In addition to Cameron Station being named “2023 Very Large Community of the Year,” we have also been awarded the title of “2023 Communicator of the Year” by the Washington Metropolitan Chapter Community Associations Institute. This honor highlights our community’s commitment to effective communication practices; and we acknowledge that it is the collective effort of our community members that led to this achievement. We're happy to share the essay that played a part in our success, penned by our neighbors, Tricia Hemel and Pat Sugrue. 
There is always a lot going on in Cameron Station! This former U.S. Army base was transformed in 1998 into a peaceful residential oasis in the midst of Alexandria’s busy and bustling West End; and it is now home to a diverse population of almost 5,000 residents.
What makes Cameron Station not just a collection of houses, but rather a community of neighbors and friends? True, there are many wonderful places for neighbors to gather – a clubhouse with a pool and fitness center, pocket parks, coffee shop, restaurant – but it’s more than that. It’s the connection neighbors feel to each other because of the community’s ongoing commitment to communication and community engagement.
From day one, Cameron Station residents recognized that building a genuine community hinges on effective communication, enabling information exchange between homeowners, renters, the board, and management. The Communications Committee was established to support this essential aspect of a harmonious community.
One of the Communications Committee’s first actions was to create a community newsletter to highlight the joys of living in Cameron Station and to deliver news about our neighborhood, our neighbors, and our city. It was named The Compass to represent the varied places residents come from, and to show that this community would have direction. 
As our community grew and technology advanced, we expanded our communication avenues. To provide more timely information to residents, we instituted a weekly email blast to ensure that crucial updates, event reminders, and community notices swiftly reach all residents.
New residents receive a warm welcome from both our management staff and volunteer neighbors on our Welcome Committee. New residents are greeted with our comprehensive welcome packet, filled with useful community information ranging from rules and regulations, to parking and pet policies, shuttle bus schedules, registration forms, and a street map.
The Cameron Station website, enhanced regularly to make it more informative and user-friendly, is a hub for accessing community news, announcements, governance documents, meeting minutes, newsletter archive, surveys, and more.
Multiple social media sites, including Facebook and Instagram, encourage community participation. Residents can share photos and their unique perspectives on living in our community.
The board of directors and committees hold monthly meetings which include “Resident Forums,” where any resident may speak. For important meetings and social activities held throughout the year, we provide extra exposure with old-fashioned signage in common areas throughout the community.
The avenues of communication within our community are many. However, we are part of the City of Alexandria, and much of what happens in the city affects us, too. Our Cameron Station Civic Association regularly communicates to residents what is going on “outside the wall,” tirelessly advocating for our neighborhood’s needs and working with other neighborhood civic associations and local government to protect our quality of life.
We have lots to communicate about! And we do so often, openly, and with success.
Thank you for the opportunity to communicate why we believe Cameron Station should receive this important Communicator of the Year award.
Pat Sugrue is an original owner, moving to Cameron Station with her husband Tom in the fall of 1999. She was a member of the first Compass Crew, and later served as Editor-in-Chief for nine years. Pat’s professional career was in advertising – 30+ years in ad agencies in every department except art (no talent at all!); but her favorite position was copywriter, which she felt made a good fit for The Compass. She warns that she is here to stay, regardless of the format!
Tricia Hemel, with husband Vince, chose Cameron Station as their home in 2018, settling in Carlton Place Condominiums. An LSU graduate, Tricia spent 15 years in NYC in the wholesale apparel industry, specializing in marketing and sales. She currently serves as the chairperson of the Communications Committee and is dedicated to enhancing community communication. You can often find Tricia walking the neighborhood or enjoying engaging conversations at Cameron Cafe. Born in New Orleans, she proudly supports LSU (Geaux Tigers!) and cheers for Real Madrid (Hala Madrid!).
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