Community Award Categories

There are ten award categories honoring the best of our communities, their boards and their managers.

Open Award Categories:

Entries for the first nine categories may be completed using the online forms under the "Entry Forms" menu above. CAI membership is not required for either the individual submitting the entry or for the subject association.

Association award entries will be separated by Class and Level. For each award category for associations, there will be two Classes: Single family Homeowner Associations and Condominium Associations will be judged separately. Within each Class, there will be three Levels of competition depending on the associations size:

Small (HOA 500 units or less; Condominiums 50 units or less)
Mid-sized (HOA 501-1,500 units; Condominiums 51-150 units)
Large (HOA 1,501+; Condominiums 151+)

This means your association's entry will be compared only to those of your "peer" associations.

Communication Innovation - Recognizes communities that utilize websites, newsletters, social media, phone/text notification and other forms of communication to keep residents informed.

Financial Stewardship - This award will recognize communities that have overcome financial obstacles to obtain a healthy bottom line/balanced budget and adequate reserve funding.

Neighborhood Beautification - Celebrating local communities for a commitment to beautification and aesthetic appearance.

Community of the Year - This prestigious award will distinguish the homeowner and the condominium community association that best demonstrates exemplary service of the community outside of its own association boundaries such as community outreach, charitable works, environmental service or political activism.

Awards determined by the board of directors:

Managers of Excellence - Community managers are the professional backbone of the communities they serve, providing the knowledge and expertise that is crucial to the successful management and operation of associations. Select the image to the right for the link to an online entry form.

CAI Chapter Volunteer of the Year - Volunteers are the lif'e's blood of our organization. There is no higher calling than when a person gives his or her own knowledge, skills, time or resources to our chapter and its members. This is the fundamental principle of volunteerism. Volunteering is at the heart of community building. While we are a volunteer organization with many members, there is one who usually rises above the rest deserving special recognition.

Lifetime Achievement Award - Over the years, individuals have selflessly contributed significantly to the chapter of their time, their resources and their spirit. Our chapter is singularly better today for their endeavors. This award is our opportunity to acknowledge one such individual whose achievements warrant our highest respect and admiration.

Community Spirit - Recognizing those communities that support and plan events and other activities that foster a sense of community spirit and involvement.

Green Community Trendsetter - This award will recognize those communities that have invested in "green" programs and services to limit the carbon footprint of their association and make better use of the association's resources both natural and financial.

Safety and Security Initiatives - Acknowledging those communities that have developed and implemented programs and services for safety and security in their communities.

Awards Program At-A-Glance

These tabs appear on each page as a summary reference to the entire program.

Overview
Categories
Timeline
Gala Event

Our Community Awards Program reflects CAI Austin's commitment to responsible community governance. The program is designed to reward outstanding performance by common-interest community volunteer leaders, professional community management, and the professional service and equipment providers who deliver superior support. This program is an excellent opportunity to market your company to current and potential clients in this unique and often hard to reach market.

There are ten categories honoring the best of our communities, their boards, and their managers. The first nine are open to entries submitted by the public, and will be judged by our distinguished panel of judges. CAI membership is not required. These "open" award categories are:

Single family Homeowners Associations will be judged separate from Condominum Associations.Competition will be further separated by the size of the association.

As for "Managers of Excellence", the entries will be judged by the CAI Board of Directors, but with management company employed directors excluded.

In addition, the CAI Austin board of directors will acknowledge an individual who has contributed substantially to the chapter during the past year.with the:

CAI Chapter Volunteer of the Year Award

And finally, the CAI Austin board of directors will honor an individual who has selflessly contributed significantly to the chapter over many years of service with the:

CAI Lifetime Achievement Award.

Review each of the Award Category descriptions and decide which one(s) you will apply for. Use this link >>

Complete an online award entry form for each category of interest by October 31, 2011. Use this link >>

Beginning November 1st, register yourself and your guests online for the Gala Celebration on December 9, 2011.

Friday, December 9, 2011, Stephen F. Austin Hotel, 701 Congress Ave, 78701, 888-424-6835. Use this link for map and directions >>

6:00-7:15pm - Our Gala Event will begin with a reception in the 7th Terrace area with appetizers and cash bar. Be sure to stop by the Gala Event Registration Table to sign in and pick up your dinner and drink tickets first. Music provided by ...

7:30-7:45pm - Please be seated in the Capital Ballroom and Terrace. Dinner service begins.

7:45-8:00pm - Welcome. Annual sponsor's appreciation ceremony.

8:00-9:15pm - The Awards Program with master of ceremonies Larry J. Pothast, PCAM. Our program will include award presentations to associations and individuals in 10 areas of excellence.

9:15-11:30pm - Entertainment and dancing. Music provided by Reunion - The Party Band. Here's a link to their music, videos and more >>

Registration is open until November 14. You may register yourself and your guests here >>
You may also elect to purchase the DIRECTOR'S SPECIAL - A premium table location reserved for 8 guests in your company's name at an additional cost of $500.

Also ...

A block of rooms has been reserved for this event should you wish to spend the night at the special rate. Call the hotel at 512-457-8800. Select "0" for Receptionist and ask for the Reservation Desk. Tell them you would like to reserve one of the hotel rooms reserved for Community Associations Instititue's Gala Event on 12/9. Rates begin at $159/night for a King. Parking is an additional $26 for overnight valet parking. You must reserve your room by November 18th.