Issue link: https://hub.associaonline.com/i/923246
September: Communicate your expectations. An important part of a board member's role is to maintain productive partnerships with vendors, and that starts with making sure anyone you work with understands how they can best fulfill your community's needs. Conversations like this don't have to be confrontational; in fact, they keep the relationship open and communicative. Starting now, make time to set expectations with your vendors, and you'll decrease confusion while increasing the level of service your community receives. In order for your vendors to service your community to your satisfaction, your expectations must be clear. Oftentimes, expectations may change throughout the course of a business relationship. Be sure to have a conversation with each of your vendors annually, near the time for contract renewal, to explain what your expectations are and what your vision is for your community. This will provide clarity and support a successful partnership. — Josie Flicek, CMCA®, AMS® Business Development Manager Cities Management October: Fill insurance gaps. As we go into the planning and budgeting season, make it a priority this month to ensure that your community is managing risk as well as it can through various means, including insurance. While it might not top your list of immediate priorities, creating a comprehensive community insurance plan isn't just a topic to check off your meeting agenda – it's a key part of your fiduciary duty. Give yourself peace of mind by double checking that all the right policies are in place for the protection not only of your association, but of your board as well. There's no better time than the present to make sure your community has all the coverage it needs to mitigate the most common risks it faces – property, liability, income, and personnel. A lack of proper insurance can result in significant financial consequences for the association, and sometimes even board members themselves. If you're unsure about what policies your association carries or if you haven't reviewed them in a while, ask an agent that specializes in community association coverage about any gaps you might have and options for addressing them. — Bo Bond, CIRMS® Senior Sales Executive Associations Insurance Agency, Inc.