Board Education

Sentry Management Communities College Newsletter ArchivesWelcome to Communities College, Sentry Management’s curated library of board member resources. These training and educational documents have been custom-created by Sentry’s Learning and Development team exclusively for board members of Sentry-managed communities. Select a topic to browse articles by subject.


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Board Member Basics

Board Planning

Annual Community Calendars – A Strong Start to a New Year!
Yearly Tasks, Association Calendar, Administrative Tasks
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Board Project Management
Board Challenges, Board Tasks, Project Management
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Preparing the Board for Success
Board Education, Board Planning, Board Success
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Signs of a Healthy Association
Associations, Community, Board Education
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Strategic Planning: Preparing the Association Road Map
Planning, Board Tips, Goals, Objectives
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Why is a Strategic Plan Important to Your Association?
Board Planning, Implementing Plans, Actionable Items
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Current Board Member Guidance

6 Tips for Finding Board Members
Board Evaluation, Board Improvement, Committee Members
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Common Pitfalls of Inexperienced Board Members
Board Members, Common Board Issues, Association Documents, Declaration, Articles, By-laws
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Do Your Homework Before Starting the Bid Process
Bidding Process, Community Project, Vendors
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Operational Transparency… Let the Members See
Transparent Association, Board Responsibilities, Regulations, Board Communication, Posting Minutes
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Tips for Effective Boards
Financial Statements, Routine Operations, Annual Budget
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Traits of Great Board Members
Board Members, Great Meetings, Board Education
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Unexpected Board Member Resignations
Board Resignations, Board Vacancies, Expiring Terms, Early Resignations, Annual Orientation, Board Stability
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New Board Member Guidance

Common Issues Faced by New Board Members
New Board Members, On Boarding Issues, Board Members, Board Education
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Congratulations! You’ve been elected to the Board of Directors. Now what?
Board Roles, New Board Member, Fiduciary Responsibility, Committees
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Duties and Responsibilities of a Board Member
Board Member Responsibilities, Board Member Roles, Elected Board Member, Officer of the Association
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How Boards Get in Trouble
Board Members, Fiduciary Duty, Board of Directors, Legal Responsibility
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New Board Members? Set the Stage for Success!
Communication, New Board Members, Onboarding
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On Boarding a New Board Member
New Board Member, Board Introduction, Board Education
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Welcoming New Board Members
New Member Education, Board Education, Board Certification, Board Member Orientation, Board Training
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What is a Board Member’s Fiduciary Responsibility and What Does It Mean?
Board members, Fiduciary, Board management, Board member duties, Board responsibilities
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What is the Fiduciary Responsibility of a Board member?
Fiduciary Duty, Board of Directors, Effective Business Management, Good Management Practices
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Terminology For New Board Members

Association Terminology
Bylaws, Rules and Regulations, Articles, Charter, Terminology, Quorum, Board Members, Board Tips
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Board Member Eligibility
Registered Agent, Board Member Eligibility, Board Member Removal, Performance of Duties, D&O Insurance
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Fiduciary Responsibility
Fiduciary, Duties, Law of Fiduciary, Funding Reserves, Financial
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The Language of an Association
Association Vocabulary, New Board Members, Common Terms, Education
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Understanding The Association

Core Values
Core Values, Board Education, Board Planning
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Dynamics of a Board
Board Members, Board Book, Meeting Productivity, Policy and Procedures
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Expectations – The Foundations for Success
Expectations, Board Education, Board Planning
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Financial Statement Explained
Financial Statement, Assessments, Accounting, Financial
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Homeowners Associations: The Concept
Homeowner Association, Condominium Associations, Association Board Meetings, Community Regulations
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Property Manager vs Community Manager – Is There a Difference?
Property Manager, Community Manager, Community Management, Board Education
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Roles of the Board and Sentry: A Guide to Collaborative Community Management
Board Role, Board Member Responsibilities, Tips, Management Company Roles
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The Relationship Between the Board and Management
Board Management, Community Management, Board Education
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Community Safety

Community Safety -Neighborhood Watch
Community Safety, Home Security, Neighborhood Watch Program, General Liability Policy
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Halloween Safety Tips
Association Preparation, Tips for Residents, Tips for Motorists
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Safety and Security in Your Community and Home
Community Safety, Home Security, Association Security, Crime Watch, Community Events
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Safety in the Community
Community Safety, Association Safety, Safety
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Winter Hazards and Association Safety
Winter, Weather, Safety
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Winter Hazards and Safety
Winter, Winter Safety, Community Safety
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Emergency Preparedness

Community Disaster Planning Guide
Disaster Planning, Disaster Preparedness, Emergency, Emergency Planning
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Disaster Planning Guide Template
Disaster Planning, Disaster Preparedness, Template
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Disaster Preparedness… Proactive not Reactive
Disaster Preparedness, Rules and Regulations, Ethical Responsibility, Emergency Services, Emergency Plan, Hurricane, Tornado
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It’s Coming… Hurricane Season Preparation Starts
Hurricane Preparation, Community Insurance Coverage, Insurance Policy
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Financials & Budgeting

Banking & Financial Planning

Banking Interest Rates
Banking, Interest Rates, Financials, Budgeting
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Fed Rate Cuts: What Your Association Should Consider
Fed Rate Cuts, Investment, Policies, Finances, Policy
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Fostering Community Cohesive Amid Rising Rental Trends
Rentals, Investors, Communication Tips
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Future Capital Replacement Items
Capital, Budgeting Process, Reserves, Future Capital Replacement, Savings Plan
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Impact of Inflation
Inflation, Financial Planning, Board Budgeting
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Regrouping, Planning and Communicating
Board Planning, Financial, Annuals, Financial Planning
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Securing Financing for Association Projects
Financing, Budgeting, Association Projects, Community Planning, Budget Plans
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Selecting a Banking Partner
Banking, Association Banking, Banking Partner, Financial Planning
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Steps to Maintaining a Healthy Financial Statement
Financial Statement, Annual Budget, Budget deviations, Maintenance Schedule, Financial Accuracy, Line of Credit
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Budget Preparations

Budget Considerations for Board Members
Budgeting, Budgets, Budget Season, Reserve, Funds
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Budget Preparation and Completion
Budget Prep, Budgeting, Board Budget, Financial Planning
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Budgeting… and the Bottom Line
Budget, budgeting, condominium, expenses, reserves, reserve study, assessments, financials, cash flow, Financial
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Positive Revisions – FHA Approvals
Condominium Guidelines, Federal Housing Administration, FHA, Mortgage
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Budgeting Season

Budget Season Success: Leading with Purpose and Preparation
Budgeting, Budget Season, Budgeting Best Practices, Budget Tips
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Budgeting Season
Budgeting, Financial Planning, Community Budget
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Final Budget Review: Key Steps Before Approval
Budgets, Budgeting, Budget Season
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Navigating Budget Season: Key Dates, Roles, and Planning Tips
Budget Season, Budgeting Season, Financials
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Tips for a Successful Budget Season
Budgeting Season, Budgets, Financial Planning, Association Budget
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Top Ten Tips for a Successful Annual Budget
Budget Season, Wish Lists, Reverse Budgeting, Reserves
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Collections

Collections: Mortgage Foreclosure
Collections, Mortgage foreclosure, Mortgage company, Collection strategy, Status of collections, financial
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Collections: The Policy, the Process, the Options
Collections policy, Collections process, Fiduciary duty, Board of directors, Financial responsibility, Unpaid assessments
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Credit Reporting and Association Delinquencies
Delinquencies, Insurance, Building Maintenance, Collection Policy, Financial
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Reserves

Adequate Reserves are a Good Operating Practice
Reserves Fund, Operating practice, Major Maintenance, Resale Value, Financial Reserves
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An Unanticipated Expense- Can it be Covered by Reserve Funds? Take the Test!
Reserve Study, Financial Analysis, Association Assets, Common Area Maintenance
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Association Reserves
Association Reserves, Capital Items, Maintenance Costs, Budgeting, Special Assessment, Financial
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Funding Reserves and What Happens When You Don’t
Board Responsibility, Funding Options, Special Assessments
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Reserves… What are they Really for?
Reserve Study, Reserve Components, Extended Life Components, Reserve Funding Plan
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Special Assessments

Association Special Assessments
Special Assessments, Budget, Resolution, Installment Payments, Multiple Special Assessments
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Special Assessments – Why, What, and How
Special Assessments, Homeowner Finances, Financial Planning, Budgeting, Budgeting Season
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Great Meetings

Are You Making the Most of Your Board Meeting Time?
Effective Board Meeting, Association Operation, Preparation and Planning
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Board Meetings: Designated Voter
Voter, Ballot, Election Voting, Proposed Amendment, Designated Voter, Annual Meeting
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Electronic Voting for Condominium and Homeowner Associations
Electronic Voting, Quorum, Voting Solutions, Electronic Voting Documents
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Keys to Effective Board Meetings – Tips to Manage Time and Expectations
Board Meetings, Time Management, Organization Tips, Agenda
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Voting Methods
Ballot, Voting Process, Annual Meeting, Designated Voter Certificate, Adjournment
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Annual & Monthly Meetings

Annual Meeting- What is a Proxy?
Annual Meeting, Special Meeting, Quorum, Proxy Type, Quorum Requirement, Limited Proxy, Directed Proxy
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Board Meetings- Code of Ethics
Code of Ethics, CAI, Board Member Ethics, Conflict Resolution, Board Meetings
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Board Voting- Are Email Decisions a Valid Vote?
Voting, Board Meetings, Motions, Majority Vote, Official Records
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Quorum— Make It or Do Over
Quorum, Condominium Documents, Board Members, Board Attendance
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Robert’s Rules

Agendas and Motions… Parliamentary Procedure/Robert’s Rules
Roberts Rules, Parliamentary Procedure, Agendas and Motions, Call to Order, Special Committees
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Improve Meeting Effectiveness with Robert’s Rules of Order
Meeting Preparation, Quorum, Discussion Topics, Motions
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Minutes of Your Meetings: Roberts Rules
Adjournment, Meeting Minutes, Roberts Rules, Motions, Form of the Minutes, Board Meeting
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Parliamentary Procedure- Robert’s Rules
Motions, Proposal, Parliamentary Procedure, Amendments, Roberts Rules
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Homeowner Relations & Communication

Building Community Engagement

Building Community Relationships Through Good Rules Enforcement
Community Relations, Relations, Rule Enforcement, Building Community
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Homeowner Support for Special Assessments
Special Assessment, Community Relations, Resident Support, Homeowner Satisfaction
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Homeowners and Board Members
Community Leaders, Homeowner Responsibilities, Fiduciary Duties, Community Association Institute, CAI
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Summer Activities
Community Events, Event Planning, Outdoor Activities
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Summer Time Activities
Summer, Community Activities, Community Relations
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What is a New Homeowner’s First Impression of Your Community?
Community impression, Closing Department, Welcome book, Neighbors, Board Board Meetings
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Committee Guidance

Committee Work: Cultivating Volunteers
Volunteer, Board Members, Committee work, Delegation, Board recruiting
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Committees of the Association
Committee volunteers, Board duties, Committee appointments, Committee reports, Committee work, volunteers, Board member responsibilities
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Improve Your Board’s Productivity Through the Use of Committees
Charter, Ad Hoc, Standing, Productivity
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Lifestyle Committees
Lifestyle, Board Committee, Homeowner Lifestyle
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Principles for Community Leaders
Community Leaders, CAI, Board of Directors, Code of Ethics, Election Process
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The Importance of Community Volunteers
Committee Members, Reasons to Volunteer, Community Goals, Volunteer Support
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To Committee or Not to Committee… That is the Question!
Committee Volunteers, Committee Appointments, Committee Board Meetings, Committee Reports, Volunteer
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Volunteer or Indentured Board Member
Board Members, Board Communication, Homeowners Associations, Board Acknowledgements, Volunteer
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Volunteers in Community Association Life
Volunteers, Committee Members, Association Volunteers, Fufillment, Board Recognition
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Communication Strategies

Association Communication – A Community Necessity
Community Associations, Association Communication, Community Information
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Communicating to a Diverse Group of Homeowners
Social Media, Newsletter, Technology, Communication Tips
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Dollars and Sense: Communicating Financial Decisions with Homeowners
Financials, Budgeting, Reserves, Communication
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Education and Communicating with Homeowners Makes the Board’s Job Easier
Homeowner Communication, Violations Process, Fostering Neighborliness
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Smart Strategies for Social Media Use in Associations
Social Media, Community Relations, Communication, Communication Strategies, Association Communication
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Conflict Resolution

Balancing Fiduciary Responsibility with Neighborly Compassion
Fiduciary Responsibility, Governing Documents, Board Guidance
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Neighborly Resolution or Covenant Enforcement… Is There a Middle Ground?
Association Board, Covenant Enforcement, Neighborly Resolutions, Declarations, Policy Enforcements
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What Boards Need to Know About Neighbor-to-Neighbor Harassment
Prevention, Discrimination, Association Involvement
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Homeowners’ Rights & Responsibilities

Homeowner and Board Members Rights and Responsibilities
Homeowner Rights, Homeowner Responsibilities, Community Associations Institute
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Homeowner’s Rights and Responsibilities
Homeowner Rights, Homeowner Responsibilities, CAI Presidents Club, Property Maintenance, Association Assessments, Tenants
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Homeowners and Board Members Rights and Responsibilities
Homeowner Rights, Homeowner Responsibilities, CAI, Governing Documents, Rules and Regulations
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Insurance

Appraisals

Does Your Community Need an Insurance Appraisal?
Replacement Cost Analysis, Insurance Appraisal, Fiduciary Duty
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Insuring Community Associations: The Broker Advantage
Insurance, Insurance Policies, Insurance Broker, Community Insurance, Insurance Brokers
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Professional Public Adjusters
Public Adjusters, Florida, Hurricanes, Claim Adjuster, Insurance claims
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Coverage

Flood vs. Water Damage: What Type of Coverage Do You Have?
Flood, Water damage, Flood insurance, Insurance policy, Commercial property policy, Homeowners policy, Insurance, Emergency
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Insurance… What Does It Cover and Do You Have Enough?
Coinsurance, Property Insurance, General Liability Coverage, Flood coverage
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Why is it Important to your Association for a Vendor/Contractor to Carry Worker’s Compensation and Commercial General Liability Insurance?
Worker's Compensation, General Liability Insurance, Association Liability, CGL Limits
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Worker’s Comp Insurance: Why it is Important to Your Association
Fiduciary, Contractors, Worker's Comp, Commercial General Liability, Insurance Coverage
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Policies & Premiums

Before You File: What Associations Should Know About Insurance Claims in 2025
Insurance Claims, Filing, Insurance Filings, Claims Process
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Contract Tips for Board Members
Board Member Tips, Contracts, Legal, Insurance
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Key Insurance Policies
Insurance, Insurance Policies, Community Insurance, Homeowner Insurance
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Rising Insurance Rates
Insurance Rates, Insurance, Insurance Premiums, Insurance Policy, Community Insurance, Homeowner Insurance
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The Impact of Changing Market Conditions on Community Association Insurance
Insurance, Community Insurance, Market Conditions
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Vendor Insurance: Best Practices for Hiring Service Providers and Protecting Association Interests
Vendor Insurance, Workers Comp, CGL, Association Liability
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Your Condo Insurance Policy – It’s Not Just About Price – It’s Also About Protection
Additional Living Expenses, Condo Insurance Policy, Master Condo
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Maintenance & Vendor Management

Conservation

Conserve Your Water, Reduce Your Utility Bill
Native Plants, Drought Resistant, Irrigation, Eliminating Leaks
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Energy Conservation – Saving the Association Money
Energy Conservation, Association Utility Bill, Utility Usage, Utility Audit, Going Green, Bills, Money Saving
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Going Green… Pond Management
Community Management, Storm Water Management, Preventative Maintenance, Common Areas
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Making a Splash: Tips for a Successful Pool Season
Pool, Maintenance, Summer Maintenance
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Maintenance & Projects

7 Tips for Fostering Successful Vendor Relationships
Vendor Relationships, Vendor, Community Management, Community Maintenance
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Building Maintenance: Mold Remediation
Mold remediation, Building maintenance, Ventilation, Mold assessment
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Cold Weather -Winter Projects
Seasonal Maintenance, Community Projects, Preventitive Maintenance, Project Planning
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Community Maintenance: Tips on Painting Your Community
Community Maintenance, Paint Project, Paint Blistering
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Don’t Do It- Don’t Start Work with a Vendor Without a Signed Contract in Place
Vendor Contracts, Insured Contractors, Attorney Review
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Keys to Selecting the Proper Roof
Roofing, Warranty, Capital Item, Roofing Material, Roofing Contractors
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Retention Ponds
Community Maintenance, Retention Ponds, Preventative Maintenance
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Roofs, Painting, and Roads…Oh My! Tips for Planning Major Projects
Planning, Budgeting, Projects, Funding
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The Matrix – Maintenance Responsibility
Maintenance, Community Maintenance, Common Areas
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Preventative Maintenance

Building Value by Preventive Maintenance
Landscaping, Building components, Component list, Maintenance, committee, Insurance agent
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Prepare for Winter – Batten Down the Hatches
Preparation, Landscaping, Grass Aeration
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Preventative Maintenance
Preventative Maintenance, CommunityPro, Maintenance, Community Maintenance
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Preventative Maintenance: Common Areas
Maintenance, Annual Maintenance, Inspection, Common Areas, Energy Efficiency
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Preventive Maintenance: Annual Maintenance Review
Annual Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, Review, Roofs
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Preventive Maintenance: Capital Improvements
Maintenance, Action Items, Capital Improvements, Job Bidding, Contract
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Rules, Regulations & Procedures

Governing Documents

Amending Governing Documents
Governing Documents, Documents, Board Documents
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Basics of Association Governing Documents
Governing Documents, Documents, Association Documents
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Policies & Statutes

Documents, Statutes, and Laws… Which One Takes Priority?
Documents, Federal Law, Bylaws, Master Deed, Property Status, Board Member Tips
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Policies and Procedures: Help, Not a Hindrance
Vandalism, Community Watch Committee, Community Safety, Policies and Procedures
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Policies and Procedures: Notice of Commencement
Policies, Obligations, Procedures, Notice of Commencement, Operating Process, Covenant Enforcement
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Short Term Rentals
Rentals, Community Policy, Short Term Rentals
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The Importance of a Written Collection Policy for Your Association
Collections, Delinquent Members, Delinquency Schedule, Intent to Lien, Reminder Statement
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What is an Operational Policy and How Does It Benefit the Operation of Your Association?
Operational Policy, Association Operation, Operational Process, Board Member Tips
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Rules & Regulations

Adopt Operational Policies to Avoid Surprises
Operational Policy, Association Operation, Policy, Covenant Enforcement, Board Operations
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Board Policies: Collections and Covenants
Board, policies, procedures, collections, covenant enforcement, guidelines, Not For Profit, Board Member Tips
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Board Resolutions – What Do They Do?
Board Resolutions, Formal Statements, Association Policies, Covenant Enforcement
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Compliant Rules and Regulations
Rules, Regulations, Compliant, Phantom Rules, Governing Documents, Declaration, Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions
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Resolutions for Your Community
Community resolutions, Meeting planning, Community social events, Emergency preparation, Board resolutions, Board planning
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