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| "Ax the Tax" Coalition; MAR Joins Other Business Groups in Fighting Tax on Services The Michigan Association of REALTORS® (MAR) has held a long position of opposing any tax on services as a means of solving the state budget deficit. Although the recently passed 6% service tax does not contain core REALTOR® services, many of the services to be taxed reach our members in some capacity. The MAR board of directors, along with the MAR Public Policy Committee voted in favor of joining forces with over 38 other business groups in an effort to repeal the recently-enacted service tax. The “Ax the Tax” Coalition formed to band together the business community in Michigan in an effort to repeal the job-killing service tax. "With the fragile economy that Michigan is facing, this is not the time to add more taxes," said Bill Martin, MAR CEO. "These taxes will have a drastic impact on Michigan businesses and taxpayers. Business owners will have to make tough choices that may include closing up shop or moving out of the state." Martin continues, "The REALTOR® community in Michigan has worked hard to fight sales tax on services. We believed it was a bad idea when Gov. Granholm proposed it several years ago, and we still believe it’s a bad idea today. We want to see Michigan’s economy thrive again, and this is not the way to reach that goal." Members of the “Ax the Tax” Coalition are committed to working with the legislature to repeal the sales tax on services before it goes into effect on Dec. 1, 2007. Should the legislature fail to act, the coalition is making plans to gather petition signatures and take the repeal directly to the voters through a statewide ballot effort. Be sure to check your email and our Web site at www.mirealtors.com for new updates on the service tax repeal efforts. Energy and Humor Provided for Great Learning Experience
Local association staff and their executives were treated to a seminar last Friday on the keys to providing great customer service. MAR hosted the event at the new Greater Lansing Association building. Gerry Hoeffner presented a high-energy, hands on session that had the room in smiles from start to finish. “Gerry was a delight! Our staff really appreciated the opportunity to attend the professional development seminar,” said Nancy Merdzinski of the Ann Arbor Area Board. This was the first session in a series that MAR is planning on hosting to help support local association staff. Look for future announcements as details become available. Achieve Registration and Hotel Block Open Check this off your list early and register your incoming leadership now for Achieve. Online registration and the special MAR hotel block are now open. This year’s event will take place January 17 – 18 at the Amway Grand Plaza in Grand Rapids. This year’s event will feature a lineup that is sure to inspire all leaders and motivate them for the year to come. The keynote speaker will be Ira Koretsky from the Chief Storyteller. Ira redefines the art and science of business relationship building. His goal is to help attendees build stronger and more profitable relationships by helping them share their message with the world through great business stories. MAR is excited to be returning to the Amway Grand Plaza for yet another event. Chosen for its proximity to our incoming President Jeff Young, this location offers a host of amenities and activities from award-winning dining options to a vibrant nightlife. You will experience the luxury and elegance of this venue the minute you step through the doors. Book your hotel by asking for the special MAR rate when you call the Amway at 800.253.3590 or reserve rooms online with the code MAR116. Traverse Area Association Appoints New Leadership Kimberly R. Pontius will assume the role of Executive Vice President of the Traverse Area Association of REALTORS®, following the retirement of Judith Lindenau. Lindenau, a recognized member of the real estate community, steps down after 30 years with TAAR. Debi Dechow, President of TAAR, believes Pontius will help in furthering “brand recognition” as well as building networks. Mr. Pontius has a background in business and is originally from Indiana, where he earned his Masters Degree in Public Management. Before joining TAAR, he held the role of Executive Director of Workforce and Economic Development for Ivy Tech Community College. REALTOR® of the Year Press Releases Available on Web Press releases regarding all local REALTOR® of the Year candidates have been emailed to all local association executives. You are encouraged to send these to your local media contacts. If you did not receive your press release or need an additional copy, you can visit the MAR Web site and download a copy.
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® |
