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Anchorage
Eagle River
Wasilla
3801 Centerpoint Drive, Ste. 102
Anchorage, Alaska 99503
Ph: 907.569.2842 | Fx: 907.569.2843
11823 Old Glenn Highway, Ste. 118
Eagle River, Alaska 99577
Ph: 907.622.2842 | Fx: 907.622.2843
865 N Seward Meridian Pkwy., Ste. 101
Wasilla, Alaska 99654
Ph: 907.352.4000 | Fx: 907.352.4001
AK 189191
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
is the bi-monthly publication of the
Alaska Association of REALTORS®
4205 Minnesota Drive, Anchorage, Alaska 99503
Phone (907) 563-7133 | (800) 478-3763
FAX (907) 561-1779 | www.alaskarealtors.com
AAR OFFICERS
PRESIDENT Angie Tallant
PRESIDENT-ELECT Dave Somers
VICE-PRESIDENT Mike Rasmussen
TREASURER Don McKenzie
PAST-PRESIDENT Paddy Coan, CRS, GRI
AAR DIRECTORS
Suellen Appellof, ABR, GRI
Randi Carnahan
Anneliese Cooper
Vickie Gartley, ABR, CRS
Eva Loken, ABR, CRS, GRI
Mark Masley
PeggyAnn McConnochie, GRI
Scott Myers
Gina Pelaia, GRI
Grant Shields, CRS
Devon Thomas, ABR, GRI
Mark White, CRS, GRI
Ava Anderson, GRI
By Angie Tallant
2015 AAR President
Somers & Associates
Fairbanks
o you know how to
reach a goal? You
make continuous steps
moving FORWARD.
D
How is our Association moving forward? Well,
in just a few short months, we have made great
strides in accomplishing the goals we have put forward to comply with Core Standards. The Alaska
Association of REALTORS® (AAR) Board of
Directors has approved a new AAR website, a new
AAR logo, approved a new policies and procedures
manual and completed bylaw changes for membership
approval in September. In addition to these items, we
are well on our way to a sustained effort in consumer outreach, and have approved an AAR Statewide
College Scholarship for high school students.
The AAR Board and Legislative chairs completed
successful hill visits to our legislature in February and the state board was invited to the Southeast Board of REALTORS® General Membership
meeting. Thank you to Kay Parker and the Southeast
Board of REALTORS® for a wonderful meeting and
dessert auction.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Bob Manwaring
Cover photo courtesy of Debra Leisek.
Materials reported in this publication are obtained from various sources
which the Alaska Association of REALTORS® believes to be reliable. Reasonable effort has been made to insure the accuracy of such material. The
Alaska Association of REALTORS® expressly disclaims any and all liability
or responsibility arising directly or indirectly out of any discrepancy, error,
mistake or omission in this publication. Opinions expressed in articles by
LQGLYLGXDODXWKRUVDQGFRQWULEXWRUVDUHQRWQHFFHVVDULO\WKHRI¿FLDORSLQLRQ
of the Alaska Association of REALTORS®. The acceptance of advertising
by the Alaska REALTOR® does not indicate approval or endorsement of
the advertiser or his product by the Alaska Association of REALTORS®.
Region 12 Conference in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho just
came to a close. The region includes Alaska, Idaho,
Oregon, Montana and Washington. It was inspiring to listen to NAR executive leadership, NAR’s
chief economist and chief lobbyist speak about the
future of real estate and the National Association of
REALTORS®.
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2015 AAR ANNUAL CONVENTION
By Debra Leisek
2015 Convention Chairperson
Bay Realty
Homer
2015 AAR Convention
September 29- October 3
Land’s End Resort
Homer, Alaska
Registration is Now Open!
knows that people don’t buy what you do, they
buy WHY you do it. And YOU are his WHY!
Maura Neill is a second-generation REALTOR®
who combines her love for the industry with her
passion for education.
Booking Rooms at the Land’s End
A room block at Land’s End has been reserved
for the 2015 AAR Convention. The following options are available:
The 2015 AAR Convention is sponsored by the
Alaska Association of REALTORS® and this
year’s host board Kachemak Board of REALTORS®.
Starboard Bay Suite - $139.50 plus tax
Midship Bay Room - $112.50 plus tax
Midship Bay Loft - $112.50 plus tax
Midship City Room - $85.50 plus tax
This year’s convention theme is “Chart Your Port Bay Room - $85.50 plus tax
Port City Room - $76.50 plus tax
Cosmic Course.”
2015 Chairperson Debra Leisek, broker of Bay Land’s End Lodges and Lodge Beach Front
Realty, is excited about the convention Key- Rooms are available as well.
note Speakers that have been lined up for you. To book your room now, please call Land’s
Rossi is spinning real estate into the future with End at (800) 478-0400 and remember to men“Class in the Round!” Because “the Edutainer” tion you’re with the 2015 Alaska Association of
REALTORS® Convention.
Sponsorships
We have many generous sponsors that have committed their time and resources to make this convention a success, but there are still sponsorship
opportunities available. Please visit alaskarealtors.com to view the available sponsorships.
Tradeshow
Businesses offering products that may be of interest to you, as a REALTOR®, will be displaying their products and/or services during the Tradeshow scheduled for Thursday,
October 1st, from 4pm until 6pm. More information may be found on alaskarealtors.com or
by contacting Debra Leisek at (907) 235-6183.
Registration
Submit your Registration Form before July 15th
to save $$$.
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2015 ALASKA CONVENTION & TRADE SHOW REGISTRATION
September 29 - October 3, 2015 Homer, Alaska
To register, complete this form and submit with payment. Copy form for additional
registrations. Incomplete forms, or registration forms without payment, will not be processed.
ConÀrmations will be emailed within 10 days for registrations received by September 4, 2015.
3OHDVH&RPSOHWH
First Name DVLWZLOODSSHDURQ\RXUQDPHEDGJHLast Name
Company
City
State
Daytime Telephone
Designations for Badge
Email address UHTXLUHGWRUHFHLYHFRQÀUPDWLRQ
REGISTRATION FEES
Full Convention Package
Ticketed Events Only
(Includes registration, all meals, education and hosted and ticketed events)
Before July 15th
After July 15th
At The Door
Member
$325
$350
$395
AfÀliate or Guest
$275
$300
$350
Education Classes Only
(Does not include meals)
Before July 15th After July 15th
Member
$250
$275
At The Door
$300
Past Presidents/
REALTOR® of the Year Lunch
$30 per ticket
AfÀliate Night Dinner
$45 per ticket
Wednesday, September 30, 2015 - 12:30 pm
Wednesday, September 30, 2015 - 6:30 pm
ARPAC Dinner & Auction
$45 per ticket
Thursday, October 1, 2015 - 6:30 pm
Friday CRS Luncheon
$30 per ticket
Awards Night Dinner
$55 per ticket
Friday, October 2, 2015 - 12:00 Noon
AfÀliate or Guest
$150
$165
$190
Friday, October 2, 2015 - 6:30 pm
Day Rate Only/Saturday Only (Does not include meals)
Donation to the Dave Feeken Scholarship Foundation
$135
$10
RSWLRQDO
TOTAL AMOUNT $_______________
Breakfast
$20 each day
Wednesday - Friday - 8:00 am
Continental Breakfast
$15 per ticket
Saturday - 7:00 am
METHOD OF PAYMENT
Enclosed is my check for $___________ made payable to Alaska REALTOR® Convention
Credit Card Information (Visa or Mastercard)
Fax Form 907-561-1779
FUHGLWFDUGSD\PHQWVRQO\
Mail Form Alaska Association of REALTORS®
4205 Minnesota Drive, Anchorage, AK 99503
Register Online www.alaskarealtors.com
Name (as it appears on credit card)
Account Number
Questions (907) 563-7133 | (800) 478-3763
3 Digit # (from back of card)
Exp. Date
Card Holder Billing Address
Zip
Signature
I authorize the Alaska Association of Realtors® to bill the above listed credit card in the amount of $________ for the Alaska REALTORS® Convention. I am fully aware
that my credit card is being charged for any such purchases.
CONVENTION INFORMATION
Hotel Information
A room block has been reserved at the Land’s End Resort. You can make your room reservation by calling toll free 1-800-4780400. Please reference Alaska Association REALTORS® Convention. Rates & room information is available at www.alaskarealtors.com.
THERE WILL BE NO EDUCATION MATERIALS HANDED OUT DURING THE CONVENTION. All registrants will need to download
and print their own education materials prior to attending the Convention. NotiÀcation and Instructions will be sent via email.
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Home loans are provided by Alaska USA Morgage Company, LLC.
*5,
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Pricing, Sales & Marketing
&RXUVH(&(FUHGLWV
Time: 9am-5pm - Test
Instructor: Anita Bates - Dwell Realty
Location: VBR Office, 741 E. Susitna Ave, Wasilla
Thursday, May 21, 2015
Technology: An App for That
&RXUVH(&(FUHGLWV
Time: 9am-5pm
Instructor: Traci Barickman - CENTURY 21 Realty Solutions
Location: VBR Office, 741 E. Susitna Ave, Wasilla
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Real Estate Finance
0D\WKVW
Valley Board of REALTORS® Office
0D\WKWK
BP Energy Center - Anchorage
Technology...how to use it
to best service your clients
and JHQHUDWHPRUH
EXVLQHVV
Newest finance
possibilities to get
more buyers
qualified.
%HQHILWVof
attending
the
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Time: 9am-5pm
Instructor: Maude Morse - AHFC
Location: BP Energy Center, Anchorage
Thursday, May 28, 2015
Purchase & Sales Agreements
&RXUVH(&(FUHGLWV'&(FUHGLWV
Time: 9am-5pm
Instructor: Kathleen Kowalczuk, RE/MAX Dynamic Prop.
Location: BP Energy Center, Anchorage
*5,3URJUDP
Approved for
Continuing
Education
credits.
Lunch is on your own from 12-1pm each day.
This course consists of 4 classes over 4 days.
Two are held in Anchorage and two are held
in Wasilla. To receive the designation,
all four classes must be completed.
Network with
REALTORS®
from throughout
Alaska…increase
potential for
referrals.
According to a NAR survey,
GRI designees earn
approximately PRUHSHU\HDUthan
non-GRI designees.
GRI 100 is co-sponsored by the Alaska Association
of REALTORSŠ, the Anchorage Board of REALTORSŠ
and the Valley Board of REALTORSŠ
Name_______________________________________________________________________
Company:____________________________________________________________________
Address:_____________________________________________________________________
Phone:_______________ Fax:_____________ Email:_________________________________
7XLWLRQMake checks payable to the Anchorage Board of REALTORS®.
Visa/MC number________________________________________________
Expiration Date________
Signature:____________________________________________________
3 digit CVC#__________
Address of CC statement:_________________________________________________ Zip___________
Anchorage REALTORS®: Email, fax or mail this portion to register for GRI 100 to:
kdubois@ancboard.com, 3340 Arctic Blvd. #101, Anchorage, AK 99503
FAX: 563-8476 Phone: 561-2338
Valley REALTORS®: Email, fax or mail this portion to register for GRI 100 to:
valleybd@mtaonline.net, 741 E Susitna Ave, Wasilla, AK 99654
FAX: 376-5081 Phone: 376-5080
MID-SESSION REPORT FROM JUNEAU
By Wendy Chamberlain
AAR Lobbyist
Legislative Consultants, Juneau
The majority of the Legislative session has been
focused on the budget, marijuana legalization and
Medicaid expansion. With the state facing a $3.5
billion revenue shortfall this current year and $3.6
billion in FY 2016 it is not surprising that budget
reduction meetings are a daily occurrence in the
Capitol building.
Operating Budget
Governor Walker introduced a budget representing a 2.4% reduction from the current year’s budget. The House passed their operating budget on
March 12 reducing the current year’s budget by
$376 million. Of this amount $229 million came
directly from agency operations. The non partisan
Legislative Finance Division stated this translates
to a 10 percent reduction in spending, the largest
reduction in state history.
tion efforts in the next budget cycle. That will be
challenging for the department.
Department of Commerce, Community, and
Economic Development
The subcommittee made the following cuts in
state funding:
Illisagvik College $300.0;
Bering Seal Fisherman’s Association $187.5;
Marine Exchange of Alaska $600.0,
The Alaska Native Arts Marketing $300.0.
Tourism Marketing was cut $3.1 million leaving
$9.3 million in General Funds.
Department of Corrections
Governor Walker’s budget proposal to the Legislature sought to defund the Community Jails program. That proposal drew quick response from
communities around the state as well as the Department of Public Safety, whose budget would
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Court System. The Administration offered an
amendment to restore partial funding to the proThe Legislature’s Finance Committee members gram.
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The Corrections Department stated it will evenfocus on critical government services and reductually look to releasing low risk inmates on aning its footprint. Among the most notable cuts
kle monitors and sending the maximum security
are Education, Health and Social Services, Revlong-term prisoners out of state and close facilienue Sharing, Alaska Marine Highway, and DOT
ties should the current budget situation persist.
maintenance.
Department of Education
The Administration’s budget proposes to elimiThe House Finance SubCommittee has proposed
nate 371 state positions (286 state positions and
to reduce the unrestricted General Funds by 19%
85 University positions). Of the 371 positions,
or almost $13 million. The cuts are primar174 are currently vacant.
ily from pre-kindergarten programs such as Best
Beginnings, Parents-as-Teachers, and other proDepartment of Administration
The House Finance subcommittee reduced fund- grams like ANSWERS, the Online with Libraring for public broadcasting by $1.7 million. How- ies, Live Homework Help,
ever, after much discussion the full Finance comThe SubCommittee did not reduce the Base Stumittee added back $1.5 million of this reduction.
dent Allocation (BSA) that was raised last year by
The subcommittee also added intent language Legislators and Governor Parnell.
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Ketchikan Gateway Borough Lawsuit on Loyear plan to consolidate the state’s information
cal Contribution to Education Funding
technology services and save $75 million. The
The Borough sued the state claiming that the state
subcommittee language directs the department to
unfairly discriminated against 1st Class cities and
show a $25 million reduction through consolida"MBTLB3&"-503¥t"QSJM
organized boroughs by requiring a local contribution to education funding. Last year the state appropriated $1.4 billion to fund education throughout the state, $230 million of that amount came
from the local contribution. In January the Superior Court agreed with the Ketchikan Gateway
Borough – the state’s required local contribution
for public education violates the Alaska Constitution – in essence a dedicated tax precluded by the
Alaska Constitution in most cases.
Governor Walker appealed the decision to the
Supreme Court. The Alaska Supreme Court on
Wednesday granted a stay in the Ketchikan education lawsuit, ensuring that municipalities will continue to contribute funds toward public education
during the appeals process.
Commission (which results in its elimination);
$22.7 million to Medicaid Services (representing
lapsed balances); and $250.0 in front line social
workers in children’s services.
Department of Labor
The Department of Labor’s operating budget reductions include:
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$300.0 to the Labor Standards and Safety program;
$600.000 to the Alaska Construction Academy;
Alaska Technical Center in Kotzebue $365,000
Southwest Alaska Vocational and Education Center 79,000
Northwest Alaska Career and Technical Center
$173,000
Department of Environmental Conservation
7ZHQW\ ¿YH SRVLWLRQV ZHUH FXW IURP WKH GHSDUWPHQWDVZHOODVIURPWKH¿VKWLVVXHPRQLtoring program.
Department of Public Safety
With a $3.5 million budget cut to the Alaska State
Troopers the Department plans to close the Girdwood trooper post effective January 1, 2016. The
Department stated it generally believes that the
Department of Fish and Game
MOA should provide police services within their
The House Finance Subcommittee has cut 15% of
boundaries. The Talkeetna post may be next.
the department’s unrestricted general funds and
(Mid-Session Report from Juneau, continued on page 10)
29 positions.
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by 26.5% representing mostly vacant positions,
one-time funding for elections, reductions to contingency funds, and transferring the DVSA Initiative
to the Council on Domestic
Violence and Sexual Assault in the Department of
Public Safety.
Department of Health
and Social Services
All Medicaid Expansion
items have been removed
from the budget proposal.
Additionally, $1.1 million
decrement to the Public
Assistance; $892.0 in obesity prevention grants; $4.5
million in support services;
$350.0 to the Health Care
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MID-SESSION REPORT FROM JUNEAU (CON’T)
The House Finance Subcommittee denied a $2.4
million budget request for the aviation unit. This
could result in two search and rescue helicopters
and a plane for prisoner transport being grounded.
The VPSO program was reduced by $1.6 million
Four cold case investigators were eliminated.
Knik Arm Bridge: If a federal loan is secured
this project can go forward without any additional
state general fund money, however $275 million
in revenue bonds would be required. While 86%
of the right-of-way has been acquired and all privately owned land and a Record of Decision for
the Environmental Impact Statement approved, a
Department of Revenue
newly updated economic analysis estimates trafThe department’s budget was reduced by 9.4%
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with 11 positions being eliminated.
studies.
Department of Transportation
Ambler Road: AIDEA needs an additional $8.6
The department’s budget was reduced by 11.3%
million to complete an Environmental Impact
focusing mainly on the department’s general fund
Statement to proceed.
spending:
Legislature
The Alaska Marine Highway System received a
The Legislature’s budget cuts may involve Legis$8.6 million cut which will result in 20% service
ODWLYH,QIRUPDWLRQ2I¿FHFORVXUHV2QHVFHQDULR
reduction (72 weeks less, from 394 to 322 weeks
proposes to close Cordova, Wrangell, Petersburg,
for ferry sailings) representing the lowest annual
Unalaska, Glennallen, and Tok. Closures are not
operating schedule since 2004. The Kennicott,
expected for Juneau, Anchorage, or Fairbanks,
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cutbacks. The Fairweather will only service
from being open year round to six months per
Southeast four days per week, while the Chenega
year.
will be tied up leaving only the Aurora to service
Issues
Prince William Sound. Kodiak may have to go up
Marijuana
to six weeks without service.
Marijuana has sucked all the air out of the CapiIn addition, the Committee recommended not tal. This is an ever changing piece of legislation
funding the $5.3 million fuel subsidy due to oil WKDWZLOOOLNHO\QRWEH¿QDOL]HGXQWLOWKHODVWIHZ
prices being under the required $70 per barrel.
days of the session.
With Prop 2 passing in November, personal use
The state operates 247 airports with an approxiand possession of 1 oz of marijuana became legal
mately $35 million annual budget. The state is
on February 24, 2015. The ABC Board is curlooking at adding or increasing landing fees, airrently charged with regulation and enforcement
port lease rates, and raising the states general aviand as such adopted emergency regulations to
ation fuel tax to increase revenues. Currently, the
allow for the use and possession restricting it to
state assesses a 4.7-cent per gallon excise tax on
non-public places.
aviation gasoline.
Decriminalization
The Department gave an update on the “Mega
HB 79 and SB 30 were introduced to decriminalProjects” on February 26th.
ize the possession of up to 1 ounce of marijuana as
Juneau Access: The project needs $800.0 in Gen- approved by voters in November. The Legislature
eral Funds to get to a Record of Decision on the had intended to pass the bill prior to February 24th,
Final Supplemental Environmental Impact State- however neither bill has passed out of it’s own body.
ment. If the state does not move forward it will be
Commercial Regulation
required to pay back $26 million in federal funds.
HB 75 was introduced by the House Com"MBTLB3&"-503¥t"QSJM
munity and Regional Affairs Committee to
provide more clarity to the role of local communities and municipal control in the regulation of retail or commercial marijuana.
Creation of Regulatory Board
HB 123 and SB 60 were introduced by the Governor to establish the Marijuana Control Board
separately from the Alcoholic Beverage Control
Board to regulate and license commercial marijuana operations.
years and older. Although the bill would list marijuana as a controlled substance, it would exempt
from controlled-substance crimes uses of marijuana that are within the bounds of a voter initiative passed in November. The committee plans to
take public testimony on the bill Wednesday.
Medicaid Expansion
Medicaid Expansion has been a topic of many
presentations before various committees this
Session. The Administration’s budget proposal
contained budget components to allow for the auHB 133 and SB 62 were introduced to further dethority to expand the Medicaid and accept $145
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million in federal funding while cutting some $6
marijuana such as marketing, licensing, packagmillion in state funding. Medicaid expansion is
ing, labeling, testing and serving sizes of products
not being received warmly by the Legislature.
such as edible marijuana.
The Administration submits that approximately
HB 59 was introduced by Rep. Seaton to allow for
$6.6 million in state savings would be realized by
a delay by no more than a year, the promulgation
new federal Medicaid funding. Of that savings,
of regulations for commercial or retail marijuana.
$4 million is expected to come from the DepartTODAY - The Senate Finance Committee dis- ment of Corrections budget for health care costs
cussed a new version of the bill intended to de- for inmates. The rest of the savings would come
(Mid-Session Report from Juneau, continued on page 15)
criminalize recreational marijuana for adults 21
Serving Anchorage, Eagle River & the Mat-Su Valley at these locations:
Anchorage
Stewart Title of Alaska
480 East 36th Avenue
(907) 274-2562
Sherri Bahma
Senior Escrow Officer
(907) 777-0518 Direct
(866) 615-1246 FAX
sherri.bahma@stewart.com
Peggy Looney
Business Development Manager
2007 REALTOR® “Affiliate of the Year”
(907) 632-1889 Cell
peggy.looney@stewart.com
Samantha Buchite
Escrow Officer
(907) 777-0512 Direct
(866) 360-2836 FAX
samantha.buchite@stewart.com
Vicky Bryant
Customer Service
(907) 777-0522 Direct
(907) 866-225-3531 FAX
vicky.bryant@stewart.com
Wasilla
McKinley Title & Trust
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(907) 376-2220
Christina Collins
Escrow Officer
(907) 777-0508 Direct
(866) 465-1882 FAX
christina.collins@stewart.com
Christy Shilling
Business Development Officer
(907) 570-8827 Cell
christy.shilling@stewart.com
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Kenai
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5years
Fairbanks
Eagle River
alaskausatitle.com
"MBTLB3&"-503¥t"QSJM
(877) 646-6498
Juneau
Celebrating
ASSOCIATION NEWS
Honorable Mentions
REALTOR® -DQHOOH 3ÀHLger, CRS of RE/MAX Dynamic
Properties, will be the national
SUHVLGHQW RI WKH &56 &HUWL¿HG
Residential Specialists) organization in 2016.
Janelle currently serves as the
president-elect and Chair of the
strategic planning committee and
is a past RVP for the CRS regions. CRS is the gold standard
for education in residential real estate and approximately 3% of the REALTOR® population holds the
designation. The organization has 33,000 members
and is growing!
Janelle is also the current Chair for the Anchorage
Chamber of Commerce, an exciting year to be the
Chair as Anchorage and the Chamber turn 100 years
old in 2015!
Janelle has sold real estate in Anchorage since 1980.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a minor in real estate, she is an associate broker with CRS, GRI, CLHMS, and CDPE designations.
Janelle was honored as the 2006 REALTOR® of the
Year by the Anchorage Board of REALTORS® and
the 2006 Alaska CRS of the Year. In 2007, she was
awarded the YWCA Woman of Achievement award
and was inducted into the Athena society in 2009. In
2010, she was honored as the Alaska REALTOR® of
the Year. Janelle has three great kids and loves Alaska!
REALTOR® Eva Loken, of Jack
White Real Estate in Eagle River, has
been a board member of the American Cancer Society since 1976. Eva
is currently one of twenty-four members of the Great West Division board.
GRI Offered in 2015
The Alaska Association of REALTORS®, in conjunction with the Anchorage Board of REALTORS® and
the Valley Board of REALTORS®, will be sponsoring
the entire GRI (Graduate REALTORS® Institute) in
2015. More information may be found on alaskarealtors.com.
2016 NAR Committee Recommendation
Process is Underway!
Are you, or someone you know, interested in serving on a NAR committee in 2016? The online
Committee Recommendation Form on REALTOR.
org is now open and accepting recommendations.
Alaska REALTOR e-NEWS
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t 3FBM&TUBUF/PUFTdeeds of trust or real estate
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Please put bobmanwaring@alaskarealtors.com in
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Find out everything you need
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new home at www.ahfc.us.
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(Mid-Session Report from Juneau, continued from page 11)
from Chronic and Acute Medical Assistance and
reductions to the mental health provider grants,
approximately $1.5 million, to be replaced with
the new federal Medicaid funding.
The Legislature requested the Governor introduce a bill to both expand the program as well as
offer reform measures to the existing Medicaid
program which currently costs approximately
$600 million annually. This request is similar to
that of the Legislature last year to then-Governor
Parnell on the transfer of $3 billion to the State’s
Public Employee and Teacher Retirement System’ unfunded liability – debating Medicaid expansion in a stand-alone bill separate from the
budget.
Senator Pete Kelly will introduce a Medicaid reform bill this week. The Senate plans on implementing reforms before considering expansion.
A hearing is scheduled in the Senate Health and
Social Services Committee Friday, March 13.
Legislation
HB 105-AIDEA Interior Energy
House Bill 105 and SB 50 would change existing
state law to allow the Interior Energy Project to
purchase LNG from any region, including Southcentral Alaska, instead of just the North Slope.
The bill also expands and updates AIDEA’s limits
IRUDOORILWV¶SURMHFWDQGSURJUDP¿QDQFLQJ
SB 30-Repeal Film Production Tax Credit
6HQDWRU%LOO6WROW]HLVSURSRVLQJWRUHSHDOWKH¿OP
tax credit program. This tax credit program was
not funded this year but Stoltze would like to remove the statutory authority for this program.
6% 5HJLRQDO 1RQ3UR¿W +HDOWK 2UJDQL]Dtions
The bill authorizes the Alaska Municipal Bond
%DQNWR¿QDQFHXSWRPLOOLRQLQSURMHFWVE\
UHJLRQDO QRQ SUR¿W KHDOWK RUJDQL]DWLRQV ZKLFK
mostly operate in rural areas. Last year the Legislature authorized the bond bank to participate in
University of Alaska facilities. SB 46 would exSDQGWKDWWRQRQSUR¿WKHDOWKIDFLOLWLHV
SB 64 – Suspend the School Bond debt reimbursement program
Senator Anna MacKinnon introduced a bill to
suspend the school construction bond debt reimbursement program for a period of 5 years. The
bill (upon passage) will take effect May 1, 2015.
Any school bonds authorized before this date will
be reimbursed under the existing program. SB 64
also reduces the amount of reimbursement upon
reinstatement of the program. The reimbursement amounts are reduced to between 40 and 50
percent. Currently the MOA receives 60 percent
school bond debt reimbursement.
SB 6-Daylight Savings Time
Senate Bill 6, authorizes the governor to petition
the U.S. Department of Transportation to hold
hearings in Alaska on whether Alaska should
return to multiple time zones. If the USDOT
does not act and leaves Alaska Standard Time
in place, SB 6 would end the switch to daylight
saving time for Alaskans as of Jan. 1, 2017. The
ELOOSDVVHGWKH6HQDWHÀRRUWRGD\\HDVQD\V Medicaid Expansion
Senator Pete Kelly introduced a cost saving MedHB 78-RCA
HB 78 was introduced to provide a standard for icaid reform bill today. The bill is a start toward
utilities in purchasing power from independent Medicaid reform . We anticipate legislation being
introduced by the Governor next week that will
producers.
include reform and expansion measures. LegislaPurchasing power from independent power tive leaders have stated they need to see Medicaid
producers is common in all other states and the reform before considering expansion. These two
price is set at the highest “avoided cost.” Alaska issues can go hand in hand but reforms need to be
is alone among the states in allowing utilities to included in the package if the bill stands a chance
base their offers on the average cost.
of passing this session.
"QSJMt"MBTLB3&"-503¥
News Bites From Our Local Boards
Anchorage
By Kay DuBois, CEO
A Broker Forum is scheduled
for March 20th including Sharon
Walsh of the Alaska Real Estate
Commission. The Forum is frequently offered to stay abreast of
industry issues.
NAR-trained facilitator, Rick
Harris, will facilitate ABR’s Strategic Planning session in March.
NAR’s on-line courses The Code
of Ethics: Our Promise of Professionalism, were submitted
to AREC for 2 hours CE credit.
Two courses – one for new REALTORS® and one for established REALTORS® to meet the
Quadrennial requirement.
The GRI series, 100, 200, and
300 has been scheduled for 2015.
:HDOVRKRVWHGRXU¿UVW*HQHUDO
Membership Meeting of the year
in February and were happy to
have amazing attendance to the
event. Thanks to our speakers;
Glenda Feeken gave a legislative
update from Capital Hill, Febra
Hensley inspired us to invest in
provide the services of an om- RPAC, and Marti Pepper talked
budsman. ABR will utilize as about what was new and changombudsmen, only trained media- ing with Alaska MLS.
tors.
We look forward to the upcoming months and will be concentrating our time on our non-dues
By Melissa Duffy, CEO
revenue earner, the Kenai Penin7KH VWDUW RI ÀHZ E\ DQG sula Sport, Rec and Trade Show.
things are sure warming up fast This year we have made a few
on the Kenai Peninsula. The large changes to the show and
Kenai Peninsula Association of we are anxious to see how they
REALTORS® currently has 85 impact the event. The show will
REALTOR® members and 19 take place May 2nd and 3rd at
$I¿OLDWH PHPEHUV 7KLV \HDU the Soldotna Sports Center, and
one of our focused efforts will we invite our REALTOR® famEHWRZDUGVJURZLQJRXUDI¿OLDWH ily and friends to come join us.
PHPEHUVKLS 2XU $I¿OLDWH /Laison, Barbara Ramondino has With summer right around the
done an amazing job at helping corner, we wish everyone a hapXV UHDFK RXW WR SRWHQWLDO DI¿OL- py and successful season!!
ates, and we hope to add a few
new members this year.
By Vickie Gartley,
In January, we had a nice sized
2015 President
group of members join the Leadership Conference. Thanks to Di- After a very mild winter, spring
ane Melton, Dorothy Cunning- is here and the days are getting
ham, Mark White, Anna Johns, longer.
Stacie Krause, Febra Hensley
We had a very successful turn
and Natalia Aulenbacher for atout for legislative hill visits
tending and representing the Penwhich included AAR Direcinsula. In February, we attended
WRUV 2I¿FHUV (2¶V DQG 0HPa very informative Legislative
bers from around the State.
Session and feel we had a successful time discussing the con- Legislative Luncheon was held
cerns of the REALTORS® with at the Goldbelt on the 24th and
legislators. Thank you to Mark was sponsored by First AmeriWhite, Anna Johns and Glenda can Title. Everyone enjoyed a
Feeken for attending and assist- wonderful prime rib dinner at
ing our legislative efforts.
AAR Lobbyist Wendy Cham-
Kenai
Southeast
The Governmental Affairs Committee met in January to outline
legislative priorities prior to the
hill visits in Juneau. The Committee conducted mayoral candidate interviews on March 19th.
A RFP was requested from Dr.
Lynne Curry to present mediator training both for the
Anchorage Board and statewide. Dr. Curry returned the
RFP which was forwarded to
AAR’s Education Coordinator.
Core Standards mandates that
by January 1, 2016, each board
"MBTLB3&"-503¥t"QSJM
News Bites From Our Local Boards
berlain’s that evening. A Big ever growing membership. VBR
Thank You goes out to her. LVORRNLQJIRUZDUGWRWKH¿UVWDQnual YPN Border Wars between
We were joined by our out of
the Mat-Su YPN and Anchorage
town members on Wednesday for
YPN on April 21st. It looks to be
the Southeast Alaska Board of
a great time for all. Visit Mat-Su
REALTORS® General MemFacebook page for more details
bership
Luncheon
meeting
(www.facebook.com/matsuypn).
held at T.K. Maguires. Speakers included an update from
Angie Tallant, AAR President.
Wendy Chamberlain and Denny Dewitt gave an update on
the current legislative session
with regard to industry issues.
A very successful dessert auction was held to raise money for our scholarship fund
which is now fully funded for
the 2015-2016 school year. VBR is co-sponsoring GRI 100
with Anchorage once again this
We are looking forward to an- year. The dates are: May 20 &
other CRS class being held here 21 in the Valley at the VBR ofin April.
¿FHDQG0D\DWWKH%3
Center in Anchorage.
Valley
By Lizz Rautenkranz, AE
The weather is starting to warm
up in the Valley and the Valley
Board of REALTORS® is gearing up for a busy spring. VBR
continues to hold monthly general membership meetings, YPN
Wake-Ups, and VBR Tours for an
Chair Mike Barth who gave
us a presentation about affordable Housing. We had good attendence and the meeting was
very informative. We presented
the Homer/Anchor Point Food
Banks a check for $5,000 and
we gave Hospice of Homer a
check for $2,500 using the proceeds of our annual auction.
We are sponsoring with Alaska
USA the CRS 206 class to be held
in Homer on April 20th and 21st.
Our convention committee is
busy making plans for everyone
to “Chart Their Cosmic Course”
at the State convention which
will be held at Lands End Resort
beginning Sept. 29th through
Oct 3rd. The rooms are available now and you can make a
reservation by calling Lands
End at 907-235-0400. Online
registration begins on April 1st.
Kachemak
Our next General Membership
meeting is in April and we are
By Gina Pelaia,
fortunate to have Gary Thomas
2015 President
giving us a presentation regardAt our General Membership ing Fire safety.
Meeting in March, we invited The City of Homer’s Economic Business Development
Peggy
Real Estate & Relocation Expert
162373
You’ve known me as your Alaskan Realtor for over 13 years!
Call me to take advantage of these affordable prices in Arizona and
this unique opportunity to purchase a winter home
and/or an investment property.
D I R E C T : 480.241.1040
P E G G Y @P E G G Y Y O U N G . C O M
www.P E G G Y Y O U N G . C O M
"QSJMt"MBTLB3&"-503¥
Alaska Chapter Council of Residential Specialists
$UFWLF%OYG6XLWH‡$QFKRUDJH$ODVND
Earn the CRS Designation
7KH&HUWL¿HG5HVLGHQWLDO6SHFLDOLVW&56'HVLJQDWLRQLVWKHSURIHVVLRQDO'HVLJQDWLRQ
offered by the Council of Residential Specialists. The CRS Designation is the highest
professional designation awarded to REALTORS®LQWKHUHVLGHQWLDOVDOHV¿HOG)HZHU
than 5 percent of all REALTORS® hold this designation.
By Anita Bates, CRS
Alaska CRS Chapter President
Dwell Realty
Anchorage
Changes are Coming:
As was mentioned in the last issue, the Council of Residential
Specialists is undergoing a change
WRDQHZPHPEHUDI¿OLDWLRQPRGel. Under the new structure, individual Chapters will change from independent legal
entities to statewide organizations. Alaska CRS will
begin the transition on April 1st. Since there is only one
Alaska Chapter, this change should be relatively painless. The transition team will be working at the local and
national level to effect the change. More details about
the process will be provided as they become available.
Mark Your Calendars for the Following Events:
Anchorage: April 8, 2015, 11:30am-1:30pm, $25
“Property Taxes & You” by Bryant Robbins
Petroleum Club of Anchorage, 3301 C Street
7KH ¿UVW &56 FODVV RI LV FRPLQJ \RXU ZD\ LQ
April! Mark Porter will present &567HFKQRORgies to Advance Your Business, in the following locations:
Juneau: April 13-14, 8:30am-5:00pm
Juneau Christian Center, 8001 Glacier Hwy
sebr@gci.net, (907) 586-2021
Anchorage: April 16-17, 8:30am-5:00pm
Centerpoint Building, 3801 Centerpoint Drive
kdubois@ancboard.com, (907) 561-2338
Homer: April 21-22, 8:30am-5:00pm
Homer City Hall, 491 E Pioneer Avenue
(907) 235-8121
Contact your local Board for more details.
Chapter With a Heart:
Last fall, the board of directors decided to broaden
the efforts of Chapter With a Heart by identifying or"MBTLB3&"-503¥t"QSJM
ganizations DURXQG WKH 6WDWH WKDW FRXOG EHQH¿W IURP
donations. This month we will distribute money
FROOHFWHG IURP RXU OXQFKHRQ UDIÀHV DQG RWKHU IXQG
raising activities to the following organizations:
My House (Mat-Su Valley), KPBSD Students in Transition (Kenai Peninsula-Homer), and Child in Transition (Anchorage)
In Appreciation:
Many thanks to Alaska Multiple Listing Service for
their help in providing Skype access for our monthly
board meetings, allowing us to see the various participants around the State.
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"QSJMt"MBTLB3&"-503¥
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Sr. Escrow Officer,
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