Recognizing Stars By Matt Drewes, Thomsen & Nybeck, P.A., Attorneys
T
he CAI-MN communications committee is continuing its year-long baseball theme with this issue of the magazine, as we continue to draw parallels between the Major League Baseball calendar and the cycle of events for our community associations. When you receive this issue, the 85th All Star Game has been played at Target Field, celebrating baseball’s biggest stars and some of its best performances. Some of the game’s stars of the future are also recognized and given an opportunity to play in the Futures Game, which features minor leaguers from multiple levels, each recognized as having great potential, competing against one another. The Home Run Derby is another showcase for some of the more impactful players. Those players not participating in the festivities get a much-needed break, but before and after the brief break from the regular season, it will still be business as usual. Chuck Tanner, manager of the 1979 World Series champion Pittsburgh Pirates, said, “What you have to remember is that baseball isn’t a week or a month but a season—and a season is a long time.” There’s still plenty of work to do before baseball season is over. Teams will continue to battle for playoff position and some may shake things up with a trade for a key piece they’ve been missing. We in the Minnesota Chapter of CAI are preparing to honor our best and our brightest as well. The annual Vision Awards will be held in October and in this magazine we’ll plan to continue to feature those who are nominated or who may have won past awards as we gear up for the event. And as we choose who to recognize, we would do well to remember again Mr. Tanner’s wisdom: “I don’t think a manager should
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Minnesota Communit y Living
“It’s right up there with lobster” — Gary Gaetti (on being selected to an All-Star Team) be judged by whether he wins the pennant, but by whether he gets the most out of the 25 men he’s been given.” The Vision Awards are important, and winning one is a distinct honor worthy of recognition. But, like baseball managers, property managers shouldn’t only be judged on whether they win an award, but what they’re able to do with the resources they’re given. Now may be a time when you can share news of strategies, processes, or people that are working well in communities, including those who make the most of what we have, or how to stretch a community’s resources a little further or even how to reduce stress
when facing decisions. Nominate someone you value for a Vision Award. Let them know they’re “right up there with lobster.” Even in Minnesota, “a season is a long time.” There will still be a need to continue the work required to keep communities looking good and operating smoothly. There may still be projects to complete, or there may be storm damage to evaluate and repair, and of course there are lawns and landscaping to maintain. Just as the pros do, we’ll keep our noses to the grindstone, and appreciate those making it work with the resources they’re given.
2014 MCL Magazine Themes & Editorial Schedule
Are you interested in contributing an article to an edition of the MCL? We take the time to consider each article that is submitted for publication in CAI-MN’s magazine. So if you enjoy writing, enjoy researching industry topics, or want to share your findings on a discovery you’ve made, then feel free to contact us and submit your article. Articles can be sent to montea@cai-mn.com. This year’s magazine themes and article deadlines are listed below.
September/October
Theme: “Post-Season” Topics: Budgets, finishing the year strong
Announcement for Current & Potential Advertisors
November/December
Theme: “Off-Season” Topics: Evaluating the year, analyzing strategy, looking ahead to next year Article Deadline: September 1, 2014
The 2014 magazine themes will all be focused around a baseball theme. We encourage you to consider using some “baseball creativity” in your advertisements. Keep your eyes and ears open for information on an upcoming advertisement contest during 2014.