CAI-NJ July 2018 (w)(1)

MANAGEMENT TRENDS 2018 Senior Summit By Ilene Uydess, CMCA, AMS O f all the educational seminars offered by CAI-NJ, the Senior Summit is a must for anyone living in or managing an age-restricted community. The Summit’s focus is on all matters pertaining to age-restricted communities. It is informative and well worth your time and energy to attend.

Because this seminar is only a three-hour event, it couldn’t possibly cover all subjects relating to age-restricted commu- nities. However, it will make you aware of changes and enhancements in the industry that could affect how these types of communities operate and do business. If you live in or are involved in the governance of an age-restricted community, it’s your responsibility, and obli- gation, to keep current. Aside from legal and financial issues, risk management and social issues, the list of topics that have already been discussed at this educational sem- inar is expansive. Also discussed, and maybe even more important, is how these changes can impact community life and how business is handled. As a subset of community management, age-restricted communities have a unique set of issues that set them apart from high-rise apartments, co-ops, and other types of communities. That’s why this event is special…and necessary. Held in July, this annual event from CAI-NJ addresses relevant issues presented by professionals who are experts in their fields. Guest speakers are chosen, not only for their expertise, but for their ability to inspire and encour- age interaction and participation from audience members. Presentations are never boring. Trust me, you won’t be struggling to stay awake; you will be totally engaged and soaking up valuable information to take back to your com- munity. Innovations in landscaping and irrigation, changes in the tax code, new technologies, financial planning for large-scale projects, creating 5-year plans, the importance of an engineer’s report, creating realistic annual budgets, emergency preparedness, and maintaining social relevan- cy as new generations move into your community, are just

The Senior Summit registration form is on page 21 of this issue!

a sampling of topics that have been covered in the past. While I haven’t been told what the agenda includes this year, I guarantee you, it will be interesting and informative. When you have a fiduciary responsibility, you have an obligation to stay current and on top of matters. Having con- trol over and spending other people’s money can, and often does, leave you open for criticism. Learning to communicate effectively and rationally is a talent that can be learned and used to help residents understand the whys and wherefores of decision making. Arming yourself with pertinent and relevant information should be a no-brainer. Again, attending this year’s Senior Summit will provide you with information and the knowledge you need to reasonably argue for, or against, most issues that come up; and quell hot tempers. My first Senior Summit was seven years ago in 2012. I have since made it my business to attend every year. Why? Because attending matters. Age-restricted communities are dynamic environments. So it’s your job to keep up, stay informed and on top of matters that matter to you. Your continued education must be a lifelong commitment. This year’s Senior Summit will be held on Wednesday, July 25, 2018, at Renaissance at Manchester, Manchester, NJ. A continental style breakfast will be available. The venue opens at 8:30am. The program begins at 9:00am and ends at 12:00. For additional information on this and other educational seminars go to CAI’s website at www. cainj.org/events. n

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