Board of Directors
From the President
By Jonathan Edin | CAI-MN President
What is “community”? Today it is a well-used word that can mean many different things. It can refer to the location in which one lives; a support group, or an association of people with similar interests, professions or beliefs. It can also simply imply a feeling of togetherness. Webster’s Dictionary defines community as: “a unified body of individuals.”
Another great aspect of communities is the potential for teamwork. When homeowners feel like valued members, and board members feel appreciated for their hard work, the association can be very effective. It can be easy for board members to feel burnt out. After all, they are volunteers, often dealing with problem items or complaints. Sharing the work and getting additional homeowners involved can lighten the load and create a more vibrant community. Managers and vendors will find their jobs are more enjoyable in associations where the value of teamwork These “unified bodies” are important for society. is embraced. It can sometimes be difficult to get The homeowners who live in our communipeople engaged in the work involved in mainties have invested their money, their time and taining a community. This is why creating a sense themselves in their homes. What a great thing of togetherness is important. Being a part of a when they are also able to connect with their “unified body” can be a rewarding and fulfilling neighbors. Being involved in a community allows experience. us to work together. This sharing of work creates a synergy that can energize others to participate. As anyone who has lived in an association can The board members and community managtell you, living in a community provides many ers who work together with the homeowners in chances to foster togetherness and implement their communities have the most successful and teamwork. Homeowners will not always agree. rewarding associations. Living in a community Situations will arise that have the potential to also provides opportunities for cooperation and be opportunities for collaboration or division. compromise. While the process to compromise Maintaining a sense of community and concan be challenging, the opportunities of develnectedness is not always easy. When faced with oping a better understanding of others and the difficult situations, they are easier to overcome mutual feelings of success are great. as a team. Building upon components that are mutually beneficial is a great place to start. Take Being in a community creates a sense of togeththe time to encourage the homeowners to build erness. In a culture that values independence and relationships with each other. When communiself-reliance, it is important to remember that ties find ways to allow every member to feel valhumans are wired to care for and depend upon ued and contribute it creates an association that each other. We cheat ourselves and others of is rewarding for all. Dealing with disagreement is rich, meaningful life experiences when we try to not easy, but using the experience to better undo it all on our own. Celebrating the successes, derstand each other and work together will create mourning the losses and working together proan outcome that is positive for everyone. vide meaning and depth to our lives. The associations in which the homeowners embrace a sense of togetherness, those places where you can find neighbors grilling outdoors, starting a softball league, or a book club, are the associations that are the most rewarding for both the people who live there and the management companies and vendors who work for them.
President Jonathan Edin Phone 651.222.2155 JEdin@mncondodefects.com President-Elect Traci Lehman, CMCA, AMS, PCAM Phone 612.381.8600 tracil@citiesmanagement.com Treasurer Michael P. Mullen, CPA Phone 952.928.3011 mike@cpamullen.com Secretary Halo Stafford, CMCA, AMS, PCAM Phone 952. 277.2785 hstafford@gittleman.com Directors Tom Engblom, AMS, CMCA, PCAM Phone 866.800.4656 tengblom@cabanc.com Steve Hoogenakker Phone 763.213.2410 steve@landscape.pro Michael Klemm, Esq. Phone 952.953.8832 klemmm@seversonsheldon.com Rich Klobuchar Phone 763.551.9827 rklobuchar@usinternet.com Nancy Polomis, Esq. Phone 952. 941.4005 npolomis@hjlawfirm.com Jim Rezek Phone 763-424-9984 jimrezek@comcast.net Gene Sullivan Phone 952.922.2500 gene@ncmgi.com
Committee Chairs Legislative Action Chair Joe Crawford Phone 952.212.2216 joe.crawford9@gmail.com
Vision Awards Chair Lisa Astelford, CMCA Phone 952.277.2787 lastleford@gittleman.com
Golf Tournament Chair Tosh Tricas, CMCA, AMS, PCAM Phone 888.219.2534 capt.tosh@gmail.com
Tradeshow Committee Chair Mark Schoenfelder Phone 952.345.2900 mark@schoenfelderpainting.com
Communications Chair Joel Starks Phone 952.224.4480 joel@sharpermanagement.com
Education Committee Chair Gene Sullivan Phone 952.922.2500 gene@ncmgi.com
Home Owner Training Chair Sara Lassila, CPA Phone 952.474.1631 November sara@saralassila.com
Membership Chair Steve Arrell Phone 763.315.8900 December 2011 steve@newexterior.com
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