Community

I would like announce that Jon Edin of Levin and Stein, has stepped down from his position as chair of the education committee. Jon has served as Chair for 3 years and built the Managers Meetings program from nothing to the amazing success of consecutive sold out shows. Jon will continue to serve on the committee and on the board of directors. Mark Johnson of Arcstone, has resigned from chairing the Communication Committee but will continue to contribute on the committee as board liaison. Mr. Johnson has overseen the rapid growth in our magazine and of the CAI-MN website. Thank you to both Mark and Jon for all of your continuing contributions. Joe Crawford of Community Development has agreed to accept the Education Committee chair and Steve Hoogenakker of Taylormade Landscape Management will be the new Communication Committee chair. They both are long standing contributors and will bring new energy … Continued

Times are tough. Everyone is wants more for their money. It is good to ask ourselves, why we are worth our client’s next dollar. At CAI-MN, our first ever HOTT program had standing room only. Then only 2 weeks later, the CAI Happy Hour drew over 110 attendees. These are brand new events. Our long standing Managers Luncheons are averaging 80 attendees this year. I was asked by Debby Causton of SmartStreet, “Why is CAI-MN so alive and growing?” I was tempted to respond, “because it is very resilient and I haven’t been able to kill yet!” however since I had just met her, I wasn’t sure she would understand that to be a joke. I asked a few of our hardworking committee members why CAI is growing so much and here are their abbreviated responses. CAI is growing because: Mary Felix of Gassen Management responded, “There is a need … Continued

I would like to thank the committee members for all of their hard work. It is incredible to see the amount of growth taking place at CAI-MN. Jon Edin of Levin and Stein, and the Education Committee have continued to do an excellent job by continuing to grow the Managers Meetings, Vision Awards and the upcoming Vendor Appreciation event. The Golf Event was a huge success and all golf and sponsor spots will all be filled next year. The Legislative Action committee let by John Dorgan continues to be very active. Mark Johnson of Arcstone was excited to announce that the previous issue of Community Living was the largest ever in CAI’s history. One of the most exciting committees is the Membership committee. We reached out to Mike Laukka of Laukka Management to chair this committee and he has brought new energy and vision to the committee. They set lofty … Continued

Summers gone and here comes Fall: Wow, what a busy summer! I hope you made the most of it. CAI-MN had an incredible summer. We started with the Vision Awards in June which continues to grow in attendance, nominations and stature. Thank you to Melinda Johnson and Holly Johnson and the rest of the committee for all of your hard work on the evening. In July, we had a huge success with the Golf Tournament. We grew from 70 golfers to 112 and we sold sponsorships for every hole. We are confident that next year, we will sell out the entire tournament early. Tom Engblom, Tosh Tricas and the golf committee did a terrific job. Over the past 2 years, CAI-MN has had a committee looking into the licensing of property managers. The committee led by Alice Finley worked very hard and presented their findings to the board. The board … Continued

Published in Community Living Magazine Summer 2008 I would like to thank Sara Lassila, the former President, Paul Hanscom of Ewald and all of the volunteers of CAI for the tremendous work they do behind the scenes. The more I have become involved with CAI over the years, the more my respect and gratitude has grown for all that you have done and continue to do for CAI. Thank you! I was recently asked why I became involved in CAI, since I am not a property manager or a town home owner. I became involved because CAI brings together the experts in the industry to educate and work together for the mutual benefit of all parties. CAI represents and benefits board members, property managers, service professionals and homeowners. I am an attorney by training and am often asked, if I am able to represent my company in legal matters. I … Continued

Over the past few years CAI has grown in membership, educational advancement, and business opportunities. In 2009, CAI took a greater role in giving back to those in need. Based on suggestions from Mark Gittleman, CAI President and Mary Felix of Gassen Companies, Schoenfelder Painting spear headed an effort to start an annual tradition for members to give of their time to a worthwhile charity. After looking at options throughout the Twin Cities area, Feed My Starving Children was selected. Feed My Starving Children was chosen because it is a well run organization that not only distributes one of the necessities of life to those in need around the world, but also because of the hands on experience it provides those that volunteer together. To those unfamiliar with the process as a volunteer, it consists of 2 hours sessions that include measuring ingredients, packaging meals, and preparing the boxes to … Continued