2011 ALFA Convention and Exhibits

The recent ALFA convention in Orlando was excellent and its trade show offered many interesting products.

The Comphy Company was particularly interesting. They were promoting the value of a good night sleep with pillow cases as giveaways.

Daniellle Paskewitz, the account executive for for the company explained the value of sheets in creating a sleep friendly environment and offering residents quality linens.

I certainly had not focused on this but considering how many of us suffer from a lack of sleep, investing in quality linen can't hurt.

In promoting a senior community, no one focuses on the quality of the linens but this is certainly an interesting idea to consider.

Hotels value their guests' sleep and creating a sleep friendly environment is critical. My research on the internet offered recommendations on thread count--and brands now offer even thread counts up to 1,000. The higher the count ...the softer the sheet but 200+ should be fine. Egyptian cotton is very luxurious.

Sheets provide a night jacket which is a good analogy. So when tackling spring cleaning this year, it may be a perfect time to treat yourself to some new sheets.

Sweet dreams to you.

There Are No Small Details

I recently received a brochure from Mercedes-Benz entitled "In Your Mercedes-Benz, there are no small details."

This was quite intriguing.

While many of these types of brochures hit the waste paper basket without a second glance, I decided to open this one.


There was an additional brochure entitled "More than meets the eye" which recaps many of the technological advances, environmental responsibilities and safety features found in a Mercedes-Benz.


I must admit it was interesting to read.


Another insert was entitled "Enjoy the privileges of ownership" and was about the benefits of owning/leasing a Mercedes. Explained was the offer of a $100 amenity credit, room upgrade and welcome amenity if you stay in one of their luxury resort hotels. And to top it off a $25 gift card compliments of their corporate partner Saks Fifth Avenue was also included.


They thanked me for driving a Mercedes-Benz. While $25 won't buy much at Saks and I don't have any travel plans which include their hotel locations, the offer was still very nice and extremely well done.


What this was showing me was that the dealership values a customer. They want to educate the consumer and show them they are valued. I was glad I opened the literature. Any of these strategies can be emulated. Mercedes-Benz welcomed me to their family. Those were well thought out words and made me feel special.


Whether a senior or active adult community, many refer to their communities as luxury but few take the Mercedes-Benz approach in thanking the customer for their loyalty. Their techniques go beyond the traditional move-in basket.


Educating the consumer about what the community is doing regarding environmental concerns and consciousness is very valuable.


A nice brochure about this would be useful. Safety issues is important too--what is the community instituting to make safety and resident security of utmost importance. These are just fuel for thought and emulation is the best form of flattery.