Gaughan Association Management Accepts AAMC Award at National Conference

Earlier this month, Gaughan Association Management was able to attend a great educational conference hosted by Community Associations Institute (CAI). This national conference provided key educational sessions that delivered information to allow our team to continue to improve and grow.

Our team was also recognized for receiving AAMC accreditation. We are thankful to participate with an organization that continues to strive to educate managers and leadership throughout our industry.

Thank you to CAI for a great conference, and we look forward to another educational year with our local chapter, CAI-MN, as well!

Gaughan Represents at Chamber Golf Tournament

We were honored to be a sponsor at the 30th annual MetroNorth Chamber Golf Tournament to help raise money for their mission of strengthening business in the community.

Our team had a blast staffing a hole and playing a round of golf with other chamber members and guests at Majestic Oaks Golf Club! We always enjoy events held by the MetroNorth Chamber of Commerce and are pleased to be a member. We are excited about the growth in our communities and the active role that the MetroNorth Chamber plays in the community.

Gaughan Association Management Awarded the Accredited Association Management Company Designation

Gaughan Association Management recently joined an elite group of community association management companies that have earned the Accredited Association Management Company (AAMC®) credential from Community Associations Institute (CAI). To earn the AAMC credential, a management company must have three years of experience in community association management and at least 50 percent of its managers must have earned professional designations.

Gaughan is one of six association management companies in Minnesota to receive the AAMC designation. Fewer than 250 management companies worldwide have earned the highest level of professional recognition in the community association management field.

Gaughan Association Management will be inducted during the Opening General Session of the upcoming CAI Annual Conference and Exposition in Washington, DC on May 9-12, 2018.

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!

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!

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