Welcome to Ungated

The following is a guest blog entry from CAI's President Ron Perl and is based on his recent "CAI Perspective" column in Common Ground.  I thought that the historical perspective was important for CAI and everyone involved in the community association industry.

I have been a member of CAI since 1978. Times were different then. Common-interest communities were just beginning to gain in popularity as a housing choice for many Americans. Some families purchased a unit in a common-interest development as a starter home; for others, it was a place to downsize after becoming empty-nesters. And while those same choices are being made today, community associations have become a more integral part of the American culture than we could have imagined 30 years ago.

Through the decades, and in the face of continual change, CAI has been there to provide education, advocacy, publications, and networking opportunities for every stakeholder in the community association marketplace—homeowner volunteers, managers, and other professional service providers. As the association lifestyle and industry have evolved, so has CAI, but our underlying purpose has stayed simple and constant: to make community associations better for the people who live and work in them.

Consistent with this historical backdrop, the theme of my term as president will be a perennial CAI message: “Building Community.” Community building means more than just managing and servicing associations. It involves viewing our roles and responsibilities from a more enlightened perspective. Building community is about neighborhoods, not housing developments. It’s about customers, not unit owners. It’s about facilitating, not managing. It’s about serving, not ruling.

I urge each of you to make building community a central part of your mindset, regardless of your role or responsibilities.

It has been my pleasure to work closely with our immediate past president, Ross Feinberg, in the last year. Ross has for many years been a dedicated and tireless leader for CAI, culminating in his hugely successful term as president. Under his leadership, we neared 30,000 members and provided unprecedented resources and programming for them. Thanks, Ross, for all you’ve done for CAI.

Ronald L. Perl, Esq.

President

CAI’s 2006 Recruiter Club campaign, “Lead the Lost," has come to a successful conclusion. Our exceptional recruiters who participate in this member-get-a-member program were able to bring over 1,000 new members to CAI during the year. Special thanks go out to all of our recruiters for their hard work in 2006, as well as to Kevin Davis Insurance Services for sponsoring the campaign and providing this years prizes. Congratulations to our 2006 prize winners:

The Grand Prize Dream Vacation for Two went to Mr. Edward M. Taylor, Esq., Law Office of Edward M. Taylor, Commack, NY

And the Runner-Up prize of a Global Positioning/Navigation System went to Mr. Robin Steinkritz, CMCA, AMS, Heritage Property Mgmt. Services, Inc. Atlanta, GA

In addition to the annual prizes, 12 monthly winners received Apple IPods throughout the year.

The 2007 campaign, “Join the Club”, in now underway. The emphasis is the simplicity of our Recruiter Club; you spread the word on CAI, a new member puts your name on their membership application, and you’re in the club, eligible for monthly prizes, special events, and recognition and adulation from your peers.  It’s that simple. Check your mailbox and your inbox for more information on this campaign, and continue to check the Recruiter Club page on the website for updates on the campaign and upcoming prizes, awards, and eligibility, as well as all the information and materials you need to get started.

Again, to our recruiters: thanks for all you do. And to our non-recruiters: Join the Club!  

Calling all managers, homeowner leaders, and businesses serving the community association industry.

Take a moment and pencil in April 25-28 on your brand new 2007 calendar right now.   Those are the dates of CAI's 56th National Conference and Exposition.  This year we will be gathering in Las Vegas, Nevada to celebrate our industry, learn from one another, rekindle old friendships, make some new ones, and of course have some fun (it is Vegas after all).

Caesar's Palace will be the venue for "Viva Community!  Mastering Trends, Transitions, and Transformations".  Industry veterans and newcomers alike will benefit from over 25 educational sessions addressing key industry issues, along with our usual assortment of activities to entertain, enlighten, and amuse you.

For those already thinking about travel plans, we are reprising the very successful Welcome Reception on Wednesday evening that we debuted last year in Palm Springs.  This event was a tremendous hit and great way to see and be seen at the start of conference, reconnect with friends, and get the conference off the good start.  So be sure to schedule your travel accordingly.

More details about the event, including registration information are available on the website at Las Vegas Conference.

Never been to conference before?  Then take a look at our Palm Springs conference blog from last years event in Palm Springs to get a flavor for what we do and how it can benefit your career and your community.

Being involved in your community, whether as a board member, manager, committee chair, or active homeowner, can be a challenging and exhausting commitment.  Just as important as a willingness to volunteer is an understanding of when to step back and take a break.  Every organization needs new blood just as much as it needs wise and experienced leadership.  So take some time to smell the roses you worked so hard with the landscaping committee to plant.

Know When It's Time For A Change

111. Check your blood pressure.

112. Determine if you are buying aspirin in bulk.

113. If you're burned out, get out - new volunteers can offer new energy and ideas.

114. Make yourself available to new board members.

115. Continue to read the newsletter.

116. Pat yourself on the back.

Thus concludeth CAI's Pearls of Wisdom.  Do you have a pearl that you would like to share with others in the industry.  You can send a comment to this or any of the other blog entries that will be viewable by all readers.  Just click on the comment link below.

Happy New Year

Tom