By Bob Gourley “That government is best which governs least” – Thomas Paine Thomas Paine was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States and dubbed “Father of the American Revolution” by historians. He was born in 1737 and lived a remarkable life that spanned the American Revolution, the French Revolution, and life in…
Search Results for: communication
The Value of Education in Your Communications
Commit to unit owner education. Reward yourself with a better community!
Condominium Newsletters are Useful and Necessary Communication Tools
By Bob Gourley Condominium newsletters are useful and necessary communication tools for condominiums everywhere. Condominium unit owners require they be kept informed and aware. With a great condominium newsletter, a condominium association Board of Directors will spend more time governing and less time explaining. Creating a good-looking and effective condominium newsletter is no simple task…
The Importance of Communication to a Self-Managed Condo or HOA
By Bob Gourley Communications within a condominium or homeowners association are vital to the community’s success. In most states, timely communication is a right to the association member that is granted in the governing documents and guaranteed by law. Along with the financial and management efforts put forth by the community, communication is the third…
Using Better Communications to Attract Community Leaders
By Bob Gourley Excellent community governance is the difference between a good community and a great one. Poor community governance can lead to the downfall or outright collapse of a community association. Finding and keeping qualified and interested volunteers within your community is a real challenge. Are you using your communication tools to help with…
Community Communications in the Age of CIOA Revisions
By Bob Gourley I have had the opportunity to moderate numerous discussions between community association attorneys and concerned members of Boards of Directors from condominium associations about the impact of the revised Common Interest Ownership Act, commonly known as CIOA (pronounced like the state of “Iowa” with a hard “K” in front of it). In…
Are Your Communications Secure?
By Bob Gourley Fences, security cameras, guards, and gates can go a long way towards bringing condominium owners peace of mind when it comes to their physical safety. But there is another type of security that should be pondered by community association leaders. Theft of data can be just as damaging to unsuspecting condo owners….
Construction and Communication for Community Associations
By Bob Gourley Is there any time more critical to keep residents informed than when a new construction or maintenance project is about to get under way? Contractors are on site, residents can be confused and chaos is often the general order of the day. What can you do as an association manager or board…
Advantages and Challenges of Internet Communications in Community Associations
By Bob Gourley Whether it takes the form of well written letters, memos, emails, or even an old-fashioned conversation, the ability to communicate effectively is often the difference between having an impact on your audience and having your message simply fall upon deaf ears. Community websites, email, and social media outlets such as Facebook and…
Using Your Newsletter to Explain CIOA to Your Community Association
By Bob Gourley Using your condominium newsletter to discuss CIOA with members of your community association can be a vital component to a sound overall communication program. Interestingly, CIOA laws are designed for the protection of individual homeowners. Yet, unless an individual homeowner is aware of the changes to the law or hires an attorney…