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The 2012 Florida Communities of Excellence
Conference & Awards Ceremony

Friday, March 30, 2012
9:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Conference Center
Hollywood, Florida
 
Join board members, managers and residents from hundreds of Florida communities for this annual celebration of community association excellence. Attend stimulating educational sessions and CEU classes, discover the latest solutions from top industry vendors, and network with industry professionals and community leaders from across the state.

Admission is free for Community Association board members, manager and residents.
 
Event Agenda
 9:30 a.m. – Event registration opens
10:00 a.m. – Exhibition area opens
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon – CAM classes
12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. – “Managers of Excellence" Awards Luncheon
The "Managers of Excellence" designation is given to those individuals who manage communities that have received Florida Communities of Excellence Awards.
1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. – Seminars and Panels
Hosted by Communities of Excellence Awards 2012 Diamond Level Sponsors: Associa, BB&T Bank, Continental Group and Envera Systems.
4:30 p.m. – Gala Reception
5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. – Florida Communities of Excellence Awards ceremony

Register Now to attend the 2012 Florida Communities Excellence Awards!

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Everything You Wanted to Know about Being a Condominium Board Member… But Were Afraid to Ask!   Condominium Board Member Certification Approved by the Department of Business & Professional Regulation**
	Why Attend?
	Comply with State Law** (see below) Understand your legal responsibilities and obligations including your “fiduciary duty” Gain insights into governing through case studies and real situations Receive a Quick Reference Guide of checklists, statutory deadlines and charts to assist with elections, meetings and other Board responsibilities.
	Topics Covered:
	Operations • Records Maintenance • Dispute Resolution • Elections Budgets & Reserves • Financial Reporting • Insurance • Audits Broward Dates & Times Saturday, December 3, 2011 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM         Reserve your space by calling Steve Bahm at 954-364-6018 or sbahm@becker-poliakoff.com Becker & Poliakoff 3111 Stirling Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 [MAP]   Light refreshments will be served. There is no charge to attend but you must call to reserve your space. First come, first served. YOU WILL RECEIVE A CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION SUITABLE FOR FRAMING

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LIVE WEBINAR Monday, November 14, 2011 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM ET (10:00 AM – 11:00 AM CT) Maintenance and repairs consume a large portion of your community’s budget and reserves, and therefore are an important priority of an association board. Participate in our webinar In the Green: How Clean Energy Upgrades are a Smart Budget Move for Associations to learn how clean energy upgrades to your buildings can be the fiscally responsible choice. St. Lucie County is empowering its residents and businesses to save money and reduce energy consumption through the Solar and Energy Loan Fund (SELF), a conservation initiative that has drawn national and international attention for its innovative approach to fostering a Green Economy. Join Lisa Magill, a shareholder in Becker & Poliakoff’s Community Association Law Practice Group, and her special guest, SELF acting Director and former St. Lucie County Commissioner Doug Coward, for a live webinar as they analyze this initiative that is increasing the availability of energy conservation and efficiency upgrades for residential use, the only program of its kind in Florida. Lisa A. Magill Doug Coward http://event.on24.com/r.htm?e=375381&s=1&k=97E8BC46FA1A8756CCB1A3AC82478E89 Register  today! You will  receive a confirmation email with information on how to participate from the convenience of your computer.

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LIVE WEBINAR Becker & Poliakoff’s Hurricane Preparation & Claims Recovery Team presents Florida Communities of Excellence Best Practices: Disaster Preparedness Initiatives Friday, October 21, 2011 at 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM ET (9:00 AM – 10:00 AM CT) Florida Communities of Excellence is a statewide awards program recognizing excellence in Florida’s housing communities in various categories. Many outstanding communities have participated in this program, which is judged by an impressive group of independent judges with expertise in various fields. (For more information on the 2012 Florida Communities of Excellence and how your community can participate, see www.communitiesofexcellence.net)  We are often asked, “What did that community do to win the award?”  Now we’ll share these important concepts in a new webinar series called Florida Communities of Excellence Best Practices.   Lisa A. Magill. Esq. Sanjay Kurian, Esq. Ed Latalladi Mary Blakeney One award category is Disaster Preparedness Initiatives.  We’ve invited Ed Latalladi, Executive Director, of the award winning Ibis POA & Director of Public Safety of Ibis Golf & Country Club in West Palm Beach to join us to discuss the plan his community implemented and share what they learned in the process. We also welcome special guest, Mary Blakeney, the Assistant Operations Manager with Palm Beach County’s Division of Emergency Management, who serves as the liaison with responders, civic leaders, county officials, municipal partners and the general public regarding the work of the Division.  This is a Don’t-Miss-It event where you will learn proven best practices on how to protect your community against disasters.  Register today to participate in this timely webinar by clicking the register button below.  You will receive an email with details on how to participate from your computer.        http://event.on24.com/r.htm?e=367127&s=1&k=44532F441AC48CBB6C0F239BD318C771 Register  today! You will  receive a confirmation email with information on how to participate from the convenience of your computer.

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Join Becker & Poliakoff's CALL team along with Special Guest Representative Moraitis, Jr., the sponsor of HB 1195.

Live Webinar — Monday, June 13, 2011
1:30 PM – 3:00 PM EDT

2011 FLORIDA LEGISLATIVE SESSION:
New Laws Affecting Community Associations

The 2011 Florida Legislative Session came to an end upon adjournment on Saturday, May 7.  House Bill 1195, sponsored by Rep. George Moraitis, Jr. (R-FL 91st District), passed during the Legislative Session and will soon be headed to the Governor for final action.  The CALL team of Ken Direktor,  David Muller and Yeline Goin, Co–Executive Directors of CALL, will be joined by Travis Moore, CALL’s lobbyist in Tallahassee, along with our Special Guest Rep. Moraitis, for an in-depth analysis of this bill as well as others that affect daily operations in your community.  Click on the register button below to sign up for this very important event!

Ken Direktor, Esq. West Palm Beach	David Muller Sarasota
Yeline Goin, Esq. Tallahassee, Ft. Myers	Travis Moore Tallahassee

Register today! You will  receive a confirmation email with information on how to participate from the convenience of your computer.

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LIVE WEBINAR
Disaster Planning for the 2011 Hurricane Season - Are You Ready to Weather the Storm?

Wednesday, June 1, 2011
10:00 AM– 11:00 AM 
 

Hurricane Season is officially here. While we have had a couple of years in Florida that have perhaps lulled us into a certain complacency, the prediction in 2011 is for nine hurricanes in the Atlantic. Are you ready to weather the storm?

Join Bill Strop, who will moderate this webinar, and Rob Rubin and Sanjay Kurian, to learn about recent cases and experiences resulting from recent disasters that will affect how you prepare yourself and your community before the storms hit.  Both Bill and Sanjay are Florida Board Certified Construction Lawyers with tremendous expertise in repair/reconstruction issues.  Bill and Rob both spent years working on behalf of insurance companies, so they know the tactics and techniques relied upon by carriers to deny or discount claims.
 

William Strop, Esq. Fort Lauderdale	Sanjay Kurian, Esq. Fort Myers	Robert I. Rubin Esq. West Palm Beach

Click below to register and you will receive a confirmation email with information on how to participate
 

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Answer: They all impact communities and community association operations!

Yesterday I attended the CAI Annual National Conference & Exposition being held at the Boca Raton Resort, where industry leaders from around the world shared innovative and emerging issues impacting community associations, community association leadership, management and operations.   Becker & Poliakoff lead several presentations including:

The Impact of the Fair Housing Act on Deed Restrictions, Rules and Regulations.

The session addressed legal obligations on the part of community associations, such as the duty to make reasonable accommodations in policies and allow modifications to the physical premises for disabled persons (or persons associated with disabled persons).  It also included the various types of accommodations, describing the trials and tribulations arising from the presence of miniature horses, parrots and other types of emotional support animals in a community association setting.

 Aging Owners: New Challenges for Associations.

How many of you face different challenges every day as a result of aging or infirm residents?  This session gave community leaders tips and practical advice how to balance the rights and needs of owners suffering from dementia, physical incapacitation and alienation by relatives, while preserving the rights and protecting the safety of neighbors.

Another presenter offered a fascinating program on the effective use of media for crisis management, damage control and to tout community accomplishments.  I found the discussion on new technology quite interesting as well.  Did you know that with relatively low cost you can offer your residents more security, improved energy efficiency, remote control of household lighting, appliances, air conditioning and more all from their computers, smart phones or televisions?  Wouldn't it be great to be able to have valet bring around your car, unlock the door for the pest control service (and watch them perform the service) and then re-lock the door, authorize package delivery, turn on or off the lights, pre-heat the oven and a whole host of other things from your office or on the way home?  More importantly, new technology for monitoring and preserving the health and safety of the residents is available.  For communities with aging residents, wouldn't it be great to have notice a resident hasn't risen from bed, left the home or suffered a fall immediately, rather than being surprised when an ambulance arrived or, even worse, when a neighbor demands you break down the door due to an offensive odor?

More programs will take place today and tomorrow.  Mr. Poliakoff will also be available to sign his book "New Neighborhoods" in the bookstore from noon to 3:00 pm.

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Community association leaders and managers from across the state cheered with excitement for their friends, colleagues and industry partners at the Florida Communities of Excellence Awards ceremony held last Friday at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel in Hollywood.

Here are the winners:

Best Web Site -- Recognizes Web sites that offer access to important information and provide additional conveniences for their residents

• Large: Green Cay Village, Boynton Beach
• Small: Nova Homeowners' Association, Davie 

Energy & Water Conservation/Sustainable Practices -- Recognizes energy and water management programs that achieve cost economies while promoting environmentally friendly practices

• Large: Vanderbilt Community Association, Naples
• Small: Madeira Beach Yacht Club, Madeira Beach

Family Friendly Programs & Initiatives -- Recognizes communities in which participation and well-being are actively promoted for the entire family

• Large: Island Walk of Naples, Naples
• Small: Palm Bay Yacht Club, Miami

Safety & Security -- Recognizes programs, policies and procedures that protect and ensure the safety of residents and property

• Large: Ibis Property Owners Association, West Palm Beach
• Small: Turnberry Ocean Colony, Sunny Isles Beach

Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ -- Recognizes environmentally sound landscape, wetland, preserve and lake management policies

• Large: Pelican Cove Condominium, Sarasota
• Small: Heather Hill One Condominium, Dunedin

Disaster Preparedness -- Recognizes comprehensive planning for protecting lives and property and for restoration in the event of a disaster

• Large: Ibis Property Owners Association, West Palm Beach
• Small: Parkshore Plaza Condominium, St. Petersburg

Civic Volunteerism & Advocacy -- Recognizes associations that contribute to improving society through volunteerism and support of non-profit and charitable causes

• Large: Village Walk of Sarasota, Sarasota
• Small: Turnberry Ocean Colony, Sunny Isles Beach

Financial Innovation -- Honors innovative solutions to ease financial burdens while maintaining the quality of amenities and services

• Large: Village Walk of Sarasota, Sarasota
• Small: Jade Residences at Brickell Bay, Miami

Congratulations to all the finalists!  Florida Community Association Journal will, of course, feature in-depth articles over the next several months. Please check back to this site to hear about some of the really progressive and innovative ideas community leaders implemented over the last year.

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There are programs offered all day including the following:

Florida-Friendly (TM) Landscaping:  What's in it for Your Community?

Presented by the Florida Energy Extension Service of the University of Florida.  2 CEUs for CAMs.

Solving Problems for Community Associations.

Presented by Florida CAM schools.  2 CEUs for CAMs.

Everything You Wanted to Know About Being a Condominium Board Member .... but Were Afraid to Ask!

Presented by Kenneth Direktor, Esq., of Becker & Poliakoff.  This course is approved by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation for Board Member Certification.

Panels Include:

• Financial Secrets of the Most Innovative Communities:  How Savvy Associations are Adjusting to the New Economic Realities
• Standing Guard:  Preventing Crime and Protecting People and Property in the Era of Decreasing Public Services
• Green Is the New Affordable:  How Environmentally Smart Communities Are Reducing Costs AND Reducing Carbon Footprint
• Rallying the Troops: Strengthening Community Ties Through Volunteerism, Action and Advocacy

Plus, don't forget Jimmy Cefalo is the Master of Ceremonies!  Register to attend HERE.

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 Many of you are anxiously awaiting for the 2011 Florida Communities of Excellence Awards presentation.  Here is a video featuring 2010 finalists so you can see a sampling of some of the fabulous initiatives by community associations.

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There are still seats available at our upcoming Annual Community Association Leadership Conference at the Barbara B. Mann Center on Monday, January 24, 2011 from 9:00 to 12:30 PM.
Check-in begins at 8:30 AM.

 The Conference will focus on the 2010 legislative changes and recent case law impacting Florida's communities, including topics such as:

• Enabling associations to collection more unpaid assessments
• Collecting rent from tenants of owners who are in arrears
• Board elections, responsibilities and certification
• The new Distressed Condominium Relief Act

A special feature: A panel of Becker & Poliakoff's construction attorneys discussing common construction issues facing community associations, followed by a Q&A session where attendees can get answers to whatever questions they may have. You may also submit your questions in advance to questions@becker-poliakoff.com .

Participating Community Association Managers (CAMs) will earn 2 continuing education credits (Legal Update 2011).

CLICK HERE to register.

I look forward to seeing you there!

Joseph E. Adams, Esq.

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The Firm recently published its last community association newsletter for the year.  For the past few years Volume XII of Community Update is a Year In Review. We take this opportunity to re-visit the articles that appeared in our publication during the past year and hope you find it useful as a reference to the important issues that impact your daily operations. You can access the Community Update archives through the Links section on the right-hand side of this site.

2010 Webinars Available On-Demand

Funding Owner Delinquencies: Collecting Rent From Tenants

Moderated by Lisa Magill, Presented by Scott Petersen and Guest Seth Heller.

Analysis of an Insurance Coverage Lawsuit

Moderated by Ken Direktor, Presented by Robert I. Rubin and Guest Andrea C. Northrop.

As one year ends another begins and so does another series of events intended to benefit our clients, industry contacts and friends. Condominium Board Member Certification classes are scheduled throughout the State and many of you already registered to attend the Annual Community Association Leadership Conference in your area.

Because the goodwill of those we serve is the foundation of our success, it's a real pleasure to say "Thank You" as we wish you a full year of health, happiness and prosperity.

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Is Your Community Excellent?  

Are you proud of the special programs and services that make your community stand out from the crowd?   Then submit a nomination for an award in one or more of the ten categories judged in this year's program.  The Florida Communities of Excellence Awards honor and document the admirable achievements of condominium and homeowners associations throughout the state.
 

A distinguished panel of independent experts with backgrounds in community management, consulting, public safety, public policy, education, journalism, energy & water conservation and environmental advocacy, will evaluate entries in these categories:

1. Best Web Site and Internet Communications (Presented by Comcast) 
2. Trendsetter Awards (Presented by Associa) 
3. Safety & Security Initiatives 
4. Disaster Preparedness Initiatives 
5. Civic Volunteerism and Advocacy 
6. Family Friendly Programs & Initiatives 
7. Financial Innovation (Presented by The Continental Group) 
8. Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ 
9. Energy & Water Conservation (Non-landscaping) 
10. Sustainable Practices (Non-landscaping)

Judges include representatives from the University of Florida and the University of Florida's Extension Service, the Florida Fire Chiefs Association,  the Sun-Sentinel, Nova Southeastern University and AARP, among others.  Learn more about the Judges HERE.

There's not much time left - nominations must be submitted no later than January 15, 2011.  Click HERE for the nomination form. 

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Becker & Poliakoff will conduct its 35th Annual Community Association Leadership Conference series beginning on January 24, 2011 to March 26, 2011 at various locations throughout the state.

This FREE conference will focus on legislative changes impacting Florida's communities. Attendees will learn about significant amendments enacted during the 2010 legislative session in Tallahassee. Topics include new remedies for collecting delinquent accounts, changes to suspension of use rights and voting rights, board elections and qualifications, as well as the most recent case law affecting shared ownership housing communities.

A special feature: A panel of Becker & Poliakoff's construction attorneys discussing common construction issues facing community associations, followed by a Q&A session where attendees can get answers to whatever questions they may have. You may also submit your questions in advance to questions@becker-poliakoff.com.

Locations & registration information can be found here.

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Live Webinar on Wednesday, December 1, 2010
2:00 PM–3:00 PM Eastern (1:00 PM-2:00 PM Central)

Funding Owner Delinquencies: Collecting Rent From Tenants

The 2010 Florida Legislature created new procedures for community associations to collect assessments from tenants of owners who are in arrears. You’ll want to join us to hear about these new collection techniques and to learn how to avoid pitfalls in the process.

Lisa Magill, Esq. Becker & Poliakoff Ft. Lauderdale	Scott Petersen, Esq. Becker & Poliakoff Sarasota

Join moderator Lisa Magill and Scott Petersen of Becker & Poliakoff who will present with guest speaker Seth Heller of Heller & Company, Inc., a receivership, private equity, and advisory firm based in Miami, for this insightful live webinar on Funding Owner Delinquencies: Collecting Rent From Tenants.

Register below and you will receive a confirmation email with information on how to participate.

http://event.on24.com/r.htm?e=257939&s=1&k=E4782631B583E8047AAB430A0C918CA1

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Showcase Your Excellence - Submit Your Entry for Consideration by Independent Judges in the Florida Communities of Excellence Awards! 

This independently judged program enables the top communities in the state to promote their accomplishments and raise their profiles while documenting their success and enabling others to learn from their accomplishments across numerous categories.  Publisher and sponsor Jim McMurray noted the awards "saw 100% growth in its first two years and the program will expand even further for 2011.”   Florida Community Association Journal co-founded the Awards with the law firm Becker & Poliakoff, P.A.

Communities often rely upon the advice, effort and fortitude of their managers.  Therefore, "Managers of Excellence”  will also be selected.  This award is to recognize professionals working with communities that have distinguished themselves with consistently high rankings in the initial three years of the Awards.

There are plenty of categories so every size, type and shape of community can participate.  Go to:  Florida Communities of Excellence for more information and entry forms. 

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The Division of Florida Condominiums, Timeshares and Mobile Homes is holding Free Condominium Educational Seminars Statewide. The first Seminars will be held in Sarasota, North Port and Clearwater. The Sarasota and North Port Seminars will be held on October 18, 2010, and the Tampa Seminar will be held on October 19, 2010.

The Miami-Dade and Brevard County (November) Seminar dates, along with the Volusia County, Broward County and Palm Beach County (December) Seminar dates and locations will be announced soon. The Seminars will include question and answer sessions and educational materials.  The Seminars are free and open to the public.  The specific dates, times and locations are listed below.  Reservations are not necessary.  If you need directions, please call the number listed for the location.

Sarasota
Monday, October 18, 2010
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Sarasota County Administration Center
Commission Chamber
1st Floor
1660 Ringling Boulevard
Sarasota, Florida 34236
941-861-5111

Sarasota/North Port
Monday, October 18, 2010
10:00 AM to 12:00 N
North Port Coop.
Harbor Cove Resident Owners Community, Inc
499 Imperial Drive,
North Port, Florida 34287
941-426-2806

Tampa/Clearwater
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m
Hill Crest Villas Condominium
24862 U.S. Highway 19 North
Clearwater, Florida
727-797-6975

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• Can your association collect rent from tenants? 
• Can your association disable a key fob or entry device if an owner doesn't pay?
• High-rise building owners - are you familiar with changes to the fire sprinkler retrofit laws?
• Do your community documents give mortgagees a free ride after foreclosure?

We will answer these questions and more at Ironstone Bank on Tuesday, October 5, 2010 from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. where I will discuss the 2010 Legislative Changes Impacting Condominium and Homeowners' Associations.

• Have you neglected major projects because of the economy?
• Do your common areas need updating?
• Would your residents enjoy new amenities?

 The presentation will also cover Capital Improvement Loans for Long Term Savings.  Interest rates have never been lower and many contractors are idle  - now just may be the perfect time to tackle that unsightly parking lot and entrance, update amenities and other projects.

The presentation is free and refreshments will be served.  To RSVP contact Rachael Chao at 954-771-6948 or rachael.chao@ironstone.com.

 Location:  Ironstone Bank, 6555 North Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale

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 Did you know you can potentially collect full policy limits from both your flood and property insurance policies?  Do you know how?

According to the National Flood Insurance Program, flood is the most common disaster in the United States.  On average flood claims stem from more than thirty thousand ($30,000) worth of damages.

Did you know that almost 25% of flood insurance claims come from moderate to low risk areas?

Floods do not discriminate.  They can and do happen all over the country.  Flood damages may be due to a heavy rainstorm or hurricane, melting snow, plumbing malfunctions, levee or dam failures and rising bodies of water.  Even new development can cause floods due to a change in the drainage patterns of adjacent properties.   

Becker & Poliakoff's Disaster Claims Recovery Team is in place to help you prepare for the consequences of a flood in your community. Answers to important questions will be provided in this live web event:

• What exactly does flood insurance cover?
• Who needs it?
• Are community associations required to carry it? 

Join moderator Ken Direktor, Esq. of Becker & Poliakoff ( Ft. Lauderdale ), and Greg Marler, Esq. of Becker & Poliakoff ( Naples ), who will present with guest speaker Tammy LoVecchio, AAI of Gulfshore Insurance for this Free Webinar Flood Insurance: What You Should Know to Protect Your Community.

Register below and you will receive a confirmation email with information on how to participate.

Live Webinar on Thursday, August 19, 2010
10:00 AM-11:00 AM EDT (9:00 AM-10:00 AM CDT)

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If you missed the recent webinar Anatomy of a Disaster Claim, it is now available for replay by following the link below:

DISASTER CLAIM WEBINAR

We thank all the participants for their valuable input.  If your community has not developed or implemented a disaster plan, I suggest reviewing the lead article in one of the more recent Community Updates.  Click below to link to the article:

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PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE IN TIME FOR THIS PRESENTATION
We apologize for any inconvenience.

Live Webinar
Friday, July 23, 2010 from 10:00 Am–11:00 PM EDT
(9:00 PM-10:00 PM CDT)

Anatomy of a Disaster Claim
With hurricane season upon us, now is the time to gear up for the potential of a disaster claim against your insurance company. Learn what you can do now to prepare a complete and well-documented claim, thereby lessening the worry and ensuring the likelihood of a maximized recovery.

Steven B. Lesser, Esq.	Herbert O. Brock, Jr., Esq.	Rick Slider, P.E.

Join Board Certified Construction Lawyers Steve Lesser, Esq., and Herb Brock, Esq. of Becker & Poliakoff, along with Rick Slider, P.E., of Slider Engineering Group, a firm specializing in structural engineering and forensic investigation, for this live webinar on the Anatomy of a Disaster Claim.

Register below and you will receive a confirmation email with information on how to participate.

http://event.vcallinteraction.com/r.htm?e=226711&s=1&k=023C0E8B69E94BF7A3493AF48E9B32E9

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Live Webinar
Friday, July 23, 2010 from 2:00 PM–3:00 PM EDT
(1:00 PM-2:00 PM CDT)

Anatomy of a Disaster Claim
With hurricane season upon us, now is the time to gear up for the potential of a disaster claim against your insurance company. Learn what you can do now to prepare a complete and well-documented claim, thereby lessening the worry and ensuring the likelihood of a maximized recovery.

Steven B. Lesser, Esq.	Herbert O. Brock, Jr., Esq.	Rick Slider, P.E.

Join Board Certified Construction Lawyers Steve Lesser, Esq., and Herb Brock, Esq. of Becker & Poliakoff, along with Rick Slider, P.E., of Slider Engineering Group, a firm specializing in structural engineering and forensic investigation, for this live webinar on the Anatomy of a Disaster Claim.

Register below and you will receive a confirmation email with information on how to participate.

http://event.vcallinteraction.com/r.htm?e=226711&s=1&k=023C0E8B69E94BF7A3493AF48E9B32E9

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With oil from the recent catastrophe in the Gulf reaching Florida 's coast line, now is the time to become informed on what your options are to protect your communities.

Join Becker & Poliakoff's Disaster Claims Recovery Team  Friday, June 25 at 3:00 - 4:00  PM EDT for a live web event, where you will learn about:

• The BP claims process
• The insurance claims process
• How to spot the pitfalls that hinder recovery

Presenting from Becker & Poliakoff's Disaster Claims Recovery Team are John Cottle, Esq.  and  Sanjay Kurian, Esq.   The webinar will be moderdated by Cara Thomas, Esq.

John Cottle, Esq.	Sanjay Kurian, Esq.	Cara Thomas, Esq.

 There is no cost to participate.  Register today by using this link:

https://compx11.eventcenterlive.com/cfmx/ec/register/reg.cfm?BID=1&RegID=B53FB847

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Free Educational Forums for Board Members, Property Owners and Managers Announced at 15 Locations Around Florida. Conference will focus on Strategies for Communities to Deal with Economic Crisis.

Becker & Poliakoff announces its Annual Community Association Leadership Conferences beginning on January 15, 2010 where attendees will learn strategies to deal with the financial issues facing their Florida communities. Topics will include liability of owners versus subsequent purchasers, collecting rents in lieu of assessments, depositing rents into the court registry, extraordinary receiver appointments and extra-judicial remedies, among others.

A panel of Becker & Poliakoff’s attorneys from a variety of practice groups will answer questions during the third hour of the conference. You may submit questions in advance for the panel members by email to questions@beckerpoliakoff. com. Please indicate which event you are attending in the subject line of the email, so that the panelists can do their best to respond at the event you attend. See page 3 for Conference dates and locations.

Register today for this free conference at www.becker-poliakoff.com/events/ca/ for the event nearest you.

For dates, locations and registration information - continue reading (below)

Register today for this FREE conference at www.becker-poliakoff.com/events/ca/ for the event nearest you.

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 The Florida Communities of Excellence Awards recognize exemplary efforts on the part of community associations and their leaders.  This is the  first and only independently-judged state-wide program that recognizes innovative solutions to challenges facing condominium and homeowners associations.

There are dedicated leaders serving on community association boards throughout the State of Florida.  It is not unusual for volunteer board and committee members to spend hundred of hours handling community operations and management, trying to keep costs within reason while maintaining the property and handling resident and owner needs. 

While collecting assessments and maintenance fees, overseeing work or services performed by vendors, enforcing covenants, maintaining, repairing and beautifying the buildings and grounds, paying utilities, filing corporate documents, obtaining insurance and bidding services is almost a full time job, some community leaders (and their managers) go far beyond the call of duty.  These communities deserve recognition for their innovative programs and accomplishments.

Does your community and its leaders go the extra mile?  Then nominate your community for an award in one of the following categories:

• Environmental Protection & Preservation
• Energy/Water Conservation
• Disaster Preparedness
• Safety & Security
• Financial Innovation
• Community Relations & Communications
• Best Website
• Civic Volunteerism & Advocacy
• Family Friendly Programs & Initiatives

The Awards ceremony will bring together community leaders from all regions of Florida to share best practices. The conference will include presentations by last year's winners, judges and experts in the industry. 

There is no cost to submit an entry in the awards and communities may enter in multiple categories. The deadline for submissions is Jan. 15.

For details, visit www.communitiesofexcellence.net.

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You Tell Us !

As seen today on the Sun-Sentinel Condo Blog, legislators and government officials need to know exactly how community associations are struggling in order to promote meaningful change.

Take the Survey Issued by the Community Association Leadership Lobby (CALL) to demonstrate the magnitude of the financial crisis on Associations and to influence the decisions made by legislative, regulatory, business and community leaders across Florida. 

Please spend a few minutes taking the Survey.  The responses are completely confidential - neither you nor your community’s name will be identified in the aggregate responses reported.

The deadline for completing the CALL Survey on Community Association Financial Stability is October 25th, so please take a few minutes now to provide your responses and help us achieve a deeper and more accurate understanding of the financial impact that the mortgage foreclosure crisis and economic downturn has had on your community.

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Close to 200 Community Leaders and Professional Property Managers participated in the first of a series of webinars presented by Becker & Poliakoff, P.A.

On Wednesday, May 28, 2009, CALL presented a webinar explaining legislative activities during the 2009 legislative session.  Co-executive directors Yeline Goin and David Muller were active in Tallahassee and throughout the State of Florida during the latest legislative session, advocating for the interests of Florida Community Associations.

Attorney Yeline Goin started the session with an in-depth explanation of the impact of SB 714, which was sent to the Governor on May 18th.  Governor Crist has 15 days to sign or veto the bill before it becomes law.  Ms. Goin alerted the participants to lobbying efforts encouraging a Governor's veto.

SB 714 impacts insurance obligations of condominium associations and condominium owners, addresses eligibility for service on a board of directors of a condominium association, as well as fire and life safety issues.  Please click here for more information about the Bill.

Attorney David Muller explained changes resulting from SB 2080 which would prohibit Community Associations from enforcing deed restrictions that preclude xeriscaping.  Becker & Poliakoff previously provided its clientele with the University of Florida's recommendations for 'Florida-friendly' landscaping in its Community Update publication.

Mr. Muller alerted the participants to increased filing fees for foreclosure lawsuits, explained changes to Chapter 617, Florida Statutes that would result from SB 2330 and impacts from HB 1495.  He noted that despite reports from other sources, HB 1495 does not include a condominium mitigation loan program that was initially contemplated by the legislature.

Mr. Muller advised the participants of CALL's continuing effort for legislative changes necessary to improve Community Association financial problems, particularly with regard to the financial responsibilities of lenders and investor-owners.

To View Becker & Poliakoff’s Insider's Analysis of the 2009 Legislative Session - New Laws Affecting Community Associations go to:

http://events.vcall.com/VCall/ReplayLogin.aspx?room=2146003612

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Free Educational Forum

The Community Association Law Practice Group of Becker & Poliakoff is pleased to announce that the Firm will be holding its Annual Community Association Leadership Conferences beginning on January 16, 2009.

Becker & Poliakoff is well-known for its pioneering role in the creation of the law pertaining to the operation of common ownership housing in Florida. Our attorneys are recognized as individual leaders in the field through published works, public service, legislative activities and industry group leadership positions.

Join us to get the latest information on current topics impacting you and your community. Register today for this FREE conference at www.becker-poliakoff.com/events/ca/ for the event nearest you.

What you will Learn

How to implement important statutory changes enacted during the 2008 Legislative Session including:

• Board member rights and responsibilities;
• Licensure of management companies;
• Insurance and reconstruction-aftercasualty provisions;
• NEW provisions affecting elections and annual meetings;
• NEW collection and foreclosure procedures;
• NEW inspection requirements;
• NEW requirements on votes to waive reserves and financial statements.

Click here to download the PDF information packet.

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