3.20.07
NAR CONTRIBUTES $1 MILLION TO MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. MEMORIAL
The National Association of REALTORS marked an important milestone on February 27, 2007. In a ceremony at the United States Capitol, 2007 NAR President Pat Vredevoogd Combs presented a check for one million dollars to the Washington, D.C. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation.
The presentation marked the conclusion of Black History Month and a reaffirmation of NAR’s commitment to fair housing opportunities for all Americans and the beginning of a partnership with the Washington, D.C. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation.
The journey to this partnership began on June 21, 1988. On that day REALTORS and the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights forged a compromise that led to the passage of the 1988 Fair Housing Act Amendments.
In the intervening years our commitments to Fair Housing, Diversity and expanded homeownership opportunities, have only intensified. NAR has implemented fair housing education requirements for its members and has continued to educate REALTORS on the importance of inclusive housing practices and the promotion of minority homeownership through a unique training program, At Home with Diversity.
Additionally, NAR in partnership with the California Association of Real Estate Brokers, Chinese American Real Estate Professionals, Chinese Association of America, National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals and the National Association of Real Estate Brokers created the HOPE (Home Ownership Participation for Everyone) Awards. HOPE Awards recognize outstanding projects and programs that expand minority homeownership, revitalize communities and create affordable housing opportunities. Pat Vredevoogd Combs said “We see our contribution to Dr. King’s memorial as a natural extension of our ongoing efforts and commitment.”
Harry E. Johnson, Sr., president and CEO of the foundation said “Having the financial commitment from the REALTORS is very important to our efforts, but having their every day commitment to enable people to live their dream is crucial. We thank NAR for the contribution and their commitment.
3.14.07
LVAR MEMBERS MEET WITH STATE LEGISLATORS IN THE CAPITOL
On March 6 and 7, PAR hosted their annual Government Affairs Seminar in Harrisburg. The premier annual event includes overviews of PAR legislative priorities and presentations from key legislators and public policy experts.
This year featured keynote speaker, Dr. G. Terry Madonna, professor and founder of the Franklin and Marshall College Keystone Poll. Dr. Madonna is scheduled to give a presentation at LVAR at the April 19 quarterly general member meeting.
Time was allotted on the second day of the seminar for members to meet with state legislators on the Hill. The delegation of LVAR members had the opportunity to meet with five out of our fourteen Lehigh Valley state legislators, including the following:
· Representative Julie Harhart (R-183)
· Representative Jennifer Mann (D-132)
· Representative Craig Dally (R-138)
· Senator Pat Browne (R-16)
· Senator Lisa Boscola (D-18)
In attendance were Association President Linda Stocklas, Government Affairs Committee Chairman George Raad, CEO Rosemary Scardina, and Government Affairs Director Ryan Conrad. They advocated REALTOR® legislative priorities, including removing any proposals to increase the Realty Transfer Tax for mass transit funding, as well as positive amendments to the Real Estate Licensing and Registration Act (RELRA).
To our excitement, all the legislators we met with expressed their firm opposition to a Realty Transfer Tax increase under any condition. They did advise that REALTORS® remain vigilant and continue to lobby the legislature to prevent a transfer tax increase. The members of LVAR are fortunate to have legislators representing us in Harrisburg who understand the importance of protecting consumers from this unfair and unreasonable tax.
LVAR members are encouraged to send these legislators a thank you note in appreciation of their willingness to consider the REALTOR® perspective.
3.13.07
BETHLEHEM MAYOR JOHN CALLAHAN MEETS WITH LVAR GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Shown above (from left to right) – George Raad, Government Affairs Committee Chairman; Cathy Amant, Board of Directors; Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan; Association President Linda Stocklas; President-Elect Mark Molchany; Sue Seidel, Treasurer.
The LVAR Government Affairs Committee (GAC) is continuing to work on establishing an open dialogue and building strong relationships with elected officials across the Lehigh Valley.
The GAC “Local Mayor Roundtable Series” is in full swing, and this month featured City of Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan (D). The Roundtable Series serve as a forum for local elected officials to share with our members’ first-hand information on ongoing economic development and revitalization projects, local politics, and other real estate related matters in their respective municipalities. The meetings also serve as an opportunity for REALTORS® to show elected officials that we are organized and interested in the being a part of the public policy making process. By cultivating meaningful relationships, REALTORS® have the opportunity to build vibrant, safe and livable communities in partnership with elected officials. REALTORS® also can shape the debate on the many issues impacting their business.
Today, Mayor Callahan had an in-dept discussion with the GAC regarding the many development projects in the City. Mayor Callahan reported that along with improving public safety and overall appearance of the City, current and future plans call for over $1.7 billion in major economic development projects, creating over 3,900 jobs. Highlights include BethWorks Casino, South Bethlehem Greenway improvements, North Street Tower (Hyatt hotel and 70 luxury condominiums), and Martin Tower (800 luxury condominiums and town homes).
Of note, Bethlehem was recently rated by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime & Delinquency Uniform Crime Statistics as the safest city in Pennsylvania and Money Magazine’s most livable city in the Commonwealth. Click here to view a copy of Mayor Callahan’s presentation. City of Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski is scheduled to attend next month’s GAC meeting.