Community Advantage began more than fifteen years ago as a niche division of Barrington Bank & Trust Company as a solution to a problem: there was a glaring absence of banking solutions geared towards community associations. Other banks simply weren’t positioned or equipped to provide insights and support to the often very specific needs of associations, their Boards and the management companies serving them.
As one of the Midwest’s leading providers of financial services to condominium, townhouse and homeowner associations, Community Advantage has been a long-time and active member of CAI Illinois. President Peter J. Santangelo’s personal involvement with the chapter reaches back fifteen years, including stints as Chapter President (2008).
He is currently serving a term as Treasurer of the Illinois Legislative Action Committee (ILAC) and remains an instrumental member of the Finance Committee, a committee he himself helped create with Boyd Briscoe and Karen Skorick to keep the chapter’s financial health in top working order.
A forward-thinking and experienced financial services provider, Community Advantage only services the community association and property management industries, tailoring their solutions to the unique needs of each association they serve.
For clients, this means a level of customer service one would expect from a community bank, backed by the security and reputation of Wintrust Financial, Community Advantage’s multi-billion dollar parent company. To better serve the needs of community associations in managing cash and operations for capital improvements and quality-of-life projects, the company offers a complete suite of financial products and services, including reserve investments, disbursement services, account management and assessment collections. Meeting the needs of community associations and the property management companies serving them can be complicated, but Community Advantage boasts over 100 years of combined expertise in banking and financial services across its senior management team.
At every turn, they fully embody their core values in every customer interaction:
- Provide heroic customer service in quality and reliability
- Demonstrate absolute integrity
- Work hard, but keep it fun
- Dedication to continual self-improvement
- Commitment to being a part of something special
Being part of something special.
It’s a phrase bandied around a lot, but it carries special meaning for Pete Santangelo through Community Advantage’s continued and dedicated involvement to CAI Illinois. “Our membership and involvement has brought obvious benefits through networking opportunities and social events with those in similar industries and markets, but the real reward for us is giving back. Community Advantage staff are active in numerous committees with the chapter, providing expertise and knowledge whenever they can.”
CAI - Illinois Chapter
The Illinois Chapter of Community Associations Institute serves the educational, business, and networking needs of community associations in the Chicagoland Area. Members include condominium, cooperative, and homeowner...
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Michael Roche 
Margey Meyer 
