MCAD News

Funding Support for Association Diversity Activities
NAR's diversity strategies recognize the critical role that diversity activities play in achieving NAR's diversity objectives. To support your efforts, NAR’s Community & Political Affairs Department is now soliciting applications for its Diversity Initiative Grant program. The maximum amount available to any one association is $5,000 per grant cycle. The application deadline is October 2. For full program details, please visit www.realtor.org/diversitysupport or contact Hugh Morris at 202-383-1278 or hmorris@realtors.org

New Policy Videos Online
Find out what the National Association of REALTORS® legislative and regulatory policy experts are saying about the issues affecting REALTORS® and their businesses. There are four new videos online, discussing HVCC, health reform, the Small Business Administration and data security.

SBA Clarifies REALTOR® Eligibility for SBA Guaranteed Financial Assistance
In a letter to NAR President Charles McMillan, dated August 5, 2009, the Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Financial Assistance stated that licensed real estate agents are eligible for SBA guaranteed financial assistance. The SBA letter came in response to McMillan’s written request to SBA Administrator Karen Mills, dated July 24, 2009, requesting clarification of this issue, after NAR received reports that some real estate agents, who generally operate as independent contractors, were denied eligibility for SBA loans. The SBA response also reiterated that real estate brokers are eligible for SBA guaranteed financial assistance. If you have questions, CONTACT Scott Rinn at 202-383-7508 or srinn@realtors.org.

NAR Develops New Lead Paint Compliance Guide
This compliance guide provides information for REALTORS® and property managers on the EPA's new Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule. The guide describes the new lead-based paint safety practices established by the rule and what steps REALTORS® and property managers need to take to comply with the new procedures. The guide includes a short introduction, two narrated presentations and two sets of frequently asked questions answered by EPA officials and regulatory experts—one video each for REALTORS® and property managers. If you have questions, CONTACT Russell Riggs at 202-383-1259 or rriggs@realtors.org.

RPAC Contribution Deadline Approaching
This is a friendly reminder that funds must be received in Chicago by close of business Thursday, October 22, in order for contributions to be recognized for the 2009 recognition year. If you have any questions, please CONTACT the RPAC staff at 202-383-1191 or Debbie Frey in the Finance Department at 312-329-8565.


RPAC’s 40th Anniversary Reception at Annual Convention
This year marks RPAC’s 40th anniversary, and what better way to celebrate than with a party in sunny San Diego for ALL RPAC Major Donors (Sterling, Crystal and Golden R members)? The reception will be held on Saturday, November 14, from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the Manchester Grand Hyatt. Invitations are forthcoming. If you have any questions, please CONTACT Kristen Daugherty at 202-383-1166 or kdaugherty@realtors.org.