Each year, the Michigan Association of REALTORS® recognizes RPAC investors through a special recognition luncheon. This year, the luncheon will be held during the Achieve conference on Thursday, January 21st at the Westin Book Cadillac in Detroit. Members from around the state will gather to celebrate the accomplishments that their local associations achieved in 2009. 2009 RPAC Chair Jim Fase, along with 2010 RPAC Chair Jeff Thornton, will announce winners and congratulate those local associations who received awards. The awards include associations that had highest member participation, those who went over their goal, and most improved regarding contributions to RPAC.
The REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC) is the best way a REALTOR® can protect the real estate industry. RPAC is the only grassroots and issues mobilizing force that exists to protect and promote the tradition of home ownership and real estate investment. Congratulations and a big THANK YOU to all local associations who put tremendous effort toward investing in RPAC. We look forward to the continued success in 2010!
In addition to knowledge sessions, and continuing education credits, MAR’s 2010 Achieve Conference offers a variety of networking events to expand your network in the new year. Connect with the best in the industry, including Board of Directors, local leaders and executives from across the state of Michigan. Enjoy one of the following networking events, by attending the conference being held January 21-22 at the Westin Book Cadillac Detroit.
RPAC RECOGNITION LUNCHEON
Thursday, January 21
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
The RPAC Recognition luncheon celebrates the 2009 fundraising year. Awards will be presented to local associations and boards for excellence and achievement in RPAC fundraising.
ACHIEVE AFTER DARK
Thursday, January 21
5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Achieve After Dark concludes a day of knowledge gathering and recognition, with an exuberant celebration and unique networking opportunity. Surround yourself with the leading individuals who make a difference in the Michigan Real Estate Industry. Join your peers as MAR commemorates and celebrates the year 2010 with MAR 2010 President Bob Taylor and board of directors. After a day of improving your business through knowledge, improve your business by making connections at Achieve After Dark.
Attire is business professional.
NORTH COAST NIGHTCAP
Thursday, January 21
9:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Are you a REALTOR® professional under the age of 40? If so you are invited to attend the first YPN (Young Professionals Network) event, for the newly formed State Chapter. Additional information on joining the group will be available on the MAR web site. To begin your participation, join fellow young professionals by registering for Achieve today, and attending the North Coast Nightcap – Complimentary desserts and signature cocktails to be shared.
View the
2010 Achieve Attendee List now, and Register Today for only $145 – Early Bird Rate Ends this Friday, January 8! As a reminder, the Westin Book Cadillac Detroit’s group room rate for the event ends tomorrow, January 6, 2010.
Book your room for only $141.00++ (state & local taxes)
Register Today!
WASHINGTON - The Internal Revenue Service today issued the 2010 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes.
Beginning on Jan. 1, 2010, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be:
- 50 cents per mile for business miles driven
- 16.5 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes
- 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations
The new rates for business, medical and moving purposes are slightly lower than last year's. The mileage rates for 2010 reflect generally lower transportation costs compared to a year ago.
The standard mileage rate for business is based on an annual study of the fixed and variable costs of operating an automobile. The rate for medical and moving purposes is based on the variable costs as determined by the same study. Independent contractor Runzheimer International conducted the study.
A taxpayer may not use the business standard mileage rate for a vehicle after using any depreciation method under the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS) or after claiming a Section 179 deduction for that vehicle. In addition, the business standard mileage rate cannot be used for any vehicle used for hire or for more than four vehicles used simultaneously.
Taxpayers always have the option of calculating the actual costs of using their vehicle rather than using the standard mileage rates.
With the help of McClelland & Anderson, we are taking the most commonly asked questions from our legal hotline and putting them in E-news. We will be featuring a different question each issue.
QUESTION: There is a broker that belongs to our board who I find has a very abrasive personality. There are a number of fellow brokers that have the same complaint. We wish to join together and not do business with this broker because we feel his abrasive personality is very unprofessional and reflects poorly on the rest of us. Can we do this?
ANSWER: ABSOLUTELY NOT. When competitors agree not to do business with someone, it is called a “group boycott.” Group boycotts violate antitrust laws.
Back by popular demand, the latest installment of the Legal Update Video Series features MAR’s Legal Counsel, Greg McClelland & Gail Anderson as they cover the hottest topics in the real estate industry.
Video 1: Introduction, Closing Fees & RESPA
Video 2: Foreclosures & Short Sales: Current Issues
Stay tuned as the 5 part video series continues.
View videos on Mirealtors.com today!
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