Gaughan Director of Association Management Receives AMS Designation
Gaughan Association Management is pleased to announce that Amanda Glader, Director of Association Management, has been awarded her Association Management Specialist (AMS) designation from the Community Associations Institute (CAI).
The Community Associations Institute’s (CAI) Association Management Specialist (AMS) designation says a lot about community managers who have earned this highly respected credential. It says they have the training and knowledge required to provide professional service to their community association clients. It says they understand the nature, importance and unique challenges of community association management. It says they are committed to excellence and continuing education. Employing a manager who has earned an AMS means you are committed to preserving the character of your community, protecting property values, and meeting the expectations of your owners.
To earn the AMS credential, managers must have at least two years of experience in community association management and complete advanced course work. In addition, they must have already earned the basic industry certification for managers—the Certified Manager of Community Associations credential.
“Professionals who earn CAI credentials maximize the value they can provide to their community association clients,” said CAI Chief Executive Officer Thomas M. Skiba, CAE. “Not only have these professionals demonstrated a personal commitment to self-improvement, but they have also elevated their practical knowledge and expertise. That’s what all community associations need and what board members and residents deserve.”
Professional managers provide administrative, operational and managerial counsel to the boards that govern homeowners and condominium associations. Managers typically are responsible for managing budgets and contractors, directing association personnel, and overseeing compliance with association covenants and restrictions.
Congratulations, Amanda! We are proud of your commitment to our clients and the community management industry!
Happy International Women’s Day!
The year 1908 began the journey for global recognition and celebration of the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The first International Women’s Day (IWD) was celebrated in 1913 when the women of Russia campaigned for peace on the eve of World War I. Today, it is often recognized by local activities, rallies, conferences, gifts, and the colors purple and green–symbolizing justice, dignity, and hope.
IWD also falls within Women in Construction (WIC) Week! This time is set aside, each year, to continue to raise awareness of the increased role and opportunities for women in the construction industry. We are proud of and thankful for the women at Gaughan and the hard work that they do!
Gaughan Managers Attend HOA Trade Show
Gaughan Association Management managers recently attended the Community Associations Institute -Minnesota Chapter Trade Show. The event provides informative education for our managers, as well as a great opportunity to meet vendors who can assist with our clients’ needs. Thank you, CAI, for a wonderful event filled with great education and networking! We look forward to this event every year.
Team Building Brings Big Thrills
Every year, Gaughan Companies hosts an annual team building event for all of its employees. This year, we took a day during the week to go to Big Thrill Factory in Oakdale with the whole company.
After an address from the company president, Patrick Gaughan, the attendees ate lunch and gathered into smaller groups in order to connect one-on-one with their coworkers. Our staff is growing, and with many of them at locations throughout the Twin Cities, it is important for us to take the time for these team building activities.
We participated in activities like go karts, laser tag, a ropes course, indoor zip line, and other events, like the Gaughan Jeopardy game. The atmosphere was filled with good spirits and friendly competition!
We appreciate our employees and all that they do for our company and our community. We are blessed to have a wonderful group to work with!
Community Association Boards
Did you know?
52,000 Minnesotans are elected to their community association boards each year. These board members provide an estimated $1.8 million in service to their communities. Thank a board member today!
#gaughangab
Winter Water Leaks
Do you have a water leak in your home? Is water dripping from your light fixtures or smoke detectors? If it is, one reason for this can be condensation.
As warm, moist air from inside the home rises up and comes in contact with a cold surface (like the underside of the roof deck), the air cools and moisture condenses out because cold air can’t hold as much moisture as warm air. That condensation forms a layer of frost on the cold surface.
When this frost builds up for weeks at a time and is followed by a warm day or two, it can melt all at once. Then, water will start running down the walls, out the bathroom and kitchen fans, through recessed light, out of door frames, etc.
People often jump to the conclusion that it’s a leak, even though it’s not raining and there isn’t too much snow to melt. But, what they are seeing is water that was already inside their home in the form of water vapor.
The best thing one can do to help this issue is control indoor winter humidity levels. If it’s 0°F outside, it’s best to maintain a humidity level of 20-25%.
WCCO recently released a story on this topic, too. Read more: http://cbsloc.al/2D6KxKi
Homeowner Hints: Humidity at Home in Subzero Temps
When the temperature outside is less then 10 degrees, run the bathroom vents during a shower or bath, and leave it run for 10 minutes afterwards. This will keep the warm, moist air from freezing onto the inside of the vent. Also, recommended humidity levels in a home during the winter should be 35 to 40%.
MN Snow and Ice is Hard to Avoid!
Even with contracted snow removal service, we still experience freeze/thaw cycles that can wreak havoc on our sidewalks and driveways. But there are steps you can take to avoid a fall.
1) Walk slowly and carefully.
2) Ever heard of the Minnesota shuffle? Take small steps.
3) Keep both hands free to allow for better balance or use of handrails.
4) Step out of vehicles, don’t jump.
5) Walk as flat-footed as possible.
6) Wear appropriate footwear for conditions.
If you do fall, you may be able to reduce any injury by;
1) Rolling with the fall. Relax as much as possible.
2) Don’t protect what you’re carrying! Protect yourself and toss anything if you need to break your fall.
Association Team Joins in for Toys for Tots
The Gaughan Association Management team attended the recent Community Associations Institute – MN Chapter holiday party. It was a great event to network with vendors, and we got to support a good cause by supplying donations for Toys for Tots. Happy Holidays!
Gaughan Associate Elected to Chamber Board
Dave Galleberg, Commercial Brokerage Associate at Gaughan Companies, was elected as a board member of the MetroNorth Chamber of Commerce on December 7, 2017 at the Merry & Bright Winter Gala. Dave and the Gaughan Companies are grateful to serve on the board and help the local business community on the north side of the Twin Cities metro area.
