Community Associations Network Industry News

TAMPA, Fla., Dec. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Residents of The Place at Channelside, a 245-unit luxury condominium development in downtown Tampa, will soon have the latest in broadband and entertainment -- FiOS Internet and FiOS TV, delivered over Verizon's all-fiber optic network.

Downtown Tampa is a booming, vibrant area, with at least six new construction projects under way. The Place at Channelside, scheduled to open in April, was developed by Key Developers Group and features innovative designs and floor plans, as well as leading-edge amenities and finishes.

"We're building luxurious homes with the latest features so it made sense to have Verizon wire The Place with its fiber-optic network," said Jamal Mansour, vice president of Key Developers Group. "Now we can provide our residents with the network that can deliver uncompressed HD-TV and up to 30 megabit-per-second (Mbps) Internet access and still have the bandwidth available to support future technologies. We're future-proofing our project."

Studies show that homeowners recognize that an all-fiber connection can increase the market value of their homes. For example, an independent survey of owners of homes with fiber connections, recently conducted by RVA Render, Vanderslice & Associates, shows that the owners estimate their homes are worth an average of $4,318 more when served by fiber optics all the way to the home.

Verizon's all-fiber-optic network will add to The Place's value. For instance, FiOS Internet Service at speeds of up to 30 Mbps will allow the user to download a standard 90-minute movie in a little over 5 minutes. By contrast, most cable companies offer speeds between 3-5 Mbps, and it would take about 30 minutes to about an hour to download a movie at those speeds.

Eric Cevis, vice president of Verizon Enhanced Communities, said, "Giving better service at a great price and enhancing property values are becoming the hallmark for properties we serve. We'll now be serving a property in downtown Tampa, spreading the impact of FiOS."

Verizon is building the nation's largest all-fiber-optic network directly to customers, with 6 million homes to be passed by year's end. Only Verizon's FiOS network has earned the certification of the independent Fiber to the Home Council for providing fiber all the way to customers' homes and businesses, ensuring that customers are able to realize the full suite of next-generation services that only fiber can deliver.

Verizon's FiOS Internet service offers download speeds of up to 5, 15 or 30 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 5 Mbps. Highlights of the FiOS TV service include:

* A lead offer with more than 180 digital video and music channels. * Twenty-six high-definition (HD) channels in the Florida market, with extraordinary clarity and theater-quality sound. * More than 2,500 On Demand titles available to customers now, increasing to over 3,500 titles in the next several months. * Channels grouped by genres such as entertainment, sports, news, shopping, movies and family, making it easy for audiences to find their favorite programming. * An easy-to-use interactive programming guide that integrates HD programming, On Demand content and the digital video recorder along with broadcast television into a seamless user experience. * A dual-tuner, HD-capable DVR that gives customers the freedom to pause and rewind live TV, record one show while watching another, and fast forward to their favorite part of the program -- all without a VCR, tapes or DVDs. * The option of Home Media DVR, featuring a multi-room DVR that enables up to three simultaneous viewings of programs recorded by the device without requiring customers to set up a complex home network or buy extra equipment. The recorder is bundled with Media Manager, a new feature that lets customers easily access photos and music from their personal computer and play them on their entertainment center where they look and sound the best. * FiOS TV Widgets, a free interactive feature that provides local weather and traffic information.

Information on packages and prices on Verizon's FiOS is available at http://www.verizon.com/fios or http://www.verizonfios.com/tv. For more information about the products and services available through Verizon Enhanced Communities visit http://www.verizon.com/communities. Verizon Enhanced Communities is Verizon's business unit that markets and sells communications services to single- and multiple-home properties. The business unit recently received the Cornerstone Award from Broadband Properties Magazine for outfitting a 300-unit, eight-building residential community with Verizon's FiOS all-fiber-optic network services in just 14 days.

Posted by Joe at 8:14 AM | Permalink

An upstart Cary company has effectively cut local telephone and cable rivals out of a Kannapolis subdivision in what is becoming a trend in new residential developments.

Connexion Technologies Inc., in an agreement with developers of the 600-home Kellswater Bridge, is providing phone, cable, Internet and security services. Homeowner association monthly dues will pay for the services, which will be managed by Beyond Communications, an Alabama-based phone company.

Kellswater Bridge homeowners won't be buying service from CT Communications Inc. or Time Warner Cable, Cabarrus County's dominant phone and cable providers. Neither is placing equipment into the subdivision.

"Connexion strikes the best deal possible with service providers, which gives customers the best prices and services," says George Kiser, Kellswater Bridge's managing partner. Kellswater Bridge talked with CT Communications and Time Warner about providing service, but came to no agreement, he says.

Federal and state law prohibits exclusive contracts for phone and cable service. But contracts such as at Kellswater Bridge often effectively exclude competition, says Matt Dowd, senior vice president of Concord-based CT Communications.

Residents benefit from lower costs and higher-quality service, Connexion spokeswoman Susan Wetzel says. She wouldn't disclose monthly fees at Kellswater Bridge, but industry officials say it typically costs $120 to $135 a month for the bundled services.

Connexion and its peers lay fiber-optic cable through a new subdivision directly into homes while the developer installs sidewalks and roads.

By the time roads are turned over to local or state government for maintenance, it's rarely economical for rival telecom or cable firms to install their own networks, Dowd notes.

Historically, incumbent firms such as BellSouth Corp., CT Communications and Time Warner installed networks in their franchise areas at their own expense without paying developers.

But now new firms such as Connexion and Charlotte's BroadStar and Your Residential Technology Team are paying developers for the rights to install fiber-optic systems, while also bearing construction costs. The deals typically involve an upfront payment per lot or a share of monthly revenue.

The competition is sparking BellSouth, CT Communications, Embarq (formerly Sprint) and other big phone companies to also cut deals with developers. The business makes financial sense only if the telecom firms are assured most or all homeowners will pay for the service, Dowd and other industry officials say.

CT Communications has been among North Carolina's most aggressive telecom companies in signing agreements to provide telephone and Internet service in new residential and commercial developments outside its traditional Cabarrus-Rowan market area.

But Connexion and others are raising the stakes by offering video service through fiber technology. CT Communications doesn't offer video service.

Privately held Connexion, led by former Cary Mayor Glen Lang, has signed deals with more than 65 residential subdivisions, high-rise condo buildings and resorts nationally. Kellswater Bridge is its first service area in the Charlotte region. Connexion serves 10 sites in eastern North Carolina.

Posted by Joe at 8:51 AM | Permalink

Parker Finch Management, a leading community association management firm based in Phoenix with franchises in Arizona, Colorado and Nevada, has announced its partnership with VetFran and Minority Fran. The goals of VetFran and Minority Fran are to expand franchising opportunities for Veterans and Minorities. Parker Finch Management is extending support to these organizations by offering members a 10 percent discount off their initial franchise fee.

“With new home sales nationwide climbing more than 40 percent in the past five years, coupled with more than 300,000 current HOAs in the nation, the opportunity to franchise a successful community management model is certainly there,” said Matt Wolach, director of franchise development at Parker Finch.

Since announcing its plans earlier this year to become the first community management firm in the country to franchise, Parker Finch has been named as one of Entrepreneur Magazine’s “Young Guns.” This esteemed listing named 99 new franchises across the country. Parker Finch was one of only two firms in Arizona to be recognized.

“We are glad to offer support to organizations like VetFran and Minority Fran,” said Jim Small, chief executive officer of Parker Finch, “By offering this kind of opportunity, Parker Finch is able to create a career for someone and in turn build stronger, more profitable communities. Everybody wins.”

Parker Finch Management provides a comprehensive suite of services to community associations including Equity Residential, 20/20 Properties, Elliott Homes, Stratland Homes, Richmond American Homes and several other home builders. The firm’s expertise, professionalism, and commitment to quality service are second to none. Associations that partner with Parker Finch Management have found a way to experience a better community. Looking forward, Parker Finch plans to not only expand its capabilities and superior customer service in Arizona, but also to expand its services to clients across the southwestern United States. For more information about Parker Finch, franchising with Parker Finch, or to inquire about HOA services for your community, please visit www.parkerfinch.com.

Posted by Joe at 2:50 PM | Permalink

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Dec. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Real Property Management, Inc., a leading provider of homeowner and condominium management services in central Ohio, joined with Associa®, the largest company in the United States devoted exclusively to the management of community associations.

Real Property Management, Inc. was founded in 1979 by Dwight Penn, who remains president of the company. Of the announcement, Mr. Penn said, "Real Property Management, Inc. is about real people continually working to enhance the value of our clients' communities. Teaming with Associa will allow us to continue providing outstanding local service, but with added national benefits and resources." Real Property Management, Inc. and its employees are proud members of IREM®, Institute of Real Estate Management and CAI®, Community Associations Institute. These organizations ensure the highest quality management and training from each of its members.

With more than 70 offices across the nation and growing, Associa is the largest company in the United States devoted exclusively to the management of community associations. By joining Associa, Real Property Management's communities can now participate in many of the benefits and features from Associa's national relationships. Associa has established a variety of national discount purchasing programs in insurance, refuse removal, utilities and telecommunications, which afford clients products and services of the highest quality at the most competitive prices for their needs. Associa companies also make available to each of their associations personalized web sites that allow residents access to a wealth of online services including interactive community calendars, Board and committee discussion groups, access to association documents, and much more.

Founded in 1979, Associa is America's leading community association management and developer services company. With offices all across North America, Associa is the largest company in the United States devoted exclusively to the management of community associations, representing thousands of communities from coast to coast. For more information, please visit www.associaonline.com or www.rpmanagement.com

Posted by Joe at 4:25 PM | Permalink

ALEXANDRIA, VA, DECEMBER 4, 2006 The Board of Trustees of Community
Associations Institute (CAI) will welcome six new members in January, an
infusion of industry professionals and community association homeowners who will
guide CAI as its national membership approaches 30,000.

Ronald L. Perl, Esq., Hill Wallack LLP, in Princeton, NJ, will serve as CAI
president beginning January 1, while T. Peter Kristian, CMCA, LSM, PCAM, General
Manager of Hilton Head Plantation Property Owners Association, in Hilton
Head, SC, becomes president-elect.

New members appointed to the Board of Trustees are:

* Prudence Bachmann, The Masters Condominium Association, Suffolk, VA
* Robert E. Barlow, Jr., AMS, PCAM, CIRMS, Wachovia Insurance Services, Summit,
NJ
* Kevin Cavanaugh, CPA, Goldklang, Cavanaugh & Associates, P.C., Fairfax, VA
* Kathryn C. Danella, CMCA, LSM, PCAM, Boca Pointe Community Association, Boca
Raton, FL
* Kelly A. Moran, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, Rampart Properties, Inc., Tampa, FL
* James M. Rademacher, Rezkom Enterprises, Inc., Ocean, NJ

Perl, Kristian and the following six leaders are returning to the 14-member
board:

* Denise Bower, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, Community Management, Inc., Portland, OR
* Steven Y. Brumfield, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, Toll Brothers, Horsham, PA
* Jack McGrath, The Grande at Colts Neck Condominium Association, Colts Neck, NJ
* P. Michael Nagle, Esq., Nagle & Zaller, P.C., Columbia, MD
* Wendy W. Taylor, CMCA, AMS, LSM, PCAM, Community Management Associates (CMA)
of Broken Sound, Boca Raton, FL
* Edward D. Thomas, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, Property Management People, Frederick, MD

"I'm honored to serve as president of this premier membership organization, and
I'm fortunate to have such talented board members working along side me," says
Perl. "We will continue the great strides that have taken place during the past
several years. We will also look for new and innovative ways to serve our
members and represent the best long-term interests of all community association
stakeholders."

CAI conducts annual elections to determine which members will serve on the
organization's membership representation groups (MRGs)—the Association of
Professional Community Managers (APCM) Board, the Community Association
Volunteers Committee (CAVC) and the Business Partners Council (BPC).

Edward D. Thomas, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, was elected to serve as the 2007 APCM Board
chair. Newly elected members are:

* Denise Bower, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, Community Management, Inc., Portland, OR
* Joe Bunting, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, Kiawah Island Community Association, Kiawah
Island, SC
* Sue Carpenter, CMCA, PCAM, Community Management Professionals Inc., Orlando,
FL
* Lori Loch-Lee, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, Rossmar & Graham Management Company, Mesa, AZ
* Kelly A. Moran, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, Rampart Properties, Inc., Tampa, FL
* Paula Santangelo, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, Mid-Atlantic Management Corp., Broad Axe,
PA

Bower and Moran were elected to second terms.

Jack McGrath will serve as the 2007 CAVC chair. Newly elected members are:

* Prudence Bachmann, The Masters Condominium Association, Suffolk, VA
* Bob Gramzinski, Manchester Farm Community Association, Germantown, MD
* Michael William Shiflett, Inter-Neighborhood Council, Durham, NC

Bachmann was elected to a second term.

P. Michael Nagle, Esq., was elected to serve as the BPC chair. Newly elected
members are:

* Kevin Cavanaugh, CPA, Goldklang, Cavanaugh & Associates, P.C., Fairfax, VA
* George Demetriades, Paint-Pro, Inc., Hightstown, NJ
* R. Honey Harris, Community Bank, Destin, FL
* Michael Magnotta, CPA, Advanced Technology Group, Inc., Plymouth Meeting, PA
* Robert M. Meisner, Esq., Meisner & Associates, P.C., Bingham Farms, MI
* George E. Nowack, Esq., Weissman, Nowack, Curry & Wilco, P.C., Atlanta, GA
* Lynn Voorhees, RS, Kipcon, Inc., North Brunswick, NJ

Cavanaugh, Magnotta and Voorhees were elected to second terms. Nowack serves on
the BPC by virtue of being elected the 2007 Dean of the College of Community
Association Lawyers.

Full 2007 MRG rosters will be posted online in January at
www.caionline.org/leadership/index.cfm.

CAI's president and president-elect are elected by members of the Board of
Trustees. Four at-large members are appointed by a board-selected Nominating
Committee and eight members are appointed by CAI's three membership
representation groups: four by APCM Board members and two each by the CAVC and
BPC. Board members are elected to two-year terms and can serve a maximum of
three terms. MRG members also serve two-year terms.

"I'm gratified to be working with such an excellent cadre of industry leaders,"
said CAI Chief Executive Officer Thomas M. Skiba. "Serving on the CAI Board of
Trustees and MRGs is a significant commitment of time and energy. And it's an
important commitment, not just to CAI as an organization, but to the members
they represent. I appreciate their dedication and enthusiasm and look forward to
working with them."

CAI is a national membership organization dedicated to helping homeowner and
condominium associations meet the expectations of their residents. We
accomplish this mission by providing information, tools and resources to
homeowners and professionals who govern and manage common-interest communities.
Our 28,000-plus members include community managers, volunteer homeowner leaders
and businesses and professionals who support associations. More information can
be obtained at www.caionline.org or by calling toll-free (888) 224-4321.

For members and general inquiries, contact the CAI Direct customer service team:
Community Associations Institute
225 Reinekers Lane, Suite 300
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: 703-548-8600
Fax: 703-684-1581

MEDIA CONTACT: Frank Rathbun
Phone: 703-548-8600, ext. 261
Fax: 703-684-1581

Posted by Joe at 9:48 AM | Permalink