History
Before CACM: 1984-1990
Conditions in the community association industry warranted a closer look at the practices and processes of conducting business professionally. Management company executives identified the need for a specialized, professional organization dedicated to ensuring the quality and standards of practice in the California community association industry.
An opportunity was presented to define a course of action. Ideas led to research, discussions and results. It was an era of purpose followed by action, and CACM emerged as the answer to the industrys needs.
The Formative Years: 1991-1999
CACM was founded in 1991 as a trade organization designed to better serve professionals and consumers. Over the next eight years, CACM built upon that foundation by developing courses, programs and publications to increase the education and professionalism of its members.
During these years, CACM debuted its Statewide Expo & Conference (1992); established a Professional Standards Committee to oversee the development and enforcement of the Code of Ethics (1993); held its first Law Seminar (1994); expanded its education programs to include more than 100 offerings (1997); and hosted the first CEO Business Forum (1999).
The New Millennium: 2000-2010
CACM set benchmarks in the community management industry and gained momentum over the next decade. In 2002, the Certified Community Association Manager (CCAM) designation was recognized by California with the passage of AB 555. CACM introduced a new standardized management agreement in 2003 based on man-hours versus the cost per unit/flat fee or menu approach.
Over the next six years, CACM produced the first full-color issue of Vision magazine (2005); hired the Forbes Group to conduct an environmental scan to analyze the community management market in California (2008); provided feasibility plans for four value-added residential services for community management firms (2009); and debuted advanced learning opportunities for experienced managers (2010).
The Next 20 Years
In 2011, CACM celebrated 20 years of serving the California community management industry and working to elevate the success and professionalism of its members. CACM continues to stay ahead of growing legislative and management challenges to meet the professional and educational needs of the industry.
CACM recently expanded its educational programs to include Specialty Certificates in high rise, large scale, portfolio management and new development community management and the Master of Community Association Management (MCAM) certification for experienced community managers. In addition, the development of CACM Webinar Series and statewide educational events adds a convenient option for community managers to gain valuable industry knowledge. For management firms, the Accredited Community Management Business (ACMB) accreditation offers the chance to reach a higher standard of excellence.
Now nearly 3,000 members strong, CACM continues to be Californias premier resource for the enrichment of community managers and association practitioners.