New York ROC leaders deem first regional training an overwhelming success
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – ROC Leaders from around New York were thrilled for the opportunity to learn from TA Providers, guest speakers and above all, one another at this year’s New York ROC Leadership Institute.
This was the first regional training specifically for New York ROC Leaders, and it was hosted by PathStone and ROC USA®. More than 40 leaders came out to learn about topics like working with your property manager, understanding financial statements and managing conflict resolution.
John Wiltse, the Senior Operations Director at PathStone, said he and the rest of the team that work with New York ROCs were thrilled to offer the training for residents.
“This is the first of many more to come,” he said.
Members from each of the seven ROCs represented were able to introduce themselves and share their community successes since becoming resident-owned. Many cited infrastructure or capital improvement projects, or smaller projects like updating the landscaping and roads in the community, showing the pride of ownership they have in their communities.
“We’ve done a lot of things,” said Pat Emerson, president of the Board of Directors for The Woodlands Community in Hornellsville. “Little things, but they mean a lot.”
Both new and tenured ROC Members said they were excited to get to know their peers and learn from their experiences. Along with the continuous training and support from PathStone, this peer-to-peer networking plays a vital role in the success of the neighborhoods.
“Our biggest accomplishment so far was getting to know our neighbors,” said Tom Gibney, President of BT, Inc. His Rock Tavern community is the newest ROC in the state, purchasing their neighborhood in July.
Mary Lou Connors, Treasurer of the Board of Directors for Champion MHP, the first ROC in the state, agreed. She and her neighbors purchased their Elbridge neighborhood in Nov. 2008.
“Networking is great,” she said. “There more stuff we learn peer to peer, the better.”
Others said this is what being a ROC Member is all about.
“We are better together,” said Carolyn Carroll, Board President of Venture Lake Estates in Hyde Park. “I’m so proud to be here and so proud of the people who are with me today.”
PathStone works with 10 ROCs and nearly 900 homeowners throughout the state of New York. Staff from Cooperative Development Institute and ROC-NH, a program of the New Hampshire Community Loan Fund, as well as ROC USA assisted with the trainings.
