President’s Message Alicia Graham, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, Chapter President
It’s been a busy summer so far. So many WSCAI trips out of the area with a few vacation days slipped in . . . when does anyone have time to get work done? We all know that community associations are fun . . . but work? Certainly. Recently, someone asked me about my career. So, I told them. After the blank stare wore off, they asked me why I do what I do. I didn’t skip a beat in my response, “Because I
love to help people, I am challenged every day and I love the people I work for/with . . . every . . . single . . . day.” The blank stare turned into one of shock at my response. You could tell they were asking themselves if they enjoyed what they did to the extent that I do.
Then I asked myself, are there people who don’t enjoy what they do every single day? If not, why are they still doing it?! For many, perhaps it’s the challenge. The community association industry is challenging . . . by both the complexity of some of the communities as well as some of the owners for which we manage. Every job should provide inspiration to some extent. We are human. If we aren’t challenged or inspired, we get bored which leads to mismanagement (lack of organization, lack of follow through, lack of caring).
Legislative - Challenge One of the biggest challenges we will face is newly passed legislation: WUCIOA (yeah, we aren’t sure how to pronounce it correctly either!) This big, somewhat intimidating, piece of legislation, is broken down by attorney Dean Pody in his article “WUCIOA Basics” for existing community associations. First, breathe. Don’t panic. We all have to comply a bit . . . yes, even existing community associations.
People - Challenge Another big challenge we face is difficult people. Lydia Dews dives right into the Art of Negotiation. Art or Science? You be the judge. Melissa Musser discusses National Night Out (August 7th) and the importance/challenges of bringing neighborhoods/ communities together.
Property - Challenge A challenge our communities may run into is proper cyber security. Not a lot of community associations think about the information they have stored on servers/computers/access systems within the communities. Craig Olson discusses the importance of cybersecurity insurance and to be prepared that a breech can happen to any community at any time. Yikes!
Maintenance can also be a challenge facing our community associations…what to do…when to do it. I’m going to type that dreaded word . . . FALL . . . yeah, we know summer eventually ends. Every community association should begin their plan for fall maintenance in the summer. Sahara Burson discusses Fall Landscape Maintenance and Craig Olson discusses the importance of fireplace maintenance.
Less Heavy and challenging topic . . . Hopefully these articles provide you valuable insight into planning for all of the challenges you may face while living/managing/ working for community associations. Just remember, challenges are only difficult if you allow them to be. Challenges can be fun . . . invigorating . . . and keep you engaged/happy in what we all do for a living, whether or not you get paid for it. Yes, I’m talking to you volunteer homeowner leaders!
Enjoy what is left of the summer and I look forward to seeing you at an upcoming event!
HAVE YOU INCREASED YOUR CAI BOARD MEMBERSHIP YET? CAI Board Memberships have changed. If your association currently has at least a 3-board membership CAI allows you to upgrade up to a 15-member Board at the current 3-Board Membership rate! $295 a year for 3-15 members. Everyone knows the Best Community Associations have educated, knowledgeable and prepared Board Members. CAI Membership provides your Community the best resources and educational opportunities to stay informed. For more information to upgrade your Community Membership from 3+, at no additional cost, please contact Tracy Abdul at the WSCAI Chapter Office 425-778-6378 or via email
tracy.abdul@wscai.org.
UPCOMING EVENTS! There are quite a few extremely exciting educational/social opportunities scheduled in the coming weeks.
• Wednesday, August 1st is our 1st Annual Kickball Tournament to be held at the Meadowbrook Playfield.
• Thursday, August 9th Chapter Mixer to be held at Novelty Hill Januik Winery, Woodinville.
• Wednesday, August 23rd – Saturday August 25th M100, The Essentials of Community Association Management class.
• Saturday, September 8th Budgeting Seminar to be held at the Sheraton Bellevue Hotel.
• Saturday, September 29th CA Day to be held at the Washington State Convention Center.
Don’t forget to visit the WSCAI Calendar to find out when all of the educational/social opportunities are scheduled. https://wscai. org/calendar/
6 Community Associations Journal | July/August 2018
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