August 22, 2024 • 22 mins
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!
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
Music.
(00:14):
A podcast that brings you conversations that are critical to managing and governing
condos, cooperatives, and homeowner associations.
I'm your host, Tony Campisi, Executive Director of the Keystone Chapter of Community
Associations Institute.
Tune in each episode for the insights and information that are key to inspiring
(00:37):
professionalism, effective leadership, and responsible citizenship.
And ship, ideals reflected in community associations that are preferred places to call home.
We're celebrating two milestones today with this episode of Community Matters,
our 100th episode of our podcast.
(00:58):
We got this started in, I believe, 2016, and we've been going strong ever since
with episodes coming out just about once a month. and this is our 100th episode.
And to mark that occasion, we have a really special topic that we're talking about today.
In 2025, Keystone Chapter Community Associations Institute will celebrate a remarkable milestone.
(01:26):
It's our 50th anniversary, and we have some great things in store for this exciting celebration.
This chapter, officially incorporated August 11th, 1975.
And over the years, it has changed rather dramatically.
Back then, it was the Mid-Atlantic Chapter, encompassing the city of Philadelphia
(01:50):
and its suburbs in South Jersey, Southeast Pennsylvania, and Wilmington,
Delaware, New Castle County, Delaware.
Not too long after the Poconos Chapter chapter got started, actually known back
then as the Northeast Pennsylvania chapter,
and about 15 years later, the Western Pennsylvania, centered in Pittsburgh, got started.
(02:15):
The Mid-Atlantic chapter changed its name and expanded its geography repeatedly
over the years, in the 90s becoming the Greater Delaware Valley chapter.
In 1998, a merger with the Western Pennsylvania chapter necessitated another
name change, and we became the Pennsylvania and Delaware Valley chapter.
(02:36):
We'll talk a little bit more about this later in the episode,
but today's version of this chapter, the Keystone chapter, another name change
in 2021, encompasses the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,
parts of South Jersey, and New Castle County, Delaware.
So there's been a lot of change over the last 49, almost 50 years.
(03:00):
And joining me to talk about this terrific milestone is the Keystone chapter
president-elect Brendan Whelan, CERMS with Brown and Brown Insurance,
Brendan has the honor and distinction of serving as our president during our 50th anniversary year.
Before we get to our topic today, here's a brief word from our sponsor, Hoffman Law, LLC.
(03:26):
I'm Ed Hoffman with Hoffman Law, LLC.
Hoffman Law, LLC is a recognized leader in community association law.
We're known for our responsiveness, legal acumen, leadership in the association
industry and our unwavering focus and commitment to education.
You can learn more about us at our website, hoffmanhoalaw.com.
(03:51):
Hoffman Law LLC is proud to sponsor this episode of the Community Matters Podcast.
Brendan, welcome to Community Matters Podcast. And please tell our listeners
a little bit about yourself and Brown and Brown Insurance.
Well, I've been a producer in insurance for 13 years.
We were previously a family-run business through Smith Insurance,
(04:13):
but about five, six years ago, we were acquired by Brown and Brown,
which is a large national brokerage.
So that gave us more opportunity to serve this area and our clients.
And we continue to provide different options.
And in this marketplace, that's been really valuable to a lot of our clients
(04:34):
because there's been a lot of changes.
So, you know, we've changed in name, but we're really still the same organization,
same people you knew before.
CAI knows a little bit about changing the name of the organization,
as I mentioned at the start.
Tell our listeners a little bit about how you feel about serving as president
of the organization during our 50th anniversary year.
(04:58):
Well, it's really an honor. And there's
so many great professionals and contributors to this chapter and to,
at first when I got involved to be on a committee and then eventually be chosen
to be a committee chair a couple of times over and then eventually elected to the board.
And now president-elect is really exciting.
And as I say, it's an honor to be involved and to serve in this way. So I didn't look this up.
(05:24):
I should have, but you've been involved in CAI for at least a decade,
I think longer than a decade.
Why did you get involved and what are your goals for yourself and the chapter
during your term as president in 2025? slides.
Yeah, the Keystone chapter has been on a really an amazing role.
It was an easy decision for me to get involved because it was such a great way
(05:45):
to, to meet people and grow our business.
But as far as, you know, my goals for, for presidency, the upper trajectory
and continuing that is going to be really important.
But I also think just like any organization, we want to evolve.
And I I think there are ways to broaden our reach, whether that's through utilizing
(06:06):
different technologies and certainly our expansion westward into the Pittsburgh region.
Yeah, that's been on our agenda for, as you know, a long time,
and we're finally making that happen.
That actually, let me just go back to the name change here, and I'll get to
this question in a second.
But the organization, actually, as it exists today, is the conglomeration of
(06:29):
three chapters, one of which was the Western Pennsylvania chapter.
Which existed until about 1998, Pittsburgh area, and what then was known as
the Poconos Chapter, which...
Started before this chapter, which is originally known as the Mid-Atlantic chapter.
Poconos got started probably a couple months earlier. And those three chapters
(06:51):
all came together and we ended up with what we have now, the entire state of Pennsylvania.
The name has changed three or four times over the years to reflect the different
geographies that were coming into the chapter during the 90s and the early 2000s.
And so we ended up now, the Keystone own chapter, which is, again,
(07:13):
conglomeration of what was once three separate chapters, now celebrating a golden
anniversary, which is pretty special. 50 years is a long time.
Your company, you had a name change as well, previously known as Smith Insurance
Associates, been a member for most of those 50 years.
And in fact, three other members of your team have served as president of the
(07:34):
chapter dating back to the mid-1990s. Talk a little bit about how and why your
organization and your family has been so invested in CAI for such a long time.
Yeah, my father-in-law was involved with, Steve Smith Sr. was involved with
CAI back when it started 50 years ago.
And then two of my brothers-in-law, Steve Smith Jr.
(07:56):
And Brian Friel, have also served as president. So when I was elected onto the
board, needless to say, the pressure to continue to elevate and be involved
was there, but I've been happy to do so.
So, but as far as the decision for me to really get involved in the chapter,
when I first started going to events, the people were just so welcoming and
(08:19):
it was really, the events were fun.
It was, there was no better way and there continues to be no better way to get
to know people, to grow your network and to really grow your business.
From a business partner standpoint, it's just a no brainer to be involved and active in the chapter.
So I mentioned the growth of the chapter, the coming together of what at the
(08:44):
time was three separate chapters into one organization and how the organization
has changed over 50 years.
How would you describe the current state of the Keystone chapter at 50?
What do you see as the chapter strengths and where do you think there's room for growth?
Well, I think as we you mentioned, Room for Growth is definitely in the Pittsburgh area.
(09:06):
Expanding westward is going to be an important element of our growth.
We've started that process and had really good success considering it's just begun.
But as far as the strengths overall of the organization, the education and resources
provided are more numerous than people even realize, I think.
(09:29):
And I also want to say, you know.
You're not going to say it about yourself, but I do think it's important.
Having been at National and in a room with all the executive directors throughout
the company, there are so many chapters that have had a lot of turnover in that role.
And the fact that our staff and leadership has so much experience and 20 years
(09:53):
for our executive director, I think that's really, really helped us.
And now we're fourth largest chapter or is it third?
Fourth largest chapter in the country. So, you know, I think stability has been
a big part of our chapter and certainly a strength.
Well, I appreciate that. One of your roles as president-elect is chairing the
(10:14):
Member Engagement Committee.
How do you suggest members of the chapter can get more engaged with CAI Keystone,
especially during our golden anniversary celebrations next year?
Yes. So attending more events is number one. You know, being seen and being
heard and being involved is always going to be the best thing for you.
(10:35):
But I would say for the managers and homeowners, just getting familiar with
the resources and education that are involved, as I say, it's abundant and more
than people even realize that we have.
So I think continuing to educate and looking for designations from a management
standpoint is a really great way to to advance with the organization.
(10:58):
And from a business partner standpoint, speaking is such a great way to demonstrate your expertise.
And quite frankly, I don't feel that enough people do it or get involved in that.
I think it's important to note, it's not an advertisement, but it is a great
way to get your name out there and show everyone the value that you bring as a business partner.
(11:20):
And really, that's something that more and more business partners should be
getting involved in is speaking and helping to educate.
And you mentioned education, which is, you know, probably the primary reason why we exist.
But this is something I think that's worth pausing and reflecting on a little
bit over the last 50 years, how education has changed and how we deliver education
(11:43):
to members has changed because,
you know, coming to an in-person event and experiencing a panel discussion or
a lecture or any type of educational session is traditionally the way members
get educated in associations,
but with the advent of the internet and Zoom and the necessity of having to
(12:06):
do everything virtually in 2020,
education can be found in a lot of different ways now, whether it's reading
a blog post on a piece of legislation or a virtual event or a video that may
be posted to the website.
So while we want to see people come to events in person, It's not necessary.
(12:26):
We don't discourage that. We encourage it. We want to see more people in the room.
But there's so many other ways people can get educated through CAI.
And that is really something that's developed over the last, I'd say, 50 years.
But really, in the last 10, it's probably dramatically changed.
With how members interact with the organization. Yeah, and I agree.
(12:48):
And I think at the board level, that's something we talk about all the time.
We don't want to ever be behind.
We want to try and look forward and be ahead and get ahead of those emerging
trends, especially from a technology standpoint, because we do,
we want more people to hear the message and get the value as opposed to less.
And I think that's probably reflected in our growing membership,
(13:09):
which is a good thing to see.
One of the unspoken truths of any milestone anniversary like this is the simple
fact that as the organization ages and the industry ages,
so do those individuals who were there at the beginning, right?
None of us are getting any younger.
And so it becomes incumbent on current leaders to nurture the future leaders in the organization.
(13:34):
How is CAI Keystone engaging with younger professionals and future leaders in
the field? Yeah, to steal a line from one of my favorite movies,
Tommy Boy, if you're not growing, you're dying.
And the way to grow is to have young membership and leadership.
We are starting to see some of those young members want to emerge in leadership
(13:56):
roles, which is so important for us as an organization.
The Pulse Committee, which started probably six, seven years ago now,
really brings a lot of energy and enthusiasm.
They have great events. Their events are always fun and they're open to everybody.
And there's a lot of people emerging from that community that are becoming leaders.
(14:17):
And also the Emerging Leaders Under 40 program is such a great way to recognize
the future leadership of this chapter.
And that's another event that's really a can't miss.
So you and I were probably similar in age. At one point we were under 40.
(14:38):
I'm further from that distinction than you are, I think.
What advice would you give to future leaders and members of CAI Keystone,
not only to get involved in the organization and to become an emerging leader,
but also to help continue to build on the chapter's legacy?
Yeah, I think spreading the word is the key.
(14:59):
You have to be able to talk to people you know in this industry that either
are members or are not members and tell them and encourage them to get involved.
It can definitely be great from an education standpoint, but from a business
partner standpoint, it can grow your business.
For the members, be seen, be active.
(15:20):
And it really is an organization where you get what you give.
I've seen it where some people have joined and within a year or two,
they've said, oh, I'm not getting value out of that.
But then they really weren't involved or they weren't doing anything.
So the more you're involved, the better off it's going to pay off.
And usually by many, many times over from an ROI standpoint. point.
(15:44):
Let me toss one more question in here on emerging leaders. What would you say
to someone listening to this podcast who maybe is brand new to the industry,
brand new to the organization,
younger person looking to get involved and maybe want to become president-elect
and president of the chapter someday?
What's your advice to those individuals? Certainly join a committee.
(16:08):
Being a part of the committee is, number one, it's fun. It's a great way to get to know people.
You're involved in a lot of different ways, and you really can start to get
a sense for the organization.
And then once you're on a committee, don't be a passive member of a committee.
Step up, be the treasurer, be the secretary, be the vice chair,
(16:32):
be the chair eventually.
Really get involved And over time, you may find that you'd like to take the
next step and be a member of the executive board, which is certainly within
reach for any member of this organization.
It's just about how involved you are. So part of our celebration to recognize
the 50th anniversary, of course, is we're going to throw a big party next year.
(16:56):
That event, the 50th anniversary and Excellence Awards Gala,
and this is some news we're announcing today.
We will be signing the contracts imminently.
That event will officially take place at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia.
I think it's a really appropriate venue for this, given the history of Pennsylvania,
(17:16):
the history of Ben Franklin.
The board has been discussing this as a potential venue for several months.
Hard to keep that under wraps. I think we let it slip to a couple of committees earlier this year.
What are you expecting at the 50th anniversary gala?
And what's going to make that event really special for you and for other members?
Well, I mean, it's hard to imagine that the 40th was just 10 years ago,
(17:39):
but people still talk about it like it was yesterday because it was such a great
event. It was so memorable, so amazing.
And I expect the 50th to be even better. The venue is, as you mentioned,
is excellent. People will really, really enjoy that and it'll feel special.
I think that's going to be a great thing. Yeah.
It's just a can't-miss event for anybody that's involved in the chapter now
(18:03):
or even was involved in the chapter in the past.
It does bring those generations together.
And if you're involved in the chapter, it's really an event you don't want to miss.
And for those of you who are listening, that event will be December 3rd,
Wednesday evening, our 50th anniversary gala celebration, December 3rd,
(18:24):
2025, at the Franklin Institute.
Now, that's a place we all probably went to as kids on class trip,
the planetarium, the heart exhibit.
But many people probably have never had the opportunity to actually attend an
event there after hours and really experience it in a different way.
So we're going to make that a unique event. It's certainly a unique and once-in-a-lifetime
(18:48):
milestone that we'll be celebrating.
Brendan, any final thoughts from
you as our incoming 50th anniversary year president before we wrap up?
I just want to encourage people to go to the chapter's website and take some
time, 10, 15 minutes, and pop around it.
You will find that the amount of resources within it are overwhelming.
(19:12):
There is so much information.
Additionally, you should look at the events calendar and plan out that year
and what events you're going to want to be involved in.
The other, speaking of events, I mean, the trade show is moving venue.
I think it's important to note, I've talked to a lot of people with the trade
(19:32):
show moving to Lancaster and they'll say things like, oh, I don't do business
in Lancaster or something like that.
And what people need to understand is that has nothing to do with that.
It's an event that it's the same trade show.
It's, it's the same people. It's the same clients and customers and vendors and managers.
(19:53):
It's just a different venue. I have not been to the venue, but from what I've
heard, it's, it's excellent and people are going to really enjoy it.
So I think it's something that we want to continue to spread the word on.
That'll be the first day is April 30th, correct? Yes.
So definitely put that, circle that on the calendar.
(20:13):
But otherwise, just continue to be involved, and we're going to continue to grow as a chapter.
I'm glad you mentioned the Expo because we should mention that.
It is a different location next year that's really only changed.
It's the same great event that our members are used to as an exhibitor,
as an attendee. We'll have great education sessions.
(20:35):
We're working on some different entertainment for the event to make it fun.
The only thing that's really changed is it's in a different building.
And yeah, you might have to drive a little farther, but you're going to get
a lot more out of it as well. So I'm glad that you brought that up.
Brendan, thanks for joining me today. This has been a great conversation for
this episode of Community Matters on our 50th anniversary and your thoughts
(20:58):
as the incoming president of the chapter.
Thanks for tuning in to Community Matters. We're glad to have your attention for a short time.
And thanks once more to the sponsor of Community Matters podcast, Hoffman Law, LLC.
You can find them on the web at hoffmanhoalaw.com.
Interested in being a guest on an upcoming episode of Community Matters?
(21:20):
Reach out to me at tony, T-O-N-Y, at caikeystone.org.
And don't forget to subscribe to the podcast so you'll get notifications every
time we post a new episode. And please share our podcast with your colleagues and friends.
For more resources and best practices on managing and governing your condominium,
(21:41):
cooperative, or homeowners association, please contact CAI or visit our website at www.caik.com.
Music.
Music.
(00:14):
A podcast that brings you conversations that are critical to managing and governing
condos, cooperatives, and homeowner associations.
I'm your host, Tony Campisi, Executive Director of the Keystone Chapter of Community
Associations Institute.
Tune in each episode for the insights and information that are key to inspiring
(00:37):
professionalism, effective leadership, and responsible citizenship.
And ship, ideals reflected in community associations that are preferred places to call home.
We're celebrating two milestones today with this episode of Community Matters,
our 100th episode of our podcast.
(00:58):
We got this started in, I believe, 2016, and we've been going strong ever since
with episodes coming out just about once a month. and this is our 100th episode.
And to mark that occasion, we have a really special topic that we're talking about today.
In 2025, Keystone Chapter Community Associations Institute will celebrate a remarkable milestone.
(01:26):
It's our 50th anniversary, and we have some great things in store for this exciting celebration.
This chapter, officially incorporated August 11th, 1975.
And over the years, it has changed rather dramatically.
Back then, it was the Mid-Atlantic Chapter, encompassing the city of Philadelphia
(01:50):
and its suburbs in South Jersey, Southeast Pennsylvania, and Wilmington,
Delaware, New Castle County, Delaware.
Not too long after the Poconos Chapter chapter got started, actually known back
then as the Northeast Pennsylvania chapter,
and about 15 years later, the Western Pennsylvania, centered in Pittsburgh, got started.
(02:15):
The Mid-Atlantic chapter changed its name and expanded its geography repeatedly
over the years, in the 90s becoming the Greater Delaware Valley chapter.
In 1998, a merger with the Western Pennsylvania chapter necessitated another
name change, and we became the Pennsylvania and Delaware Valley chapter.
(02:36):
We'll talk a little bit more about this later in the episode,
but today's version of this chapter, the Keystone chapter, another name change
in 2021, encompasses the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,
parts of South Jersey, and New Castle County, Delaware.
So there's been a lot of change over the last 49, almost 50 years.
(03:00):
And joining me to talk about this terrific milestone is the Keystone chapter
president-elect Brendan Whelan, CERMS with Brown and Brown Insurance,
Brendan has the honor and distinction of serving as our president during our 50th anniversary year.
Before we get to our topic today, here's a brief word from our sponsor, Hoffman Law, LLC.
(03:26):
I'm Ed Hoffman with Hoffman Law, LLC.
Hoffman Law, LLC is a recognized leader in community association law.
We're known for our responsiveness, legal acumen, leadership in the association
industry and our unwavering focus and commitment to education.
You can learn more about us at our website, hoffmanhoalaw.com.
(03:51):
Hoffman Law LLC is proud to sponsor this episode of the Community Matters Podcast.
Brendan, welcome to Community Matters Podcast. And please tell our listeners
a little bit about yourself and Brown and Brown Insurance.
Well, I've been a producer in insurance for 13 years.
We were previously a family-run business through Smith Insurance,
(04:13):
but about five, six years ago, we were acquired by Brown and Brown,
which is a large national brokerage.
So that gave us more opportunity to serve this area and our clients.
And we continue to provide different options.
And in this marketplace, that's been really valuable to a lot of our clients
(04:34):
because there's been a lot of changes.
So, you know, we've changed in name, but we're really still the same organization,
same people you knew before.
CAI knows a little bit about changing the name of the organization,
as I mentioned at the start.
Tell our listeners a little bit about how you feel about serving as president
of the organization during our 50th anniversary year.
(04:58):
Well, it's really an honor. And there's
so many great professionals and contributors to this chapter and to,
at first when I got involved to be on a committee and then eventually be chosen
to be a committee chair a couple of times over and then eventually elected to the board.
And now president-elect is really exciting.
And as I say, it's an honor to be involved and to serve in this way. So I didn't look this up.
(05:24):
I should have, but you've been involved in CAI for at least a decade,
I think longer than a decade.
Why did you get involved and what are your goals for yourself and the chapter
during your term as president in 2025? slides.
Yeah, the Keystone chapter has been on a really an amazing role.
It was an easy decision for me to get involved because it was such a great way
(05:45):
to, to meet people and grow our business.
But as far as, you know, my goals for, for presidency, the upper trajectory
and continuing that is going to be really important.
But I also think just like any organization, we want to evolve.
And I I think there are ways to broaden our reach, whether that's through utilizing
(06:06):
different technologies and certainly our expansion westward into the Pittsburgh region.
Yeah, that's been on our agenda for, as you know, a long time,
and we're finally making that happen.
That actually, let me just go back to the name change here, and I'll get to
this question in a second.
But the organization, actually, as it exists today, is the conglomeration of
(06:29):
three chapters, one of which was the Western Pennsylvania chapter.
Which existed until about 1998, Pittsburgh area, and what then was known as
the Poconos Chapter, which...
Started before this chapter, which is originally known as the Mid-Atlantic chapter.
Poconos got started probably a couple months earlier. And those three chapters
(06:51):
all came together and we ended up with what we have now, the entire state of Pennsylvania.
The name has changed three or four times over the years to reflect the different
geographies that were coming into the chapter during the 90s and the early 2000s.
And so we ended up now, the Keystone own chapter, which is, again,
(07:13):
conglomeration of what was once three separate chapters, now celebrating a golden
anniversary, which is pretty special. 50 years is a long time.
Your company, you had a name change as well, previously known as Smith Insurance
Associates, been a member for most of those 50 years.
And in fact, three other members of your team have served as president of the
(07:34):
chapter dating back to the mid-1990s. Talk a little bit about how and why your
organization and your family has been so invested in CAI for such a long time.
Yeah, my father-in-law was involved with, Steve Smith Sr. was involved with
CAI back when it started 50 years ago.
And then two of my brothers-in-law, Steve Smith Jr.
(07:56):
And Brian Friel, have also served as president. So when I was elected onto the
board, needless to say, the pressure to continue to elevate and be involved
was there, but I've been happy to do so.
So, but as far as the decision for me to really get involved in the chapter,
when I first started going to events, the people were just so welcoming and
(08:19):
it was really, the events were fun.
It was, there was no better way and there continues to be no better way to get
to know people, to grow your network and to really grow your business.
From a business partner standpoint, it's just a no brainer to be involved and active in the chapter.
So I mentioned the growth of the chapter, the coming together of what at the
(08:44):
time was three separate chapters into one organization and how the organization
has changed over 50 years.
How would you describe the current state of the Keystone chapter at 50?
What do you see as the chapter strengths and where do you think there's room for growth?
Well, I think as we you mentioned, Room for Growth is definitely in the Pittsburgh area.
(09:06):
Expanding westward is going to be an important element of our growth.
We've started that process and had really good success considering it's just begun.
But as far as the strengths overall of the organization, the education and resources
provided are more numerous than people even realize, I think.
(09:29):
And I also want to say, you know.
You're not going to say it about yourself, but I do think it's important.
Having been at National and in a room with all the executive directors throughout
the company, there are so many chapters that have had a lot of turnover in that role.
And the fact that our staff and leadership has so much experience and 20 years
(09:53):
for our executive director, I think that's really, really helped us.
And now we're fourth largest chapter or is it third?
Fourth largest chapter in the country. So, you know, I think stability has been
a big part of our chapter and certainly a strength.
Well, I appreciate that. One of your roles as president-elect is chairing the
(10:14):
Member Engagement Committee.
How do you suggest members of the chapter can get more engaged with CAI Keystone,
especially during our golden anniversary celebrations next year?
Yes. So attending more events is number one. You know, being seen and being
heard and being involved is always going to be the best thing for you.
(10:35):
But I would say for the managers and homeowners, just getting familiar with
the resources and education that are involved, as I say, it's abundant and more
than people even realize that we have.
So I think continuing to educate and looking for designations from a management
standpoint is a really great way to to advance with the organization.
(10:58):
And from a business partner standpoint, speaking is such a great way to demonstrate your expertise.
And quite frankly, I don't feel that enough people do it or get involved in that.
I think it's important to note, it's not an advertisement, but it is a great
way to get your name out there and show everyone the value that you bring as a business partner.
(11:20):
And really, that's something that more and more business partners should be
getting involved in is speaking and helping to educate.
And you mentioned education, which is, you know, probably the primary reason why we exist.
But this is something I think that's worth pausing and reflecting on a little
bit over the last 50 years, how education has changed and how we deliver education
(11:43):
to members has changed because,
you know, coming to an in-person event and experiencing a panel discussion or
a lecture or any type of educational session is traditionally the way members
get educated in associations,
but with the advent of the internet and Zoom and the necessity of having to
(12:06):
do everything virtually in 2020,
education can be found in a lot of different ways now, whether it's reading
a blog post on a piece of legislation or a virtual event or a video that may
be posted to the website.
So while we want to see people come to events in person, It's not necessary.
(12:26):
We don't discourage that. We encourage it. We want to see more people in the room.
But there's so many other ways people can get educated through CAI.
And that is really something that's developed over the last, I'd say, 50 years.
But really, in the last 10, it's probably dramatically changed.
With how members interact with the organization. Yeah, and I agree.
(12:48):
And I think at the board level, that's something we talk about all the time.
We don't want to ever be behind.
We want to try and look forward and be ahead and get ahead of those emerging
trends, especially from a technology standpoint, because we do,
we want more people to hear the message and get the value as opposed to less.
And I think that's probably reflected in our growing membership,
(13:09):
which is a good thing to see.
One of the unspoken truths of any milestone anniversary like this is the simple
fact that as the organization ages and the industry ages,
so do those individuals who were there at the beginning, right?
None of us are getting any younger.
And so it becomes incumbent on current leaders to nurture the future leaders in the organization.
(13:34):
How is CAI Keystone engaging with younger professionals and future leaders in
the field? Yeah, to steal a line from one of my favorite movies,
Tommy Boy, if you're not growing, you're dying.
And the way to grow is to have young membership and leadership.
We are starting to see some of those young members want to emerge in leadership
(13:56):
roles, which is so important for us as an organization.
The Pulse Committee, which started probably six, seven years ago now,
really brings a lot of energy and enthusiasm.
They have great events. Their events are always fun and they're open to everybody.
And there's a lot of people emerging from that community that are becoming leaders.
(14:17):
And also the Emerging Leaders Under 40 program is such a great way to recognize
the future leadership of this chapter.
And that's another event that's really a can't miss.
So you and I were probably similar in age. At one point we were under 40.
(14:38):
I'm further from that distinction than you are, I think.
What advice would you give to future leaders and members of CAI Keystone,
not only to get involved in the organization and to become an emerging leader,
but also to help continue to build on the chapter's legacy?
Yeah, I think spreading the word is the key.
(14:59):
You have to be able to talk to people you know in this industry that either
are members or are not members and tell them and encourage them to get involved.
It can definitely be great from an education standpoint, but from a business
partner standpoint, it can grow your business.
For the members, be seen, be active.
(15:20):
And it really is an organization where you get what you give.
I've seen it where some people have joined and within a year or two,
they've said, oh, I'm not getting value out of that.
But then they really weren't involved or they weren't doing anything.
So the more you're involved, the better off it's going to pay off.
And usually by many, many times over from an ROI standpoint. point.
(15:44):
Let me toss one more question in here on emerging leaders. What would you say
to someone listening to this podcast who maybe is brand new to the industry,
brand new to the organization,
younger person looking to get involved and maybe want to become president-elect
and president of the chapter someday?
What's your advice to those individuals? Certainly join a committee.
(16:08):
Being a part of the committee is, number one, it's fun. It's a great way to get to know people.
You're involved in a lot of different ways, and you really can start to get
a sense for the organization.
And then once you're on a committee, don't be a passive member of a committee.
Step up, be the treasurer, be the secretary, be the vice chair,
(16:32):
be the chair eventually.
Really get involved And over time, you may find that you'd like to take the
next step and be a member of the executive board, which is certainly within
reach for any member of this organization.
It's just about how involved you are. So part of our celebration to recognize
the 50th anniversary, of course, is we're going to throw a big party next year.
(16:56):
That event, the 50th anniversary and Excellence Awards Gala,
and this is some news we're announcing today.
We will be signing the contracts imminently.
That event will officially take place at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia.
I think it's a really appropriate venue for this, given the history of Pennsylvania,
(17:16):
the history of Ben Franklin.
The board has been discussing this as a potential venue for several months.
Hard to keep that under wraps. I think we let it slip to a couple of committees earlier this year.
What are you expecting at the 50th anniversary gala?
And what's going to make that event really special for you and for other members?
Well, I mean, it's hard to imagine that the 40th was just 10 years ago,
(17:39):
but people still talk about it like it was yesterday because it was such a great
event. It was so memorable, so amazing.
And I expect the 50th to be even better. The venue is, as you mentioned,
is excellent. People will really, really enjoy that and it'll feel special.
I think that's going to be a great thing. Yeah.
It's just a can't-miss event for anybody that's involved in the chapter now
(18:03):
or even was involved in the chapter in the past.
It does bring those generations together.
And if you're involved in the chapter, it's really an event you don't want to miss.
And for those of you who are listening, that event will be December 3rd,
Wednesday evening, our 50th anniversary gala celebration, December 3rd,
(18:24):
2025, at the Franklin Institute.
Now, that's a place we all probably went to as kids on class trip,
the planetarium, the heart exhibit.
But many people probably have never had the opportunity to actually attend an
event there after hours and really experience it in a different way.
So we're going to make that a unique event. It's certainly a unique and once-in-a-lifetime
(18:48):
milestone that we'll be celebrating.
Brendan, any final thoughts from
you as our incoming 50th anniversary year president before we wrap up?
I just want to encourage people to go to the chapter's website and take some
time, 10, 15 minutes, and pop around it.
You will find that the amount of resources within it are overwhelming.
(19:12):
There is so much information.
Additionally, you should look at the events calendar and plan out that year
and what events you're going to want to be involved in.
The other, speaking of events, I mean, the trade show is moving venue.
I think it's important to note, I've talked to a lot of people with the trade
(19:32):
show moving to Lancaster and they'll say things like, oh, I don't do business
in Lancaster or something like that.
And what people need to understand is that has nothing to do with that.
It's an event that it's the same trade show.
It's, it's the same people. It's the same clients and customers and vendors and managers.
(19:53):
It's just a different venue. I have not been to the venue, but from what I've
heard, it's, it's excellent and people are going to really enjoy it.
So I think it's something that we want to continue to spread the word on.
That'll be the first day is April 30th, correct? Yes.
So definitely put that, circle that on the calendar.
(20:13):
But otherwise, just continue to be involved, and we're going to continue to grow as a chapter.
I'm glad you mentioned the Expo because we should mention that.
It is a different location next year that's really only changed.
It's the same great event that our members are used to as an exhibitor,
as an attendee. We'll have great education sessions.
(20:35):
We're working on some different entertainment for the event to make it fun.
The only thing that's really changed is it's in a different building.
And yeah, you might have to drive a little farther, but you're going to get
a lot more out of it as well. So I'm glad that you brought that up.
Brendan, thanks for joining me today. This has been a great conversation for
this episode of Community Matters on our 50th anniversary and your thoughts
(20:58):
as the incoming president of the chapter.
Thanks for tuning in to Community Matters. We're glad to have your attention for a short time.
And thanks once more to the sponsor of Community Matters podcast, Hoffman Law, LLC.
You can find them on the web at hoffmanhoalaw.com.
Interested in being a guest on an upcoming episode of Community Matters?
(21:20):
Reach out to me at tony, T-O-N-Y, at caikeystone.org.
And don't forget to subscribe to the podcast so you'll get notifications every
time we post a new episode. And please share our podcast with your colleagues and friends.
For more resources and best practices on managing and governing your condominium,
(21:41):
cooperative, or homeowners association, please contact CAI or visit our website at www.caik.com.
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