Howard County Association of REALTORS^®
February President's Report
by Blaine Milner
February 2001

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Happy Valentine's Day! Here we are well into February and, as usual, I'm late knocking out this newsletter. They didn't tell me I had to be able to write when I took this job! Maybe I should have a pen name. Any suggestions? REALTOR^® Dot Delete?

The MAR Legislative Day on January 24 had an exceptional turn out of REALTORS^® and Legislators. The powers that be tell me it was the best meeting ever. Your RPAC dollars do get attention and help to make a difference. They may get timely use now as Congress, the Federal Reserve and the Treasury are considering a proposal by large banks to permit banks to conduct real estate brokerage, property management and relocation activities. NAR is urging Brokers, managers and agents to write to the Federal Reserve and U.S. Treasury about the proposed regulations, and to copy your representatives in Congress. We must generate as many letters and E-mails as possible! Go to www.onerealtorplace.com and click on "Send Three Letters Today" or to our own website's public policy page for sample letters. The deadline is March 2^nd.

The HCAR Social Committee has scheduled the annual HCAR Golf Classic for Monday, June 4, at the Timbers at Troy Golf Course. Mark your calendar for a walk on the links along with good food, entertainment and camaraderie. Remember that you don't have to play golf to enjoy the festivities. Case in point: some of us out there with a bag full of seldom used clubs aren't playing what our low handy cap buddies would call golf! All it takes is a little courage, determination, and no shame.

The Education Committee has been very busy scheduling interesting and informative classes, which also fulfill your continuing education requirements. Members of all of our committees are to be commended for their dedication of time and energy for the benefit of all. Keep them in mind the next time someone asks you what your association does for you. If you find that they are doing a good job, please take the time to tell them. It means a lot to know that their efforts are noticed and appreciated. We also want to thank Norma Judd and Long & Foster for the frequent use of their community room for various classes and meetings. Our next class is scheduled for Thursday, February 22, at Long and Foster, and the topic is Fair Housing. It begins at 6:30 p.m.

HCAR's membership is over 800 which is an indication that you are satisfied and maybe even pleased with the services provided. If you have suggestions or constructive ideas please let any of the board of directors, committee members or me know. We welcome your involvement. That's how positive changes happen.

Please remember that we are converting to virtual communication with this newsletter. If you are reading this newsletter without having seen the email we sent to members, please make sure that you send your e-mail address to HCAR so we can keep you informed in a faster, easier and more economical way. Keeping costs down helps to keep our dues down. Contact MRIS for a free e-mail address if you need one. HCAR has the highest percentage of members with e-mail in the state. Let's make it 100%! If you know a colleague who needs a hard copy (on paper), please have them call HCAR at 410-715-1437 and we'll make sure they get one.