Community Communication Corner
by Bob Gourley, MyEZCondo Founder, Member of CAI CT Board of Directors

Ask not what CAI-CT can do for you. Ask what you can do for CAI-CT!

President John F. Kennedy may have had a far more noble purpose in mind when he called on the American citizenry to step up and help the country, but we need your help in making CAI-CT a better organization for all of us. So much of what we provide requires volunteer effort and support. I am asking you to step forward and volunteer to serve. We need volunteers to help out at events. We need volunteers to serve on committees. We need volunteer leaders to serve as committee leaders and chairpersons. Volunteers have always driven CAI-CT and volunteers will steer us into the next decade. Volunteering for CAI-CT is fun, rewarding, and helpful to all members of the organization. We can’t do it without you, so please contact the CAI-CT office today at (860) 633-5692 and let us know how you’d like to help.

Did you get to Spring Training? Are you ready for the Big Leagues?

Kudos to all who made the March 7, 2009 CAI-CT Trade Show in Cromwell such a success. Having attended many of these events, I can tell you that this year’s event was on par with some of the best I have ever seen. The speaking programs were as timely as the presenters were knowledgeable. I had the honor of hosting the President’s Breakfast where I had the chance to meet so many of you as well as enjoy the presentations from Bob Shepard, BOD President from River Colony of Guilford and Al Griffiths, PCAM and President of Whitney Management and Maintenance Co. AMCC in Hamden. Their presentation, entitled “The Captain of the Team – Running an Association in Tough Times” was a lively and topical look at how to survive and thrive as a BOD President in a climate of uncertainty. Great work, guys!

Elsewhere at the event, fellow CAI-CT Board Members Scott Sandler (CAI-CT President) and Chris Hansen (CAI-CT  Vice-President) presented “Legal Issues Facing Property Managers – Limiting Foul Play”. Managers were treated to a presentation of today’s legal issues by two of the state’s finest attorneys specializing in HOA law. Add the always pleasant Diane Servos-Newman from A & S Windows as host of the Manager’s Breakfast and you had all of the trappings for a “can’t miss” program for CT Property Managers.

The other education programs were also top-notch. Wendy Perotti from PERCO, Inc. and Bill Morgan from Weichert discussed “Curb Appeal” for associations and explained how important appearances are to buyers. Walt Williamsen, PCAM and owner of Condominium Consulting Services LLC and Dan Rhys from New Alliance Bank discussed the challenges of self-managed associations. Attorney Ron Bender gave tips on Foreclosure proceedings, an all too real event for many associations throughout the state and country. Finally, I had the honor of hosting the presentation from Dan Fitzgerald, III from Basement Systems, who spoke about the value of teamwork in managing your association. Four brilliant presentations all crammed into one event-filled day!

The day’s educational opportunities wrapped up with the always popular “Ask the Experts” panel where three attorneys fielded your questions and offered advice. Special thanks to Matthew Perlstein, Esq. (Perlstein, Sandler & McCracken, LLC), Steven Berg, Esq. (Law Offices of Steven J. Berg), and Greg Cava, Esq. (Attorney & Counselor at Law) for giving of their time and expertise to answer our questions.

All attendees had the opportunity to visit with more than 70 vendors on the trade show floor. As an association president myself, I can tell you that there is no greater opportunity to make first-hand contact with so many folks that you may need either this year or in the near future. There is no other event that brings these vital community resources together and at your disposal. Throw in the food, the raffle prizes, and the ability to network with your fellow community association volunteer leaders and you have the formula for time well spent. If you haven’t already done so, make sure you make plans to come back next year – and bring some friends. Believe me; they will thank you for it.

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