For the second year in a row, we held multiple Budget Workshops at our office in order to complete association budgets for 2013. We appreciate everyone who attended and look forward to next fall to help with this important aspect of your community. During these workshops, many Board Members as well as Managers, requests to separate the reserve accounts on the Balance Sheet were discussed. These discussions will result in a change that allow for money market accounts to be either treated as a "Cash" and/or a "Reserve" account. What this change will mean is that for funds that will be held outside of the operating account and yet still be utilized for misc operating expenses will be placed on the balance sheet as a cash asset. The Reserve section of the assets will be held to future capital expenses only, not a form of contingency for cash issues for budget shortfalls.

We welcome to our family of managed communities, North Shore Village in Howell Michigan. North Shore Village is a site-condominium project comprised of 160 homes. We appreciate their business and look forward to providing service to their members.

We are looking forward to the 2013 training seminars right now.  My goal next year is to explore many aspects of Risk Management as it impacts community associations.   At a minimum, we hope to investigate the following "Risky" issues:

• How to handle a crisis situation in your community
• The risk associated in enforcing your rules and regulations
• A comprehensive "how to guide" for building losses

We are offering a bonus to all of our current partners. If you live in a Cummings managed community and would like to have your monthly association dues paid by us then we have a great opportunity for you.