SIMI News Archive

Press Release June 2007 – Newington, CT

Rocky Hill, Conn., June 27, 2007

The Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF), a ratepayer fund administered by Connecticut Innovations Inc. (CI), today announced that the Connecticut Clean Energy Investment Committee has approved a grant of $128,100 to help defray half of the total project cost of installing a 27.72-kilowatt DC solar photovoltaic (PV) system at the Planet Self Storage facility located in Newington, Connecticut. This facility is owned by Newington Storage, LLC, of Newington, Connecticut, which will be the grant recipient. CCEF’s funding will be provided through its On-Site Renewable Distributed Generation (DG) Program.

Planet Self Storage is managed by Storage Investment Management, Inc. which operates 28 self storage properties and has been aggressive in promoting energy efficiency in its facilities. The company has hired Ascendant Energy Company Inc., of Rockland, Maine, to design the solar array and serve as general contractor for the project.

The solar PV system, once installed, will supply about 30% of the total electrical needs for Planet Self Storage. This installation will be the first real example of a ground-mount PV system in Connecticut in a commercial application. Consisting of 168 solar panels organized in an array that is 220 feet in length, it will be located just 18 feet inside the fence surrounding the property and therefore be easily viewed by the public.

This ground-mounted solar PV array will be an exciting ‘first’ for Connecticut, said Lise Dondy, president of CCEF, commenting on the PV system to be installed at Planet Self Storage. Ground-mounted systems hold great potential for clean energy generation in Connecticut. The output from these systems can be maximized because the panels can be installed at an optimum angle and orientation which is not always possible with roof-mounted systems.

Charlie Fritts, partner and chief operating officer of Storage Investment Management, Inc., stated, We are delighted there is a program in place to assist commercial property owners in funding renewable energy initiatives. We strive to be good corporate citizens and operate our properties in an environmentally friendly manner. Over the years we have implemented other energy savings programs. Lower energy costs benefit both property owners and customers alike. Newington is our first opportunity to develop a PV system thanks to the CCEF program and excellent assistance from the folks at Ascendant Energy Company.

"We are excited to support Planet Self Storage's leadership role in demonstrating solar's mainstream value," said Chris Straka, CEO of Ascendant Energy. "Because the sun is a predictable resource, Planet will drastically reduce electricity payments for at least 25 years. This is a great example of using solar as an enterprise solution for energy issues."

About the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF)
CCEF was created by the Connecticut General Assembly and is administered by Connecticut Innovations, a quasi-public organization. CCEF promotes the development and commercialization of clean energy technologies; the creation of clean energy supply; and the demand for electricity from clean, renewable sources in Connecticut in order to strengthen Connecticut’s economy, protect community health, improve the environment, and promote a secure energy supply for the state. CCEF’s funding comes from a surcharge on electric ratepayers’ utility bills. For more information on CCEF, please visit www.ctcleanenergy.com.

About Connecticut Innovations, Inc.
Connecticut Innovations (CI) is a quasi-public organization dedicated to driving a vibrant, entrepreneurial, technology-based economy in Connecticut. CI stimulates high-tech growth by investing in: early-stage Connecticut technology companies; university/industry research collaborations; technology transfer; and, clean energy initiatives through the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund. CI also fosters collaboration among government, business, nonprofit and academic organizations to advance technology growth and promotes public policies consistent with CI’s mission. For more information on CI, please visit www.ctinnovations.com.

Storage Investment Management, Inc. has been an owner, operator, manager, consultant and developer in the self storage industry since 1988. For additional information please contact Charlie Fritts, Chief Operating Officer. Charlie@simi.org.

Press Release October 2006 – Sturbridge, MA

Storage Investment Management, Inc. recently conducted their annual Manager’s Conference and Recognition Awards Banquet at Sturbridge. MA.

This event is the high light of the year for our Managers. We have a great day of learning and sharing of ideas for our managers. Subjects include effective sales techniques, tenant bankruptcy & death, marketing that works, etc. We celebrate exceptional achievement during the evening banquet and awards are bestowed on the best of the best.

The top achievers for this year are:

1. Michele Sealy, Planet Self Storage – Hyde Park. MA. “MANAGER OF THE YEAR”
2. Peter Seddon, Jr., Planet Self Storage – Boston, MA. “MOST IMPROVED”
3. Joe Francis, Mt. Kisco Self Storage, NY: “RANKED #1 POWER RATING”

Storage Investment Management, Inc. has been an owner, operator, manager, consultant and developer in the self storage industry since 1988. For additional information please contact Charlie Fritts, Chief Operating Officer. Charlie@simi.org.

Press Release April 2006 – Avon, MA

Storage Investment Management, Inc. (SIMI) is pleased to announce their appointment as Property Manager of AVON QUALITY STORAGE, Avon, MA

AVON QUALITY STORAGE is a 90,000 sq. ft. 3 level storage facility offering both dry and climate controlled storage in more than 700 units. The facility is well located and a market leader.
SIMI and AVON QUALITY STORAGE look forward to a long lasting relationship. This brings the total number of SIMI managed properties in Massachusetts to ten. SIMI is a predominantly Northeastern United States owner-operator, developer, consultant, and fee manager of self storage property.

For more information please contact Charlie Fritts, CPM – Chief Operating Officer at (716) 689 -7377, or via e-mail; charlie@simi.org

Press Release September 2005 – Deer Park, NY

Storage Investment Management, Inc. (SIMI) is pleased to announce their appointment as Property Manager of 4 STORAGE, Deer Park, NY.

4 STORAGE is a 58,000 sq. ft. traditional style storage facility offering both dry and climate controlled storage. The facility is well located and a market leader. SIMI and 4 STORAGE look forward to a long lasting relationship. This brings the total number of SIMI managed properties in New York to seven. SIMI is a predominantly Northeastern United States owner-operator, developer, consultant, and fee manager of self storage property.

For more information please contact Charlie Fritts, CPM – Chief Operating Officer at (716) 689 -7377, or via e-mail; charlie@simi.org

Press Release April 2005 – Bristol, PA

Storage Investment Management, Inc. (SIMI) is pleased to announce their appointment as Property Manager of 4 STORAGE, Bristol, PA.

4 STORAGE is a 73,000 sq. ft. traditional style storage facility plus parking for RV & Boats. The facility is well located and fully fenced. The owners plan to add improvements that will further enhance the customer storage experience and maintain their position as a high quality market leader. SIMI and 4 STORAGE look forward to a long lasting relationship. This brings the total number of SIMI managed properties in Pennsylvania to three.

SIMI is a predominantly Northeastern United States owner-operator, developer, consultant, and fee manager of self storage property.

For more information please contact Charlie Fritts, CPM – Chief Operating Officer at (716) 689 -7377, or via e-mail; charlie@simi.org

Press Release April 2005 – Middletown, NY

Storage Investment Management, Inc. (SIMI) is pleased to announce their appointment as Property Manager for Galleria Self Storage, Middletown, NY.

GALLERIA Self Storage is a 37,000 sq. ft. state of the art facility. All storage units are climate controlled or heated and feature individual door alarms. There is parking for RV & Boats. The owners plan to continue to expand the facility and add improvements that will further enhance the customer storage experience and maintain their position as a high quality market leader.

SIMI and GALLERIA Self Storage look forward to a long lasting relationship. This brings the total number of SIMI managed properties in New York to six.

Press Release February 2005 – Hyde Park, NY

Storage Investment Management, Inc. (SIMI) is pleased to announce their appointment as Property Manager for ACE Self Storage, Hyde Park, NY.

ACE Self Storage – Hyde Park is presently under construction with a planned May 2005 grand opening. The property is being developed as a 35,000 sq. ft. facility and will feature state of the art security, climate controlled storage and parking for RV / Boats. and many more upgrades that will enhance the customer storage experience and position the property as a quality market leader.
SIMI and ACE Self Storage – Hyde Park look forward to a long lasting relationship. This is the third ACE Self Storage under SIMI management. This brings the total number of SIMI managed properties in New York to five.

Press Release - May 2004 – Stillwater, MN

Storage Investment Management, Inc. (SIMI) is pleased to announce new responsibilities for a very highly valued team member, Mr.Bob Barzelay.

Bob Barzelay, formerly Regional VP is a long time member of the SIMI team and has been selected to assume the newly created position of Vice President – MIS. Bob is fully responsible for managing SIMI’s Management Information Systems, which include all software applications, web sites, communications & related equipment. Bob was formerly a Regional Vice President – Property Management and managed the MIS program part time.

SIMI is a predominantly Northeastern United States owner-operator, developer, consultant, and fee manager of self storage property.

For more information please contact Charlie Fritts, CPM – Chief Operating Officer at (716) 689 -7377, via e-mail; charlie@simi.org

Press Release - May 2004 – Stillwater, MN

Storage Investment Management, Inc. (SIMI) is pleased to announce new responsibilities for a highly valued team member, Mike Knapp.

Mike is a long term member of the SIMI team has been selected to assume the position of Sr. Sales Manager for our Connecticut and New York locations. In this capacity Mike is responsible to oversee daily operations at seven locations.

SIMI is a predominantly Northeastern United States owner-operator, developer, consultant, and fee manager of self storage property.

For more information please contact Charlie Fritts, CPM – Chief Operating Officer at (716) 689 -7377, via e-mail; charlie@simi.org

Press Release March 2004 – Stillwater, MN

Storage Investment Management, Inc. (SIMI) is pleased to announce Connie Meyer has joined us as Accounting / Administrative Manager for SIMI. Connie will oversee all accounting and office operations of our Corporate Office in Stillwater, MN.

Connie joins SIMI with an excellent accounting background having worked in supervisory capacities for such national companies as Montgomery Ward and Supervalu. Please read her entire biography in the “About Us” area of our web site. www.simi.org

Press Release - August 2003 – Boston, MA

Storage Investment Management, Inc. (SIMI) is pleased to announce the re-election of Charlie Fritts, CPM to the Board of Directors of the Massachusetts Self Storage Association (MASSA). This is the second term for Fritts.

Both Fritts and SIMI are active members of MASSA and feel they can contribute to the betterment of the Self Storage industry by participating at an executive level. SIMI and Planet Self Storage are dominant in the Greater Boston self storage market.

SIMI is a predominantly Northeastern United States owner-operator, developer, consultant, and fee manager of self storage property.

For more information please contact Charlie Fritts, CPM – Chief Operating Officer at (716) 689 -7377, via e-mail; charlie@simi.org.

Press Release - June 2003 Newington, CT

June 2003 – Newington, CT

Storage Investment Management, Inc. (SIMI) is pleased to announce their appointment as Property Manager for Planet Self Storage, Newington, CT. Previously SIMI managed this facility for another owner.

Planet Self Storage - Newington, LLC recently acquired this 88,000 sq. ft. facility. The new owner has plans for a number of improvements including climate control storage, automated security gates, paving and many more upgrades that will enhance the customer storage experience and position the property as a quality market leader.

SIMI and Planet Self Storage - Newington, LLC look forward to a long lasting relationship. This brings the total number of SIMI managed properties in Connecticut to four.
SIMI is a predominantly Northeastern United States owner-operator, developer, consultant, and fee manager of self storage property.

For more information please contact Charlie Fritts, CPM – Chief Operating Officer at (716) 689 -7377, or via e-mail; charlie@simi.org

Press Release - February 26, 2003 – Newburgh, NY

Storage Investment Management, Inc. (SIMI) is pleased to announce their appointment as Property Manager for Ace Self Storage of Newburgh, Newburgh, NY. This is the second ACE Self Storage property for which SIMI provides management services.

ACE Self Storage of Newburgh, LLC recently acquired the former Fort Knox Self Storage and has renamed it ACE Self Storage of Newburgh. The new owners have plans for many improvements for the 26,400 sq. ft. facility that will enhance the customer storage experience and reposition the property as a quality market leader.

SIMI and ACE Self Storage of Newburgh look forward to a long lasting relationship. This brings the total number of SIMI managed properties in New York to Four.

Press Release - January 14, 2003 – Waterbury, CT

Storage Investment Management, Inc. (SIMI) is pleased to announce their appointment as Property Manager for Waterbury Self Storage, Waterbury, CT.

Edgewood Waterbury Self Storage, LLC recently acquired this 46,750 sq. ft. facility. The new owner has plans for a number of improvements including a brand new climate control storage area that will enhance the customer storage experience and position the property as a quality market leader.

SIMI and Edgewood Waterbury Self Storage, LLC look forward to a long lasting relationship. This brings the total number of SIMI managed properties in Connecticut to five.

Press Release - June 24, 2002 – Raynham, MA

Storage Investment Management, Inc. is pleased to announce their appointment as Property Manager for Stor-Safe Self Storage, Raynham, MA.

Stor-Safe, LLC recently acquired the former Raynham Self Storage and has renamed it Stor-Safe Self Storage. The new owners have plans for many improvements including enhancements such as an automated security gate.

SIMI and Stor-Safe look forward to a long lasting relationship. This brings the total number of SIMI managed properties in Massachusetts to Nine.

Press Release - January 26, 2002 - Waltham, MA

Planet Self Storage is pleased to announce that Waltham Self Storage, Waltham, MA. has entered into an agreement to operate under the Planet Self Storage name and trademark. This change becomes effective September 1, 2001.

Planet Self Storage – Waltham becomes the 15th Planet Self Storage location. Other locations include (6) other Metro Boston properties, (2) Connecticut locations, (3) Pennsylvania locations, and (4) New Jersey locations.

All Planet Self Storage locations are professionally managed by Storage Investment Management, Inc. For more information, please contact Charlie Fritts, CPM Chief Operating Officer at (716) 689-7377 or via e-mail: charlie@simi.org

Press Release - August 23, 2001 - Newington / Bridgeport CT

Storage Investment Management, Inc. (SIMI) is pleased to announce two new Planet Self Storage locations.

• Planet Self Storage – Newington

• Planet Self Storage – Bridgeport

Both locations have signed management and licensing agreements to become Planet Self Storage effective July 25, 2001. The Bridgeport location was formerly Self Storage America of Bridgeport. Newington is under construction and with a planned Grand Opening during January 2002.

SIMI opened the 200 unit Bridgeport location for the owner during 1998. This location has plans for future expansion. The Newington location when completed will offer approximately 800 units. Both locations offer dry and climate controlled storage.

This brings the total number of SIMI managed properties in Connecticut to four. These are the 15th and 16th Planet Self Storage locations nationally.

SIMI is a predominantly Northeastern United States owner-operator, developer, consultant, and fee manager of self storage property.

For more information please contact Charlie Fritts, CPM – Chief Operating Officer at (716) 689 -7377, via e-mail; charlie@simi.org

Press Release - July 1, 2001 Quakertown, PA / Washington, NJ

Storage Investment Management, Inc. (SIMI) is pleased to announce the acquisition of two new Planet Self Storage locations.

• Planet Self Storage – Quakertown, PA

• Planet Self Storage – Washington, NJ

Both locations were acquired during March 2001 and their names have been changed to Planet Self Storage. These locations were formerly known as Secure Self Storage of Quakertown and Washington respectively.

The Quakertown location contains 528 units and 70,000 sq. ft. while the Washington location features 527 units and 63,400 sq. ft. Both locations were expanded during 2000.

This brings the total number of SIMI managed properties in Pennsylvania to two and New Jersey to four. These are the 13th and 14th Planet Self Storage locations nationally.

SIMI is a predominantly Northeastern United States owner-operator, developer, consultant, and fee manager of self storage property.

For more information please contact Charlie Fritts, CPM – Chief Operating Officer at (716) 689 -7377, via e-mail; charlie@simi.org