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Archived Newsletters

Every month, we issue an electronic newsletter, eNews Monthly, to keep clients informed about Association items, spotlight clients, answer frequently asked questions, and let you know what is happening with the company. Old issues of eNews Monthly are available on our Library page.

June 2021
eNews Monthly
Volunteer Spotlight
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Tiffany Lynch of Hidden Arbor Community Association
by Todd Miksch

This month we are excited to recognize Tiffany Lynch, a current member of the Hidden Arbor Social Committee for our Volunteer Spotlight. Tiffany has been on the Hidden Arbor Social Committee since January 2020. She loves the small, close-knit community and enjoys creating events that bring them all together. 

Tiffany has lived in Hidden Arbor for 4 years with her partner Tim and Paige, her 16-year-old daughter. As a flight attendant for Delta Air Lines for 25 years, she enjoys traveling both internationally and domestically. In between trips she is active in a Book Club and Bunco groups.

Tiffany is definitely the “go-to” for social events in the Hidden Arbor community; the popular “Wine Walks” and “First Fridays at the Park” are just some of the fruits of her creative and passionate efforts. Even with such a busy lifestyle, she has always there to help and jumps into working with others. We are lucky to have her as a community volunteer. Hats off to you Tiffany!

Texas 87th Legislative Session Update
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The Texas legislature meets every two years for 140 days. The 2021 session was the 87th Legislative Session. 9,966 bills were introduced but less than half will make it to the governor’s desk to be signed into law.

Each session there are bills which affect property owners’ associations (POAs) and the 87th session was no different. Fortunately, several bad bills didn’t survive. One major bill did pass, Senate Bill 1588. Much of the original language was improved. Amendments were made to incorporate provisions from other bills which were not making progress. As a result, this bill covers a wide range of topics. The majority of the provisions will go into effect on September 1, 2021. Action is needed by all POAs to comply with certain parts of the law.

Here are the various topics covered in Senate Bill 1588:

  • Pool Enclosures
  • Security Measures
  • Religious Displays
  • Architectural Review
  • Hearings
  • Assessments
  • Collections
  • Credit Reporting Services
  • Management Certificates
  • Resale Certificates
  • Meeting Notices
  • Contracted Services
  • Lawsuits Against POA
  • Management Company Definition

Check out the video our President, Ralph Troiano, made regarding the Legislative Session to learn about changes in the Texas Property Code and how it affects POAs here!

Accomplishments
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Manager Earns AMS Designation

We are proud to announce that Lindsay Scholfield has earned her Association Management Specialist (AMS) designation. The AMS designation is the second level in the career track for community association managers developed by Community Associations Institute.

The AMS designation demonstrates a higher level of commitment to the community association industry and requires two years of experience in multiple aspects of association management. In order to qualify for an AMS, managers are required to earn the CMCA designation and take at least two approved continuing education classes on various association related topics. Visit the CAI website to learn more about the AMS designation.

Lindsay is the Lifestyle Manager for the ARTAVIA community, which is managed out of our Humble office.  She joined C.I.A. Services in 2016 and will celebrate her 5th anniversary next month.

Join us in congratulating Lindsay on achieving her latest professional goal!

Celebrating 2021 Graduates
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Congratulations to the many Class of 2021 graduates! 

Every year, at least a few of our employees are celebrating this great milestone with their loved ones. We consider ourselves an extended family and are excited to be celebrating along with them!

This year has been especially tough for students; we commend these graduates for their perseverance through altered, often virtual, learning.

We are very proud of the accomplishments of all of this year’s employee and extended family graduates and wish them all the best in fulfilling their future goals. 

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College Graduates

Shelby Kay James, is the daughter of Kimberly Cowart, sister of Cody Carmichael, granddaughter of Valerie Lehr, and niece of Tracey Cavasos. Both Kimberly and Valerie are Community Managers in our Humble Office, Cody is the Clubhouse Administrator onsite in one of our amazing communities, Tracey Cavasos works in our Publications Department.

After graduating from Rose State College in Midwest City, Oklahoma with a two-year academic scholarship, Shelby continued her education at the University of North Texas. In December, Shelby graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree, specifically Audiology and Speech Language Pathology from the University of North Texas (go Eagles!).

Shelby will continue her education with aspirations of one day becoming a Speech Pathologist.

Tracey Cavasos has been an employee with C.I.A. Services, Inc. off and on since March 2013. She returned to C.I.A. Services in October 2019 while also going to school.  Tracey has multiple roles with C.I.A. Services, both as a Publications Coordinator and an Insurance Coordinator in our Humble Office.

We are pleased to announce that Tracey graduated from the University of Houston - Downtown (Home of the Gators) in December 2020, with a Bachelor’s of Business Administration International Business.  

Tracey, your C.I.A. Services family is very proud of your accomplishments and wishes you all the best in fulfilling your future goals.  

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Anna Morfin, sister of Jessica Soto, ACC Coordinator in our Humble Office, is graduating Magna Cum Laude from Liberty University (Home of Sparky the Eagle)! Anna is now a licensed LCDC Intern and working for the State of Texas.

Congratulations on your accomplishment!

Megan Northington, daughter of Jennifer Northington, Community Manager, and Jeff Northington, Maintenance Coordinator, at our Humble Office, is graduating with her Associate of Science from Lone Star College Kingwood (Go Coyotes!).

Megan enjoys spending time with her family and friends and loves to travel. She is an active member of an area college ministry.  She is also a certified pharmacy technician and works hard to serve her community. 

Megan is transferring to Sam Houston State University to complete her degree in Early Childhood Education. Her love of children and years of leading young children at Second Baptist Church led her to aspirations of teaching elementary school.

 

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High School Graduates

Cody Carmichael works part-time onsite at one of our amazing communities. He is the son of Kimberly Cowart, grandson of Valerie Lehr, and nephew of Tracey Cavasos. Both Kimberly and Valerie are Community Managers in our Humble Office, Tracey Cavasos works as our Publication Coordinator.

Cody graduated from Kingwood High School (Go Mustangs!) located in Kingwood, Texas. He participated in NJROTC for 4 years. During his senior year, Cody served as the Supply Officer and earned the certificate for Naval Science 4 Outstanding Cadet.

Cody has chosen to postpone his college career to join the United States Army. His desire is to serve as a Combat Medic, then pursue a career in the medical field upon completion of his military career.

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Hunter Northington, son of Jennifer Northington, Community Manager, and Jeff Northington, Maintenance Coordinator, at our Humble Office, is graduating from Kingwood Park High School (Go Panthers!) located in Kingwood, Texas!

During his time at Kingwood Park Hunter played soccer and was a member of the track team. He is most proud of being a part of Students Helping Veterans: Big Heroes, Tiny Homes, a student-community collaborative project giving architecture and engineering students the opportunity to design and build a tiny home for local homeless veterans. Hunter was part of a team that designed and constructed a tiny home each of the last 3 years.

Hunter attends Second Baptist Church and is an active member of the high school ministry. He has been on the Lead team and participated in numerous local mission events including A1A and Serve Houston. Hunter is known for his willingness to help others with a smile on his face and a Whataburger cup in his hand.

Hunter will be majoring in Mechanical Engineering at Texas A & M University in College Station, Texas. He is excited to become an Aggie and continue his education at a school rich with traditions.

Rebecca Marron, niece of Jessica Soto, ACC Coordinator in our Humble Office, will be graduating from Spring High School (Go Lions!) with honors. Rebecca will be attending Our Lady of the Lake in San Antonio. 

Congratulations on your accomplishment!

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Moving to the Next Campus

Angelo Reyes, ‘Jalen’, son of Deniece Reyes, Vice President and General Manager in Houston, is moving on to high school!

Jalen graduated from Thornton Middle School (Go Patriots!) located in Katy, Texas. As an athlete, his first love has always been sports. Jalen played basketball both years on the “A” team as the top producing shooting guard and quarterback for the football team. Not only did he play sports for his school, but he also played year-round on his AAU basketball team. Jalen was voted Student-Athlete of the Year by his peers.  To say he is one busy kid is an understatement!

Finishing his 8th-grade year half virtual, half in-person while juggling all of his extra-curricular activities was not an easy feat, but he did it exceptionally well and made his parents, especially his mother, very proud!

In the fall he will head to Cypress Park High School to be a Tiger where he will pursue an engineering endorsement. In addition, he will work to earn his Associates in Science in conjunction with his high school diploma. We are very excited to witness Jalen’s continued success!

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Nuala Giampietro, daughter of Deidre Giampietro of our Humble Office, is graduating from Timberwood Middle School (Go Panthers!) this month!

Nuala was on the Volleyball and Soccer Teams as well as being a member of the National Junior Honor Society. Her parents are most proud of the caring, loving person Nuala is becoming. All of her friends seek her out for advice and support. She is always willing to lend an ear or give out hugs when needed. She wants to be a counselor when she grows up.

Nuala goes to Atascocita High School next year, (Go Eagles!) and plans to start taking psychology classes while there.

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Ruby Cowart, daughter of Kimberly Cowart, sister of Cody Carmichael, granddaughter of Valerie Lehr, and niece of Tracey Cavasos. Both Kimberly and Valerie are Community Managers in our Humble Office, Cody is the Clubhouse Administrator onsite at Artavia, and Tracey Cavasos works as our Publications Coordinator.

Ruby is graduating from Shadow Forest Elementary (Go Sharks!) in Humble. Ruby served on the Safety Patrol during this year. She is a kind, loving young lady who makes friends everywhere. Ruby has aspirations of being a Veterinarian when she grows up.

Ruby will be attending Riverwood Middle School next year. Good luck on your new campus!

Michael Soto, son of Jessica Soto, ACC Coordinator in our Humble Office, is graduating from Twin Creeks Middle School (Go Warriors!) this year!

Michael will begin his high school career next year at Spring High School. Good luck in your next endeavor!

 

Community Spotlight
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We are proud of every one of our communities, so it is always hard to find just one to spotlight. Each month, one of the managers writes a few words about one of their communities and why they are special.

  • June - Riverpark on the Brazos Homeowners Association - Kim Moore

Here are our most recent San Antonio selections:

  • May - S.A. Oak Crest Homeowners Association Brandi Brack
  • April - S.A. Stonecrest at Lookout Canyon Homeowners Association - Tera Rond
  • March - Legacy Trails Cell-3 Homeowners Association Tori Irwin

Here are the most recent Houston selections:

  • May - Cinco Ranch Residential Association II - Laura Tate & Kim Cowart
  • April - Several communities featured in Fun Times - Kim Moore & TraNeshia Williams
  • March - Atascocita Trails Homeowners Association Jennifer Northington

To see the full story on these communities and to see all of the past winners, visit the Community Spotlight page on our site.

Community Anniversaries
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Every month we appreciate the communities that are celebrating their anniversaries with us. Here are the clients that started with us in June.

  • Copper Creek Civic Improvement Association — 24 years
  • Cross Creek Ranch Commercial Association — 7 years
  • Park at Hollister Homeowners Association — 4 years
  • Cambridge Manor Community Association — 4 years

Our goal has always been to create a positive, long-term relationship with all of our client communities. We are very proud to be managing all of these communities.

Employee Corner
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Stockholder Anniversaries

We have quite a few stockholders celebrating anniversaries this month.

Congratulations to Gloria Bell on her 32nd anniversary with C.I.A. Services. Gloria is a Clerical Assistant from our Humble office providing a variety of staff support. Gloria has three sons and several grandchildren with whom she spends as much time as possible. When she can’t do that, she is an avid reader of the written book and listener of the audiobook! 

Patrick Sheffield is celebrating his 13th anniversary with the company. Patrick is a Maintenance Coordinator and works out of our West Houston office. Patrick is very handy and likes to spend his weekends on woodwork projects.  It is well-known that Patrick likes to play the occasional practical joke on a coworker.   

Congratulations to Annette McConnell on her 13th anniversary with C.I.A. Services. Annette is the Office Manager at our Bandera office.  She was part of the startup staff that opened the Bandera office in 2008.  Annette is a mom and grandma and loves spending time with her family.  

Valerie Lehr celebrates 9 years with the company this month! Valerie is a Community Manager at our Humble office. She stays busy managing a portfolio of communities.  When she’s not working, she might be found in the kitchen as she’s an awesome cook.  She has a big family, both 2-legged and 4-legged.

Seminar Series
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We offer each of our seminars in the form of a recorded webcast on demand for you to watch at any time! If you are interested in one of our seminars, they are available on our YouTube channel. The following seminars are now available:

To watch any of the webcasts, simply click on the links above.

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Associations in Practice

Our Associations in Practice Series is an offering of short videos with very specific topics.  Our newest video is Texas 87th Legislative Session.  The 2021 session of the Texas legislature produced significant changes to the Texas Property Code affecting property owners’ associations. This video explores those changes and provides specific follow-up recommendations. 

Super-Budget Concepts is a great introduction (or refresher) to our Super-budget and a nice refresher or opening to the full webinar offered in our Seminar Series. 
 
In our video, Short Term Rentals, we offer insight into short-term rental properties. We have an expert panel on board discussing everything from what a short-term rental is, to potential problems and possible solutions.
 
All of our Associations in Practice Series videos will be available on our YouTube channel. We will send updates when new material is added. You can also subscribe to our channel for news on the latest additions.
Find Us on Social Media!
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C.I.A. Services, Inc. has a long and proud history of providing up-to-date news on our company happenings, industry news, and association governance.  Each month, we are pleased to share with you our eNews Monthly.  Each issue loaded with great information! 

We have broadened our social media presence to include LinkedIn and Facebook. With these additional layers of communication, you can always find the latest information about our company, employees, association management, and other related news.  

If you are not already following us, please ”Like” us on Facebook and “Follow” us on LinkedIn to stay up-to-date on all things C.I.A. Services and beyond.

Read Past Issues of eNews Monthly

Every month, we issue an electronic newsletter, eNews Monthly, to keep clients informed about Association items, spotlight clients, answer frequently asked questions, and let you know what is happening with the company. Old issues of eNews Monthly are available on our Library page.