The May Issue Includes:
- Ding Dong! Association Calling!
- And the Winner Is . . .
- Submit a Kudo
- Flat Rate Package - Annual Legal Packages
- May Free Webinar Spotlight
- Upcoming 2021 Webinars
- CM On Demand Webinars
- Affidavit Request
- New CM On Demand Webinar
- Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn
- CM YouTube Videos
- About CM Update
- Our Sponsors
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Disclaimer: Formatting and images may appear differently
on your device based on the device settings.
When replying with a question or a statement, please include your full name and legal name of your Association, if you are a Board or Committee Member and/or Resident, and if you are a manager, your name, name of the your Management Company or if you are an independent manager, the name of the Association you manage. No acronyms, please unless your legal name is an acronym, This will expedite our reply to you as our database is by Association or Management Company.
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Ding Dong! Association Calling!
Starting a new resident off in your community may be one of the most important tasks you do as a Board Member. If a resident is welcomed into the community and in a warm, friendly manner advised of their responsibilities as a member of a deed restricted community, it can pay off in dividends to the community. They can be a friendly resident and supportive of the Association’s rules and regulations and a productive, involved resident. Or they can become one of your worst nightmares.
To make a positive impression on your new residents, consider forming a Welcoming Committee. It will be one of the most important committees your Association can establish. The Welcoming Committee may very well be the very first person to establish contact with new owners. They can make or break the new resident’s relationship with the Association. We would suggest one Board Member either head up the Committee or serve on it and report back to the Board of Directors. The Association should then put together a “Welcome to Neighborhood” package (approved by the Board). We suggest that the package consist of the following items (depending upon your neighborhood):
- The Association’s Governing Documents (Declaration, Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, Rules and Regulations, Architectural Guidelines, or any other pertinent documents including any amendments to the these Documents.)
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- A listing of local schools, churches, utilities, doctors, hospitals, urgent care center, veterinarians, and kennels.
- The Board of Directors’ contact information;
- Your manager’s (if you have one) contact information and perhaps some information about the management company and/or manager.
- Consider obtaining coupons and/or information from local businesses such as a dry cleaner, lawn maintenance companies, hair salons, spa, and fitness centers. You might even be able to persuade the vendor to pay a small fee to be part of this package.
- Copies of your Association’s newsletters. If you have a digital newsletter, run a copy off to put in this package and then you can request their email address to receive the newsletter.
- Information about your Facebook page (if you have one);
- Your website (if you have one). Include what type of information to find on it.
- A schedule of the Board or Members Meetings so your new resident can attend.
- A short form to determine if they would like to serve on a committee or in the future, the Board of Directors.
Once the Board and/or Committee learn of a sale of a residence, you should call the Realtor and ask for the new owner’s name and move in date. Contact the owner and set up an appointment to come by and visit for fifteen to thirty-minutes. Perhaps, you could offer a virtual meeting via Zoom or GoToMeeting if the owner and/or the designated person welcoming on behalf of the Association is concerned about COVID-19.
When you arrive at the new resident’s home, consider bringing a basket of fresh homemade muffins or cookies or loose flowers with the Welcoming Package. This creates a more friendly and inviting visit. You might even have a resident who sells products such as Mary Kay cosmetics, candles, soap, etc. and would provide you some samples to add to the basket with their contact information. If you are having this welcome meeting virtually you could drop the basket off just before the meeting.
After the Welcoming Committee has visited with the new owners, follow up with the committee person to see what transpired. Perhaps the owner wanted to become involved with the association, and you could contact them and get them involved. Every Association needs more positive resident involvement.
Make the association’s first contact with a new member a positive one. Some Associations unfortunately get off on the wrong foot by having their first contact with new members be one of a confrontational nature (i.e., a covenant violation). If there is a breach of the Association’s documents, follow up with the new members on that issue after the Welcoming Committee has made their visit. Don’t ask the Welcoming Committee to be the “bad guys.” You always want the door to be opened wide for them.
First impressions count! We all know this. So, make the Association’s first impression with the new member a positive one by establishing a friendly and informative Welcoming Committee.
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Congratulations to . . .
Valerie Marble of Mayfair Club
Valerie attended our "Bad Board Members: What 'Ya Gonna Do When They Come For You?" and timely submitted a Survey evaluating the class. She has won a gift card which is coming to her through the mail.
Each month, we will randomly pick one person who attended our "elective class" webinars (not a Board Certification class) and submitted a timely survey on one of the classes we hosted. The winner will be announced in the next month's CM Update.
Make sure you attend our Mini Legal Update in June and timely submit a Survey and be eligible to win a door prize! Each month, June, August - October, we will pull one random winner from the surveys submitted.
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Everyone is touched when they receive kind words about their actions. Our firm is no exception. Clients have asked us over the years "is there some place that they can submit a compliment that would get to the right person and also give them some internal recognition?" To that end, we created a "Kudos" page on our website to provide people an opportunity to recognize members of the firm.
Did one of our attorneys or staff go above and beyond to help you?
- Has one of our attorneys or staff members gone above and beyond on your behalf?
- Did you receive a great result in a case as a result of our attorneys and paralegals expertise?
- Did someone in our Billing Department provide more information on an invoice?
- Was our Client Services Department helpful in handling a non-legal matter for you?
- Did our receptionist brighten your day with her greeting?
- Or maybe you had a positive experience with our webinars or other complimentary services, such as referrals or assistance after hours?
- Perhaps you would like to share with the firm your appreciation of our representation of your Association or a particular case?
Our staff will be recognized internally at our monthly meetings or a firm email with your kind words.
If you would like to submit a "Kudo" to be shared with that staff member or attorney, you may do so by selecting the button below. Your kind words are not automatically published in our newsletter or Facebook page unless you specifically authorize same.
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Save on Legal Fees All Year Long
with our Annual Legal Packages!
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Does your Association like to save money? Of course, you do! What Association doesn't want to save money? CM offers twelve Annual Legal Packages for our clients to select from. Our Annual Legal Packages offer different levels of discounted legal services to meet your Association's legal needs. These packages feature discounted attorney hourly rates for consultation services. Annual Legal Packages are paid in advance of services being requested and run for 12 months beginning with the date we receive your payment. This program is structured for the legal services to be utilized during this 12 month period. Unused hours may not be carried over to a later time.
If you are a client and would like more information on our Annual Legal Packages, please call our Coordinator of Client Services, David Batan.
If you are not currently a client and would like more information, please call our Director of Public Relations, Arlene Ring. Arlene is available 24/7 at (407) 875-4429.
So don't give it another thought! After all, it is a win-win for your Association!
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Our Upcoming
MAY
Webinars!
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What?!! We Can Be Sued
Because of Our Website?
Thursday, May 20th
6:00 - 8:15 p.m.
Door Prize Awarded
Essential Class for EVERY
Board Member and Manager!
DID YOU KNOW WEBSITES ARE
REQUIRED FOR CONDOS?
Did you know that you can be sued because of your website? What should or should not be on your website? How can you improve your website? Learn about the legalities of Community Association websites, what should be (or should not be) on your website, and design tips. Our Attorney will cover the legal aspect while our Guest Speaker will provide you with information on ways to maximize your website to assist in the operation of your Association.
Featuring Partner, Alan Schwartzseid
and Guest Industry Expert,
Joshua Adams of Rock Paper Simple
Registration Deadline: 3:00 p.m.,
Wednesday, May 19th
Related Classes You Might Be Interested In
Another class that relates to this class that you might be interested in is "Are You On the Eve of Destruction: Effective and Destructive Posts for Associations." Please scroll down for more information on this class and/or to make a reservation.
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Mini Legal Update for Board Members
(and Managers, Too)
Thursday, June 24th
6:00 - 8:15 p.m.
Door Prize Awarded
Community Associations live and die by laws passed (or sometimes not passed) by the Florida Legislature. In this class, our Attorney will discuss the new laws affecting Community Associations and what may be coming down the pike. We are honored to have State Representative Anna Eskamani with us to cover key points of legislation from the recent Legislative Session as well as take your questions. Don’t miss this important class.
Special Note: While managers are welcome to attend this event, this class is not the legal update class required for the CAM license.
Featuring Senior Partner, Ken Clayton,
and State Representative, Anna Eskamani
Registration Deadline: 3:00 p.m.
Tuesday, June 22nd
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2021 Live Question & Answer Session for Condominiums and Cooperatives
Thursday, August 19th
6:00 - 7:45 p.m.
Door Prizes Awarded
This class was created for those individuals who took our CM On Demand Condominium and Cooperative Board Certification Class. There is no subject matter taught at this event - just pure Question & Answers. As the CM On Demand class was pre-recorded there was not a Q&A session included in the class, this class meets that need!
Those individuals who took one of our live Condominium and Cooperative Board Certification Webinars are also welcome to join this class. Attended another company's Board Certification Class? No problem! You are still welcome to attend and listen but cannot ask questions. BUT in listening to others' questions, you might get your questions answered! This is a common scenario.
This class is for those Associations governed by Florida Statutes 718 and 719 only. Please check your Association’s Governing Documents to ensure that you are governed by one of these Statutes before making a reservation as we would not want you to discover that you took the wrong class.
Speaker(s) to be announced
Registration Deadline: 3:00 p.m.
Tuesday, August 17th
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Are You On the Eve of Destruction?
Effective and Destructive
Posts on Social Media
Thursday, August 26th
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Door Prize Awarded
Social media is a very effective method to keep residents advised of important events and operations of community associations. It can be a blessing and a curse for Community Associations. You can post something that you feel is great, but then comes the backlash! Wording a post the wrong way can result in bad press for your Association and even possibly, litigation. So how can you maneuver these tricky waters and make social media work for your Association and avoid the pitfalls? Our goal is to help you hit a home run and avoid a blow out for your Association.
Our attorney will discuss the legal pitfalls of social media and Shelby Rogers of the Marketing Firm, On Target, will discuss how to turn social media into a bonanza for your Associations and what not to do.
Featured Speakers: Partner, Alan Schwartzseid and Shelby Rogers of OnTarget
Registration Deadline: 3:00 p.m.
Tuesday, August 24th
Related Classes You Might Be Interested In
Another class that relates to this class that you might be interested in is "What?!! We Can Be Sued Because of Our Website?" Please scroll up for more information on this class and/or to make a reservation.
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2021 Live Question & Answer Session for
Mobile Home Parks
Thursday, September 23rd
6:00 - 7:45 p.m.
Door Prize Awarded
This class was created for those individuals who took our CM On Demand Mobile Home Park Board Certification Class. There is no subject matter taught - just pure Question & Answers. As the CM On Demand class was pre-recorded there was not a Q&A session included, this class meets that need!
Attended another company's Board Certification Class? No problem! You are still welcome to attend and listen but cannot ask questions. BUT in listening to others' questions, you might get your questions answered! This is a common scenario.
This class is for those Associations governed by Florida Statute 723. Please check your Association’s Governing Documents to ensure that you are governed by this Statute before making a reservation as we would not want you to discover that you took the wrong class.
Featuring Partner, Russ Klemm
Registration Deadline: 3:00 p.m.,
Tuesday, September 21st
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Who Does What?
Officers' Duties Breakdown
Thursday, September 30th
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Door Prize Awarded
Think you know what responsibilities each Board Member has? What does the Vice President do? This class will cover the responsibilities of officers on the Board and a few that you may have overlooked and/or had not considered. We will also cover items that every Board Member should know about their Association. Our mission is to maximize the efficiency of your Board by attending this class. This class is taught by Arlene Ring. Partner, Alan Schwartzseid will be available to answer legal questions.
Featuring our Director of Public Relations,
Arlene Ring, and
Partner, Alan Schwartzseid
Registration Deadline: 3:00 p.m.,
Tuesday, September 28th
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2021 Live Question & Answer Session for Homeowner Associations
Thursday, October 14th
6:00 - 7:40 p.m.
Door Prize Awarded
This class was created for those individuals who took one of our CM On Demand Homeowner Board Certification Classes. There is no subject matter taught - just pure Question & Answers. As the CM On Demand class was pre-recorded there was not a Q&A session, this class meets that need!
Those individuals who took one of our live Homeowner Board Certification Webinars are also welcome to join this class. Attended another company's Board Certification Class? No problem! You are still welcome to attend and listen but cannot ask questions. BUT in listening to others' questions, you might get your questions answered! This is a common scenario.
This class is for those Associations governed by Florida Statute 720. Please check your Association’s Governing Documents to ensure that you are governed by this Statute before making a reservation as we would not want you to discover that you took the wrong class.
Featuring Partner, Alan Schwartzseid
Registration Deadline: 3:00 p.m.,
Tuesday, October 12th
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Coyotes, Bears, & Toads - Oh My!
Thursday, October 28th
6:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Door Prize Awarded
Florida is being over-run with several invasive and nuisance animals:
- Coyotes are running rampart killing pets;
- Bears are entering our communities with no fear;
- Poisonous cane toads are encroaching on Central Florida with fatal results for our pets;
- Irresponsible pet owners allow their dogs to run free to possibly attack your residents and other pets.
This class is based on one of the most talked about subjects on social media - especially on Nextdoor. This class will deal with the nuisance animal population that is increasing and affecting residents of communities. What steps, if any, can an Association take to deal with these nuisance animals? The objective of this class will help you identify the problem and suggest possible solutions to this growing area of concern. This class was one of most requested classes from Board Members over the past two years. Our Attorney and two Guest Speakers will host this class.
Featuring Senior Partner, Ken Clayton
and Guest Speakers
Leo Cross of Florida Wildlife Trappers, and
Lauren Barth from Florida Wildlife Commission
Registration Deadline: 3:00 p.m.,
Tuesday, October 26th
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CM On Demand
Board Certification Classes
Just got elected to the Board within ninety (90) days? You need to be certified! Take the class at your discretion. Take the class at 2:00 a.m. on a Saturday or whenever your heart desires. BUT you must view the class in one sitting.
Some points to remember:
- Please don’t sign up for the class unless you have put aside 2 – 2 ½ hours to view the Board Certification Class within twenty-one (21) calendar days of making the reservation.
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Do not share any of these links. This is an automated system and if you share it with someone else, they will not receive credit. Each person must complete the reservation form themselves. If you want to take more than one class (e.g., the HOA and the Condo class), complete two separate forms putting the Association’s name that you are signing up to receive certification for.
- If we do not receive a survey within twenty-four hours of your completion of the class (be honest as the webinar software is a tattle tale and will let us know if you are naughty), we regret that we cannot provide your certification.
- The following time frames are to be allowed to receive your Certification = if you successfully completed the class within 21 days of making the reservation, watching the entire class - including Q&A and the conclusion, and submitting a Survey within 24 hours of the end of the class.
December - April - up to 32 business days or less
April - November up to 21 business days or less
For the most part, this is an automated system. Please read the website reservation form and your Confirmation and Instructions email in depth as it will expedite receiving your Certificate.
Please review your website Reservation form before hitting the "Submit" button as errors will prohibit it from going through. Wait up to three minutes to see the receipt banner which is the confirmation it went through.
So, pop the popcorn, pour your favorite beverage, grab your pen and pad, settle in your easy chair, and view this class on your computer, smart phone, or tablet!
To find our new CM On Demand classes, click on the button below. Then simply select which class you want to take. Upon completing a short registration form, you will receive an instructional email with the link to the class and instructions on how to receive your Certificate of Attendance.
Another personalized service from Clayton & McCulloh, the firm that Embraces Community. Shouldn't your Association have a law firm that puts you first?
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Don't Want to Take the
Certification Class?
If you prefer not to take the certification class, please use the button below to request an Affidavit "opting out" of taking the class.
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New CM On Demand Webinar
Now Available
Did you miss Paradigm Broadband Group's "The T's of Telecommunications for Communities" webinar originally hosted live on March 18th? If you did, now is your chance to view this informative class on what your Association should look for when considering community wide options for internet, "cable," and phone service.
Did you know that you can negotiate better prices for your community on phone service, internet, and "cable" television? There is a whole new world of opportunities for great discounts and state of the art services that you can't get when trying to provide these services individually for each home or unit. This class has the answers while offering significant savings. Now's your chance. Book your reservation to view this class at YOUR convenience.
Special Note: There is no Certificate of Attendance for this class.
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Get The Latest Trending News!
Follow us on Facebook and you will receive:
- Late Breaking News on topics affecting Community Associations
- Seminar Invitations
- Legal Updates
- Human Interest Stories
- Much more
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Follow us on LinkedIn
Follow CM on LinkedIn and you will receive:
- Legal Articles for Community Associations
- Advance Notice of Seminars, Webinars, and Special Events
- Legislative Updates
- Professional Manager Themed Information
- and more!
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Follow our Director of Public Relations,
Arlene Ring and you will receive:
- Articles addressing practical issues with solutions for Community Associations' Board & Committee Members
- How-To articles for Board and Committee Members
- Special Interest Information for CAMs and Community Association Vendors
- and more!
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Have You Ever Checked Out Our
Individual YouTube Videos?
Did you know that several of our attorneys and staff have an individual YouTube video? No? Check out our videos below by clicking on the YouTube logo next to the person's name.
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Ken Clayton, Founding & Senior Partner |
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Neal McCulloh, Founding & Senior Partner |
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Russ
Klemm, Partner & Litigation Chair
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Arlene Ring, Director of Public Relations |
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About "CM Update"
The CM Update is a monthly digital newsletter, a complimentary service for our Association Clients and Managers. CM also features an additional monthly digital newsletter, "The Green Marble," an occasional special edition for CAMS "For Managers Only", an annual "Community Chat" (delivered to your home via USPS), and "CM Special Editions." These publications are published by our Public Relations Department. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions about this newsletter, please contact us at pr@clayton-mcculloh.com.
You are receiving this e-mail as you fall into one of the following categories:
*You are currently a client or client's manager;
* You have requested to be on our mailing list;
*As a former member of BCAM and NECAM you are
provided a complimentary subscription to the CM mailing list;
*By attending one of our seminars, you agreed to be part of our Confidential Mailing list.
If you elect to be removed from this e-mail service, we will no longer be able to send you seminar invitations, information on changes in the law concerning Community Associations, newsletters, or any other information regarding the Community Association industry. We sincerely hope we can continue to assist you with the challenges that face Community Associations today through this service.
When replying with a question or statement please include your name and the legal name of your Association or Management Company (no acronyms, please, unless your legal name on the Article of Incorporation lists an acronym.)
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Thank You!
We would like to take a moment to thank our 2021 Valued Sponsors. These companies are experts in the Community Association field. There are special nuances that should be considered before hiring a company to handle your work.
We hope that you will consider securing a bid for their services for your Association or in your personal lives. These Valued Sponsors are leaders in their industries and we are thankful they partnered with us this year.
Please remember that simply by clicking on their logo, it will take you to their website where you can learn more about their services as well as hire them.
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Orlando Office: Maitland
The Clayton & McCulloh Building
1065 Maitland Center Commons Blvd.
Maitland, FL 32751
Phone: (407) 875-2655
Fax: (407) 875-3363
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Toll Free: (888) 793-1486
After Hours - 24/7: (407) 808-2553
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