President's Letter
By Jim Lambrecht, MiCAR President
Lambrecht Properties, Inc., Bingham Farms, MI

Continuing education is vital to every REALTOR®. Not only does it allow us to keep our licenses, but keeps us up to date on what is happening in our industry. We all work hard and live busy lives. The task of trying to keep yourself informed on new trends and legal issues can seem overwhelming. MiCAR along with MAR is trying to make the continuing education process easier for its members.

At this year’s Convention & Expo taking place later this month (September 25 – 27) in downtown Grand Rapids MAR will be offering over 36 continuing education credits. This is extremely timely given a majority of REALTORS® will need to make sure they have enough continuing education credits by October 31, 2006. You can attend the Convention for great information and networking and take care of your education requirements.

On September 26, MiCAR has arranged classes that are focused toward the commercial practitioner. While you are enjoying the entire convention, make sure you note these commercial offerings as well. Since MiCAR has put a number of resources into this event, this edition of MiCAR Monthly is all about highlighting what you can find for the commercial practitioner at MAR’s Convention & Expo. I hope to see you there.

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Early Bird Discount Expires Tomorrow

Make sure you don’t miss the chance to save on your MAR Convention & Expo registration. The early bird deadline will expire at 5 p.m. tomorrow September 8. With all the continuing education, dynamic speakers and networking opportunities for the commercial practitioner you will want to be at this event. Now MAR, along with MiCAR, is offering you a chance to save money. If you are a first time attendee you can save even more.

Register now at MAR’s Web site.

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Need CE? The Convention Has You Covered!

If you still need continuing education credits by the October 31 deadline, this year’s MAR Convention is offering over 36 hours to choose from. With a variety of topics and nationally recognized speakers, every REALTOR® will be able to find value at the Convention.

If your license was issued in the first year of the 3-year cycle (November 1, 2003 – October 31, 2004) you are required to have 18 hours of credit by October 31, 2006. If it was issued in the second year (November 1, 2004 – October 31, 2005) you will need 12 hours and if it was issued in the third year (November 1, 2005 – July 3, 2006) you will need 6 hours. If your license was issued after July 3rd, 2006 it does not expire until October 31, 2009 and you are not required to take continuing education in 2006.

While at the Convention, you can pickup five credits of continuing education that are specifically related to the commercial industry. There are also other session, such as technology ones, that are helpful to the commercial practitioner.

View all of the sessions being offered at the MAR Convention & Expo by using this link:

Register here today to make sure you get your much needed CE.

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Convention Commercial Focus Has Everything You Need and Want

MiCAR is pleased to present this year’s commercial focus at the MAR Convention & Expo. September 26 will feature a full day of commercial offerings from networking to continuing education; MiCAR has a vigorous program scheduled. Make sure you make room in your convention schedule to attend these sessions and activities.

The nationally know Jim Gillespie is going to headline the commercial focus. His session entitled How to Become the Listing King in Your Territory is approved for three hours of continuing education. Jim is a highly sought after speaker and trainer. He has over 20 years of full-time experience in commercial real estate deals. Jim has been featured in many publications including The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times , Money Magazine , Realty Times , Broker Agent News (Editorial Contributor of the Year), The California Real Estate Journal , First for Women Magazine , Commercial Investment Real Estate Magazine (the magazine of CCIM), and the SIOR Professional Report. His session is sure to give you some knowledge to help you get ahead and/or stay ahead in the industry.

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Special Events You Won't Want to Miss

The MAR Convention & Expo offers many opportunities for REALTORS® to network, relax and have fun. For a complete list, visit the MAR Web site but here are some highlights you will want to make part of your convention experience.

President’s Cup Golf Outing
September 25 • 9 am shotgun start
$85/player

The President’s Cup Golf Outing will be held at Thornapple Pointe golf course in Grand Rapids. It will be a best ball, shotgun format, with plenty of prizes and surprises on every hole that will challenge golfers of all skill levels.

A panoramic view of the breathtaking Thornapple River provides the backdrop for this expansive, 18 hole course, featuring bent grass fairways and impeccably groomed tees and greens. Winding along 7,000 feet of river frontage, your game guides you over gently rolling hills, through hardwood-lined fairways, and near three of the most enchanting, untouched wetlands found in the Midwest.

Registration fees include 18 holes of golf, cart, range balls, a continental breakfast, lunch, contest holes and the 19th Hole Party at the end of the outing.

Download a registration form here.

The Grand Assembly
September 25 • 5:30 – 7 pm in the Expo

Kick off the first night of Convention with the ever-popular Grand Assembly in the Expo. Find out which members will be named REALTOR® of the Year and REALTOR® Active in Politics. This year’s keynote address, given by comedian Dave Coulier, is sure to entertain attendees. Following the Grand Assembly, the 2006 Expo will open.

REALTOR® Royale
September 26 • 8 am – Midnight

Get out your go-go boots, mini skirts and polyester pants suits and be ready to groove! This year’s REALTOR® Royale will be taking you back to the 1960s, where life was about the youth’s revolutionary way of thinking and the music. All members are encouraged to dress creatively with the theme. Alive & Well will provide musical entertainment. Munchies and two free drink tickets per person will be provided.

RPAC Silent Auction
September 26 •7 – 9 pm

Don’t miss the opportunity to bid on artwork, weekend getaways, gift baskets, sporting event tickets and much more! The RPAC Silent Auction will be held in conjunction with the Convention & Expo with funds going to the REALTORS® Political Action Committee. RPAC is the only grassroots and issues mobilizing force that exists to protect and promote the tradition of home ownership and real estate investment.

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MiCAR Monthly
September 2006

• President's Letter

• Early Bird Discount Expires Tomorrow

• Need CE? The Convention Has You Covered!

• Convention Commercial Focus

• Special Events You Won't Want to Miss