BCAR Committees
SECTION 3 – COMMITTEE STRUCTURE
Section 3.0 Committee structure
1. The first person listed will be the Committee Chairperson.
2. Committee Chairperson will have served on the committee in the year immediately prior.
Section 3.1 Committee chair’s responsibilities
1. Plan and conduct effective meetings by distributing advance agendas with the assistance of staff liaison in order to make best use of committee members’ time.
2. Understand the financial aspects of the committee. All net income from events shall become a part of the Association’s operating budget.
3. Coordinate with the staff plans, actions, mailings, etc., pertinent to the committee.
4. Ensure that motions made in committee sessions are placed in writing as part of the committee minutes.
Section 3.2 Committee member duties
1. Be available to attend committee meetings.
2. Be responsible to research, define and offer input to any committee assigned to.
Section 3.3 Policy regarding communications to committees
Information, questions, complaints, or any other issues that arise that directly involve any BCAR committee will be forwarded to that committee chairperson as well as the President. The committee will notify the President of all of their meetings.
Section 3.4 Policy regarding recommendations from committees
Recommendations from committees shall be reviewed by the Board of Directors at their next regularly scheduled meeting. Decisions by the BOD on recommendations from committees shall be final.
Committees
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Purpose: To bring our affiliates’ viewpoints to the attention of the Board of Directors.
Duties:
a) To report and respond to BOD regarding affiliate interaction with REALTORS® and other members.
Membership: Affiliate members, number to be determined annually by the President.
Meetings: As required.2023 Members (first person listed is the Committee Chair):
Karen Messer
Jenni Cordova
Lucy Lamson
Kirk Bell
Kim Dwyer -
Purpose: To review the association Bylaws and Policy Manual.
Duties:
a) To review the Bylaws and Policy Manual on an annual basis.
b) To review and analyze any proposed amendments to the Bylaws for proper presentation to the membership.
c) All proposed changes to the Bylaws or the Policy Manual shall be presented to the Board of Directors.
d) To prepare and present any Bylaws changes required by the Michigan Association of REALTORS® or the National Association of REALTORS®.
e) To ensure that the Policy Manual is in accordance with and not in conflict with the local, state, and national Bylaws.
f) To send updated Bylaws to the National Association of REALTORS® (as required by NAR) for review and approval.Membership: Chairperson appointed annually by the President, minimum of 3 members.
Meetings: As required.
2023 Members:
Bruce Hauska
Jim Borden
Carri Foley
Marilyn Ostrander -
Purpose: To provide ongoing educational opportunities to our members and to motivate the membership toward increased and continuing education. Develop and implement a New Member Orientation and Safety education. Educate and encourage membership in the association in the community.
Duties:
a) To plan and hold a minimum of one, and possibly two, continuing education class each year.
b) To organize educational seminars for the benefit of the membership. c) Hold classes at least quarterly for all new members.
d) Make certain all new members meet NAR qualifications for REALTOR® membership
e) Plan safety meeting to be held each year in September and identify speakers.
f) Present to the BOD and coordinate any activities with the C.S.E. prior to making any commitments for any functions.
g) Work with local businesses and non-REALTORS® to encourage membership.
h) Conduct new member orientation when necessary
Membership: Chairperson appointed annually by the President, minimum of 3 members.
Meetings: As required.2023 Members:
Marilyn Ostrander
Jami Lind
Darci Gaff
Amber Modert
AE -
Purpose: To educate the membership about equal opportunity in housing and employment. Consumer outreach on Fair Housing
Duties:
a) To assist and educate local offices in establishing non-discriminatory practices.
b) To be responsible for seeing that local publishers print the required notice.
c) To distribute required posters, etc., to local offices.
d) Arrange a Fair Housing public outreach.
Membership: Chairperson appointed annually by the President, minimum of 3 members.
Meetings: As required2023 Members:
Debbie Lounds-Bowers
Rachel Tell
Anette Booth -
Purpose: The Executive Committee is a subordinate of the Board of Directors. It is delegated all powers of the Board of Directors, with the Board of Directors having the authority to change actions of the Executive Committee
Duties:
a) The Executive Committee is authorized to employ or enter into an employment contract with the Chief Executive Officer and to have an annual review of that Chief Executive Officer’s performance and responsibilities.Membership: President, president-elect, treasurer, and secretary
Meetings: As required
2023 Members:
Jessica Dirschell
Debbie Lounds Bowers
Amber Modert
John Rakocy -
Purpose: To formulate a budget for the year and to make recommendations to the Board of Directors for expenditures.
Duties:
a) Review the past year’s budget, income and expenditures with the Treasurer, along with projected statistics for the upcoming year.
b) To establish a budget for submission to the Board of Directors for approval.Membership: The current Treasurer is automatically chairperson. Current President, immediate past President, President-elect, at least one other member and anyone else deemed appropriate by the President.
Meetings: In the fall to establish upcoming budgets for the Board. Mid-year for evaluation of status at that time, and to make any adjustments.2023 Members:
Amber Modert
Jessica Dirschell
Sharon Atkinson
Debbie Lounds-Bowers
Carri Foley
AE -
Purpose: To review disputes between REALTOR® members or with the public, referring cases, when appropriate, to the Ombudsman or Professional Standards Committee.
Duties:
a) To receive complaints and provide assistance to members or public when necessary.
b) To ascertain the facts from all parties.
c) If deemed valid, forward the complaint and all supporting data to the Professional Standards Committee for Ethics or Arbitration hearings.
d) Initiate professional standards complaints on behalf of the Board when the Committee deems necessary, or when requested by the Board of Directors.
e) All meetings shall be confidential, and all committee members shall be expected to conduct themselves with utmost discretion and professionalism at all times.Membership: The Grievance Committee shall be a minimum of 3 members appointed by the President. Members must have been REALTORS® for a minimum of two years. Members shall attend a Professional Standards workshop at least once. There shall be a representation of both sales associates and principals.
Meetings: As required.
2023 Members:
Lois Keeton
Jim Bowers
Angie Marsh
Val Proctor
Karmen Case -
Purpose: To keep abreast of current legislation or bills that affect REALTORS® and to inform and alert members to such legislation. Monitor local land use issues.
Duties:
a) Organize and promote a Congressional and Legislative Contact Network, made up of local members who would become direct contacts with their legislators for the purpose of giving them REALTOR® views on important legislation.
b) When a “Call to Action” is announced by Michigan REALTORS® or NAR, the Team would contact members to encourage them to answer the call.
c) Encourage REALTOR® involvement with local town boards.
d) Shall report legislative updates, pending issues and Calls to Actions, as needed.
e) Encourage REALTOR® involvement with local town boards.
f) Shall report legislative updates an depending issues.
g) Monitor information from NAR regarding their “Smart Growth Initiative”
h) Develop relationships with local government and industry groups involved in land use issues.Membership: Chairperson appointed annually by the President, minimum of 3 members.
Meetings: As required.
2023 Members:
Doug Campbell
Darci Gaff
AE -
Purpose: Maintain and enforce the Lock Box rules and regulations.
Duties:
a) Monitor the lock box and key pad use, distribution and training.
b) Monitor lock box development and use within our industry, as needed, and report back to Board of Directors.
c) Order, repair lock boxes and key pads, as necessary.Membership: Chairperson to be appointed annually by President, minimum of 2 members.
Meetings: As required.
2023 Members:
Angie Marsh
Karmen Case
Val Proctor
Angie Wages -
Purpose: Facilitate communication between parties in conflict to help them reach a voluntary resolution.
Membership: Michigan Realtors® General Counsel
Meetings: N/A
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Purpose: To encourage membership in the Branch County Association of REALTORS®.
Duties:
a) Work with appropriate local businesses, and non-REALTORS® to encourage membership.
b) As per Article VI, Section 12 of the Bylaws, the Membership Committee will ask Brokers to certify licensees each year.Membership: Chairperson appointed annually by the President, minimum of 2 members.
Meetings: As required.
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Purpose: To represent BCAR at MichRIC Meetings and events
Duties:
a) Attend MichRIC Meetings / Specs Committee Meetings as a voting manager
b) Report activity to BOD
Membership: Chairperson to be appointed annually by President, minimum of 2 MichRIC Managers and 2 Specs Committee Members.Meetings: Seven scheduled meetings annually per MichRIC. Specs Committee meetings as needed.
2023 Members:
John Rakocy (MichRIC Manager)
Jim Borden (MichRIC Manager)
Angie Marsh (Specs)
Val Proctor (Specs)
AE -
Purpose: Oversee the multiple listing service (MLS). Represent BCAR at Michigan Regional Information Center (MichRIC) meetings and events. Maintain and enforce the Lock Box rules and regulations.
Duties:
a) Review and revise the LS rules and regulations in conjunction with Michigan REALTORS® and NAR.
b) Enforce MLS rules and regulations and hear MLS complaints.
c) Make adjustments in MLS procedures as needed to make the MLS a more productive and beneficial service.
d) Monitor the lock box use, distribution and training.
e) Monitor lock box development and use within our industry and report back to BOD.
f) Order, repair lock boxes and keypads, as necessary.
g) Attend MichRIC Managers meetings and report back to the BOD any upcoming changes or new programs. 2 members assigned.
h) Attend MichRIC Specification meetings as needed and report to the BOD any RESO compliance or changes. 2 members assigned.
Membership: Chairperson to be appointed annually by President, minimum of 5 members.
Meetings: As required.2023 Members:
Angie Marsh
Karmen Case
Val Proctor
Angie Wages -
Purpose: To oversee any and all elections and special elections. To select at least one candidate for each office. Oversee REALTOR® of the Year and special awards voting.
Duties:
a) Provide members with a description of each office and the responsibilities that go with it.
b) Seek nominees for all vacant positions.
c) Shall meet at least by the end of July to select the slate of candidates for Board of Directors.
d) Mail the recommended slate to the membership at least 3 weeks prior to the annual meeting.
e) Encourage membership to nominate worthy members for ROTY/AOTY.
e) Review ROTY/AOTY applications
f) Select 3 nominees to be placed on the ballot. d) Realtor® and Appraiser members vote by secret ballot. Ballots shall be counted by three members appointed by the President and results given to the Chief Staff Executive.Membership: At least two (2) months before the annual election, three (3) REALTOR® members shall be appointed by the president with the approval of the board of directors.
Meetings: As required.
2023 Members:
Angie Marsh
Debbie Lounds-Bowers
Amber Modert -
Purpose: To review disputes between REALTOR® members or with the public when appropriate.
Duties:
a) Complete training available at NAR.
b) Maintain confidentiality when dealing with issues.
c) Attempt to resolve issues.
d) Prepare a written report for the chair of the Grievance committee.Membership: The President shall appoint two members as Ombudsman. Members must have been REALTORS® for a minimum of two years. Members shall attend a Professional Standards workshop at least once.
Meetings: As required.
2023 Members:
Doug Campbell
Jami Lind -
Purpose: To conduct hearings on all grievances directed to them by the Grievance Committee.
Duties:
a) The committee chairperson shall appoint a hearing panel for each hearing and shall be responsible to coordinate procedures with the Chief Staff Executive to assure that the exact procedure is followed, as prescribed by the NAR Professional Standards Manual, and that due process is achieved.
b) The committee shall hold hearings on both arbitration and ethics complaints. Should a complaint involve both arbitration and ethics, arbitration shall be heard first.
c) All hearings shall be confidential, and all panel members are expected to conduct themselves with discretion and professionalism.Membership: The chairperson shall be appointed annually by the President, minimum of 3 members. It is suggested that the new members shall have previously served on the Grievance Committee. Members shall attend a Professional Standards workshop at least once. There shall be a representation of both associates and principals.
Meetings: As required.
2023 Members:
Jill Vella
Bruce Hauska
Amanda Case
Carri Foley
Jim Borden
Bea Wilber
Ralph Beerman -
Purpose: To plan programs and luncheons for the year, keeping in mind that the purpose of the meeting is to broaden REALTOR® participation and knowledge. Plan a program to install new officers in conjunction with the annual Christmas party. Promote the BCAR, its office and its members to the general public in an informative and positive manner to increase public awareness and recognize REALTOR® accomplishments on a local level.
Duties:
a) To encourage attendance by affiliate and REALTOR® members.
b) Solicit program ideas from the membership, other committees and the Board of Directors.
c) Arrange for programs to include coordinating location and meals for monthly membership meetings at least 4 times per year. (Amended 12/7/17)
d) Responsible for preparing written thank-you letters to all speakers and guests, where appropriate.
e) Coordinate all activities with the C.S.E. before making final commitment for any function.
f) Contact caterers, hotels, etc., to plan dinner menu and price for party.
g) Arrange with brokers and affiliate members to contribute items for door prizes and charity auction.
h) Take pictures at events, note key items and outline news releases for approval by the BOD and posting to the website.Membership: Chairperson to be appointed annually by President, minimum of 5 members.
Meetings: As required.
2023 Members:
Karen Messer
Carri Foley
Jill Bowers
Sharon Atkinson
Cathy Gordon
Shari Kline
Amber Modert
Josh Jones
Corey McGowan
Jenni Cordova/Hanna Isaacs
AE -
Purpose: To monitor information passed down from MR and NAR and report back to the Board of Directors and the membership.
Duties:
Make recommendations as necessary.
Membership: Chairperson appointed annually by the President, minimum of 2 members.Meetings: As required.
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Purpose: Assist in selection process.
Duties:
a) Scholarship applications are reviewed and scored using the Scholarship Form.
b) Students awarded are dependent on the amount of funds in the scholarship fund.
c) Highest scores will be awarded from each school.
d) Each student is awarded $500, any student who does not pick up their award within 6 months will be returned to the scholarship fund. e) Present scholarship certificate awards to students at their awards ceremony.
f) Recipients will send copy of enrollment / college schedule to C.S.E. g) C.S.E will have check prepared for distribution upon receipt of schedule and arrange for presentation.
Membership: Chairperson is Past President, members: President, ROTY & AOTY.Meetings: As required.
2023 Members:
Sharon Atkinson
Jessica Dirschell
2022 ROTY – Jill Bowers
2022 AOTY – Joe Ward – Advanced Home Inspections
Eric Ellison
Angie Marsh
Debbie Lounds-Bowers
Jill Bowers
AE -
Purpose: RPAC Task Force will promote participation and encourage contributions from the membership to ensure that the association meets its annual goal.
Duties:
a) The Task Force will provide the organization with communications, information and education necessary to reach the annual goal.
b) Provide appropriate recognition to supporters.Membership: Chairperson appointed annually by the President, minimum of 3 members.
Meetings: As required.
2023 Members:
Debbie Lounds-Bowers
Darci Gaff
AE -
Purpose: Advise the Board of Directors regarding technology issues. Help maintain BCAR website, Facebook and Twitter accounts.
Duties:
a) Review input from Board and general membership regarding real estate technology for MLS, communications, and website
b) Make recommendations for purchase and implementation.
c) Assist the C.S.E. in maintaining the website, Facebook and Twitter accounts.
d) Advise on programs that will improve communication with the membership.Membership: Chairperson to be appointed annually by President, minimum of 3 members.
Meetings: As required.
2023 Members:
Jim Bowers
Darci Gaff
Amber Modert
AE