Michigan Association of REALTORS®

2007 was one of the most successful years to date for RPAC. Among the top RPAC accomplishments was a strong and successful fight against a tax on services, which banded REALTORS® around the state together against an unfair and costly business burden. The MAR launched a Call to Action campaign, where over 10,000 emails were sent to State Representatives and Senators in opposition of the proposed tax on services. In addition, with the aid of the National Association of REALTORS®, the MAR implemented a communication campaign to educate members on the importance of RPAC and how it protects the real estate industry.

In total, the REALTOR® community invested over $635,000 into RPAC to address issues affecting the real estate industry. Over 30% of MAR members contributed to RPAC, making it the largest business PAC in Michigan. With the tax on services issue being on the forefront for much of 2007, investing in RPAC became critical to protecting the REALTOR® community. Highlights of RPAC in 2007 include:

As 2008 rolls in, the MAR will continue to meet with legislators on both sides of the aisle to craft sound policies affecting the real estate industry. Being an election year, RPAC will be essential to ensure that the REALTOR® community is protected. The 2007 RPAC successes provide the framework for another prosperous year, and will aide in promoting the REALTOR® industry.

Achieve 2008 being held this Thursday and Friday at the Amway Grand Plaza in Grand Rapids, will be a well-attended event. Over 200 members will be gathering to learn leadership techniques and tools to guide them through 2008. The Inaugural Gala, which is held in conjunction with Achieve, is a sold out event with close to 300 people planning to attend. MAR cannot issue any more tickets for this event.

MAR strives to produce dynamic events that give its members and locals tools they can use in their businesses to succeed. Achieve 2008 is a prime example of the quality events and programs MAR provides.

MAR has teamed up once again with Bruce Aydt, ABR, ABRM, CRB, to host four half-day workshops designed to assist REALTORS® who serve on professional standards and grievance committees to gain new insights and knowledge of Professional Standards through mock hearings and classroom instruction. View the schedule below:

Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Fetzer Center
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
Phone: 269-387-3232
12:30 –1:00 p.m. Registration
1:00 – 4:30 p.m. Workshop

Wednesday, February 6, 2008 – Video Conference Link
Hagerty Conference Center
Northwestern Michigan College
715 E. Front St.
Traverse City, MI 49686
Phone: 231-995-1146
12:30 – 1:00 p.m. Registration
1:00 – 4:30 p.m. Workshop

Thursday, February 7, 2008
Horizons Conference Center
6200 State St.
Saginaw, MI 48603
Phone: 989-799-4122
12:30 – 1:00 p.m. Registration
1:00 – 4:30 p.m. Workshop

Friday, February 8, 2008 – AM Session
Rock Financial Showplace
46100 Grand River Ave.
Novi, MI 48374
Phone: 248-348-5600
8:30 – 9:00 a.m. Registration
9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Workshop

Have your members register no later than February 1, by visiting the MAR Web site.

Dana Holben has joined the Dearborn Area Association of REALTORS® as its Executive Officer. Previously, Dana worked for nearly five years with the South Dakota Association of REALTORS® where she worked in all aspects of the association from education to RPAC and issues mobilization before moving to Michigan.

For the past two years, she has been the accounting department manager for a wholesale company. Dana has also worked for an association management company. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from South Dakota State University.

Dana said that there are big changes happening with DABOR and she is ready to take on the challenge. She is looking forward to meeting everyone and is very happy to be a part of the REALTOR® family again. You can contact Dana at dana@dabor.com.

Making Detroit Member Friendly

Convention & Expo Heads to Motown

Detroit has had a profound impact on the world – from putting the world on wheels to the Motown sound – Detroit has crafted American culture. Metro Detroit has always been a great place to work, live and visit. The region is currently undergoing a renaissance with new developments and attractions.

These are just some of the reasons why the MAR Convention & Expo will be taking place at the Marriott Detroit at the Renaissance Center September 17 – 19. MAR wants members to feel comfortable navigating and exploring this active city. Local associations can play a big part in communicating why people, especially REALTORS® should come see firsthand what is happening in downtown Detroit. Look for your Convention & Expo media kit soon and MAR special issue press releases that you can use in your own member communications.

You can start now, by going online to www.visitdetroit.com and learning more about the city and planning your visit. View MAR 2008 Convention & Expo information on the MAR Web site.

NAR Campaign Relates Real Facts About Real Estate

The National Association of REALTORS® is reaching out to consumers with the facts about homeownership and the value of real estate as a long-term investment. Would-be homeowners who are uncertain about their home buying plans can learn more about the options available to them and the long-term benefits of owning a home through a new advertising campaign that will provide current, relevant housing data to help them make informed decisions about buying a home.

The campaign includes a new Web site, www.HousingMarketFacts.com, which provides more information about the benefits and value of owning a home, identifies current public policy issues of importance to consumers in the real estate transaction and allows visitors to link directly to www.REALTOR.com to find a REALTOR®.

The ads are part of NAR’s Public Awareness Campaign.To learn more about the national Public Awareness Campaign, visit www.realtor.org/awarenesscampaign.