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April 8, 2008 |
| Michigan Business Tax Devalues Commercial Real Estate Michigan’s commercial real estate community has been unfairly burdened under the new Michigan Business Tax (MBT) structure. In current form, the MBT devalues existing assets, punishes long-time investors and discourages new investment in commercial real estate. While Michigan attempts to recruit new business ventures, the treatment of commercial real estate under the MBT poses a significant disincentive to invest in our state. The negative effects of this tax on Michigan property will ultimately lead to declining economic growth and less tax revenue. The Michigan Association of REALTORS®, consisting of leading practitioners from across the state, is providing a framework for modifications of the new MBT that would prove to be better tax policy for all Michigan businesses and citizens. Visit the MAR Fair Housing Resource Center April is fair housing month. MAR embraces fair housing by recognizing the activities, courses and initiatives held across Michigan by local associations and other organizations. These initiatives inform real estate professionals and consumers about requirements, rights and responsibilities under fair housing laws. MAR has developed a special section on our Web site to acknowledge these special initiatives and to increase the awareness of the range and scope of fair housing programs held across our state. To see your fair housing program or event on mirealtors.com, email details about the program to Joe Kras at jkras@mirealtors.com. The MAR Web site provides a variety of fair housing resources including: • Fair Housing Center Directory • Fair Housing Events Calendar • Current News & Articles • REALTOR’S® Guide To Housing Opportunity • MAR Fair Housing Training Kit Learn more about fair housing at the MAR Web site. Plans Gearing Up for MAR's Broker Summit Where will you be April 16th? Join your peers and members from 32 local associations to hear nationally recognized speakers at the 2008 Broker Summit. Attend sessions by Lawrence Yun, Sherry Chris, and John Tucillo as they make their only appearance in Michigan this year. As an Association Executive, the information you gather at this event will help you align your association’s programs and services to meet the needs of your members TODAY. Check out MAR's 2008 Election Preview Web Site As campaign races gear up around the state, the MAR wants you and your members to stay informed on the latest issues affecting the real estate industry. The 2008 Election preview page on the MAR Web site offers a description of this year’s election, along with a link to find out who represents you on both the state and federal levels. The page also provides a detailed description of the candidate interview process, where local associations interview candidates and provide a recommendation of endorsement to the MAR RPAC Trustees. There is also a link to download the candidate interview manual, which contains every tool necessary for the candidate interview process to run smoothly. The election preview page aims to provide the information necessary to navigate through the 2008 election waters. To find out more information on the candidate interview process, please contact your designated MAR field director: West Michigan Field Director: Doug Merriam dmerriam@mirealtors.com Central and Northern Michigan Field Director: Amy Daunt adaunt@mirealtors.com Southeastern Michigan Field Director: Brad Ward bward@mirealtors.com Congratulations to Kathie Feldpausch, RCE, the newest Michigan inductee to the Dr. Almon R. “Bud” Smith, RCE AE Leadership Society. The AE Leadership Society recognizes those association executives, regardless of their tenure, who have shown themselves to be leading contributors to the industry and the profession. Join MAR in congratulating Kathie for all of her accomplishments, and honor she has brought to the association. An induction ceremony will be held this year at the Midyear Meetings Leadership Luncheon.
MAR Calendar of Events
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Michigan 48901-7925 Copyright © 2005 Michigan Association of REALTORS® |
