Condo Living

May 10, 2024 Published by London and Area Chapter - By Trish Kaplan

Building Your Community Team

From the CCI Review 2023/2024-3 March 2024 issue of the CCI London Chapter

We continue to receive valuable information online and in articles from industry professionals that guide us to understand our roles and responsibilities in the community. Ultimately, the need to resolve issues quickly and effectively benefits the entire community. The importance of teamwork and cooperation among owners, directors, managers are fundamental in the smooth functioning of our community. We all (should) have an interest to maintain the assets and to build on the strength of our respective corporations for our own future prosperity and in the short term, to protect our investments.

Many experts in the condominium industry continue working with legislative and/or resources committees to identify and educate us all to better develop and protect our communities and those who work in them.

More owners who are elected to a condominium board are extending their time commitment to learning opportunities. Their roles as directors present critical decisionmaking that goes to protecting the investments all owners have made in their community. While it is the board's responsibility to approve the budgets annually, it is crucial that all of the owners recognize the importance of education opportunities. It is always recommended for owners to become aware of the roles they play in their communities, as well.

While a new owner in a community would have gained some insight into the lifestyle they were choosing through the buying process, it is minimal in the grand scheme of the operations of the community they are investing in. Essentially, every owner is a member of the team even though they are not the decision-makers; however, they would be well served to gain some knowledge about the roles and responsibilities that are required to conduct the business of a small city. That learning may also pave the road to their being more involved in the community, perhaps as an elected member of the board.

We, at CCI, welcome owners to join our education events. If as an owner, your corporation is a member, then member rates to attend are there. The opportunity to connect with other condo owners and the experts in the expanding community can also be beneficial.

To all who join us in furthering their education, you are surely doing some heavy work. You are to be applauded for your time and effort to fulfill your responsibilities.

We continue to be obliged for all of the experts in the condominium industry who come out to share their knowledge and take the opportunities to connect with you. These networking opportunities are relevant to the teamwork you are building in your communities.

We invite you to take some time to introduce yourselves at events to others in attendance, including those who are providing services in our communities. The connections you make will help foster teamwork and collaborative building of your communities.

Robert Boyce’s quote comes to mind:

Knowledge is power. Knowledge shared is power multiplied.

And these quotes can convey a need for a better world. We have the power!

Kindness is a gift everyone can afford to give. (Author unknown)

No act of Kindness however small is ever wasted. (Aesop)

Trish Kaplan, CCI (Hon’s) is the parttime Administrator of the Chapter.; having served in the position from April 2003 to September 2010. She received the CCI Distinguished Service Award from CCI National in November 2006.

Trish served as a director on the chapter board from 2010-2015 and was subsequently returned to the position of Administrator.

Trish is a condominium owner, served as a director in the corporation she resides in for a time and is a retired condominium manager. Her experience in different areas of condominium continues to be a benefit to the chapter and its members.