The GMAR Celebrates Black History Month by Remembering Edward “Ed” Smyth
By Scott Bush

I was honored when asked by Ed’s family to speak at his memorial service in 2014. While anxiously awaiting my turn to speak to the packed house at Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist Church, I listened intently to the other speakers.  The common theme in all the speeches was recognition of Ed’s reputation as a gentleman, his kindness, and devotion to his work as a REALTOR®. Ed took great pride in being a REALTOR® and joined the Association in 1965... CLICK TO READ FULL STORY
LEADING BY EXAMPLE CONTEST WINNERS
Congratulations to Jennifer Rohloff , Shorewest Realtors and Michael Fitzpatrick , Realty Executives Integrity. They are the winners of the "Leading By Example" promotion. Jennifer and Michael were selected at random from the published entries.

Thanks to all of you who submitted your positive stories about working with an agent with another company. Jennifer and Michael will each receive a $100 Bartolotta’s Restaurant gift card, compliments of Milwaukee Homesight.
NEW GUIDANCE ON ASSISTANCE ANIMALS
HUD recently released new guidance on "Assessing a Person's Request to Have an Animal as a Reasonable Accommodation Under the Fair Housing Act." This supersedes the previous guidance issued in 2013. The rule outlines what information a housing provider can request and consider when deciding to grant a reasonable accommodation.
Assistance animals can be incredibly helpful to people with disabilities. But in recent years there has been a significant uptick in people abusing this part of the Fair Housing Act by trying to pass their pet off as an assistance animal. HUD is attempting to address this fraud, and ensure that the accommodations are available for those who need them. CLICK TO READ FULL PRESS RELEASE
GMAR FLOWERS FOR SCHOLARS
Order hanging baskets and/or flower pots at a great price and for a good cause!
$10 from each plant ordered will go towards the GMAR Youth Foundation college scholarship program.
Order deadline is Friday, March 6th
Pick-up is Tuesday, May 5th - right on time for Mother's Day!
CONCEALED CARRY COURSE AT THE GMAR

MPD Training, LLC, will be providing the following Concealed Carry Firearms Safety Course at the GMAR office in February - Sign Up Today!
Lunch will be provided by Movement Mortgage 

FEBRUARY 25, 2020 | 12:00 NOON - 4:00 PM
Cost - $50/person
REALTOR ® REP AT THE HOME & GARDEN SHOW
Would you like to greet guests at the REALTORS® Home & Garden Show?
Then register to be a REALTOR® Rep! You will be assigned to an entrance at the show where you will welcome guests and distribute show books. You may also hand out your business card.

If interested, fill out this form and send it to emily@gmar.ws .

The deadline to sign up is Friday, March 6th.
HOME & GARDEN SHOW VIP TICKETS
Order your personalized VIP tickets for the REALTORS® Home & Garden Show March 20 - 29.

Thank you to Allrite Home & Remodeling and S&E Insulation for sponsoring the VIP ticket program.

*Last day to order is Wednesday, February 26th
THURSDAY TAKEAWAY VIDEO SERIES
Check out the most recent edition of WRA's Thursday Takeaway Video Series!
"REALTOR® Safety"
With Tracy Rucka
REAL ESTATE SUPPLY STORE NOW AT MINUTEMAN PRESS - BROOKFIELD
The real estate supply store is now located ONLY at Minuteman Press - Brookfield location (13680 W. Capitol Drive). Store hours are M-F from 8am to 5pm. Contact Minuteman Press-Brookfield for more info, (262) 781-9622!

GMAR SOCIAL EVENTS
GMAR WOMENSTRONG CONFERENCE
Date: Wednesday, March 4, 2020
Location: Italian Community Center, 631 E Chicago St, Milwaukee
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

A conference devoted to giving powerful women bold tools to take their careers to the next level.
HOME & GARDEN SHOW REALTOR ® RECEPTION

Date: Wednesday, March 25th
Time: 2:30pm - 4:00pm
Location: Expo Center at Wisconsin State Fair Park

BREWERS BASH

Date: Wednesday, April 29th
Time: Party deck opens at 5:10pm | Game starts at 6:40pm
Location: Johnsonville Party Deck

AFFILIATE EVENTS
NAR MILITARY RELOCATION COURSE
DATE: Monday, March 9th
TIME: 9:00am - 4:00pm
LOCATION: GMAR Office - 12300 W. Center St
FEE: $50
This course educates REALTORS on working with U.S. service members and their families and veterans to find the housing solutions that best suit their needs and to take full advantage of available benefits and support.
STAND OUT AS A FOCUS ON ENERGY AMBASSADOR
Looking for new ways to bring added value to your clients? Consider becoming a FOCUS ON ENERGY® Ambassador. Focus on Energy partners with utilities across Wisconsin to provide resources and incentives for energy efficient home products, equipment and improvement projects.
 
For more information, visit focusonenergy.com/ambassador or email ambassador@focusonenergy.com. You can also call Nancy Alberte, local Focus on Energy representative, at 608.358.8212 with questions.  
Comments, Suggestions or Questions?...
Let us know how the GMAR can improve what we offer to you as members of our organization. Your feedback helps us to make quality improvements to our programs and benefits, so we appreciate it! Click here to e-mail your feedback to the GMAR .