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View Article  CAI's 2007 Law Seminar

CAI's 28th Annual Community Association Law Seminar is coming to New Orleans on February 23rd and 24th.  The seminar is presented by CAI's College of Community Association Lawyers as part of its commitment to advancing the knowledge and practice of community association law. 

We are holding this years seminar in New Orleans to demonstrate our support in the wake of the damage caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005.  While New Orleans and the entire gulf coast continue to address the effects of these devastating storms, CAI is committed to helping through our support of the city.  In addition, CAI will be donating a portion of all proceeds from the Law Seminar to New Orleans Habitat Musician's Village and we are encouraging attendees (and all of our members) to contribute as well. 

Some of the highlights of this years seminar include:

*  Updates on recent case law from across the country

*  Ideas on such diverse topics as working more effectively with community managers and boards of directors, cyber issues in community associations, and construction defect and related issues

*  A look at the pending Committee for a Better Twin Rivers v. Twin Rivers Homeowners Association case by Judge Andrew P. Napolitano, Senior Judicial Analyst for Fox News Channel

*  A chance to tour neighborhoods affected by last years storms and contribute to the city's rebirth

*  And of course all of the great food, music, and night life that New Orleans is famous for

You can learn more about the program, download a complete brochure, and register at the Law Seminar page on our website.

PS: For planning purposes, Law Seminar will take place on the Friday and Saturday following Mardi Gras this year.  Our hotel has made a limited number of rooms available for those who might want to arrive early and experience Mardi Gras for themselves.

 

View Article  Savings: Just in time for the holidays

Recently, CAI added three new partners to our discount program for members.  This program is a way for you, the CAI member, to save on items for your business or personal use.  Our most recent program offerings include products and services from Dell Computers, DHL, and Hertz.  They join our existing partners Ian H. Graham, Affiliated Power Purchasers International, and Community Association Management Insider to provide you with another direct return on your membership investment in CAI. 

You can find additional information and web links about all of our partners on the Member Discount Program page of our website.  And look for more savings opportunities coming in the months ahead.

View Article  Pearls of Wisdom - Part 11

Perhaps the single greatest challenge an organization faces is dealing with an apathetic membership.  Given a choice, I would rather be involved with an organization with active dissension and disagreement over one where no one really cares. 

This is a frequent phenomenon in the community association industry, with homeowners being generally apathetic until something specific (and frequently minor) happens to upset them personally.  Then they are engaged intensely until the problem is resolved and they lapse back into apathy. 

Some ideas for dealing with apathy in your community.

101. Recruit new residents.

102.  Promote volunteerism as a positive experience.

103.  Be enthusiastic.

104.  Publicize the association's accomplishments.

105.  Recognize volunteers.

106.  Give awards.

107. Meet people.

108. Hold social events to bring residents together.

109.  Offer owners motivation for serving.

110.  Ask for volunteers in every way you can: in the newsletter, via bulletins, and through face-to-face contacts.