With the holidays and new year approaching, this is traditionally the time of year in which we reflect on our advances, successes and even failures as both groups and individuals. This year has been a year full of progression and accomplishment for the community association industry. Looking back, our managers, homeowners, community volunteers and service providers have all contributed to the success of 2011 as a whole, and there’s no reason why this success cannot be carried forward into 2012. With that said, there are always barriers, and perhaps a little risk management needs to be carried out to keep us on track for a positive 2012. Let’s take a look back at the past year as well as focus on what to expect for the upcoming one.
The January/February 2011 issue of Focus Magazine was entitled “New Year, New Decade”. Surely, it has been an interesting one in many ways. To cite one example, our President Matt Davidson mentioned in this issue that social media has become an integral part of how our Chapter plans to leverage themselves and gain momentum as the leaders of our industry. Not only is social media becoming a part of how CAI operates, but these methods of reaching out to those we could previously never touch before is expanding in other methods amongst management companies, service providers and even our communities. To bookend Matt’s thoughts later in the year, a well written article by Jeff Sanders entitled “Going Social “appeared in the September/October issue of Focus, with some tips on how to take advantage of these free methods of exposure, while still minimizing the risk and controversy we frequently see in some of these media outlets going into 2012.
Additionally, the September CAI Marketplace held the tagline “World of Progress”. Eerily coincidental was the death of Steve Jobs on October 5th, a man who pioneered a world of progress from his garage in the 1970’s. At this point, most individuals in this industry have lived through the 1980’s and seen the technological advances since then. But, even in the last few years, including 2011, Apple and other firms have changed the way we interact on a daily basis. As a manager, I can now open an app on my iPhone and access our server’s software and even view association documents online. Our homeowners can now see their assessment accounts and work requests in real time on their portable devices as well. Although Mr. Jobs is no longer with us, the changes he has made to his industry have trickled down to our industry, and 2012 will likely be another game-changing year for everyone involved, once more developments are brought to the table. Keep an eye on what happens over the next 12 months, and maybe write back to CAI with your thoughts and reflections this time next year. And, as our members slowly become younger and younger, moving into a generation of those who grew up in the 1990’s, it will be interesting to see how the younger generations may revolutionize our businesses.
Opportunities for Chapter volunteers and contributors had also gained momentum by January 2011, including both the Outreach Committee and Legislative Action Committee. By this point, both committees had been established as the benchmarks for our representation outside of our internal cadre. The Outreach Committee ran very successful campaigns to gather clothing for “Well Suited for the Job” as well as compiling 35 boxes of supplies for the US Army. This level of charity is rarely seen in any group of professionals, and everyone should be proud of what has been accomplished through a little extra hard work outside of the daily grind. Concurrently, the Legislative Action Committee had just finished meeting 100% of their 2010 fundraising campaign at $23,240 which has carried speed into 2011, meeting over half of their goal by August 2011. Surely, with a little extra boost at the end of the year, they should be able to meet their goal once again going into 2012 and beyond.
Despite the successes which all of us now share, we cannot lose touch of what may lie ahead. In particular, an ever-changing economy which has recently left us to guess as to what is in store for us on the horizon. An excellent resource which is not well known amongst many home and business owners is a semi-annual report published by the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation – The Keyser Center for Economic Research. The current 131 page report covers the period mid-year 2011 through 2012 and can be downloaded for free at www.laedc.org. Although daunting for even the most savvy financial readers, all homeowners have to keep in mind that their home and the community in which they reside are likely the single largest investments they will make in their lifetime. The key to managing this wealth is directly proportional to the owner’s ability to guide themselves through the market. Not only does the economy affect our home values, but also our personal salaries, vendor costs, community operating costs, reserve investments and so on. All of us in this industry owe it to those we represent to continually investigate the market and work it to the best of our ability.
Lastly, the time of year we all fear is coming… the date of January 1st, a date which often sees major changes in the laws which govern our industry. Although the beginning of 2011 was mostly quiet, for 2012, the major issue seems to be the changes which have been made to the Open Meeting Act. No longer will managers and boards be able to correspond via email. I have personally inquired with some CAI members about their thoughts on this matter. Some see it as a blessing, less work between meetings, less confusion and more streamlined processes and procedures. On the other hand, some worry that nothing will get done between meetings, boards who do not regularly meet will become stagnant and repairs to non-emergency items will be left unfulfilled for longer periods of time. For most of us, it is too early to tell what will ultimately unfold. As with many new laws, it will be hit-or-miss for the first few months, until the membership slowly becomes accustomed to the changes.
Looking forward 12 months from today, it is hard to guess what we will know then that we didn’t know now. Almost assuredly, CAI will continue to make positive impacts on both members and those outside of our organization. But, will this “World of Progress” bring us closer to harmony amongst those we serve on a daily basis, or take us a few steps back? All I can recommend at this point is to stay positive and make the best out of what’s handed to you. Happy New Year everyone!