The Community Associations Institute (CAI) was recently awarded two medals from the Society of National Association Publications (SNAP). CAI's bimonthly magazine, "Common Ground™," won the gold medal for general excellence in magazines for associations with budgets of $2 million or more, and the CAI 2001 Bookstore catalog won the bronze medal in the category of "Special Publications, Membership Directories/Buyers Guides/Catalogs," as part of the 2002 EXCEL Awards program, sponsored by SNAP.

Each year, SNAP's EXCEL Awards program recognizes exemplary work of association publishers, judging nearly 1,000 magazines, newsletters, scholarly journals, electronic publications and websites in the areas of editorial, design, general excellence, and other communications criteria. "CAI takes great pride in the fact that its publications and periodicals are not only informative but fun to read and fun to look at," said Christopher Durso, CAI's Director of Periodicals and Editor of Common Ground. "It's very gratifying that SNAP has acknowledged this and honored our entire team with two of its prestigious EXCEL Awards."

These are not the first awards for "Common Ground™" and CAI's 2001 catalog. In November of 2001, CAI was awarded two Gold Circle awards, which are given by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), to honor excellence and innovation in association practices, publications and promotions. Competing in two categories against more than 800 other entries, the 2001 Catalog won first place in the Marketing and Promotion category, and "Common Ground™" won second place in the Publishing/Print Magazine category. The Gold Circle awards for publications are judged on achievement of objectives, comprehensiveness of content and effectiveness of writing, format, and graphic design.

CAI's 2001 Bookstore Catalog was developed in the fall of 2000, and sent to all CAI members, prospects, and others throughout the year. The catalog featured humorous vignettes, innovative graphics, and topical categories, making this catalog a success and helping community association leaders find the resources they needed to manage their communities. "Common Ground™," a bimonthly publication sent to all CAI members and subscribers, typically includes articles and regular features that offer insights and tips on association management and living.

All products available in the catalog can be found in CAI's online Bookstore at www.caisecure.net. Selected features from "Common Ground™" magazine can also be found online at www.caionline.org/info/publications/commonground/.

The Community Associations Institute is a nonprofit association created in 1973 to provide education and resources to America's 231,000 community associations—condominium associations, homeowner associations and cooperatives. CAI members include homeowners, associations and the professionals who provide products and services to them.