Thursday, May 14, 2009

NAR Midyear Meetings - Day 4


Bart Stevens reports: Thursday found us awaking to meetings and classes. President Rita Yarnold and President Elect Marc Chadbourne had early morning breakfasts with NAR leadership. Several members took advantage of our wonderful NAR building tours, while others participated in the MLS Policy meetings where "green" building features in MLS, short sales, IDX and other national MLS issues were discussed.


The afternoon found us back on Capitol Hill for more Congressional Visits. First was a visit with the newest of Maine's Congressional Delegation, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree. I was personally quite impressed with the reception our group received, as she seemed genuinely interested in hearing our concerns. The next stop was meeting with Congressman Mike Michaud. Another successful visit with positive conversations. We are most fortunate in Maine to have such a warm and receptive Delegation representing us in DC. These annual visits are informative and fun ... and worth considering if you've never attended.

After our visits, parts of our group headed in different directions - some back to Maine, some to the new Capitol Visitor's Center, to the trade show, and others to dinner. MREIS President Jack Taylor, his wife Terri and I tried a new experience - a 2-hour Segway evening tour of DC. Oh my God was it fun! We even stumbled upon the premiere of the "Night at the Museum: Battle for the Smithsonian" movie at the Air & Space Museum. We got a little wet towards the end of the tour, and totally soaked by the time we made it to dinner - but worth every minute.

Tomorrow finds me shifting gears and moving into the CRS stage of my trip - CRS meetings and networking. MAR and local leadership will participate in governance and leadership training activities. Stay tuned ...

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