Sharper Management’s Associate Director of Community Management, Josh Reams, Earns PCAM
Sharper Management is pleased to announce their Associate Director of Community Management, Josh Reams, has earned the Professional Community Association Manager (PCAM) designation. The PCAM is the highest designation possible awarded to community management professionals. Earned by only an elite group of community professionals nationwide; the PCAM is a pinnacle achievement for community management professionals. Requirements for earning the PCAM include: Five years of direct community association management experience. Successful completion of all six M-200 level courses (with the last PMDP course completed within the past five years). These courses cover topics such as risk management, financials, and board members and their roles. Completion of the PCAM application case study and earning a minimum total of 125 points. The case study consists of a two-day intensive experience learning about an example association and then completing an 80-100-page case study essay. The PCAM is awarded by the Community Association Institute, an international membership organization dedicated to building better communities. Congratulations, Josh!
Sharper Staff Recognized for Multiple Awards at Industry Event
Sharper Management is pleased to share that in November, seven nominations for the Community Association Institute – Minnesota (CAI-MN) annual Vision Awards were received by our staff. The ceremony was held on December 6, 2018 at CAI’s annual Vision Awards and Holiday Gala. This event is an opportunity for community association managers, business partners, homeowner leaders and other various industry professional to come together and celebrate with one another for a very special night. Sharper’s seven nominations were received for the six categories that recognized individual efforts or collective community association achievements. Nominees Included: Miguel Pariona and Matthew Vitek (finalist) for Rookie of the Year Sam Nichols for Excellence in Service (finalist) Natalie Martynow for Excellent in Service Miguel Pariona for Financial Impact (finalist) Michael Miller for Financial Impact Michelle Waldroff for Above and Beyond Bearpath Homeowner Association for Outstanding Community Building by an Association (finalist) “What an amazing honor to have so many nominees at this year’s Vision Awards,” said director of community management, Candy Lee. “The community association industry is not an easy career path. We work so hard to support our managers and provide them with the tools they need for success. But to be honored by industry professionals for these prestigious awards is a reflection of their hard work, passion for their field and their amazing content of character. We are so proud that these managers are getting the recognition they so richly deserve.” Miguel Pariona took home the award for Financial Impact.
Board Tips: Make Your Meetings Matter
In previous issues we’ve discussed the importance of a strong meeting facilitator; we’ve suggested agenda formats to create better meeting efficiency; and recently we wrote on the principle that meetings should be regulated to making decisions. There’s no denying that we live in a culture of meetings. In this issue’s Board Tips, we offer one thought for you to consider regarding meeting frequency, and one tip for you to try to make your meetings more meaningful. Meeting Frequency – how often are you meeting as an association Board? This will certainly vary. Your Governing Documents may dictate a number of meetings to be held within a calendar year. The size and complexity of your community may require more or less meeting regularity. And situational issues or projects may dictate the volume necessity for a “meeting of the minds.” Consider the notion, however, that the more often you meet, the less productive you may be. Fewer meetings force focus – and therefore motivation to have tangible outcomes and measurable initiatives. Consider evaluating your meeting productivity. If you find that decisions are often times delayed or tabled, if your meetings are more social than business, and certainly if you have a limited number of items on your docket, consider having fewer meetings. See how it goes. The results might surprise you! Action List – to ensure that the meeting was, in fact, constructive with measurable outcomes, it is helpful to have a summary at the end of the meeting to identify and assign action items. Make a list! These can even be incorporated into the Meeting Minutes if it reflects a new business decision or resolution of the Board. Towards the end of a meeting, it is natural for people to just want to get home. Verbally summarizing and capturing, in writing, all action items is imperative. Make your meetings matter by ensuring they are productive and with measurable results.
Sharper Offers Board Training Session – January 15th
Sharper Management will present a free Board training seminar on Tuesday, January 15, 6 p.m. at the Bell Plaza office building in Bloomington (3800 American Blvd W). All Board members from community associations managed by Sharper are welcome to attend. “Board Basics: An Orientation for Board Members” will be led by Sharper’s two directors of community management, Candy Lee, CMCA, AMS, PCAM and Josh Reams, CMCA, AMS. Topics covered will include: * Defining “Association” * Roles & Responsibilities of the Board * Financial Fundamentals * An Overview to Governing Documents & State Statutes * How to Run Effective Board Meetings * Insurance Basics * Property Management Practices If you are interested in reserving your spot, please email info@sharpermanagement.com