The 2011 Fall Business Meetings are currently under way featuring an Association Update with presenters such as NYSAR 2011 President Nicholas Gigante and NAR's Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. Additionally, Dawn M. Carpenter of Staten Island, NY was named the 2011 REALTOR of the Year. Click here to learn more.

According to the latest poll by the Siena Research Institute (SRI), New York State consumer home buying plans increased in August, while overall New York State consumer confidence decreased. Click here to learn more.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has released a new draft hydrofracking report outlining the environmental risks and socioeconomic benefits of potential hydrofracking in the Marcellus Shale region of the state. The public comment period for the report will expire December 12, 2011. Click here to learn more.

There are seven upcoming special elections scheduled for Tuesday, September 13, 2011 as well as local primaries statewide. Let your REALTOR voice be heard; get out and vote! Click here for the full Government Affairs report and to learn more.

All New York brokers already involved or who join the Broker Involvement Program from now until October 19, 2011, will be entered into a drawing to win a brand new iPad! Click here to learn more.

The U.S. Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee recently approved legislation to reform the National Flood Insurance Program, which is set to expire on September 30. The Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization Act would extend the program through 2016. The measure now moves to the full Senate. Click here to learn more.

The recent hurricanes and flooding along the eastern seaboard has once again highlighted the need and importance of the National Flood Insurance Program. Please tell your Senator to fully reauthorize this program for five years before the September 30, 2011, deadline. Click here to take action now. Click here for more information.

The Tuesday, September 20, NYSAR Radio show will feature a recap of the NYSAR Legal Update as presented by NYSAR Director of Legal Services Anthony Gatto, Esq. and NYSAR Legal Counsel Michael Wallender, Esq. during the Fall Business Meetings in Verona, NY. Tune in at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 20 by clicking here. Click here for more information.

Submit your most creative video telling everyone the value of working with a New York State REALTOR and you could win a $500 American Express gift card! Submissions must be received by December 31, 2011. Click here to learn more.

"Global Real Estate: Local Markets (CIPS)" will be offered September 22 at the Woodbury REALTOR Service Center in Woodbury, NY. This course is designed to introduce the basic skills and knowledge needed to facilitate international real estate transactions. Click here for more information or to register.

"Global Real Estate: Transaction Tools (CIPS)" will be offered September 23 at the Woodbury REALTOR Service Center in Woodbury, NY. This course provides the tools and concepts real estate professionals need to serve clients and customers in the global real estate market. Click here for more information or to register.

Join NYSAR and PossibleNOW, our exclusive partner for Do-Not-Call compliance, on Thursday, September 29, at 2:30 p.m. for a webinar titled "Do-Not-Call Compliance for REALTORS: Rules, Common Pitfalls and Recordkeeping." The webinar will cover the Do-Not-Call rules and what you must do to comply, the common pitfalls made by REALTORS and the consequences if you fail to comply; and the recordkeeping requirements to establish a Safe Harbor position. Click here for more information or to register.

NYSAR's professional insurance broker, USI Affinity, is partnered with Long Term Care Resources to offer you the choice of three long-term care insurance carriers as well as a variety of plan options to suit your needs. Click here to learn more.

NYSAR must receive all contributions to RPAC by Friday, October 7, leaving RPAC of NY less than one month to reach our 2011 fundraising goal of $763,530. To date, RPAC of NY has raised $486,085, reflecting 64 percent of our 2011 fundraising goal. We still have to raise more than $277,000 to reach our goal and we need your help! Click here for more.

On behalf of New York's 51,000 REALTORS, RPAC of New York thanks our major donors for investing in RPAC. Click here to learn more.