SCAAR Monthly Updates

Education/Equal Opportunity Committee

Education and Equal Opportunity have joined forces this year! Not only will they provide a great list of classes for you to attend, they will also look to provide valuable resources.

Upcoming Classes . . . . .

Feb. 26 - New Member Orientation

March 11 - Eggs with Education with Jenifer Odette, Public Safety Foundation. Click here to register.

April 9 - Contracts Required Module w/Deb Greene - Registration coming soon!

April 9 - PM class TBD w/Deb Greene

April 17 - Bias - 7 hr Appraiser required class - Registration coming soon!

Do you have an idea for a class you'd like to see? Email Kelly@stcloudrealtors.com with details.

Government Affairs Committee

The Government Affairs Committee continues to stay actively engaged on issues impacting our members and the broader community. We recently hosted our second Fireside Chat, featuring Sartell Community and Economic Development Director Kari Haakonson. It was a valuable opportunity to hear directly about local development initiatives and community priorities. If you were unable to attend, we encourage you click here to watch the recording.

With the 2026 legislative session officially underway, the committee is closely monitoring housing-related bills and policy discussions. We’ll be tracking key proposals and keeping SCAAR members informed about developments that could affect the real estate industry.

If you have an interest in policy, advocacy, or simply want to stay more connected to the legislative process, we welcome new members to join the committee. It’s a great way to have a voice, stay informed, and help shape the conversations that impact our industry.

Bipartisan Housing Bill Passes House of Representatives: The Housing for the 21st Century Act aims to make a significant dent in the nation’s housing shortage through a comprehensive approach that addresses barriers at all levels of government. The Housing for the 21st Century Act, a bipartisan housing package aimed at boosting supply and improving affordability, passed in the House of Representatives by a vote of 390–9. With House approval secured, the legislation now moves to the Senate for consideration. Click here to read more.

The Results of Minnesota’s Bipartisan Housing Tax Credit: Targets for the funding have included 92 urban, suburban, and rural housing projects, with featured contributions from 1,162 individuals and companies. While the program was passed through a Democratic-controlled legislature and signed by a Democratic governor, it has drawn notable bipartisan support during a period marked by division and conflict. Click here to read more.

💙 Humanitarian Committee

We are excited to welcome Nia Castro as a new member of the Humanitarian Committee in 2026! Our committee continues to grow with REALTORS® who share a passion for giving back and supporting one another. If you are interested in joining us in the coming year, we would love to connect with you. Please contact Mary Ellen Richter or Kelly Travis at the St. Cloud Area Association of REALTORS® (SCAAR) office for more information.

How We Make a Difference

The Humanitarian Committee proudly supports a variety of important initiatives, including:

• REALTOR® Relief Foundation – Providing disaster assistance to REALTORS® and their communities
• Scholarship Program – Supporting the next generation through education
• This past year, we awarded three $1,000 scholarships
• Applications for 2026 are open now! Click here. Recipients will be selected in April to allow time for high school recognition
• Local Food Shelf Donations – Helping address food insecurity in our community
• Funeral Flowers and Sympathy Support – Honoring and supporting members and their families during times of loss
• Charitable Event Support – SCAAR contributes a $50 donation when a member participates in a qualifying charitable fundraiser
• Member Crisis Support – Offering financial assistance to members experiencing unexpected hardship
• Adopt-a-Family Program – Providing gifts and essential items to families within our REALTOR® community and the greater St. Cloud area
• Project Connect – Collecting and distributing coats, hats, mittens, scarves, and socks to those in need

Charity Support Reminder

If you are participating in a charitable fundraiser, SCAAR is proud to support your efforts with a $50 donation. Just fill out this form. This is one small way we can amplify the meaningful work our members are already doing in the community.

Next Humanitarian Committee Meeting

March 16 | 10:00 AM

SCAAR Office

🏆 Awards Committee

As the year unfolds, we encourage you to keep an eye out for those outstanding REALTORS® and Preferred Partners who go above and beyond—those who truly make a difference within our association and throughout our communities. Our annual awards are a meaningful way to recognize excellence, leadership, and service.

SCAAR Award Categories

REALTOR® of the Year Award 

Preferred Partner of the Year Award

Distinguished Service 

Community Service Award

Good Neighbor Award

Lifetime Achievement Award

It is truly a great pleasure to recognize and celebrate our local REALTORS® at the annual SCAAR Celebration, honoring those whose commitment, service, and leadership strengthen both our profession and our community.

More information on nominations and timelines will be shared as we get closer to fall—stay tuned!

Interested in joining our committee? Contact Kelly or Mary Ellen Richter. 

Next Humanitarian Committee Meeting

March 16th | 10:00 AM

SCAAR Office

Preferred Partner Committee

Stay Connected on Facebook!

Be sure you’re following our Facebook page: St. Cloud Area Association of REALTORS® (SCAAR)

We are actively spotlighting our Preferred Partners and sharing timely, relevant, and educational content designed to help our REALTOR® members gain valuable insights they can confidently pass along to their clients. This is a great way for Preferred Partners to stay visible and for REALTORS® to stay informed.

Join the Preferred Partner Committee

We are currently looking for additional committee members who are interested in helping shape programming, marketing opportunities, and engagement for our Preferred Partner program.

Next Preferred Partner Committee Meeting

March 2 | 10:00 AM

SCAAR Office

If you’re interested in getting involved or would like more information, please contact Mary Ellen. We’d love to have you join us!

New Preferred Partner Members, please be sure to check out our new Preferred Partners—and help us give them a warm welcome!

Country Financial - Tom Jelinski Agency

Share Your Upcoming Events

If any of our Preferred Partners have upcoming events, webinars, classes, or educational opportunities, please let me know. We are happy to help share and promote these opportunities so our REALTOR® members can stay informed and pass along valuable information to their clients.