Meet Amy!

No two days are ever the same; every day has a new challenge, a new set of priorities, a fast pace and an unwavering company focus on outstanding customer service. This is why Amy loves working on corporate and relocation accounts for Temporary Housing Directory. In the relocation division of THD Amy works directly with clients placing transferees into temporary housing; searching for the perfect housing options for an individual, family or group of transferees. During this process she negotiates rates and lease terms with properties and local vendors to help maximize the value of these options for our clients. Amy also answers questions regarding the placements and invoices, submits requests for proposals and creates custom reports to meet a client’s specific needs. She really enjoys working closely with the other departments as the entire THD team strives to create a seamless experience for our clients and their transferees.

Amy began her career with THD thanks to some friends. Over the course of the past four years, as the company has grown she has seen those friendships, and many new ones, grow into a second family.

On November 11, Teresa Vidger, THD President brought the entire THD team to Phoenix, AZ to celebrate their annual holiday event at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge.  This annual event is a way that Teresa feels that she can celebrate the contributions of each THD member and reward them with a beautiful destination that is meant for a lot of laughs and fun times.   This year was special as it is THD’s 10 year anniversary. 

The day started off with a lunch outdoors where everyone could enjoy the lovely fall weather visiting with old colleagues as well as meeting the newest members of the THD family.  There was also some free time to spend and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the Arizona desert.

That evening the festivities continued with the annual team photo then reception to further mingle and have fun getting caught up.  The reception was followed by dinner at a wonderful Italian restaurant, Tuscany.   Teresa gave service awards for the team members that had been with the company for 5 plus years.

After dinner, the celebration continued as each Temporary Housing Directory department performed a skit for the Annual Holiday Follies with comedy, dancing and singing skits that filled the room with laughter and applause.  The managers and even Teresa dressed up in 70’s gear to start the THD Follies and get everyone laughing.   Prizes were given out to the best skits and fun was had by all! 

At the end of the evening, THD’s first four employees hosted a video and presented it to a very surprised Teresa with a DVD that looked back on the great memories and successes of THD over the past 10 years. Each employee shared with Teresa why they are thankful for working at such a great company.  Tears were shed and it was a great way to end the night.

As THD celebrates the holiday season and 10 years of providing temporary housing it is with great pride and gratitude that we thank all our customers for helping make THD a success.

Relocating an employee and sending someone on temporary assignment requires preparation, coordination, administration, and follow-up to ensure the employee transition is smooth. How do you let someone else assist you in this complex process? 

Professional corporate housing providers are a full-service solution with the ability to provide a single point of contact, technology to simplify the process, and flexible billing and reporting options. From beginning to end, the provider handles all of the planning and preparation required for the temporary housing need when relocating an employee and family to an unfamiliar area. Offering a comprehensive solution to relocation companies, and the security of knowing the job is done right, is only one facet of what corporate housing offers.

Many mobility professionals already know the value of working with a corporate housing provider partner, so we asked them to share their perspectives.

Issue #1: Taking the Stress out of Moving

Studies have shown that anxieties about a new location are the greatest cause for stress during relocation. Add relocating with a family and this is an infinitely more complicated process. It is critical to create a simplified process.

Tom Colucci, CRP, vice president of strategic sourcing for Mobility Services International (MSI), said corporate housing providers reduce stress and anxiety by being available to consult throughout the entire process. “By responding to all transferee concerns as quickly as possible, with as much information as possible, [it] alleviates many concerns over what to expect, how the process will work, [and] who to contact with any issues,” he said.

“Just knowing they have a place to lay their head is comforting,” said Paul Kuchenbecker, a buyer for Re:Sources.

One mobility professional goes on to say, “the more the corporate housing can resemble the comforts of home, stress and anxiety will be reduced.... it is important because this is the one place the transferee can fully unwind and feel like [he or she is] going ‘home’ at the end of the work day, even though it is a temporary stay.”

Issue #2: The Space Factor

A temporary apartment is typically substantially larger than a standard hotel room or extended-stay lodging option. This is vitally important during a relocation or transition, because corporate housing serves as the transferee’s primary residence during the relocation.

“Our relocation evaluation completed by the transferee at the end of [his or her] move will ask questions about their stay in corporate housing,” says Colucci. “Usually, the transferee will want the additional space in corporate housing, especially if family will be visiting during their stay, along with the ability to prepare meals in their unit.”

Beth Archibald, SCRP, SGMS, president of Archibald Relocation & Real Estate Services, adds that “attention to detail for furnishings, toys for kids, food in the refrigerator on arrival, and up-to-date details of checking in with them throughout their stay,” is equally important.  “[The] convenience of having their own kitchen and not having to eat out all of the time,” is just one of the reasons that a transferee prefers to stay in corporate housing over a hotel room. Undoubtedly, space is key while traveling with families.

Issue #3: Location, Location, Location

Being in an unfamiliar area is hard in the best of circumstances, and working with a provider that can supply a lodging alternative close to all the amenities someone requires while staying long term eases these challenges.

Proximity to conveniences such as grocery stores, entertainment, fitness facilities, and recreational areas can make all the difference. Providers additionally can offer advice on locations such as the quality of schools—typically a vital decision factor for employees moving with families. 

Corporate housing providers also can accommodate difficult scenarios. With their established relationships with many apartment communities, these communities often are more flexible in obliging special requests than if an individual approached the apartment community directly. Archibald cited a recent situation in which “...we had a challenging rural location and only a corporate housing company came to the rescue... it was a win/win situation for all involved.”

Issue #4:  Increased Productivity

Staying in a temporary apartment instead of a hotel room also can increase productivity as the employee is less stressed and more comfortable during his or her stay. There is no need to worry about moving personal items during a weekend trip back home, for example. Many companies allow families to accompany relocating employees, and with corporate housing the additional needed space is not an issue.

This arrangement results in a better work-life balance and more engaged employees. “We have had some comments from transferees that they liked their furnished apartment[s] so much that they did not want to move out,” adds Colucci.

On June 22-23, 2011 Property Loss Bureau (PLRB) will hold their annual Eastern Regional Adjusters Conference and Expo in Baltimore, MD. This conference focuses on high quality education and networking opportunities with insurance industry colleagues and service experts. THD is proud to announce that they are a Gold Sponsor of this event and will be exhibiting at booth 600. We invite all attendees to stop by our booth and learn more about THD’s temporary housing services.

By attending PLRB's Regional Adjusters Conferences, you will:

Tackle regional property and casualty claims challenges, evaluate options, and forge successful strategies

Participate in an interactive educational setting with industry leaders and peers

Build upon your knowledge of core insurance issues and boost your job performance

Earn adjuster continuing education credits

Network with national and regional service providers at the Insurance Services Expo

Matthew Moore Vice President, Highway Loss Data Institute will be the key note speaker at the General Session on Wednesday June 22. He is an affiliate of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), where he oversees much of HLDI's research. He also supervises loss data processing, collection of vehicle information, and data services for member companies. Mr. Moore joined HLDI in 1999 as a programmer. He is the author of numerous research papers published by HLDI on topics such as crash avoidance technologies, vehicle horsepower, motorcycles, and distracted driving.

There are approximately 30 educational sessions which provides attendees with a diverse educational experience. Some of the topics include Foreclosure and Bankruptcy Issues with Property Claims, Recent Property Case Law Highlights, Controlling Contents Losses with Residential and Commercial Losses and Ethical Claim Challenges and Good Faith Claims Handling. Adjusters will have an opportunity to earn continuing education credits as well as meet with service providers, including THD staff, at the Insurance Expo that will be open both days

For more information visit www.plrb.org or contact Temporary Housing Directory at 8.817.3220 or at www.temporaryhousingdirectory.com

In today’s’ highly competitive world choice is so important.   From Airlines to Computer goods to Temporary Housing companies customers want to have the choice to choose the best company based on many buying decisions including service, price and ease of use while meeting expectations.

When it comes to the Temporary Housing industry there are several options to choose from and picking the best solution is important to you.

When working with a Temporary Housing provider it’s essential to look for one that provides superior service at every level of the housing process.  At Temporary Housing Directory (THD) our teams of professional consultants are trained in working with individuals who have gone through traumatic stress.  We take time with each and every customer to listen to their situation; empathy is the key to why customers turn to THD for hotel and temporary housing needs

It is important that there is a 24/7 hotel customer service line available to place policyholders into a hotel quickly while providing the Best Rate available with no service fee .  It should also be the goal of every temporary housing company to offer furnished housing when a guest is staying in housing for an extended period of time, At THD we streamline the process while locating like kind and quality furnished housing within 24 hours or less.  One customer shared the following with us regarding one of our consultant’s superior services:

“I can't say enough about how helpful my THD rep, Danielle, has been!  After surviving both WTC attacks, I thought I had seen more than my share of heartache in my lifetime - until fire in my condo complex found me out on the street right before the holidays.  Danielle's attitude was fantastic!  She persevered in finding me a place to stay right in my own community, so that I was nearly back home again!  When I encountered problems, she quickly, and adeptly, handled my issues with grace and professionalism.“

At THD, we are so confident in our service that we have they have started a forum on our website; “Talk to THD” so customers can share their stories with their community. Click here to view.

THD attended this year’s “Blazing New Trails” CHPA (Corporate Housing Providers Association) annual conference held in Houston, TX February 21-23. With over 450 attendees from all over the country, this conference provided a fantastic opportunity to network with industry providers and attend educational sessions. The sessions focused on exciting topics such as social media, industry best practices, legal issues and brand management. The THD team learned new information that can be utilized in our everyday business.

During this year’s CHPA meeting, together with other insurance housing providers, THD formed a new Special Interest Group (SIG) called IHPA (Insurance Housing Providers Alliance). IHPA was formed with interest in creating a forum for Insurance Temporary Housing providers to discuss and establish industry Best Practices and how they can best serve their clients within the insurance industry. In addition, IHPA had the opportunity to discuss how they may better partner and utilize the services of CHPA members who are corporate housing, furniture, and houseware providers.  The meeting was informative and served as an ideal venue to discuss industry trends and best practices. IHPA will continue to have meetings throughout the year, while remaining focused on delivering service excellence to the Insurance Industry customers.

During CHPA, the IHPA SIG led an Interactive and Innovative educational session, “Partnering & Insurance Housing” on Wednesday afternoon.  This session was an open discussion roundtable allowing CHPA members to interact and ask questions to insurance housing providers. The members who attended learned about the unique needs of working with insurance carriers and their customers.  In addition, CHPA members had the opportunity to learn more on how they may provide their services to insurance housing providers and what the expectations of IHPA SIG members are.

The next annual CHPA conference will be held March 6-8, 2012 in Miami, FL. To learn more about CHPA please visit www.chpaonline.org or email CHPA at info@chpaonline.org.

We made it easier to use and navigate through all of our services and information. Many of the same features you love still exist, like our “THD Virtual office” on-line portal. We just made it easier to find.

Watch our online videos to make sure you know all the great services we deliver and hear some informal messages from me.

We want you to check out our blog and “Talk to THD”! This is where you and your clients can input about your experience with us! And to show you how valuable you are to us, the first 50 bloggers that mention our new website will receive a star bucks gift card!

What is THD’s Hotel Advantage©…“The transparent difference”? Take a look and find out because we aren’t hiding anything!

Let us show you the new THD logo! We shortened our name to THD, because we were asked so many times if we were a DIRECTORY! We are not a publication, but a full service nationwide housing company. Our new logo and tag line fit us better! It has a more contemporary and innovative look and feel… just like us.

Visit us now at www.temporaryhousingdirectory.com or call us at 800—817-3220!

Is Wall Street’s inching towards recovery any indication that our current economic crisis may be on the ebb? A tough economy has led to higher foreclosures as close to over 980,000 homes were repossessed by banks. According to RealtyTrac this is the highest annual tally of properties lost to foreclosure on records dating back to 2005.

But there’s no need to feel distressed! Temporary Housing Directory is very cognizant of this foreclosure reality and we are doing everything we can to help protect policy holders, insurance adjusters, insurance companies, and the temporary housing industry overall in ensuring their customers don’t get placed in a house or landlord in a negative situation. 

THD searches for single dwelling homes from private landlords.  For example, when a house burns down, the displaced family faced with loss of use needs immediate relocation and emergency temporary housing. They also need like kind homes in close proximity to every day conveniences in safe communities. THD makes their relocation an easy and stress free experience.

How does THD help in the prevention of renting foreclosed properties?

• We pay the rent on behalf of the insurer directly to the landlord, so if there are any issues we can hold rent until the situation is rectified.
• THD has partnered with established companies like RealtyTrac.
• We do detailed background checks on landlords to ensure that families are being put in a nice dwelling.  We also verify that the landlord is up to date on other properties and are not in any type of pre-foreclosure situation. 
• With our due diligence, any negatives are “red-lighted” immediately.

Don’t let the gloomy foreclosure scene get you down or worried. Contact us online or give us a call now at 800-817-3220. We have the depth of knowledge, width of expertise and length of experience to help you find the right rental. 

The economy has been the highlight for all sectors of business in the past few years. As companies continue to put their pencil to the bottom line to see where expenses can be cut, Temporary Housing Directory (THD)  is working harder than ever to help their carriers cut expenses without compromising quality.

One area that THD has focused on is adjuster efficiency.  If the adjusters can spend less time on ALE claims then they can be more productive.  THD’s adjuster portal allows their adjusters to see real time status of claims, 24-7.   Their invoices can be seen daily, reprinted and saved as PDF documents so adjusters are not inundated with unwanted emails or faxes.   “It is important that we stay on the cutting edge of technology to make THD and our customers more efficient.  We invest in tools that will make a difference and set us apart from our competitors” says Teresa Vidger, President of Temporary Housing Directory.

Beside their technology, Temporary Housing Directory was the first company to not charge any additional fees for hotel stays.  THD does not charge a percentage of the stay or a one-time fee but instead passes through only allowable expenses.  This is important because THD has a team of people that work on national and local negotiated rates adding hotels nationwide to their preferred hotel program guaranteeing their customers the best rate.  “It is important that our customers know that we care about the cost of the hotel and is our number one priority.” Says Teresa Vidger.  She noted that all companies can place and pay for a hotel but THD guarantees that their rate is the best available at the time of the placement.

However, with the cut in pricing across the board for most vendors, it is important that customer service isn’t affected.  THD customer service has always been their number one priority and will never be compromised.  Their phones are answered by a live person 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  THD is very proud of their service that they have started a forum on their website; “Talk to THD” so their customers can share their stories with their community.  “Seeing the comments about my employees and the care and compassion they take for each placement has been the most rewarding part of running my company.” Says Teresa Vidger.    THD will continue this campaign and has placed a THD “real stories link” on their website so the community can see the faces of their grateful customers.

THD’s new marketing campaign is all about cost “transparency”!  They want their adjusters to know the costs of each claim can to be tracked, so that charges are approved and are the most cost effective for their customers.  With the economy in the state it has been, the idea of transparency has been very appealing for their customers.
Temporary Housing Directory will continue to look to ways to provide more efficiency and innovative tools for their customers, but never sacrificing service.

For more details about Temporary Housing Directory, call 800-817-3220 or Request@thdmail.net.  Teresa Vidger- President

As THD- Temporary Housing Directory forges ahead in business, we never lose sight of the community in which we operate and grow. Not to be caught up in routine matters and overlook giving back to our community.

In conjunction with the National Charity league THD sponsored an end of year Christmas Party on December 10, 2009 for the Rocky Mountain Youth Clinic which is a health clinic run on donations in the Denver, Colorado area.  This is an event we look forward to as a moment of joy, fulfillment and giving back in a small way.

At this event, we spend time with 34 under privileged children, providing them with food, holiday decorations, stockings, festivity, games, gifts, and even bring in Santa to stretch their smiles ear to ear!   Temporary Housing Directory also gives each family Wal-mart gift cards so they can have Christmas dinner.

To learn more about the Temporary Housing Directory or the National Charity League please contact Teresa Vidger, THD President at 800.817.3220