Condo Media - July 2011 - 41

says, his primary goal, with co-chair Mary Lou Muirhead (now a Housing Court judge) was to expand the committee’s membership and invigorate what had become a somewhat lethargic group by inviting guest speakers to discuss topical issues. “We didn’t want the committee to be just a bunch of condominium lawyers hanging around talking to each other,” he explains.

Sharing Information
What they did want the committee to be is a place to exchange information and share ideas, which Perkins says it remains today. Although attorneys traditionally have been known more for their instinct to guard information than their willingness to share it, Perkins says, that hasn’t been the case on the Attorneys’ Committee, where a cooperative spirit that he thinks characterizes CAI-NE as a whole, has prevailed. “I’ve benefited [tremendously] from the willingness of others in CAI-NE to

share information with me,” Perkins says, and he has been happy to return the favor when industry executives have sought information or advice he was able to provide. “I wouldn’t be the attorney I am, and my firm wouldn’t be the firm it is today, without the help I’ve gotten from others,” he notes. And besides, he adds, “I’ve always believed that clients will come to us because we do a good job as a firm and not because we keep information we have to ourselves.” What he finds most gratifying about his CAI-NE involvement today, Perkins says, is being one of the “go-to” people who are asked to serve on committees, lead educational seminars, make phone calls to legislators or just pitch in when something needs to be done. Perkins views those requests as opportunities to “give back” to an organization that has given him so much. One of CAI-NE’s biggest challenges going forward, he believes, will be

finding “the new generation of leaders” for the organization. “I don’t think too many people wake up and say, ‘I think I’d like to become a condominium lawyer,’” he notes. “We have to spark their interest in the field,” and then get them involved in CAI-NE. When he talks to attorneys and other industry executives about CAI, Perkins emphasizes the resources it offers nationally and locally (“I can’t think of another organization that comes close to matching it”) and the personal and professional relationships it fosters among members. “When I go to industry events,” he says, “it’s like going out to dinner with a bunch of close friends. I see people I’ve known for more than 20 years.” Those encounters invariably trigger memories of projects on which he’s collaborated with industry colleagues and the experiences they’ve shared. Perkins admits that they also remind him that “I had hair then and so did they.” CM

Who else can say – our account executives know community management backwards and forwards. Who else can say – our relationship managers speak your language and understand your business. Who else can say – our technology group has revolutionized the business of association management.

AVP / Regional Account Executive 860.459.4713 Toll Free 866.800.4656, ext. 7481
erin.kremser@cabanc.com

Erin Kremser CMCA

EXPERIENCE
HOA Banking HOA Loans Internet Cash Management Online Payment Systems Dedicated Customer Service
Z4816 Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender National Corporate Member of Community Associations Institute.

CONDO MEDIA • JULY 2011

Condo Media - July 2011

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Condo Media - July 2011