CAI Kentucky

CAI-KY President Elect Billy Merrifield and Chapter Executive Director Shelley Spillman accept awards for public affairs and best net growth at CAI's Annual Conference in Hollywood, FL.

We are honored to receive the CAI Best Net Membership Growth Award! As one of the smaller chapters, this recognition makes the achievement even more meaningful.

We are incredibly grateful for our members and sponsors, whose continued support and engagement make our success possible. Time and again, our members show up to support our mission, participate in educational programs, build valuable connections through networking, and help strengthen our community.

This award is a testament to the dedication, enthusiasm, and commitment of everyone involved with the CAI Kentucky Chapter. Thank you for being part of our growth and momentum.

Onward and upward!

Registration for our June Luncheon is OPEN! Please note the change of venue to Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint.

Topics covered at this luncheon:
✅tax status - non-profit vs. not for profit
✅Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac changes
✅When to file 1120 or 1120-H filing
✅70-604 tax election
✅Reserve studies
✅loans vs. special assessments
✅financial planning for deferred maintenance

🖊️Sign up Here: https://www.cai-ky.net/event-6701413

We are proud to report that CAI-KY achieved the highest net growth in 2025. We are also honored to receive an award for our public affairs Wave3 TV campaign, which helped increase chapter awareness. A special thank you to former CED Susan Nicole Lugo-Floro for her dedication and efforts in helping the chapter grow. We remain committed to sustaining this momentum and continuing our growth.

First of all, what is emotional intelligence?

Emotional intelligence (EQ) in the workplace, defined by the Yale School of Medicine, is the ability to recognize, understand, and manage your own emotions while recognizing and influencing the emotions of others to achieve goals. Key components include self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. High EQ fosters collaboration, reduces burnout, and improves leadership.

Here are some key findings of a G10Global Conversation Report: Emotional Intelligence in Community Association Management
© 2026 All Rights Reserved. Published by Community Associations Institute (CAI)

https://blog.caionline.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/G10-Global-Conversation-Report-Emotional-Intelligence-in-Community-Management-2025.pdf

Effective community association management requires a wide range of skills—governance, financial stewardship, operations, facilities management, legal compliance, and community building. While these capabilities remain essential, they are no longer what distinguishes true excellence in the profession. Emotional intelligence does.

Let's explore key finding from a Global Conversation Report: Emotional Intelligence in Community Association Management
© 2026 All Rights Reserved. Published by Community Associations Institute (CAI)

https://blog.caionline.org/emotional-intelligence-defining-the-future-of-community-management/

Emotional intelligence: Defining the future of community management - Ungated: Community Associations Institute Blog As communities become more diverse, more connected, and more demanding, the emotional intelligence of our professionals stands out.

You can't pour from an empty cup. An interesting article about workplace culture shifts.

Manager well-being is becoming a bigger part of the conversation.

With increasing demands and expectations, how managers are supported can directly affect performance, retention, and the communities they serve.

Here's a closer look at why it matters: https://bit.ly/4eNVVvL

Did you know?

CAI's Board Leader Certificate Course is Now Offered Online!

The CAI Board Leader Certificate Course is designed to provide a foundation for effective community association board leadership.
Whether you are an experienced board member or just thinking about getting involved, this course will help you become a more informed and effective leader.

COST: Members $99, Non-Members $199

Learn more here:

Education for Homeowners | CAI Community Association Learning Discover CAI's education for homeowners to better understand community living, governance, and rights. Empower yourself with essential knowledge!

This helpful article from our friends at SavATree - Tree Service & Lawn Care have some helpful tips for spring lawn and plant maintenance. Article was featured in our spring edition of The Neighborly.

Here are a couple tips to keep your landscaping in top shape this spring 🌳🌲🌷🌹🌸🌺🌱

When and What Should You Prune in Spring?✂️
-Though the vast majority of pruning should
occur during dormancy, for some trees, you can
also prune in early spring. This timing reduces the risk of disease entering through wounds and allows you to see the structure of your tree before leaves obstruct your view. Prune azaleas and lilacs after they bloom to avoid removing flowering buds, and prune fruit
trees early so they put energy into fruit, not extra branches.

What Specialized Spring Tree and Lawn Services Does Your Property Need? 🌲🌳🌿
Depending on your property’s needs, you might
consider:
-Grub treatments if you notice spongy turf or
increased animal activity.
-Red thread disease management for lawns
in cool, wet regions.
-Bark disease prevention for trees susceptible
to cankers or fire blight.
-Borer protection for at-risk species such as
ash, birch, and chestnut.

Consider these treatments only after confirming a specific problem exists or if you have a high-risk tree (e.g., an ash tree in an area with Emerald Ash Borer). But act quickly if you find a problem that needs addressing.

A Guide to Spring Care for Your Trees, Shrubs & Lawn Explore expert spring care tips for your trees, shrubs, and lawn. Learn when to prune, fertilize, and protect your landscape from insects so you can enjoy a vibrant, healthy season ahead.

Spring is a great time to bring your community together! Here are some suggestions from Kentucky Realty Corp Roxanne Schuchardt on fun, outdoor events.

MOVIE ON THE LAWN 🎥 🍿
With a portable projector and a simple screen setup, communities can transform a green space into an outdoor theater for the evening. Families bring blankets and lawn chairs, children play together, and neighbors who may not have met before have a chance to connect in a relaxed setting.

COMMUNITY COOKOUT OR FOOD TRUCK 🫕🥩🔥
With a portable projector and a simple screen setup, communities can transform a green space into an outdoor theater for the evening. Families bring blankets and lawn chairs, children play together, and neighbors who may not have met before have a chance to connect in a relaxed setting.

PLANTING DAYS🌱🤲
Many communities enjoy organizing planting days where volunteers help install flowers or refresh landscaping areas together. Not only does this reduce costs for the association, but it also fosters a sense of pride and ownership among residents who contributed to the improvement of their neighborhood.

POOL PARTIES 🌊☀️🕶
Pool openings naturally create excitement among residents, particularly families with children. Hosting a small kickoff event with refreshments or music helps set a positive tone for the season and reminds residents that the amenities they share are an important part of community life.

Learn more about easy, low stress events to bring your community together in our latest edition of The Neighborly https://www.cai-ky.net/

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