2020 – Definitely a “Memorable Year!”

When I was approached in 2018 and asked if I would be willing to serve as Vice Chair of the CSSA Board in 2019, then Chair of the Board in 2020, I had no idea what a ride it would be!

Westport Properties has always been active and involved with CSSA for many years. I felt it was my turn to give back to this organization and industry for what it has given me, my family, and our business. In 2019 I had the honor of serving as Vice Chair with Board Chair Pedro Florida. This was the first full year of having Ross as our Executive Director. We made some significant changes and additions and had a successful year. I was anticipating a smooth continuation in my year as Chair.

Then came 2020 and within a few short weeks our year was turned upside down. No one could have anticipated how COVID-19 would affect our businesses. I, like most of you, had to make some major changes with my own company, where I conducted business, and navigate the ever-changing landscape. I was worried about how this might affect the CSSA. However, for over a year we spent time building our “foundation” through improved governance with Board training, improved data/financial tracking, and strong policies.

Also, I am happy to say that because the CSSA had made several changes we were prepared. First of all, we expanded our committees and opened them up to the membership, eliciting the help from our qualified and diverse members. We diversified our revenue stream so that when COVID forced us to cancel both Napa Conference and Newport Beach Annual Summit, our two largest sources of non-dues income we were able to turn to other sources. Our Education & Training Committee not only stepped up to change our in-person training to virtual, but they also expanded the quantity and scope of trainings. We added topics such as “Interacting with the Homeless” and “Preparing for Disasters” but also launched the first-ever Avatar Immersive Experience.

Our Membership Committee went to work using the saying, “If you build it, they will come.” They focused on the benefits we offer both owners and business partners, expanding and doing a better job of communicating these benefits. Then went out and promoted membership. CSSA actually grew by a greater percentage during 2020 than in most any other year.

In addition, we had previously launched our Legislative & Legal Committee which helped us tremendously in 2020. Working closely with SSA and our lobbyist, we steer us through several state and local ordinances/moratoriums due to COVID-19 and the wildfire season. We continued providing information in real-time, responding to numerous member questions and assisting everyone through this unusual business climate. In addition, we joined a coalition led by the SSA, raising funds, and providing outreach, one of the biggest legislative successes we have had is to help defeat Prop. 15, the Split Roll tax.

Although CSSA is financially healthy with some reserve funds for just this type of situation, I am proud to say that due to the leadership of the Board, hard work from our committees, and follow-through from the office (Ross & Rochelle) we responded to our members needs and finished the year slightly in the black financially.

True, I did not get the opportunity to serve as Chair face-to-face with many of you at our events and industry conferences, and yes, this was a most unusual year. However, I am proud of our association, of the numerous members who volunteer for the Board and on committees, and for the “community” we built. I look forward to continuing to serve CSSA and know that we will be there for you, no matter what the situation is.