b'FEATURE columnWhat Are Those LettersBehind Someones Name?Community managers are the professional backbone of associationmanagementparticularlythefollowing:the community associations they serve, providing expert- Usingbudgetsandfinancialreportsasmanagementise that is crucial to the successful operation of home- tools. Financial planning processes. Replacement reservesownersassociations,condominiums,cooperativesand andbasicinvestmentprinciples.Overseeingmainte-otherplannedcommunities.Manycommunitiescon- nanceofcommonareas,usingchecklistsandreports.tractwithassociationmanagementfirmsforspecific Making maintenance requests and recommendations toservices. Others hire full-time, on-site managers. the board. To learn more about AMS, visit www.caion-Successfulmanagersmustpossessknowledgeand line.org/amsdesignationskillsrelatingtoassociationgovernance,financialand Professional Community Associationfacilitiesmanagement,communications,insurance, Manager (PCAM) The PCAM designation is themaintenance and much more. Many of the most success- worldsmostprestigiousandrespectedcredentialforful managers elevate their expertise and careers by taking community association managers. Today, with 7 out ofadvantageofCAIsProfessionalManagement 10 new homes built in a community association, it isDevelopment Program. The program includes 17 expert- essential that these communities are managed by highlyled courses that address the many facets of community trained and qualified community association managers.managementincluding professional ethics. WiththePCAMdesignation,managershavedemon-Professionals who want to expand their knowledge strated they know how to preserve the character of theand further accelerate their careers can earn the following communitiestheymanage,protectpropertyvalues,professional credentials: exceed expectations, and build a true sense of communi-Association Management Specialist (AMS) ty. Earning a PCAM, a manager will complete course-Managers who earn the AMS designation prove they work necessary to provide expert management services inhave the training and knowledge required to provide pro- the areas of facilities management, associaiton communi-fessionalservicetotheircommunityassociationclients. cations, community leadership, community governance,Earning the AMS designation shows you understand the risk management, and financial management. To learnnature, importance, and unique challenges of community more about PCAM, visit www.caionline.org/pcam Continued on page 10 F8 - Suncoast Review Fall Winter 2022 www.SuncoastCAI.com'