The Community Associations Institute (CAI) invites the best condominium, cooperative and homeowner associations in the country to enter the 12th annual National Community Association of the Year Award (NCAYA) contest. Winners from four size categories of communities will be recognized for their excellence in operations, management and community building, at CAI's national conference in Charlotte, N.C., Oct. 18-20, 2001.
"A recent poll by CAI's Research Foundation shows that three out of four community association homeowners are very or extremely satisfied with their community, and that top drivers of homeowner satisfaction include appearance, safety, financial accountability and community spirit," said Barbara Byrd Keenan, CAE, president of CAI. "The award program evaluates community performance in these key areas and honors community associations that are vibrant, responsive, competent and harmonious."
The National Community Association of the Year Award recognizes:—the incorporation of strategic planning practices and goals into association management/operation;—the utilization of comprehensive and effective communication systems and techniques; and—the development and availability of activities designed to foster a sense of community and enhance residents' living experience within their community association.
Past winners include associations from more than a dozen states ranging from small condominium associations to recreational vehicle colonies, large master-planned communities and retirement villages.
Entrants will compete against similar-sized community associations in four categories: small association (1-149 units), medium association (150-499 units), large association (500-999 units) and very large association (1000+ units). Winners will receive a 10-foot indoor/outdoor display banner, a complimentary full conference registration and a $500 travel stipend for travel expenses to Charlotte for one board member. Managers of winning associations will receive one complimentary full conference registration.
There is no contest entry fee and CAI membership is not required to enter. For an entry form or more information, visit CAI's web site at http://www.caionline.org/ncaya/, e-mail ncaya(at)caionline.org or call 703-548-8600. The deadline for entries is July 10, 2001. Winners and honorable mentions will be notified on or before September 14, 2001.
The Community Associations Institute is a nonprofit association created in 1973 to provide education and resources to the nation's 231,000 community associations—condominium associations, homeowner associations and cooperatives. CAI members include homeowners, associations and related professionals and service providers.