Communication Initiatives
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Please provide a description of your initiative and the date implemented? |
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We have an open door policy and have gone on record to our community that the present board would operate on a transparent approach. No hidden agenda's, no paperwork that can not be seen, no information left out by any staff member.
To re-enforce this message we have designed a unique web-site that is user friendly for our residents www.southbeachiv.com loaded with useful information. Newsletters, updates, legal paperwork, budgets, fun stuff,event calender, pictures and more.
For those that do not have a computer, the information is mailed out in the form of an update letter. Normally this is sent out twice a month. We have a $750,000 renovation project going on and we keep our residents well informed on contract costs and y/t/d numbers as draws are completed. |
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What are the primary goals and objectives of the communication program or initiative? Were there specific problems that you sought to address? |
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To keep important information coming thru the pipeline so there are no miss-quotes or miss-information. To be transparent in all actions take by the board and community manager and staff.
Previous complaints were about private agenda's of board members spending association funds for personal choices. Hidden meetings by the board and certain unit owners. |
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If your initiative is Web-based, please provide the URL: |
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www.southbeachiv.com |
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Please describe steps that were taken to involve community residents in the initiative. |
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We came out with a board policy at a members meeting. Hired an agressive property manager [individually licensed no management company] with communication skills, banking, business, accounting, and a construction background.
The manager began with a business plan, a complete review of financial records, minutes of previous meetings. The next step was to meet and call as many residents over a 12 week time period for input and/or to share ideas. After gathering all notes and/comments from the residents a formal business plan and total revision of the accounting and the previous way we did business was changed.
Next, the manager began to again meet with many residents to go over the new business plan and/ideas. After meeting with the residents for the second time and by getting the residents who reviewed the new plan behind the project the new project was implemented with over 40% of the residents approving the plan before it was official. |
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How have you been able to evaluate the impact of your communication initiative(s) within your community? Please provide examples if appropriate. |
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The comments from the residents are enough proof. Residents who have not been down to Florida have called because of the current updates and web-site. Seeing is believing for many people and they are seeing. |
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What effect has the communication initiative had on your community? Please be as specific as possible. |
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People are more open to each other because everything is out in the open that can be verified for the doubters. This makes for a better place to live knowing that the financial and operations side of the association are running openly and smoothly. |
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What were the challenges that had to be overcome in establishing the initiative? How was this accomplished? |
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The doubt already established within residents because of so many years of shady boards and financial affairs. |
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You may include additional information about the community that you consider relevant to the topic. |
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We have a unique community now. People are more outgoing. We had a great pool party a couple of months ago with over 120 people in attendance. The Christmas party this year was a huge success.
Residents are now seeing the business plan in action and the renovation project coming together in a beautiful new community. |
