage companies with listings on StorageFront.

"Self storage owners know that the web is today's yellow pages, and Google essentially controls which pages people will flip through,” StorageFront president Rich Cray said. "Unfortunately, climbing to the top of Google and converting leads online can be a costly and time-consuming course for a company of any size. That's why even the largest and most sophisticated storage facilities across the U.S. are turning to StorageFront. By offering Simply Self Storage comprehensive web marketing solutions, StorageFront is helping them more effectively connect with prospective renters.”

Cray added that Simply Self Storage is a forward-thinking organization, pointing out the fact that the company was recently ranked No. 1 in Entrepreneur Magazine's Hot 100 Fastest-growing Businesses in America. Joining StorageFront, Cray said, should help Simply Self Storage continue to grow its business.

"We joined StorageFront because they offer great online presence and many useful and user friendly tools for tracking conversions,” said Christina Furnia, Director of Marketing at Simply Self Storage. "StorageFront's tracking capabilities, Internet presence, web interface and price point were major attractions for us.”

Simply Self Storage has locations across the U.S. and locations in Puerto Rico.

"We are delighted to be selected by Simply Self Storage for web marketing support,” said Marc Smith, Director of Business Development at StorageFront. "Our expertise in web development and search engine marketing will ensure that Simply gets first-rate results in an increasingly competitive market.”

About StorageFront (http://www.storagefront.com/)

Headquartered in Kansas City, Kan., StorageFront launched in 2009 to provide a web marketing resource for the self storage industry specifically—which now numbers over 50,000 facilities nationwide and continues to appeal to the American population. A bilingual portal featuring search-by-amenity and geo-relevant sorting, StorageFront serves both storage owners and renters with an advanced search engine that comprises the majority of U.S. storage facilities.

About Simply Self Storage (http://www.simplyss.com/)

Ranked #1 in Entrepreneur Magazine's "Hot 100 Fast Growth Businesses in America,” Simply Self Storage is the largest privately owned self storage company in the United States and Puerto Rico. They own and operate over 160 facilities with over 11.8 million square feet of storage space.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Columbia, Missouri USA – June 18, 2010 - PhoneSmart self storage call center broke an all-time personal record for the most reservations made in one month. The off-site sales force and call center brought in 3,165 reservations during the month of May, representing an estimated $2,278,000.00 in revenue for its clients. (Data based on PhoneSmart's 90% conversion rate and an $800 lifetime customer value)

PhoneSmart self storage marketing also saw the best month for average reservations per store. Tron Jordheim, PhoneSmart Director and business speaker, said, "We were not even close to the record number of calls per store or the record number of calls in a month. So don't think we did this just because we took more calls. Our conversion rate of calls to reservations was what made the difference. So the takeaways from May's outstanding results are three: 1, Our customer centric approach to selling works very well. 2, PhoneSmart's huge investment in training, monitoring and coaching pays real dollar dividends for our clients. 3, There is strong demand in the marketplace for self storage. All three of these are very positive for our clients.”

This record-breaking month came as no surprise. On May 11, 2010, PhoneSmart forecasted that the month would be an uncharacteristically busy month as ‘Crazy Tuesday', the last Monday of the month and the first of June all swelled together to create a May Day buzz.

May was not the only month for breaking records; June 1, 2010 now holds the PhoneSmart record for the most calls taken in a single day, while maintaining an answer rate that exceeded 95%.

Tron Jordheim also added, "PhoneSmart's telesales reps take great pride in their sales success. We are not an answering service with a price list handy. We are not in the business of collecting names and phone numbers. It is not our goal to tell people to go to a kiosk or a website. PhoneSmart's goals are to rent space, reserve units, set appointments and take our clients' callers off the market.”

About PhoneSmart:

PhoneSmartself storage marketingis a call center offering storage unit reservation, lead generations and sales training seminars to the self storage industry. The company has served the industry for over 10 years and its call center answers for around 800 self storagefacilities across the U.S. and Canada. PhoneSmart has generated over 600,000 leads to the self storage industry and continues to be the leading self storage call center and source for sales training.

In addition to call center services, PhoneSmart offers sales training, quality assurance and self storage marketing to the storage industry."

(Temple, GA – June 10, 2010) Janus International is pleased to announce the following staff additions:

Jason Figart joins the Janus technical sales department and will manage both U.S. and European projects. Jason spent the last four years at U.S. Door as their International Sales/Estimating/National Accounts Manager. Prior to U.S. Door, he was an account manager for a refractory company in the steel industry. Jason will operate out of the Temple, GA and Peterlee, UK offices.

Richard Seaberry has joined Janus as Western Region Sales Manager, Self Storage. Richard has over 20 years of experience in the coiling door industry, most recently with U.S. Door as a self storage sales manager. Richard will manage accounts in CA, AZ, UT, HI, NV and CO, and will be located in our Anaheim, CA office.

Carl Wiman comes to Janus as Senior Draftsman. Carl initiated the drafting and design department at U.S. Door, and previously held positions at Roll-Lite Overhead Doors, Atlas Rolling Steel Doors and

Clopay Building Products. Carl will be operating out of Orlando, FL.

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Headquartered in Temple, GA, Janus International is a leading manufacturer of sheet doors, self storage doors and building components, rolling steel doors and grilles. For more information, visit our website at http://www.janusintl.com/.

For more information, contact:

Amy Fuhlman

Director of Marketing

J A N U S I N T E R N A T I O N A L

p. 770.562.2850

f. 770.562.1991

m. 404.787.8444

http://www.janusintl.com/

amyf@janusintl.com

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