Journal Notes—November 2017

by Michael Hamline, Editor/ Published November 2017

Welcome to the second Women of the Industry issue! Though many men and women have provided important contributions to the community association industry, this November issue will highlight and give attention to just a few of the many women who have contributed so much to the community association industry in Florida. Our profiles, which start on page 6, consist of community association managers, attorneys, management company owners, business owners, educators, and bankers to name a few of the professions represented within this industry. Many of these ladies have juggled careers along with being wives and mothers and have organized their schedules to meet the schedules of their children, parents, and spouses.  As you read this issue and thumb the pages that are before you, please help us say thank you and pay tribute to not only these women, but all ladies who give back so much of themselves for the good of the community association industry.    

When Hurricane Irma hit the Florida Keys as a Category 4 storm, it made history by being the second major hurricane to make landfall in the U.S. in the same year. Hurricane Harvey was the other hurricane that was as strong. Irma served as a potent remainder that Floridians need to remain prepared and maintain their community associations in a state of readiness to weather hurricanes. With that in view, several advertising partners share lessons to be learned in the aftermath of a hurricane, which you can read on page 30.

Finally, don’t miss the Legal Corner starting on page 52 with the article by Donna Berger of Becker & Poliakoff concerning the need for boards of directors to have a code of conduct, David Haber and Jonathan Goldstein of Haber Slade write about important steps to take after a natural disaster loss, and Michael Gelfand calls our attention to estoppel certificates and legal liability issues that arise from knowingly serving alcohol to a known drunk.

There’s lots to read and chew on in this month’s issue. FLCAJ also wishes you a Happy Thanksgiving and hopes you have a wonderful time with family and friends.

Editor