2021 is off to a great start! Over the last three months, our reinvigorated EssexNEXT program has focused on finding new and creative ways to reinforce our values and behaviors – the core of who we are as Essex associates. 
 
In February, we highlighted our values and behaviors of Care about What Matters, We Do Great Together and We are Respectful and Dependable. Our new landing page on Buzz went live and we did an official kick-off presentation during Coffee Talk on Wednesday, February 17.  
 
To build excitement and engagement, we launched our first EssexNEXT contest: Show Us You Care. Associates were asked to submit pictures, short videos or stories showing how they represented the month’s highlighted values and behaviors. Our contest winners were: 
 
Karissa Ramirez – What We Do Matters 
Jacquilyn Bellwood – Ventura County Doing Great Together 
Joanna Sanchez – What We Do Matters 
 
In March, the fun continued! Our values and behaviors for the month were Seek Fairness, We Attract and Develop the Best, and We Support Work-Life Balance, with a special feature on Women’s History Month.  
 
Our EssexNEXT committee put together a March Madness Trivia Tournament attended by nearly 500 associates, showing off their Essex knowledge! Our tournament winner was Team Eliminators: Ailenjoyce Cerezo, Juana Rodriguez, Jessica Linnehan, Lycah del Rosario, Teresa Miller, Ricky Aaron, Pat Klein, and Ricardo Martinez. And, our guess the Picture Winner was Jesse Mohr. The event received four out of five stars from attendees!  
 
This is just the start for what’s to come for EssexNEXT in 2021. Stay tuned for more exciting events and activities coming in April!