Community Matters

Celebrating Volunteers: An Inspiring Conversation with Lisa Havrilla

In this special episode of Community Matters, we're celebrating National Volunteer Month by diving into the inspiring world of volunteering with Lisa Havrilla, CMCA, AMS. As a seasoned community manager and recipient of the CAI Keystone 2024 Rookie of the Year Award, Lisa shares her personal journey and the profound impact volunteerism has had on her life. Discover the joys of giving back, the stories that shaped her commitment to community service, and the invaluable lessons learned along the way. Whether you're a seasoned volunteer or considering giving your time for the first time, this episode offers heartwarming insights and practical advice for making a meaningful difference in your community.

Special thanks to our sponsor – Hoffman Law, LLC. Visit Hoffman Law online for more information. 

Community Matters is available in the iTunes store, on Google Play and on Spotify. Subscribe there or download the podbean app and be the first to receive notifications when new episodes are posted.

Understanding Community Association Board Members' Liability

In this episode of Community Matters Podcast, host Tony Campisi discusses the essential role of education and training for elected board members of community associations with guest George Greatrex, Esq. The focus is on understanding the intricate legal liabilities faced by board members, especially in light of recent laws such as the Corporate Transparency Act and the New Jersey Structural Integrity and Reserve Law. George shares practice-based advice on safeguarding HOA leaders against personal liability, the importance of knowing their governing documents, and consulting with professional advisors. Learn how to navigate the responsibilities and potential risks involved in being a board member within a community association and ensure you are well-protected and informed.

Special thanks to our sponsor – Hoffman Law, LLC. Visit Hoffman Law online for more information. 

Community Matters is available in the iTunes store, on Google Play and on Spotify. Subscribe there or download the podbean app and be the first to receive notifications when new episodes are posted.

The Challenge of High-Conflict Personalities in Community Associations

In this episode of Community Matters, host Tony Campisi of the Keystone Chapter of Community Associations Institute delves into the challenges posed by high-conflict personalities within community associations. This episode features insights from Amber Martin, owner of Woo Cat Martin Association Management, and Ed Hoffman, Esq., CCAL of Hoffman Law LLC, as they explore the intensified dynamics following COVID-19 and the strategies to address these issues constructively. Discover practical tools and legal perspectives to help community managers and board members navigate challenging interactions and maintain a harmonious environment. This podcast previews an education session that will be presented by Amber and Ed at the CAI Keystone Annual Conference & Expo, April 30-May 1, 2025 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Special thanks to our sponsor - Hoffman Law, LLC. Visit Hoffman Law online for more information. 

Community Matters is available in the iTunes store, on Google Play and on Spotify. Subscribe there or download the podbean app and be the first to receive notifications when new episodes are posted.

Navigating the Emotional Climate's Impact on Communications

In this episode of Community Matters, host Tony Campisi of the Keystone Chapter of Community Associations Institute delves into the increasingly emotional climate impacting community associations. Joined by guests Garrett Bond, Assistant General Manager at The Philadelphian, and Stefan Richter, Esq., CCAL, with Clemons Richter & Reiss, the discussion explores the shifting landscape of communications and its effect on relationships and interactions among owners, managers, and board members.

With insights into the adaptation to digital communication methods like email and social media, the conversation covers the long-lasting impact of COVID on societal behaviors, introducing new dynamics such as the preference for virtual meetings. The guests share firsthand experiences of managing resident interactions during these transformative times.

The episode further explores strategies for maintaining professionalism and civility amid heightened emotions, emphasizing the importance of timely, thoughtful responses and listening to build trust and uphold community harmony. Tune in to understand how to navigate these complex emotional and communication challenges effectively.

Special thanks to our sponsor - Hoffman Law, LLC. Visit Hoffman Law online for more information. 

Community Matters is available in the iTunes store, on Google Play and on Spotify. Subscribe there or download the podbean app and be the first to receive notifications when new episodes are posted.

Collections & Delinquencies in Community Associations

Welcome to another insightful episode of Community Matters, hosted by Tony Campisi, CAE, Executive Director of the Keystone Chapter of the Community Associations Institute. In this episode, we delve into the complex world of collections in community associations, exploring the reasons behind delinquencies and the processes involved in managing them effectively.

Our guests, Mitch Drimmer and Reale Edgerton from Axela Technologies, bring their expertise to the table, discussing the differences between engaging collection agencies and attorneys, and the impact of each approach on community relationships. They provide valuable insights into the proactive strategies that can be employed to handle delinquencies, emphasizing the importance of engagement over immediate legal action.

Listen in as we explore the challenges of managing long-term delinquencies and the implications of financial hardships on homeowners. Discover how a well-structured collection policy can safeguard the financial health of your community and enhance property values.

Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the collection landscape and learn practical strategies to maintain harmonious and financially stable community associations.

Special thanks to our sponsor - Hoffman Law, LLC. Visit Hoffman Law online for more information. 

Navigating the Corporate Transparency Act: Essential Insights for Community Associations

Join host Tony Campisi, CAE, Executive Director of the Keystone Chapter of Community Associations Institute, as he dives into the complexities of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) with expert guest Paul Formella, co-founder of Perfect Form. 

Discover the implications of the CTA, effective January 2024, and learn why it’s critical for community associations to start preparing now. Paul shares his expertise on the requirements, the reporting process, and the potential penalties for non-compliance. Understand the nuances of beneficial ownership reporting and gain insights into keeping your association compliant with ongoing updates.

Don't miss this essential discussion on how the Corporate Transparency Act impacts community associations nationwide and the steps you need to take to ensure compliance.

Special thanks to our sponsor - Hoffman Law, LLC. Visit Hoffman Law online for more information. 

Celebrating Milestones: The 100th Episode & 50th Anniversary of CAI Keystone Chapter

Welcome to the 100th episode of Community Matters! Hosted by Tony Campisi, CAE, Executive Director of the Keystone Chapter of Community Associations Institute, this special episode marks two significant milestones. Tune in to this 100th episode as we prepare to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Keystone Chapter.

In this episode, Tony is joined by Brendan Whelan, President-elect of the Keystone Chapter, who shares insights into the chapter's evolution, its current strengths, and future goals. Learn about the chapter's history, from its early days as the Mid-Atlantic Chapter to its current form, encompassing the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and parts of South Jersey and Delaware.

Brendan discusses his journey within CAI, the importance of engaging younger professionals, and the exciting plans for the 50th anniversary gala! You'll have to tune in to hear the exciting news as we reveal the location of the 50th Anniversary Gala Celebration! This episode is a must-listen for anyone involved in managing and governing condos, cooperatives, and homeowner associations.

Special thanks to our sponsor - Hoffman Law, LLC. Visit Hoffman Law online for more information. 

Don't miss this episode celebrating the past, present, and future of CAI Keystone Chapter. Tune in now!

Community Matters Turns Over the Microphone to the Excellence Awards Committee

Welcome to this episode of Community Matters. This podcast is your go-to resource for critical conversations on managing and governing condos, cooperatives, and homeowner associations.

Today, Tony Campisi vacates the host chair and turns over the microphone to the CAI Awards Committee for a special episode taking a behind the scenes look at the CAI Keystone Excellence Award. That’s right – award season is coming up and nominations are now open for the 2024 CAI Keystone Excellence Awards. Tune to this special episode for a deep dive into the Excellence Awards with interviews from the very special members who took home an Excellence Award in 2023.

Special thanks to our sponsor - Hoffman Law, LLC. Visit Hoffman Law online for more information. 

Community Matters is available in the iTunes store, on Google Play and on Spotify. Subscribe there or download the podbean app and be the first to receive notifications when new episodes are posted.

Drones, Drones, Everywhere There's Drones - Even in Community Associations

Welcome to this episode of Community Matters. This podcast is your go-to resource for critical conversations on managing and governing condos, cooperatives, and homeowner associations.

Drones are everywhere today. But many of us are unaware of the vast applications of drones, including cost savings, safety, risk management, and resource optimization. Drones can perform various tasks quickly and accurately, such as providing reports and footage for insurance claims. During this episode, Community Matters chats with Kathryn Newell, Partner & CEO with IDS Drones, and Carlo Marcantoni, who oversees drone pilots and projects across the US for IDS drones, on the many applications of drones within the community association world.

Special thanks to our sponsor - Hoffman Law, LLC. Visit Hoffman Law online for more information. 

Community Matters is available in the iTunes store, on Google Play and on Spotify. Subscribe there or download the podbean app and be the first to receive notifications when new episodes are posted.

Building Trust: The Importance of Psychological Safety in Community Associations

Welcome to another insightful episode of Community Matters, hosted by Tony Campisi, Executive Director of the Keystone Chapter of Community Associations Institute. This podcast is your go-to resource for critical conversations on managing and governing condos, cooperatives, and homeowner associations.

In this episode, Tony sits down with Ryan Skimmons and Brienne Jennings from BR Training and Education to explore the concept of psychological safety. Discover why creating an environment where team members feel safe to share their ideas, thoughts, and concerns without fear of negative consequences is crucial for the well-being of individuals and the overall health of your organization and community.

Ryan and Brianne delve into the benefits of psychological safety, including reduced turnover, improved team performance, and enhanced employee engagement. They also discuss practical ways community managers can foster a culture of psychological safety, such as adopting a coaching mindset, validating successes, and maintaining empathy and clear boundaries.

Tune in for valuable insights into how psychological safety can transform your workplace and positively impact the resident experience in your community.

Special thanks to our sponsor - Hoffman Law, LLC. Visit Hoffman Law online for more information. 

Community Matters is available in the iTunes store, on Google Play and on Spotify. Subscribe there or download the podbean app and be the first to receive notifications when new episodes are posted.