There are five vacancies that need to be filled for 2009, including President-Elect and 4 Director Positions.  The following are the qualifications and duties for each position:

PRESIDENT-ELECT QUALIFICATIONS & DUTIES - Candidates must have served on the Board of Directors for 2 FULL YEARS within the past five years, prior to taking office. This position is a 3-YEAR TERM (first year as President-Elect, second as President and third as Director/Immediate Past President).  The President-Elect is a voting member of the Board of Directors and shall attend all monthly meetings.   The main responsibility of the President-Elect is to learn the duties of the President in the event the President is unable to serve or disqualified from serving.  The President-Elect is a voting member of the Board of Directors and is expected to attend all monthly Board Meetings as well as support all association functions throughout the year. 

DIRECTOR QUALIFICATIONS & DUTIES (4 VACANCIES) - Candidates must have been a member in good standing of the Association for a MINIMUM OF 2 YEARS and, at the time of taking office, must have served on 2 standing committees and/or have chaired one standing committee.  Director Positions are a 2-YEAR TERM.  A Director is a voting member of the Board of Directors and is expected to attend all monthly Board Meetings as well as support all association functions throughout the year. 

Any qualified REALTOR® member interested in serving on the Board of Directors in 2009 but missed the May 2^nd application deadline may still be eligible to run for office if they file a petition signed by at least 5% of REALTOR® members eligible to vote.  The petition must be filed with the association office no later than Thursday, May 29, 2008. 

For more information about the election process, please see Section X of the Association Bylaws or feel free to email me at ESchwartz@cvar.net. 

New Member Benefit: Forms Advisor™ and Forms Tutor™

On April 1, C.A.R rolled out two programs designed to help REALTORS® select forms for use during real estate transactions. The new Forms Advisor™ and Forms Tutor ™programs are components of the C.A.R. WINForms® member benefit. Forms Advisor™ was designed to help REALTORS® decide which form to use during any stage of a real estate transaction (purchase, lease, and office administration). The Forms Advisor™ also identifies when the C.A.R. forms library lacks a form appropriate to the unique circumstances of a transaction, and advises the member what to do in that case.

The Forms Tutor™ companion was developed to assist new members through the process of completing forms in the C.A.R. forms library. Forms Advisor™ and the Forms Tutor™ companion will play a crucial role in helping members mitigate risk. In addition, if you are a broker or a leader of your local association, you also may integrate customized forms and local disclosures into the Forms Advisor™ program, offering members your local version of this exciting new program.

To access the new Forms Advisor™ and Forms Tutor™ programs or for questions about this new member benefit, please visit www.winforms.com.

Legislative Day 2008

Don’t miss C.A.R.’s annual Legislative Day in Sacramento on June 4, 2008.  Legislative Day is an opportunity for REALTORS from across California to meet with their state legislators to discuss the issues that directly affect the real estate industry.  Attending Legislative Day is not only a great investment in your business, but it will also provide you with opportunities to hear from the state’s most dynamic political leaders and attend a fabulous reception. 

The schedule this year is jam-packed with wonderful events. Leaders of the state Legislature have been invited to address us at the Morning Briefing.

C.A.R. will present the 3rd annual California REALTOR® Showcase during the June business meetings in Sacramento. Taking place at the Sacramento Convention Center, the free Showcase will feature numerous exhibit booths to help REALTORS® stay informed about the latest real estate products and services.  The Showcase also features a 2008 Mid-year Forecast Luncheon, a CE credit course on foreclosures, and a seminar on short sales (fees apply).

The afternoon Member Director Forum is an excellent opportunity to voice your opinions regarding the future of the real estate industry with C.A.R. leadership.  This is especially important for those REALTORSwho do not attend C.A.R. business meetings. 

Remember to mark June 4, 2008 on your calendars.  Legislative Day is not just a chance to mingle with your colleagues, but for you to invest in your business.