The Community Associations Insitute (“CAI”) was officially founded on Septemeber 20, 1973, making 2013 the organization’s 40th anniversary. It’s first newsletter, CAI News, was distrubuted to only 200 members. Today, CAI’s monthly magazine, Common Ground, is distributed to more than 32,000 members in 61 chapters.
Ronald L. Perl, Esq., Chair of Hill Wallack LLP’s Community Association Practice Group, served as the CAI Board President in 2007. Here is what he had to say about his time as president:
CAI’s new governance structure had been in effect for about a year when I became president. The creation of the three Membership Representation Groups (for management professionals, homeowners and service providers) meant that for the first time association volunteers and community managers had organizational homes within CAI. Business partners were also given their own forum to serve that significant segment of our membership. CAI recognized the importance of giving all constituent groups the opportunity to exchange ideas and develop programs that would serve their particular needs. There was also tremendous growth in our government relations efforts, reflecting the growing importance of advocacy as one of CAI’s core missions. It was an exciting time to participate in an evolving and vibrant organization that today remains unique in its service to the industry.
Forty years and over 32,000 members later, CAI is the international center for community association information, best practices, education and advocacy.
For more on CAI’s 40th anniversary, please visit the 40th anniversary website to review the history of CAI and more from other past presidents.