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Having been a manager for well over a decade, I often get asked for the recipe for a successful association.


When I heard of the theme for this winter’s issue, I embraced the chance to share theperfectrecipefora “Community Casserole.” Growing up the oldest of five children, dinner was often a challenge. There was always one of us who didn’t like this or that. Somehow, Mom always made it work. It is amazing what can be done with some key ingredients and a variety of vegetables! The casseroles were always the best - something for everyone! Justthethoughtofacasserolebrings warmth throughout my being during the chilly Midwest winters. When pressed for the recipe, Mom would always laugh. “Recipe?” she would say, “I use what I have. Oh, but there is a secret ingredient.” Of course, there is always a secret ingredient, right? More on that later!


By Michelle Courtney, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, of Property Specialists, Inc.


Forthisrecipe,youwillneedthe following ingredients: an association, board members, homeowners, and vendors. In true mom fashion, there are no exact measurements. Most of you already have these key ingredients. Each association will have within its governing documents the exact number of board members needed. Let’s take a moment to talk about shopping for your board members. Think of shopping for peppers. Board members, like peppers, come in a variety of sizes, shapes, colors, sweetness, and varying degrees of heat. Is there any one type of board member better suited for this recipe? No. The key to remember with this ingredient is that you must have avariety.Eachhomeowner haswithin


them what is needed to be the next board member. Each one will have their own life experiences to bring to the table. Perhaps it was prior work experience, or maybe they served on a board before, orhadexperiencevolunteeringfora not-for-profit entity. They may be fresh fromcollegeorrecentlyretired.Each homeownerbringstheirownunique experiences and perspectives. This variety, once assembled, is what is going to bring an amazing blend of flavors to your Community Casserole.


Nextyouhaveyourhomeowners. Whilesomemaythinktheyarenot necessarily needed in the recipe, they most certainly are! The most important thing to remember when handling this ingredient is that homeowners matter, too. When talking with homeowners who seem disenchanted with community living, they often feel as though they areinvisibleand“theboardisgoing to do what they want anyway.” When these homeowners are asked how many meetings they have attended, the answer is almost always “zero.” Homeowners who have received the knowledge of what drives their association are more likely to attend meetings, volunteer their time to serve on committees, and are more likely to comply with association policies.


This is where the next two ingredients come in: management partner and vendors. I like to think of the management partnerandvendorsasthatcreamy soup base that pulls the other casserole


www.cai-illinois.org • 847.301.7505 | 23


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