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Senate, House leaders to address RPAC donors on budget crisis As summer is winding down, the legislature is heating things up with floor debates and late night sessions to work on solving the 2008 budget deficit. The budget process is being closely monitored by all, especially with talks swirling about a potential government shutdown, tax hikes, and various cuts. Last week, plans that included putting a sales tax increase on the ballot in November, along with a temporary income tax hike were squashed, sending the House and Senate back to work on other ideas and initiatives to raise revenue for the state. Although the House and Senate are in agreement that a balanced budget is quickly needed, partisanship has positioned itself into the negotiations, and both chambers are now placing the blame of an incomplete budget solution on each other. The relationship between the Democratic-controlled House and the Republican - led Senate makes the 2008 budget talks highly intriguing. The MAR is pleased to announce that both Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop (R-Rochester) and House Speaker Andy Dillon (D-Redford) will be the featured guest speakers at the RPAC Recognition Breakfast, on Thursday, September 27th at 7:00am in the Saginaw Room during this year’s MAR Convention. Moderated by Tim Skubick, the breakfast will provide an opportunity to hear both legislative leaders on their plans to solve the 2008 budget, and get Michigan’s economy moving. The breakfast is a ticket-only event for RPAC donors who have contributed $100 or more. To RSVP, please email Tony Daunt at tdaunt@mirealtors.com. Convention Speaker Hand Outs Available to Download MAR is pleased to present a Green Meeting format for its upcoming Convention & Expo. We hope this inspires others to also think Green when planning future meetings and events. With this in mind, one of the biggest changes you will notice at the MAR Convention is a smaller program book that does not include speaker handouts. We are taking this step to cut back on the amount of paper we use at the event. Instead, the speaker handouts will be available at the MAR Web site. Members can download and view the handouts before, after or during the event. MAR will have a Cyber Café available onsite and the Convention venue has wireless Internet available for all attendees wishing to bring their own computers. For more information on the 2007 Convention & Expo, visit the MAR Web site. Find out more about Green Meetings. Make Members Aware of National REALTOR® Safety Week The annual awareness week, September 9-15, is just one of many ways NAR helps REALTORS® recognize potential threats and protect themselves throughout their careers. This year for the first time, NAR is offering an innovative, scenario-based 3D online safety course through REALTOR® University at www.REALTOR.org/RealtorUniversity. The course provides personal, professional and client safety information that is critical for all REALTORS®. Brokers can purchase course passes at a savings for their entire office to ensure that their agents practice sound safety techniques. Internet Resource Provides Homeowners with Tips on Avoiding Foreclosure With foreclosures at an all time high, this is useful information you can pass on to your members. Homeowners facing foreclosure or having trouble making house payments can get helpful information from Michigan’s Office of Financial and Insurance Services (OFIS). A new section of the OFIS Web site explains the foreclosure process and lists steps homeowners can take to avoid losing their home. Members Can Get their New Licensee Card While at Convention While your members are attending the Convention & Expo, they can also get their new photo license card. This unique opportunity is made possible through DLEG, the Department of Licensing and Economic Growth and PSI, Psycological Services, Inc. They just need to visit the Expo hall, booths one – three, and have their picture taken. They will receive their new license almost immediately. The cost of the new license is $35. Also, new to the Expo is Rush the Expo on Thursday, September 27 where all MAR members can browse the many services and goods that may benefit their businesses. Members just need to present the coupon found on page 13 of the August Michigan REALTOR® magazine or download it from the MAR Web site and present this with a business card for admittance to the Expo for free from 4–6 pm. View a list of current exhibitors.In the last On The Mark, it was announced that MiCAR is a sponsor of the upcoming UM/ULI Forum taking place November 7 -8 in Troy. We are pleased to bring you an update that a session featuring Charles DiRocco has been approved for real estate continuing education. This annual event is expected to attract real estate professionals from across the industry to discuss this year’s theme, connecting suburban and urban town centers via transit. Your members can find out more about this event by visiting the UM/ULI Real Estate Forum’s Web site. Local Staff Invited to Training Session MAR will be offering a Local Staff Solutions – Troubleshooting Your Everyday Needs seminar series of which the first session will be held October 19 from 10 am – 3 pm at the Greater Lansing Association of REALTORS®. All local association staff members, as well as association executives are invited. The speaker, Gerry Hoeffner will highlight areas of customer service. Lunch will be provided. Download a registration form here.
MAR Calendar of Events
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720 North Washington Avenue • P.O. Box 40725 • Lansing,
Michigan 48901-7925 Copyright © 2005 Michigan Association of REALTORS® |
