CT August 2026

THE CAI-NJ COMMUNITY TRENDS ® MAGAZINE CONTENTS

16 Box of Rain: A Tribute To Denise Becker By Jonathan H. Katz, Esq. Becker

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22 The Bid Looked Great — Until It Didn’t: Apples-to Apples Contract Review for Smarter HOA Decisions, Why “Comparing Apples to Apples” Can Save You and Your Community Money and Time By Dawn Kearney, CMCA, EBP, M&T Bank 34 Engineering Better Insurability By Kristy Winchock, EIT, EBP, Morris Engineering, LLC and Eric Eggert, CIC, CIRMS, Mackoul Risk Solutions, LLC 40 A Manager’s Perspective on the

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Community Association Budget By Erin O’Reilly, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, FirstService Residential 47 Understanding Special Assessments By Mary Ellen Liberatore, Esq., Buckalew Frizzell & Crevina, LLP 50 The Balance Sheet Doesn’t Lie By Michelle Price, CMCA, AMS,

2026 Conference & Expo — October 15, 2026 Conference Kick-Off...........................41 Save the Date...................................43 Schedule of Events.............................44 Managers All-Access Pass...................45 Why Board Members Should Attend....46

Corner Property Management Company, AAMC

52 Management Trends: Understanding Community Association Financials By Ray Barnes CMCA, AMS, PCAM, Taylor Management Company, AAMC, AMO

EXTRAS President’s Corner Looking Ahead

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CAI-NJ Upcoming Events

Beach Party Sponsor Announcement

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Beach Party — Register Now!

Legislative Update 13 Nomination Application for the CAI-NJ Board of Directors 15

Spill the Tea — Exclusive Women’s Networking Event — Register Now! Business Partner Skill Building Webinar Fall Pints with PAC — Save the Date F.A.S.T. Olympics — Register Now! Dennis R. Casale Golf Outing Recap & Photos

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iStock/Getty Images Plus

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New Member Welcome Event 2027 CAI-NJ Committee Sign-ups F.A.S.T. School Supply Drive

Drop the Mic with PAC

New Members

2026 Ultimate Partner Listings Manager Basics — Save the Date

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AUGUST 2026