HOAleader.com - Tip of the Week - November 21, 2008
Published: Fri, 11/21/08
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Are You Ready to Speak to the Press on Behalf of Your HOA?
Speaking to the press can be challenging, especially if you
haven't had formal training in media relations. We recently
spoke to several attorneys who represent homeowners associations
to get their tips on how HOA leaders can be ready when reporters
call.
This week's tip comes from Donna DiMaggio Berger, managing
partner at Katzman Garfinkel in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Donna
emphasized that answers to reporter questions should never come
from second-hand information.
"If you don't feel comfortable about the question being asked,
don't answer it. If you don't have a good grasp of what
happened, or if the board did something and you weren't at the
meeting and don't have the minutes, don't answer that question,"
Donna advises.
"You should have first-hand knowledge of the issue. If you don't,
I don't care if you're the president, you're not the proper
person to answer those questions."
You'll discover more tips on handling press inquiries on behalf
of your HOA when you read our recently posted article now:
http://www.hoaleader.com/members/189.cfm
Best regards,
Matt Humphrey
President
P.S. In observation of the Thanksgiving holiday, there will be no
"Tip of the Week" e-mail next week. I hope that you and your
family have a wonderful holiday.
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Recent articles posted at HOAleader.com:
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Orientation: It's Not Just for Employers
A smart way to head off misunderstandings with new owners is
through an orientation that gives them an overview of how your
association works. Here's what to cover and how to get new owners
to attend.
Click here to read full article:
< http://www.hoaleader.com/members/192.cfm >
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HOA Rules: Is Your Homeowner Association Ready for the Holidays?
If holiday displays have been a problem at your HOA in the past--
either because owners have gone overboard, or because past HOA
leadership has been overly restrictive, now is the time to think
through what's reasonable.
Click here to read full article:
< http://www.hoaleader.com/public/191.cfm >
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State Law Survey November 2008: What's New and Important for HOAs?
Proposed Federal Law Prevents Religious Discrimination ... More
Sprinklers on the Way?
Click here to read full article:
< http://www.hoaleader.com/members/190.cfm >
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HOA Management: Be Prepared When Reporters Call
If you're in a dispute with members, the last thing you need is
bad press coverage that ratchets up the tension among neighbors
and makes your association look like bullies. Here are
suggestions for handling media requests, including knowing who
should speak for your association and what should be said.
Click here to read full article:
< http://www.hoaleader.com/members/189.cfm >
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HOA Rules: Don't Be a Scrooge with Holiday Lighting Rules
Does your association have a policy limiting the holiday
decorations members can put up? Should it? If so, what's
reasonable? Just in time for the holidays, here are suggestions
for retaining the holiday spirit while making sure your community
standards are maintained.
Click here to read full article:
< http://www.hoaleader.com/public/188.cfm >
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