Earlier this month, The Michigan Association of REALTORS® Federal Political Coordinators (FPC’s) attended a training session held in Washington, D.C. The MAR FPC's serve as liaisons between legislators on the federal level and REALTOR® members in Michigan. The focus of the FPC training is to provide tools to strengthen relationships with national leaders in order to push for REALTOR®- friendly legislation. The training gives FPC’s from around the nation a chance to meet one on one with federal elected officials to discuss policies and other concerns affecting REALTORS®. Top industry priorities on the national level include; access to affordable healthcare, protecting the mortgage interest deduction, and keeping banks out of the real estate arena. When meeting with legislators on the federal level, the FPC’s stress the importance of crafting sound policy, while keeping the lines of communication open between REALTORS® and lawmakers.
The May midyear visits to Washington, D.C would not be effective without the MAR Federal Political Coordinators (FPC’s). They are responsible for keeping the meetings in D.C. running smoothly and on task. Generally, many of the FPC’s moderate the meetings, and REALTORS® who reside in particular districts are able to express their opinions on big issues that directly impact the REALTOR® community. These meetings allow legislators to come face to face with those who they will impact with the votes they cast on particular legislation.
To check out the 2009 Federal Political Coordinators, please visit
http://www.mirealtors.com/content/FPC.htm
MAR is proud to announce an early registration rate for this year’s Broker Summit. If members register before March 26, they’ll receive $30 off their registration fee, only $119. Taking place April 22-23, at the Inn at St. John’s in Plymouth, this event is not to be missed by Brokers, Managers and leaders in the industry. By reserving your hotel room through the MAR group rate, you can also save an additional $85.
Along with the ever-popular MAR and Legal Update, this year’s agenda will feature Jeremy Conaway as its keynote speaker. As a brokerage design consultant, Jeremy works with some of the largest real estate firms in the North American brokerage industry, with more than 80,000 agents producing over $95 billion in annual sales. His counsel and expertise is constantly sought by many of his brokerage clients that are now leading their marketplaces into the new real estate transaction. Jeremy believes that today’s real estate brokerage can and will remain at the center of the real estate interaction. He is committed to the success of the real estate brokerage services.
Please direct your members to the
Broker Summit Web site for additional information, and to take advantage of the early registration rate for only $119.
Registration for NAR’s Midyear Legislative Meetings and Trade Expo opens tomorrow, February 11. Midyear will take place May 11 – 16 in Washington, D.C. This event allows members to take an active role in advancing the industry, the public policy agenda and the association.
MAR will be scheduling Capitol Hill visits that allow Michigan members to interact with government officials on the federal level and have their voice heard regarding legislation that directly impacts the real estate industry. As Midyear gets closer, MAR will post a schedule of hill visits.
Visit the NAR
Web site to register and find out more about Midyear.
By: Gerry Hoeffner
In times of rapid change and increasing complexity, many leaders struggle to lead their companies in the right direction. Now that there is increased uncertainty, more complexity, and more chaos, what do leaders need to understand?
In times of uncertainty, people look to their leaders. Where do leaders find guidance? When uncertainty and doubt are more commonplace than usual, it can easily sap energy and, unless faced, can lead to a tailspin of negativity.
An effective leader replaces uncertainty, fear and doubt with purpose, courage and trust. Purpose provides clear direction in the face of uncertainty. It is the energetic “magnet” that pulls people together and points them in a similar direction. Courage provides strength and commitment in the face of fear. Trust overcomes doubt.
Some say that in order to move forward, one must look back to the lessons of successful leaders of the past, and in particular, get back to basics.
According to Warren Bennis, there are some 850 definitions of leadership. They range from the inspirational to the operational. Leadership still remains an enigma, or like Bennis says, “it’s like art, you can’t define what it is, but you know it when you see it.
The problem is we have taught managers and leaders how to plan, organize and control organizations based on concepts from the 19th century military operations.
The 21st century presents us with new demands. We are being asked to carry on with our business affairs in order not to be defeated by social and economic collapse. This requires leadership at all levels.
Leaders can find themselves painfully challenged, perhaps even burdened with guilt, anxiety, sadness or rage and unable to devise a strategy and behaviors that will work in these complicated times.
Read More...
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