International Community Association Managers Day is here! But, what is the story behind this day of appreciation? And how can condo communities and homeowners associations celebrate?
International Community Association Managers Day: A Brief History
Community associations, such as condo communities and homeowners associations, have been around for decades. In the 1970s, the United States was home to an estimated 10,000 community associations. But, there were only a few community association managers at the time. In the last 50 years or so, community association management has grown and become its own industry. As the number of community associations increased, so did community association managers.
The job of a community association manager is no easy feat. In the past, community association managers had little training. Over time, though, education for community association managers became more available, particularly with the establishment of the Community Associations Institute (CAI) in 1973. Today, community association managers are more than 55,000 strong in the United States alone. These community association managers are equipped with specialized education and skills to manage the more than 355,000 community associations across the country.
Community association managers work tirelessly with HOA board members to ensure the smooth operations of a community. They shoulder a multitude of responsibilities, including but not limited to homeowner communication, risk management, governing document execution, and common area maintenance. With the amount of work these managers do, it only makes sense to dedicate a day of appreciation. Hence, the creation of International Community Association Managers Day.
When Is International Community Association Managers Day?
National Today
has declared June 13 as International Community Association Managers Day. This day is dedicated to the thousands of community association managers who work day and night to ensure the success of the communities they handle. Without community association managers, many condo and homeowners associations today would find it difficult to carry out the day-to-day operations of their communities. As such, beginning in 2022, June 13 has been designated as a day to show appreciation to community association managers.
This day is not only for community association managers in the United States, though. As its name suggests, International Community Association Managers Day is a worldwide celebration. While over 74 million Americans live in community associations today, there are millions more internationally.
How to Celebrate International Community Association Managers Day
Celebrating International Community Association Managers Day can be tricky for a lot of people. After all, it is quite different from other days of appreciation, such as Mother’s Day or Father’s Day. This day celebrates the profession itself as well as the many skilled managers who have chosen this path.
So, how can community associations show some love on this special day?
1. A Simple Thank You
The words, “thank you,” can go a long way. It might seem like an empty phrase that people utter in passing. But, to others, a simple thank you already carries deep meaning. Board members and homeowners alike can approach their community association managers and say their thanks. You can even allocate a short segment of your next meeting to give thanks to your manager.
If words don’t seem like enough, take things up a notch by sending a card or a small gift. Community association management is a challenging endeavor, and your manager will surely appreciate being recognized for their hard work, even if it is just for a day.
2. Make a Donation in Their Name
If gifts and thank-you notes don’t quite do it for you, consider making a donation in your community association manager’s name. This is a great way to honor your manager while making a real difference in the world at the same time. There are plenty of charities to which you can make a donation. In fact, it is even better if you find out what causes your community association manager cares deeply about and make a donation there. Alternatively, you can make a donation in their name to the Foundation for Community Association Research (FCAR).
3. Hire a Community Association Manager
If you haven’t done it yet, why not hire a community association manager? Among the hundreds of thousands of community associations in the United States, a good chunk still rely on a self-management approach. And while there is nothing wrong with that, board members can save countless hours and the pain of several headaches by simply employing a community association manager.
Community association managers assume most of the responsibilities of the HOA board. But, they do not take the board’s place in any way. Instead, they work closely with the board to make sure the community continues to run according to plan. Show your appreciation for community association managers by hiring one today.
On the other hand, you might consider a career in community association management. Although the job can be taxing, it is a rewarding experience that teaches you a lot about responsibility and discipline. There are plenty of online courses you can take to get started on this path. Becoming a community association manager is one of the best ways to truly understand the challenges they face firsthand and gain a new appreciation for what they do.
Community Association Management vs Property Management
Before you show your property manager some love on June 13, it is important to note that community association management and property management are not the same. Community association management deals with community associations such as condo communities, homeowners associations, and cooperatives. In contrast, property management refers to the management of rental properties. The first one serves community associations and their boards, while the latter serves landlords and rental property owners.
A Time to Act
Clearly, a community association manager’s job is a tough one. So, this International Community Association Managers Day, take some time out of your busy day to show your community association manager how much you value their contribution to your association.
If your condo or homeowners association needs professional help, Cedar Management Group is your best bet. We employ only the best and most qualified community association managers in the business. Call us today at (877) 252-3327 or contact us online for more information.
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