Membership ROI
Membership Has its Privileges By Joel Starks, CMCA, Sperlonga Data & Analytics
W
hat does it mean to be a good member of an organization? How does one benefit from getting involved? Where do I start after I join a new organization? Who is a good resource for advice and direction? All of these questions and more cloud the minds of new members trying to navigate a new organization like CAI. In CAI, many of our hours are spent networking, collaborating, celebrating and having some good ol’ fun. But each area carries a different value proposition and focus. I will touch on the three areas of involvement and help you navigate and get the best return on your membership investment (ROI) while contributing to the success of a great organization in Minnesota.
Managers The largest and fastest growing group is our managers. As leaders of many aspects of community management, they are the heartbeats of their associations. Managers focus on continuing education, knowledge transfer, networking with quality business partners and volunteerism. They make up many of the committees, and the volunteering does not stop there. We are grateful to all of the managers who actively participate in CAI-MN.
Community Volunteers With the incorporation of more managers and a decrease in selfmanaged boards, this group has seen the biggest decline in recent years. However, those who are involved are focused on education, procedures and best practices. This group remains a focus of ours as we continue to invest in marketing and events. Please join us at any of our events some of which are free like the trade show. We want you!
Business Partners A great many of you are part of this category. Your goals are diverse but generally similar. You want to network with the people who help make decisions for the property and its ownership. If a business partner participates in organized activities and builds strong partnerships and relationships with managers who are also involved, the membership ROI can last a very long time. It is hard to gain new business in management companies. It is much easier to develop lifelong friendships that build on trust and work ethic.
The list below is the first step in communicating our willingness to reach out and be a resource. Please contact any of the chairs listed below or me at jstarks@sperlongadata.com, and we will be happy to mentor or suggest areas based on your interest and availability.
A lot of business partners come to me after joining CAI asking how to get involved. Well, that is simple. Join a committee. There are several to choose from, and they appreciate the help. These committees promote cooperation, teamwork and drive most aspects of our chapter. See below for a list of committees and chairs; see page 8 for additional detail.
Each of these volunteers is an excellent resource for getting involved and getting the most out of your membership in CAI-MN. Remember, we are all partners in this organization. When an event goes off without a hitch or social activity spurs new business or a magazine goes to print on time, we get a great sense of community and accomplishment. Have a great summer and enjoy some baseball with us coming up on June 14 when the St. Paul Saints take on the Sioux City Explorers with a 7:05 pm first pitch.
Committee
Chairperson
Charitable Outreach
Carla Gruenhagen
cgruenhagen@gassen.com
CAVL (Community Association Volunteer Leaders)
Gene Sullivan
gene@ncmgi.com
Editorial
Carin Garaghty
crosengren@kellerpm.com
Education
Nigel Mendez
nmendez@carlsonassoc.com
Golf Tournament
Kris Birch
krisbirch@birchlawn.net
LAC (Legislative Action Committee)
Randy Christensen
randy@actmanagementinc.com
Membership
Paul Lawson
paul.lawson@fsresidential.com
Social Committee
Ben Brueshoff
bbrueshoff@pcsrenew.com
Trade Show
Michele Ramler & Tom Engblom
mramler@cedarmanagement.com tengblom@cabanc.com
Vision Awards
Shaun Zavadsky
shaun.zavadsky@fsresidential.com
May | June 2016
3