The Wedding!

Yes, it happened on June 26, 2009, on the lawn at The Lighthouse on St. Simons Island, Georgia. Adam and Chasity were married; he, in his Marine Corps uniform, and she, in a beautiful beaded gown.

They had time for a honeymoon trip to Montego Bay, Jamaica, before Adam reported to Drill Instructor School at Parris Island on July 7.

Community Association Update

Did you read last month’s Florida Community Association Journal article, Human Relations Made Easy? Here is an excerpt.

Why do some people get along with people better than others? You can tell they have good family relationships, devoted friends, and adoring residents and associates. They seem to have time to have fun, fulfill a passion, interest, or hobby, and take a vacation. The unhappy ones don’t seem to have any of these things and certainly don’t invest their time in others. They are stingy with their time, money, and praise. It’s almost as if they think you will be more motivated by criticism! Fear of criticism only motivates for a short while. It doesn’t work on kids and it won’t work on your employees or residents. And it doesn’t work on YOU.

You can read the whole article at http://www.flcaj.com/pdfdocs/relations%20409.pdf.

If you would like to include excerpts in your newsletters, a WORD version is available on my web site so you can cut and paste. Simply go to http://www.imageinsideout.com/ManagementCompanies/Index.asp. Scroll down toward the bottom of the page and sign in to receive FREE access to my articles in WORD format.

Summertime is the time to train your staff. It’s also not too early to think about training your boards of directors when they return in the fall. You know all you have to do is call and I’ll be there as soon as possible.

The Boardmanship manual will be UPDATED and REVISED just in time for training in the fall.

I‘ll be in South Florida on Wednesday, May 26, to speak to the PBCMA. I’d be happy to schedule a stop at your community or organization while in South Florida. And Southwest Florida – you are not too far away for me to conveniently get to!

Have a great summer!

Women Owned Business!!
I finally received my certification from the State of Florida that I have been approved as a Minority Business Enterprise under Chapter 287, Florida Statutes! It was an incredible task to complete all the paperwork, but it was done, and approved!

I am now a preferred vendor for the following categories:
924-350 IN-SERVICE TRAINING, EDUCATION
924-590 OUTREACH COMMUNITY EDUCATION
924-600 NOT-FOR-CREDIT CLASSES, SEMINARS,WORKSHOPS, ETC., EDUCATION
924-800 TUTORING, EDUCATION
924-810 EDUCATIONAL SERVICES, PRIVATE OR PUBLIC

When your company is required to use a vendor with an MBE Certification for any of these categories - my company qualifies!

Betsy Barbieux, CAM, Professional Development Coach

He Did It!

Adam, my drop dead handsome USMC son, proposed to his cherished Chasity on April 15. They were in St. Pete Beach, and after a walk on the beach, down on one knee he went, holding both her hands, and proposed. He slipped an awesome ring on her finger! She said "Yes" of course. No wedding plans yet.

Adam is on American soil once again!

After serving 6 months with his Marine platoon in Iraq's Anbar Province, he has returned safe and sound.

Praise the Lord for His care of Adam and his platoon while serving our country. If you slept safely last night it is because of Marines and soldiers like Adam and his platoon who are willing to sacrifice to protect America.

His proud Mom!

Press Release

Local Business Woman attends 2009 Florida Communities of Excellence Awards at the Old Capitol Building, Tallahassee.

Betsy Barbieux, CAM, Professional Development Coach, owner of Image Inside & Out, Leesburg, was recognized during the awards ceremony as a judge for the Communications category.

TALLAHASSEE, FL--(Marketwire - March 18) 2009 Florida Communities of Excellence Awards were announced here today. Created to identify and promote innovative solutions and best practices in maintaining and improving the quality of life for residents of community associations throughout the State, the awards were presented by The Florida Community Association Journal and the law firm Becker & Poliakoff at a ceremony at the Old Capitol Building.

Nine condominium and homeowners associations -- from Destin to Palm Beach -- were recognized for achievement in addressing the needs and concerns of residents and surrounding communities in five independently judged categories: Environmental Initiatives, Disaster Preparedness, Communications, Safety & Security and Civic Involvement.

Representatives of prominent Florida civic and professional organizations, including AARP, The League of Women Voters, Volunteer Florida, The Community Associations Institute, Citizens Crime Watch and the Florida Society of Public Fire & Life Safety Educators, participated as judges in the awards, which received more than 120 entries in its first year.

Communities with more than 200 units and communities with fewer than 200 units were judged separately in each category.

"The communities we are honoring today represent pockets of very bright light in what has not been a glowing real estate picture," said Jim McMurry, publication director for the Florida Community Association Journal, which will profile the winning initiatives of each community association in its pages. "These communities are making life better for their residents and their communities in spite of the many challenges they are facing today. Each of the cities where these associations are based can take pride in the accomplishments of these communities on behalf of residents. At the same time, other communities across the state can look to the Awards recipients for examples of best practices they can institute to strengthen their communities."

Becker & Poliakoff attorney David Muller said, "We see excellence every day in the communities we represent. We are proud to be part of this awards program recognizing all of the positive things happening in communities around Florida."

Communities selected for their achievement were presented with Crystal engraved awards and DVD copies of videos that were produced to showcase each association at the ceremony which was attended by property managers, board members and residents of the winning communities.

Florida's CFO Alex Sink, a strong advocate of promoting best practices in government and the private sector, participated in the program together with state legislative leaders, awards judges and other dignitaries.

Ms. Barbieux specializes in training employees and board members to communicate more effectively with each other and their customers and residents. She also offers individual coaching to improve time and project management, reduce conflict with another person, manage stress, improve leadership and presentation skills, and increase your personal credibility and image. She can be reached at Betsy@ImageInsideOut.com or 352-728-5075. Or visit her web site at http://www.imageinsideout.com/.