Journal Notes—June 2014

by Terry McMurry, Editor / Published June 2014

The Communities of Excellence Conference and Awards Ceremony held May 2 at the Rosen Plaza Hotel in Orlando provided a wonderful time for all who attended. As always, the event was well planned and executed, and the attendees received first class hospitality. Beginning with the Managers of Excellence luncheon with an informative keynote address by Mark David Jones, Founder and President, Small World Alliance, Inc., the day also included “Ask the Experts Interactive Sessions, a reception with vendor exhibits and hors d’oeuvres, and the concluding awards banquet.

Each year, we are privileged to hear how communities are striving to make their associations much more than just a place to live. In condominiums and HOAs, there is the idea of community spirit that residents buy into along with their homes. It can be the most important asset a community owns. 

As each winning community accepted their award, it was clear that their success was the result of a group effort. They could not have accomplished their goals without the help of many in their respective communities. Managers, board members, and other resident volunteers all contributed to these associations’ winning efforts in each of the categories. 

 These testimonies reinforced my belief that when a community’s residents are willing to serve as board members or volunteers on committees, their association will become a better place to live. As we feature each winning community throughout the year, I hope their stories will inspire you to find ways to encourage your own association’s board members, residents, and management to begin projects that could enhance and improve your community.

We look forward to relating the innovative ideas and accomplishments of the finalist and winners throughout the year. We at FLCAJ want to express our deep gratitude to our readers for your commitment to excellence and for your support of these awards. 

I would also like to add a personal thank you to Susan Greene, Marketing Director of Becker & Poliakoff, and Alan Penchansky, Owner of the Penn Group, who work tirelessly to make this event one of excellence! We truly appreciate all of the hard work that went into this day of recognizing the achievements of the many communities that participated.

Editor