January 8, 2020
With 2019 officially in the record books, United Group is eager to reflect on the many accomplishments, national recognition, and company growth that was experienced during the past year, as well as look ahead at what should be an eventful and productive 2020.
Big Wins On The Local And National Stage
United Group began the year adding new hardware to the company’s awards and trophy case. In February, United group earned a Silver Achievement at the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) Best of 55+ Housing Awards for “Builder of the Year” and “Best Market-Rate Rental Community on the Boards” for the Alloro at University Groves, an independent senior living community currently in development in Sarasota, FL. Arcadia Gardens, an independent senior living community in Palm Beach Gardens, FL was named a finalist for the same awards this year, and United Group hopes to have similar success in 2020.
For the third straight year, United Group was named a New York Capital Region Top Workplace by the Albany Times Union, and was also awarded “Best Training Program.” This prestigious award is presented to companies that demonstrate a strong company culture and provide employees with the resources that are necessary to grow in their careers.
In September, United Group ventured to San Francisco, CA for the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) Real Estate Management Excellence Awards. United Group was awarded “Accredited Management Organization of the Year” (AMO®) and were a runner-up for the “Employee and Leadership Development” award. United Group earned IREM’s most coveted award for their transformational property management series to clients, tenants and residents, as well as offering innovative training programs to employees to foster leadership skills and broaden industry knowledge. There are more than 550 real estate industry firms worldwide with an AMO® accreditation.
Third-Party Management Portfolio Growth
Due to Untied Group’s strong reputation and award-winning services, the third-party management portfolio grew significantly in 2019. United Plus Property Management, LLC (UPPM), one of United Group’s management-arms, added a second independent senior living 
community in Colorado. The community, which is named Epoque Golden, is located in Golden, CO, includes 120 one-and-two-bedroom apartments.
UPPM also began managing independent senior living communities in Maryland and Illinois. The Gardens of Annapolis, located in Annapolis, MD, includes 106 one-and-two-bedroom apartments, and Hanover Place, located in Tinley Place, IL, includes 150 one-and-two-bedroom apartments.
New Faces At United Group
United Group is pleased to welcome and welcome back several individuals to the corporate team in 2019, including:
Ayana Summers, Accounts Payable Specialist
Clay Decker, Senior Financial Analyst
Connor McElroy, Marketing Intern
Cynthee DeFren, Regional Manager
Dima Tsenter, Operations Systems Specialist
Jay Hopeck, Director of Construction Services
Jeff Smetana, Executive Vice President of Development (Welcome back!)
Jonathan Garlington, Regional Manager
Kate Poda, Leasing Consultant
Mark Marasciullo, Chief Investment Officer
Patricia Sibilia, Administrative Assistant
Sara McCloskey, Management Administrator (Welcome back!)
Tiziana Jeffers, Senior Property Accountant
There were also several well-earned promotions that were recognized, including:
Ashley Wysocarski, Senior Field Marketing Manager
Chris Wiltey, Area Manager
Dana Wheeler, Regional Manager
Mike DiGiacomo, Vice President of Senior & Student Housing
Tim Haskins, Senior Director of Project Development
A Manager’s Retreat To Remember
Untied Group hosted their fifth Managers Retreat in October at the Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa in Lake Placid, NY. Property managers, regional manages and corporate employees participated in seminars by the Mahoney Performance Institute, followed by a dinner reception and award ceremony. Erika Champlin, property manager at Deerfield Place was named “Property Manager Of The Year,” Erin McKee, property manager at Glenmont Abbey Village earned the “Presidents Award” and Sam Marchesin, property manager at Wallkill Living Center was named the 2019 Success Model Award winner.
To close the Manager’s Retreat, employees gathered at Lake Placid’s Cross Country and Biathlon Center for a friendly biathlon shooting competition.
“2020” Vision
With several new developments across the country anticipated to begin construction in 2020, it’s a safe bet that United Group will have another productive year and continue to make an impact in the real estate industry. The developments listed below are expected to open to residents or begin construction in 2020.
Arcadia Gardens, Palm Beach Gardens, FL - An independent senior living community with 220 “Class A” one-and-two-bedroom apartments, two-bedroom penthouse suites, and a 15,000 square foot clubhouse. This new development recently hosted a groundbreaking ceremony to commemorate the start of construction.
The Hamilton at Lakeside, Kissimmee, FL –A green certified, market-rate, multi-family community with 108 one-and-two-bedroom apartments equipped with SMART home technologies, as well as a 5,000 square foot clubhouse. This community is anticipated to welcome its first residents in May.
The Sovana at Stuart, Stuart, FL – An independent senior living community with 182 one-and- two-bedroom apartments, and an 8,000 square foot clubhouse. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2020.technologies, as well as a 5,000 square foot clubhouse. This community is anticipated to welcome its first residents in May.
The Alloro at University Groves, Sarasota, FL – An independent senior living community with 183 one-and-two-bedroom, market-rate rental community with a 14,000 square foot clubhouse. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2020.
The Arbella at Ashland, Ashland, MA – A proposed independent senior living community with 190 one-and-two-bedroom, market-rate rental community and a state-of-the-art clubhouse. United Group hopes to receive municipal approvals in the coming months.
City Station North, Troy, NY - A four-story office building with 10,000 square feet of “Class A” 
office space per floor, elevator access, and flexible design options for office suites. The development also includes eighty-seven one-and-two-bedroom market-rate rental apartments, and onsite covered and surface parking with direct access to offices and apartments. This mixed-use development is anticipated to begin demolition and construction in early 2020.
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