New Mexico Group to Focus on Community Associations
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., Sept 08, 2008 /PRNewswire-USNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Thousands of New Mexicans who live and work in homeowner and condominium associations now have a statewide organization dedicated to issues and challenges faced by these common-interest communities.
Community association leaders in New Mexico have established a chapter of Community Associations Institute (CAI), a national, nonprofit group that works on behalf of associations and their residents. The New Mexico chapter will be headquartered in Albuquerque. The national organization is headquartered in Alexandria, VA.
CAI estimates that 60 million Americans live in close to 300,000 associations nationwide.
Dozens of community association leaders in New Mexico have been involved in the effort to establish the new organization.
"The community association housing market in New Mexico has grown tremendously in recent years," said Kimberly Corcoran, CMCA, AMS, vice president of operations for Canyon Gate Real Estate Services in Albuquerque and one of the industry leaders responsible for creation of the new CAI chapter. "The formation of a local CAI chapter is evidence of that growth and demonstrates the commitment of local companies to provide professional and reputable services to homeowners.
"Thousands of New Mexicans live in associations and many professionals support these communities," Corcoran added. "CAI provides education, resources and best practices, so we will all benefit from this organization."
The chapter's long-term goals include:
-- Becoming a reliable source for information about associations in New Mexico.
-- Providing educational programming for industry professionals.
-- Sponsoring events for chapter members throughout the state.
"We're pleased these leaders took the initiative to establish a chapter in New Mexico," said Crystal Danielson, CAE, CAI's vice president of membership and chapter relations. "The formation of this chapter will bring the benefits of CAI education, networking and collective advocacy to associations throughout New Mexico."
CAI's 28,500+ members include community association volunteer leaders (homeowners), professional association managers and management firms and other professionals who provide products and services to community associations. CAI provides a number of member benefits, including best practices, local and national educational resources, legislative and regulatory advocacy and designations for professionals who serve associations. Members who join CAI are automatically members of the national organization and the chapter of their choice.
For information about the New Mexico chapter, write kcorcoran@cgres.com. To learn more about CAI, call (888) 224-4321 or visit www.caionline.org.