Welcome to Ungated

Our conference in Las Vegas is shaping up to be the biggest in CAI history.  To date we have more than 870 individuals registered for the full conference.  Add that to a couple of hundred single day registrations and more than 250 exhibitors and sponsors from the sold-out exhibit hall and you can see that you will be able to tap into an amazing body of knowledge of our industry.

We encourage everyone to attend the Wednesday afternoon welcome reception.  It is a great place to catch up with old friends and meet some new ones, make plans for the rest of the week, and get the conference off to a great start.

With so many attendees, we have added a new feature this year.  You can visit our web site and see a list of all the currently registered attendees, either alphabetically or by state.  Just go to the conference web page:  http://www.caionline.org/events/conference/index.cfm  and click on one of the registrant list items in the left margin.

See you all next Wednesday in Vegas.

In 2001, Congress approved changes to the GI Bill that allowed eligible veterans to be reimbursed by the Department of Veterans Affairs for taking approved certification and licensure examinations.  We are happy to announce that, as of March 15, 2007, NBC-CAM and the Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA) program were accepted as an approved certification program.  

What does this mean for our candidates? Candidates who are veterans eligible for GI Bill benefits can apply to be fully reimbursed for the CMCA examination cost.  Candidates can be reimbursed for either the paper and pencil or computer-based exams and reimbursement is provided whether they pass or fail the CMCA examination.  The CMCA is a nation-wide certification that demonstrates competency in the field of community association management.

To find out more about how to apply for reimbursement you can visit the GI Bill web site at:  www.gibill.va.gov  or you can contact Ann-Marie Johnson in the NBC-CAM office at amjohnson@caionline.org for additional information.

The sub-prime mortgage market continues to generate calls for reform, growing numbers of foreclosures, and reactions/solutions from every quarter.  With almost 2 million loans due to reset rates this year and next, I expect it will be a while before we turn the corner on this problem.  In other mortgage foreclosure news:

USAToday reports how increased foreclosures can make victims of even those who are current on their mortgages.

Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America pledges $1 billion to help low-income families avoid foreclosure.

And Senator Schumer wants to spend your tax dollars to bail out those in foreclosure.

One of the key success factors in well-run associations is effective communications.  CAI constantly stresses the need for better communications in our various training programs.  In fact, in our training of board members, we frequently use the concept of "transparency" to describe how a board should operate and keep all members of the community informed.  Here's an article about a community in Arizona that has made communications with its members a principle goal for the year.

The Homeowners Association at Cottonwood Palo Verde at Sun Lakes sets goals each and every year -- and topping this year’s list is more communication.

The board has a TV station, Web site, weekly flier and scheduled meetings the public can be involved with but board secretary, and spokesman for the board, Richard Hawkes said the board is hoping to go further by working with local publications such as the Chandler Independent. 

Read the whole article.....

Not every community has the resources for a TV station, but this board clearly demonstrates their commitment to ensuring that all of their homeowners are as informed as possible. 

I was interested to see Fed Chair Ben Bernanke downplay the overall affect of continuing issues with sub-prime loans and lenders on the overall economy.  In yesterday's testimony to Congress, Bernanke said the growing troubles in the market for risky mortgages thus far doesn’t appear to be spreading to the overall economy. “At this juncture ... the impact on the broader economy and financial markets of the problems in the sub-prime markets seems likely to be contained,” he said.

The full AP article can be found at: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17831069/

Registering for CAI's 56th National Conference and Exposition couldn't be easier.  Just go to our conference page to register online with your credit card or to download a copy of the registration form and mail it in if you would prefer to pay by check.

And if you register by March 30th you qualify for an early bird discount of $50 off the full registration fee. 

The exhibit hall is sold-out, the speakers are polishing their presentations, and Vegas is ready for CAI.  I hope to see you there.  And don't forget to check out the conference blog to preview the great speakers, get into the groove, and review some Rat Pack lingo.

Just a reminder that the hotel block for CAI's upcoming National Conference in Las Vegas expires tomorrow, Friday March 16th.  We ran out of rooms last week, but were able to get Ceasar's Palace to add some additional rooms to our block at the negotiated rate.  But after tomorrow the rate will increase and availability won't be guaranteed. 

So if you haven't made your room reservation yet, now is the time.

See you all in Vegas baby..........

Last year at CAI's National Conference in Palm Springs we tried something new.  A real-time blog about the conference as it was happening.  We were able to highlight sessions, post photos of all the fun, and generally provide a vehicle to get folks into the spirit of the event. 

And of course give significant consideration to Common Ground Editor Chris Durso's obsession with In-N-Out Burger.

Well, this year we are going to do it again (hopefully without the paeans to In-N-Out Burger).  In fact, we have already begun with information on the hotel, our exciting general session speakers, and of course some of the attractions of Las Vegas.  So check out the Live From Las Vegas blog today.

But that is some kind of scary moat.  Sorry, but I couldn't resist posting this.  Looks like a trip to the market will require Sherpas and you will need some kind of crazy 4-wheel drive to get the car in the garage.

Actually this homeowner in China was the sole holdout unwilling to sell to a developer for a new housing project.  You can read more about it here.

By now you probably are aware that AARP has recently published a policy paper on a so-called homeowners bill of rights.  Unfortunately it doesn't address the corresponding "responsibilities" homeowners have in a community association, or the costs and implications of implementation.  In addition, it attempts to prescribe a universal set of conditions that would apply to all associations, whether they had 2 units or 20,000.  A couple of other things that you might not know about this report:

-  As a product of AARP's Policy Institute, the paper does not represent official public policy for AARP, but is, as they have described to us, a document designed to initiate conversation about critical issues and bring together a variety of perspectives on critical issues.

- The paper was prepared by a homeowner advocate attorney in Texas, and not by AARP staff.  As you might imagine, there was very limited input from industry representatives including CAI, NAHB, the National Council of Commissioners on Uniform State Law (who drafted UCIOA and similar legislation) and others.

- AARP has not adopted the proposed Bill of Rights as an official legislative position, although the report has been sent to their state offices.

- Sadly, the paper also seems to intimate that mature Americans are incapable of managing their own affairs and protecting their own interests.  Personally, I think that seriously underestimates AARP's own members.

Yet the report raises some important issues and includes some potentially beneficial ideas on ensuring that communities serve all of their owners fairly, equitably, and harmoniously.

While we disagree on many of the details, we believe that this process can have positive outcomes.  The attached file contains our formal response to AARP regarding this paper, our offer to work with them to develop and deliver education specifically targeting their members, and suggested alternatives to ensure that all the members of an association are treated with respect and consideration.  I am pleased to note that the initial responses we have received from AARP staff regarding our proposals have been positive.

(Click on the paperclip icon below to access CAI's response letter to AARP in PDF format)

Just back from our 28th Law Seminar in New Orleans.  Developed in collaboration with CAI's College of Community Lawyers (CCAL), the Law Seminar provides a forum on emerging legal issues for over 320 attorneys, community managers, and other industry leaders.  Held this year in New Orleans, the event was also an opportunity to help that city in its continuing recovery from the damage of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.  CAI donated a portion of every registration to Habitat for Humanity's Musicians Village housing project.

We were honored to have the opportunity to induct 11 new members into CCAL at this years seminar.  New inductees included:

*  Joseph J. Cusimano, Esq., Kaman & Cusimano, Cleveland, OH
*  Helio De La Torre, Esq., Siegfried, Riveria, Lerner, De La Torre & Sobel, Coral  Gables, FL
* Andrew G. Elmore, Esq., Chadwick, Washington, Moriarty, Elmore & Bunn, P.C., Glen Allen, VA
* Lynn Krupnik., Esq., Ekmark & Ekmark, L.L.C., Scottsdale, AZ
* Jamie Lyons, Esq., Weissman, Nowack, Curry & Wilco, PC, Atlanta, GA
* P. Thomas Murray, Jr, Esq., Eads, Murray & Pugh, P.C., Indianapolis, IN
* Charles A. Perkins, Jr., Esq., Perkins & Anctil, P.C., North Chelmford, MA
* Kelly G. Richardson, Esq., Richardson & Harman, LLP, Pasadena, CA
* James H. Slaughter, Esq., Forman Rossabi Black, PA, Greensboro, NC
* Wilbert Washington, Esq., Chadwick, Washington, Moriarty, Elmore & Bunn, P.C., Fairfax, VA
* Alan P. Young, Esq., Young & Haros, LLC., Stroudsburg, PA

Pictured below are the 2006-2007 CCAL inductees along with CCAL Dean George Nowack and Law Seminar Chair Jeff Van Grack.

The highlight of the event (at least for this non-attorney) was the luncheon presentation by Judge Andrew Napolitano, Fox News' constitutional law expert.  The judge addressed the issue of community associations as business entity vs. government actor in the context of the pending Twin Rivers case in New Jersey.  His presentation was controversial, though-provoking, relevant, and very entertaining, to say the least.  You can imagine his position on the New Jersey Appeals Court legislating new constitutional protections and limitations on private businesses and contracts from the bench.

Special thanks to the CCAL Board of Governors and especially to this years Law Seminar Chair, Jeff Van Grack, for putting together another stellar event.

A quick note on New Orleans for anyone thinking about a trip there.  The city was extremely inviting and accommodating to all of our members and guests.  The areas of the city typically frequented by tourists, including the French Quarter, Garden District, and Central Business District are fully open for business and effectively back to their pre-storm state.  While other areas of the city are still in major recovery mode, substantial visible progress has been made in the past 11 months since my last trip there.  We at CAI were proud to do our (albeit small) part in assisting with the city's recovery through our meeting.

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

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.

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.