Back in 2012, I joined the Communications Committee in Celebration.  The committee met monthly and worked with the Management Company on communication channels, copywriting, and most importantly, measurement of success.

At the time, Facebook wasn’t as active, and we had an internal message/bulletin board (remember phpBB?) that our group monitored and responded to requests and inquiries from residents.  It also was actively monitored by the CROA Board and our Management company.  When appropriate, they would comment back as an official, single unified voice to the community.

When the Communications Director left our Management Company for a new role, the members of the Communications Committee had dwindled to only 3 active members.  The Board at the time decided to sunset the Communications Committee and rely solely on Management for communication with residents. 

Fast forward to the present times, we hear communication is more important than ever, and there is a need to have a unified voice back out to the community.  While some Directors have been active on social media, and other communication channels, it can sometimes be confusing if this is an official stance of the CROA Board, or the opinion of the individual.

Committees are the backbone of having a successful intelligence stream into the Board in my opinion.  Volunteer residents who spend time focusing on a single area can dig into topics much deeper than the Board or even Management could handle.  With communication being a top concern of residents, why not entertain bringing back a formal Communications Committee?  We have more channels than ever to communicate with residents including:

• • • Celebration Website (celebration.fl.us)
    • Email
    • Mobile App Push Notifications (CeleService/MyCelebrationFL)
    • Digital Signage at Amenity Centers
    • And more

Respecting the recommendations and insight of committees is extremely important, given the committee is provided with a proper scope and direction.  With this, I personally feel it is time to look at rebooting the Communications Committee in Celebration and help ensure our residents are informed.