Condo Media - August 2011 - 2

CONDO MEDIA
CHAPTER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Claudette Carini CAI NEW ENGLAND BOARD OF DIRECTORS Beth Tramontozzi, President Scott Wolf, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, President-Elect Paul V. (Pete) Garrett, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, Vice President Barbara Vieira, CMCA, AMS, Treasurer Paut T. Carroccio, P.E., CMCA, AMS, PCAM, Clerk Janet Aronson, Esq. Director Tony Chiarelli, Director Andrew J. Costa, Director Geri Matraia, Director Jared McNabb, CMCA, PCAM, Director Ellen A. Shapiro, Esq., Director CONDO MEDIA INC. BOARD MEMBERS Jared McNabb, CMCA, PCAM, President Wesley K. Blair III, Vice President James Connolly, Treasurer Ellen A. Shapiro, Esq. Clerk Richard E. Brooks, Esq., Director Claudette Carini, Director Jack Carr, P.E., RS, LEED-AP, Director Richard Churchill, Director COMMITTEE CHAIRS Attorneys’ Committee Patrick Brady, Esq. / Gary M. Daddario, Esq. Banquet Committee Erin M. Kremser Communications Committee Charlotte A. Scuderi Conference & Expo Beth Tramontozzi Golf Tournament Paula Solemina / Tony Chiarelli Maine Legislative Action Committee Bruce McGlauflin, Esq. Managers’ Committee David Boston, CMCA, AMS Massachusetts Legislative Action Committee Matthew Gaines, Esq. Membership Committee Jared McNabb, CMCA, PCAM Program Advisory Council Jennifer Barnett, Esq. / Scott Wolf, CMCA, AMS, PCAM Public Relations Committee Robert McBride, CMCA, AMS, PCAM Rhode Island Legislative Action Committee Ed Allcock, Esq. / Frank A. Lombardi, Esq. Vermont Legislative Action Committee David Boston, CMCA, AMS EDITORIAL Claudette Carini ccarini@caine.org SALES AND MARKETING Natalie Springsteen nspringsteen@caine.org ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Jeanne Yanaro jyanaro@caine.org CORRESPONDENCE CAI New England / Condo Media Inc. 888 Worcester St., Ste. 20 Wellesley, MA 02482 (781) 237-9020, Fax (781) 237-9028 www.caine.org CREATIVE SERVICES McNeill Group Inc. (215) 321-9662 www.mcneill-group.com

FROM THE CED’S DESK

The Official Publication of CAI New England

Which Came First?
ikened to the paradox “Which Came First: the Chicken or the Egg?” any organization, including the chapter and community associations around New England, could debate the question “Which Came First: the Vision or the Plan?” Good planning could include the adoption of a specific and concise policy or procedure that will provide clear and consistent guidance and understanding. Consider association pool rules and hours of operation, or chapter committee roles and responsibilities, which both assist owners and volunteers in achieving an outcome that will serve the interests of a broader audience. And planning also occurs on a much larger scale as in the creation of a condominium reserve study addressing specific association maintenance, repairs and improvements over a period of time or in the adoption of a strategic plan outlining the future long-term operating goals and objectives of the association. There is no doubt that planning in any form or fashion will serve to better ensure an outcome. But is the outcome one that was derived by the plan in place or created by the vision. If you don’t know where you’re going, then how do you know when you get there — do the pool rules or committee descriptions get you what members want thereby fostering strong and vibrant communities? Or did the plan achieve an outcome that does not meet the full potential of the community or the expectations of members, thereby creating confusion and discontent? Was the reserve study based in reality and does it take into consideration the wants and desires of the community? And, did the strategic plan account for member needs and expectations?; will they achieve what members “want” or what they will “get”? Condo Media explores a variety of association operational issues this month and offers a number of “Best Practices” for associations, board members and homeowners. As you relax poolside or at the beach this summer, I would challenge you to carefully consider the following for your association: Which comes first: the vision or the plan? John Naisbitt, international bestselling author of Megatrends and Megatrends 2000, said it best: “Strategic planning is worthless — unless there is first a strategic vision.”

Sincerely,

Condo Media USPS # 018-946 is published monthly in Wellesley, Massachusetts by the New England Chapter of the Community Associations Institute, 888 Worcester Street, Suite 20, Wellesley, MA 02482. Publisher’s periodical rate postage paid at Boston, Massachusetts and additional mailing offices. Subscriptions: $36/year. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Condo Media c/o the New England Chapter of the Community Associations Institute, 888 Worcester Street, Suite 20, Wellesley, MA 02482. This publication attempts to provide CAI’s membership with information on community association issues. Authors are responsible for developing the logic of their expressed opinions and for the authenticity of all presented facts in articles. CAI does not necessarily endorse or approve statements of fact or opinion made in these pages and assumes no responsibility for those statements. This publication is issued with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Form A Declaration of Principles, jointly adopted by a Committee of the American Bar Association and a Committee of Publishers.

Claudette Carini Chapter Executive Director

In “The Fast Track” article in the June 2011 issue, the contractor completing the work on the Longview Housing Cooperative project was Abbot Building Restoration Co. Inc.; Vice President Michael Norman authored the article.

Editorial Clariﬁcation

CONDO MEDIA • AUGUST 2011

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Condo Media - August 2011

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