The 2015 NYSAR Mid-Winter Business Meetings kicked off Sunday at the Desmond Hotel & Conference Center in Albany. Last night, the 2015 NYSAR Leadership Team of President Mike Smith, President-elect Linda Bonarelli Lugo and Secretary/Treasurer Dawn Carpenter was inaugurated into office.

During this afternoon’s General Session, NYSAR President Mike Smith will provide an outlook on year ahead, the 2014 local board/association REALTORS of the Year will be recognized, and the 2014 RPAC Awards will be presented. In addition, New York State Senator George Amedore will update attendees on the issues facing lawmakers and the real estate industry in 2015. Look for the General Session video, podcasts and meeting minutes on NYSAR.com in the near future.

New York State regulators may vote soon on a measure that will require the installation of fire sprinklers in all new one- and two-family homes and townhomes built in New York. NYSAR supports fire sprinklers and consumer education about the benefits of a sprinkler system, but is opposed to mandating their installation. Last week, NYSAR launched an all-member Call for Action opposing the proposed mandate. Take action in opposition to this proposal by clicking here.

NYSAR also launched a media campaign including a radio commercial, newspaper ads and a website in opposition to this mandate. A link to the radio commercial and more information including fire sprinkler facts and poll results can be found at www.stopalbanymandates.com.

NYSAR recently released its fifth infographic, titled "Meet the Typical New York State Homebuyer and Seller," which utilizes data from the 2014 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers New York Report produced by the National Association of REALTORS. NYSAR’s infographics are available to download in both jpeg and PDF formats on the Infographics page of NYSAR.com.

Last week, members of the Assembly chose Carl Heastie (D-Bronx) to be the new speaker, replacing long-time leader Sheldon Silver. Heastie’s election marks the Assembly's first new leader in 21 years and the first African-American speaker in state history. Click here to learn more.

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio delivered his second State of the City address last week at Baruch College in Manhattan. The focus of this year’s speech was affordable housing. With housing being the most significant cost facing most of New York City’s families, the mayor laid out significant goals for the coming year and beyond. Click here to learn more.

Join NYSAR for a free, informative update on current real estate-related legal issues on Thursday, February 26, at 2:30 p.m., presented by NYSAR Director of Legal Services Anthony Gatto, Esq. Topics to be covered include: broker rebates; unauthorized practice of law; lead paint; arms-length transactions; and recent court and DOS decisions pertaining to commissions, fair housing and escrow. Click here to register today.

The Tuesday, February 17, NYSAR Radio show will cover the topic of advertising. Tune in at 10 a.m. on February 17 on your PC or Mac by using the player on the NYSAR Radio page. You will need to be logged in to listen. If you have not yet created your account with the website, you will need to click on "New User" on the Member Login page and follow the prompts.

Give the gift that can help save a life by participating in the NYSAR Young Professionals Network’s American Red Cross Blood Drive being held in conjunction with the NYSAR Mid-Winter Business Meetings tomorrow, Wednesday, February 11, from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.Appointments are scheduled in 15 minute increments and are encouraged to avoid long wait times. To make your appointment, visit www.redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code "NYSARAlbany." Or, email NYSAR Director of Marketing Kristen Pooler at kpooler@nysar.com with your availability. Plus, all presenting donors will receive a $5 Dunkin Donuts gift card as a thank you!

Capitalize on what sets REALTORS apart from real estate licensees with the GRI-1 Ethics course, offered February 27 at the High Peaks Resort in Lake Placid, NY. This course satisfies NAR’s mandatory quadrennial ethics training requirement and is a must for Professional Standards Committee members and local board leaders. You’ll discover how to put the Code of Ethics to work for you, maximize your REALTOR benefits, and enhance your professionalism and your career through community involvement.

Register online today or call NYSAR at 800-239-4432 x219. Click here for more information.

Operate your business without the risk of claims, fines and lawsuits with the GRI-4 Legal course, offered March 3 at the Mahopac Library in Mahopac, NY. Gain a complete understanding of: advertising that is legal and ethical; contracts, forms, deposits, disclosures and record retention; risk management strategies; and title insurance and settlement procedures.

Register online today or call NYSAR at 800-239-4432 x219. Click here for more information.

The Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) course will be offered March 5-6 at the Buffalo Niagara Association of REALTORS in Amherst, NY. This course helps you develop the business-building skills and resources for specialization in the senior market by: expanding your knowledge of how life stages impact real estate choices; connecting you to a network of resources; and fostering empathy. 

Register online today or call NYSAR at 800-239-4432 x219. Click here for more information.

NYSAR wants to remind you to stay safe no matter where the job takes you. Members receive an exclusive discount that saves you 10 percent on the Guardly Mobile Safety App, which allows you to instantly connect with managers, colleagues, family and 9-1-1 when faced with safety concerns. Click here to learn more.

Enrollment for health insurance in 2015 will close this Sunday, February 15, 2015. Look to NYSAR Member Perks partner USI Affinity to help you navigate the plan options and find the coverage that best suits your needs. Remember, you will face tax penalties if you do not obtain coverage. Also, if you miss open enrollment, you will not be able to obtain health insurance until the next open enrollment period unless you qualify for a special enrollment. For more information, visit www.myrealtorinsurance.com/nysar.

If you haven’t planned to do so already, take refuge from NYSAR’s hectic business meetings by visiting the RPAC VIP Lounge today, where you’ll gain access to a continental breakfast, hot lunch buffet, snacks and beverages, chair massage, manicurist, psychic readings, cable TV, computers, printer, unlimited Internet access, cell phone chargers, newspapers and more!The cost is a $250 RPAC pledge or investment. Click here for a flyer with more information.

"Grand Ol’ Gang" Republican Presidents features Presidents G.H. Bush, Abraham Lincoln, Gerald Ford, Richard Nixon, Teddy Roosevelt, Dwight Eisenhower, George W. Bush and Ronald Regan gathered for a friendly game of poker! This print is matted, framed and ready for your wall! Bidding closes Friday, February 20. Click here to learn more.