Carin’s Corner
Teamwork Makes Dreamw … Ugh, I Can’t Even Finish that Sentence! By Carin Rosengren, CMCA, Keller Property Management
I
was lecturing a little bit some homeowners earlier today, in the most kind and professional manner I could muster, of course, but this newly turned over development is having trouble grasping the concepts of “association” and “community living.” With some recent requests having been denied by the master association ARC, these new homeowners’ nerves are buzzing, with some feeling compelled to launch a campaign to change their covenants so that more people can have their own way. The ARC is doing its routine yet difficult job in an acceptable fashion. But the mixed results from applications have people wondering what in the world has happened to individual choice. As a property manager, it’s one of those times when you shake your head and wonder what they thought a CIC was at the time of this purchase. (Isn’t home-buying one of the biggest things we do? Maybe read the paperwork before you close on this property?!) Anyway. Sigh. The gist of my response to a large group of neighbors was
that “compromise” isn’t a dirty word, and the rules exist to make sure that standards for appearance are high and that the property stays beautiful. And I wanted to say, but again with much restraint I did not say, “So, play nicely! You could also throw some appreciation to the volunteers who have worked really hard on this board in the last year.”
or by phone, and by the end of the ideasharing, at times quiet, at times hysterically funny meeting, we put up a white board of ideas that really made me proud of the work we had just done together. There’s no way in the world one of us could have accomplished that alone.
Because really, my own involvement on a condo board, my experience as a manager and now my experience as part of the CAIMN Communications Committee, have all taught me that individuals who work as part of a functioning team can do so much more together than when we try to work alone. A phrase that’s becoming comically overused and now I hear more often in sarcastic jest, “Teamwork Makes Dreamwork!” tests my gag reflex with its nauseating and optimistic attempt to spur employees at work. But sometimes, it’s actually true. This was reconfirmed for me recently when this committee took a long meeting to map out a plan for publications in 2016. Everyone who could make the meeting was there in person
Tell Me A Story!
Next year, one of the editions will feature “success stories” from managers, board members, business partners and homeowners involved in community associations. Please, please — share yours! Send me an email with the basics: who, what, why, where, when. I know you have at least one story to share, or you know somebody who did something you consider a success. We want to feature some of these association superstars, innovators, supporters, or just volunteers — and laud their success.
Committee Chairs Communications Chair – Carin Rosengren Phone 952.432.3722 CRosengren@kellerpm.com
Golf Tournament Chair – Kris Birch Phone 651.481.9180 krisbirch@birchlawn.net
Social Chair – Jenna Wright Phone 303.547.7848 jwright@bensonpc.com
Charitable Outreach Chair – Cliff Kurth Phone 763.248.1047 cliff@aemn.co
Legislative Action Chair – John Dorgan Phone 612.721.4116 jrd@jdorganlaw.com
Trade Show Chair – Michele Ramler Phone 763.231.9809 mramler@cedarmanagement.com
Education Chair – Nigel Mendez Phone 651.287.8640 nmendez@carlsonassoc.com
Membership Chair – Paul Lawson Phone 952.277.2792 paul.lawson@fsresidential.com
Vision Awards Chair – Shaun Zavadsky, CMCA Phone 952.277.2786 shaun.zavadsky@fsresidential.com
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Minnesota Communit y Living