MAA President's Message
I don't want to jinx us, but it looks like warmer weather is finally here! Whether you are working on your fieldwork; sales, ECF and land value studies; defending values or preparing for the AMAR, remember the benefits that come when we brush up our knowledge and skills. The MAA classes to be offered at the Summer and Fall schools will be on the website very soon. And, if you don't see a class covering the topic you are looking for, be sure to make a suggestion - or perhaps you have unique knowledge and/or experience that could help other assessors? Perhaps you'd be interested in writing a new class? If you don't feel writing is your forte, maybe you can provide the information for a new class to be written? Whichever the case, share your ideas with Debby Ring (shrp2@att.net).
And just a reminder that MAA has scholarships available to assist with educational costs for those who need them! You can find the application on the MAA website.
As Assessors, we all know what the "Big Box" or "Dark Store" theory has done to retail assessments. Michigan is poised to set precedence when the final decision on the MTT case of Menards Inc v City of Escanaba is handed down - setting the standards for the valuation of big box stores worldwide. The MAA Board has chosen to assist Escanaba is this case through financial support. When the case was before the Court of Appeals, MAA participated in an amicus brief in support of a successful outcome. Whether you work in a small area with none of these stores, or a large jurisdiction with many of them, this case will change valuation methodologies of not only big box stores, but very likely all other classes of property. I would urge you to discuss the impact of the potential outcome with your jurisdiction, and if possible, ask them to consider supporting the case as well - one way or another, it will affect all of us.
I hope you noticed that online Registration for MAA's 46th Annual Conference, being held August 12-15, 2018 at the Park Place Hotel, in beautiful downtown Traverse City, is now open! The Conference Committee is very excited to have MAA members back at the Park Place Hotel for the first time since 1994, when Gary Evanko was President. We are certain you will be thrilled by this year's line-up of high quality continuing education courses and exhibitors - including some new ones! In addition to learning, there is a host of activities available within walking distance that will surely thrill those young and old.
The Annual MAA Golf outing will take place Sunday afternoon at The Crown Golf Club, just 10 minutes from the hotel in Garfield Township. Even the most experienced golfer will enjoy the excellent playing conditions and challenging design of this course. On Sunday evening, the opening reception will take place at the Park Place Hotel where you will have an opportunity to connect with old friends and colleagues, and hopefully make some new connections - and there will be music and dancing for those who choose to participate. Monday morning will include the MAA Awards breakfast and the MAA Annual Business Meeting. The course offerings, which provide an opportunity to accumulate up to 16 hours of CE credit, will also begin Monday morning, and continue Tuesday (all day) and Wednesday morning. And, finally, the MAA Annual Banquet will be held in the evening on Tuesday featuring entertainment by Brena Band.
Don't forget - book your room AND register for the conference by June 30th to be entered in a drawing for a FREE stay at the Park Place Hotel. For reservations, call (231) 946-5000 (do NOT use the toll-free number) and tell them you are with the Michigan Assessors Association. I hope you are making plans to join us - I promise you won't be disappointed!
Amy L. DeHaan, President