Building Bridges and Friendships

Last night, over one hundred community leaders from across the state of Florida attended the annual Central Florida CAN Legislative Reception at the Grand Bohemian Hotel in downtown Orlando. CAN has sponsored these legislative events for the past 9 consecutive years. The Chief Executive Owners of Management Companies (CEOMC) co-hosted this event with CAN welcoming 16 Senators, Representatives and legislative staff.

Alan Garfinkel and Representative Mike Miller

Senators, elected State Representatives and Community association leaders met and mingled to discuss the benefits and unique challenges community association owners face. There were no microphones, panels, or press. Just down to earth conversations between community association leaders and our elected Florida officials who vote “Yay” or “Nay” in Tallahassee on proposed bills that directly impact you and your community living lifestyle.

Through CAN and its partnerships, we pride ourselves on developing and maintaining important relationships with our elected representatives, not only during each legislative session but throughout the year. It’s imperative that our Senators and Representatives understand exactly how proposed laws debated in Tallahassee actually play out in the real world- in your homes and neighborhoods.

Mark Anderson, Representative Mike La Rosa and Alan Garfinkel

We would like to thank the following legislators who attended this important community association event last night:

Senator Thad Altman

Senator Darren Soto and his Legislative Aide, Cecillia Cruz

Senator Geraldine Thompson and her Legislative Aide, Charlean Gatlin

Representative Dennis Baxley and his Legislative Aide, Debbie Dennis

Representative John Cortes

Representative Debbie Mayfield

Representative Rene Plasencia

Representative Michael De La Rosa

Representative Mike Miller

Alexandria Ayala, District Executive Secretary to Representative Torres

Kyle Alexander, Legislative Aide to Representative Bracey

Sharon Nehring, Legislative Aide to Representative Sullivan

Tony Kalliche, Alan Garfinkel and Senator Geraldine Thompson

CAN continues to work with organizations that place the interests of community associations first. Thank you to everyone who made this event a tremendous success. We value your leadership and above all friendship, as we continue to build bridges in the community association world.

If you are interesting in serving on CAN’s Advisory Board, please submit your curriculum vitae to:

agarfinkel@LOVEgwlaw.com

Thank you for continuing to invite us into your lives. We at CAN truly want to make a positive difference in your community.

Yours in Community,

Alan Garfinkel

Community Association Network (CAN)

Chairman of the Board of Directors