FCAP Community

Published October 2024

     Florida Community Association Professionals’ (FCAP) training is offered on two levels. Level one consists of courses meeting Florida’s continuing education requirements for CAMs, and level two is the Florida Advanced CAM Studies (FACS) course. For further information about the more than 38 online continuing education classes available or to pursue the Certified Florida Community Association Manager (CFCAM) designation, please visit www.fcapgroup.com/membership/education-training/.   

Betsy Barbieux

Because You Asked
By Betsy Barbieux, CAM, CFCAM, CMCA

Betsy,
     Can you tell me what are the changes for board member certification?
–  Sarah

Sarah,
     There are now three different requirements for each of the three types of communities!

Requirements for Condominium Association Board Members
     Within 90 days of being elected or appointed, a new director of a residential condominium shall (1) sign the certification form AND (2) complete a 4-hour educational curriculum. The educational course is provided by the division or a division-approved condominium education provider and must include instruction on milestone inspections, structural integrity reserve studies, elections, recordkeeping, financial literacy and transparency, levying of fines, and notice and meeting requirements. A director who was elected or appointed before July 1, 2024, must comply with the written certification and educational certificate requirements by June 30, 2025. The written certification and educational certificate are valid for seven years.

Requirements for Cooperative Board Members
     Within 90 days after being elected or appointed to the board, each new director shall (1) sign the certification form OR (2) submit a certificate of completion of educational curriculum administered by an education provider as approved by the division. The educational certificate is valid and does not have to be resubmitted as long as the director serves on the board without interruption. The certification form or educational certificate is to be maintained for five years.

Requirements for HOA Board Members
     Within 90 days after being elected or appointed to the board, each director must submit a certificate of completion of an educational curriculum administered by a department-approved education provider. The certificate of completion is valid for up to four years, and training must be repeated at least every four years. The training must include training relating to financial literacy and transparency, recordkeeping, levying of fines, and notice and meeting requirements.
     A director of an association that has fewer than 2,500 parcels must complete at least four hours of continuing education annually.
     A director of an association that has 2,500 parcels or more must complete at least eight hours of continuing education annually.
     The certificate of completion is retained for five years.
–  Betsy

Marcy L. Kravit

Community Impact: Choosing Philanthropy & Events as a Valued CAM Business Partner

By Marcy Kravit, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, CFCAM, CSM
Director of Community Association Relations, Hotwire Communications
FCAP Education Program Coordinator

     As the Director of Community Association Relations for Hotwire Communications, I have had the privilege of immersing myself in the vibrant world of networking and events. I’m grateful for the connections forged, the valuable networking opportunities, and the chance to engage with organizational leaders. And quite often, I’m asked about the importance of philanthropy and how to choose the right events.

     At Hotwire we’re known for giving back to the communities we serve. Personally, I live by the “pay it forward” philosophy, always striving to make a positive impact wherever I can. Whether it’s supporting local initiatives, volunteering time, or sponsoring community events, I believe in the power of giving back. It’s not just about business; it’s about creating meaningful connections and leaving a lasting, positive influence on those around us.

     Philanthropy and supporting community association organizations is more than just a goodwill gesture; it’s a cornerstone of building vibrant, connected, and resilient relationships and communities. For business partners in the community association management space, particularly those serving condominiums and homeowners’ associations, engaging in charitable activities is a way to make a positive impact while fostering stronger community ties. Let’s explore why philanthropy and sponsorships are essential in this environment and how to carefully choose the right events to truly make a
difference.

Why Philanthropy Matters in Community Association Management

Fostering Community Spirit

     Engaging in philanthropic activities helps create a sense of unity in the community and strengthens camaraderie. When service providers participate in or sponsor local community association events, they show a genuine investment in the well-being of the community. This builds trust and fosters a warm, welcoming environment where everyone feels valued.

Enhancing Your Reputation

     Being recognized as a community-focused business that values more than just profits is incredibly valuable. Engaging in philanthropy boosts your brand’s reputation, positioning you as a trusted partner for CAMs, management companies, condominiums, and HOAs that prioritize community well-being. A solid reputation for social responsibility can open doors to increased business opportunities and long-term partnerships.

Creating Networking Opportunities

     Philanthropic and sponsorship events provide excellent networking opportunities. These gatherings bring together association managers, board members, residents, and service providers. Building relationships in these settings can lead to future collaborations and deepen your ties within the community.

How to Choose the Right Events and Sponsorships

     Selecting the right philanthropic and community association sponsorship activities is crucial. Here’s how to ensure your efforts align with your business goals and the community association organization’s needs.

1. Align with Your Mission and Values
   Choose events and causes that resonate with your company’s mission and values. If sustainability is a core value, consider sponsoring green initiatives like health and wellness research organizations for disease-specific foundations, recycling programs, beach cleanups, or community gardens. Aligning with your values ensures authenticity and strengthens your brand’s message.
2. Understand Community Needs
   Take the time to understand what matters most to the community you serve. Engage with association boards and residents to identify pressing issues. This not only ensures your efforts are impactful but also shows your dedication to addressing local concerns.
3. Balance Brand Visibility and Impact
   Consider both the visibility and impact of potential events or sponsorships. High-visibility events, such as community association events, can provide significant exposure while smaller, targeted events might offer deeper engagement. Find a balance that works for your goals.
4. Budget Wisely
   Ensure your philanthropic sponsorship activities fit within your budget without straining your resources. Consider not only financial contributions but also in-kind donations and volunteer efforts. A well-planned budget ensures sustainable and effective contributions.
5. Commit for the Long Term
   Look for opportunities to engage in long-term partnerships rather than one-off events. Consistent involvement with CAI and similar organizations showcases a long-term investment in community well-being. This sustained commitment helps build lasting relationships and a solid reputation as a trusted community partner, which can result in ongoing business and collaborative opportunities.
6. Networking and Business Opportunities
   CAI events bring together a diverse group of professionals involved in community association management. Sponsors gain access to a network of association managers, board members, and other service providers. This exposure can lead to new business opportunities, collaborations, and partnerships that might not have been possible otherwise.
7. Measure Success
   Set criteria to measure the success of your philanthropic efforts. Whether it’s funds raised, participants engaged, or tangible benefits to the community, having clear metrics helps assess effectiveness and guide future decisions.

Examples of Impactful Philanthropic Sponsorship Activities

Community Clean-Up and Beautification

     Participate in or sponsor community clean-up and beautification projects. These efforts enhance the living environment and show your commitment to maintaining a beautiful, welcoming community.

Health and Wellness Initiatives

     Sponsor health and wellness events such as free health screenings, fitness classes, or mental health workshops. These initiatives address critical needs and promote overall well-being.

Holiday and Seasonal Events

     Support holiday events like toy drives, Thanksgiving meals, or food banks. These activities foster community spirit and provide opportunities for positive interactions with residents.

     Sponsoring events and activities organized by community association organizations like CAI offers numerous benefits. From building stronger community relationships and enhancing brand visibility to creating networking opportunities and demonstrating corporate social responsibility, these sponsorships provide significant value to business partners and service providers. By choosing to sponsor CAI and other local organization events, service providers can make a meaningful difference in the communities they serve while simultaneously advancing their own business goals.