I am very excited to release our new online newsletter to all of you. This will provide you with timely information related to all the happenings with the association and our industry. This is an exciting and interesting time for HCAR, and I want to acknowledge all of you for your commitment to housing!

First, I want to thank all of you who joined us on March 14^th for the Lobby Day event in Annapolis. We had a great turnout, and we voiced our concerns about HB 448, a bill that would negatively impact REALTORS^® and other commissioned-based industries. Our advocacy efforts are so important to ensuring that the interests of REALTORS^® are heard, as well as helping our legislators to understand the nuances related to housing issues. So, again thank you. We currently are examining such issues as transfer taxes, affordable housing, BRAC, the senior tax credit, and other legislative items in preparation for any advocacy action we will need to take.

In fact, Carole Bernard, our new GAD has been working closely with our legislative chair, Shirley Matlock on coordinating meetings with our County Councilors, County executive and State legislators. These meetings provide an opportunity for us to educate and inform our politicians about critical issues and the impact certain legislation would have on housing. HCAR has met with County Councilors Ball, Sigaty, Watson, Fox, and we'll meet with Terrasa and other politicians in April.

We also have several events that will be happening in the coming months, such as the Spring Fling on April 17. You don't want to miss this. It promises to provide great fun and a wonderful way for all of us to stay connected to one another. Make sure you register online by clicking here!

We also have our continuing education program, which we provide in conjunction with the Frederick Academy. With this full day event, you have the opportunity to earn CE credits in the areas of Legal Update, Real Estate Ethics and Fair Housing Law. This is a great way of staying abreast of industry issues. Again, please register online for all education events.

You'll also find in the newsletter last month's sales statistics, the National Association of REALTORS^® (NAR) President Pat Vredevoogd's statement about Wal-mart's bank application decision, NAR's Trade Expo in May, and information about our new Affiliate Sponsorship Program, thanks to the work of our Affiliate Chair Mary Calder.

Thanks for all that you do, as our members. If you are interested in volunteering for one of our subcommittees or task forces, please let me know at oliverthendersonsr@mris.com. Your involvement is so important and appreciated! Let's make it a great Spring!