Real Estate LEADER Magazine (Fall 2004)

Transcription

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE MISSISSIPPI ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS ®
IN THIS ISSUE
RISK MANAGEMENT
COVER STORY
Risky Business
Fall 2004
REALTORS® get real
about risk management
2004 Judicial Election Guide: See special pull-out section inside
2 / MISSISSIPPI REAL ESTATE LEADER / Fall 2004
Real Estate LEADER is the official publication of the Mississippi Association of
REALTORS®. The quarterly magazine provides Mississippi real estate professionals
with timely information on trends and best
practices, tools and resources for professional development, and news about innovative business and community leaders.
Fall 2004
Publisher
R. Scott Brunner, CAE
rscottbrun@aol.com
Editor
IN THIS ISSUE: Risk Management
Cover Story:
16 Risky Business: REALTORS® get real about risk management
Angela Cain
acain@msrealtors.org
Mississippi’s managing brokers are challenged with keeping their agents informed about the risks they face as real estate
professionals. Learn how leading brokers have incorporated risk management training into their business models.
Contributing Writer
11 E & O claims against Mississippi licensees increases
Sarah J. Schmidt
sjschmidt2@earthlink.com
Graphic Designer
Steve Nowak
nowak427@bellsouth.net
Photographer
Gib Ford
Gil Ford Photography
Advertising Sales Specialist
Krissa Dobbins
kdobbins@msrealtors.org
Errors and omissions insurance claims and claim costs are on the rise in Mississippi. Is this a trend that will continue?
What can be done to reduce claims? An insurance expert, an attorney and our Real Estate Commission administrator
weigh-in on the subject in this Q & A article.
12 Top 10 risks for REALTORS®
What are the top risk factors for REALTORS®, according to Mississippi legal and real estate experts?
15 Mississippi’s License Law: 50 years of progress
MAR pays homage to the real estate pioneers who recognized the importance of elevating the real estate business
to a true profession and pushed for the passage of Mississippi’s Real Estate Brokers’ Act 50 years ago.
Pull-out section 2004 Judicial Election Guide
Your support of REALTOR® political advocacy – and your Fair Share investment in MARPAC – are critical in upcoming
judicial elections in our state. Pull out our MARPAC 2004 Judicial Election Guide and find out which Supreme Court
candidates deserve your support – and what you can do to help get them elected.
REALTOR® Editorial Board
David Griffith, Chair, Cleveland
Michelle Burford, Vice Chair, Jackson
John Bounds, Meridian
Eric Bradley, Picayune
Harley Caldwell, Vicksburg
Sharon Grace, Oxford
Bill Hetrick, Clinton
Pat Jefcoat, Hattiesburg
Cynthia Joachim, Biloxi
Alan Paterson, Ridgeland
Vicky Ratliff, Natchez
Carolyn Walker, Vicksburg
Real Estate LEADER does not establish due diligence on authors and advertisers and cannot guarantee that their writings or claims are correct or suitable. Views and advertising contained in Real Estate
LEADER are not necessarily endorsed by the
Mississippi Association of REALTORS®. The information contained within should not be construed as a
recommendation for any course of action regarding
financial, legal or accounting matters by the
Mississippi Association of REALTORS®, Real Estate
LEADER or its authors.
Mississippi Association of REALTORS®
PO Box 321000
Jackson, MS 39232-1000
Tel: 601-932-5241
Toll-free: 800-747-1103
Fax: 601-932-0382
Web: www.msrealtors.org
E-mail: mar@msrealtors.org
DEPARTMENTS
4 President’s Perspective
4 Word on the Street
5 Capitol Watch
6 60-Second Technology Seminar
7 Legal Ease
8 For The Course of Your Career
9 Been There, Done That
18 Commercial Real Estate Report
19 Your Neck of the Woods
21 Headliners
22 MARPAC Update
25 REALTOR® Resources
25 Information Central
26 Referral Advertising
29 The Last Word
President’s
Perspective
T
hey say ignorance
is bliss. But when
it comes to the
real estate business,
what you don’t know
can hurt you.
Increasingly, brokers and agents who
aren’t managing their
risks are managing to
end up in legal hot water. Some are even losing their
licenses. That’s why our entire fall issue is devoted to
risk reduction. From misrepresentation to improper
documentation, lack of training to mishandling of
earnest money, there are dozens of hidden dangers
and liabilities lurking behind every deal or transaction.
This eye-opening issue sheds light on the risks we face
every day as REALTORS® and gives insight into ways to
protect yourself – and your clients.
Our cover story profiles leading brokers around
the state who offer ongoing risk management training
for their agents. And in his guest article "Are you the
windshield or the bug?" nationally-recognized attorney
and REALTOR® Oliver Frascona offers tips that just
make good business sense. We also rank the top 10
risks facing Mississippi real estate licensees, according to legal and real estate experts, and report on the
alarming number of errors and omissions insurance
claims by practitioners in our state.
License Law Pioneers
This issue also honors those early real estate pioneers who advocated for and helped enact the Real
Estate License Law in Mississippi. This year marks the
50th anniversary of the Real Estate Brokers Act of
1954, which established rules and regulations that
continue to protect consumers and real estate practitioners today.
MAR tools can help reduce risk
For more risk-reducing advice, I encourage you to
call our free and confidential MAR legal hotline at 800747-1103, ext. 25. I also urge all brokers to use our
free MAR Standard Forms offered at www.msrealtors.org through ZipForm. As a member benefit, we
offer the first download free to first-time users (a $149
value), then future downloads, including all updates,
cost only $59. Also, take advantage of the various riskrelated books and publications available through the
Mississippi REALTOR® Institute, your association’s official real estate school, at www.msrealtors.org.
Bruce Kammer, CRS, GRI
President
Word on the Street
REAL ESTATE NEWS BRIEFS
E & O insurance alternatives not viable for NAR
In late 2003, NAR engaged the services of International Risk Management Group to assess the viability of creating an NAR-owned insurance company to provide member errors and omissions
insurance. Their report was presented to the NAR Leadership Team this past summer. They concluded that it was not a viable option for NAR at this time.
REALTOR® Safety Week is September 12-18
NAR has designated the week of Sept. 12 as REALTOR® Safety Week to
increase awareness about avoiding high-risk situations and dealing with
unexpected danger. Dozens of safety resources are available at
www.realtor.org. The Mississippi Association of REALTORS® also offers
its own REALTOR® Guide to Etiquette & Safety. Call MAR at 601-9325241 to request a free printed copy or download the guide at
www.mrealtors.org.
Median selling price lower for FSBOs
The median selling price for a FSBO was $145,000, compared to
$175,000 with a REALTOR®, according to the NAR 2003 Profile of
Homebuyers & Sellers. The study showed that 13 percent of home sellers sold their home
without the assistance of a real estate professional and 59 percent of those FSBO sellers say they
did so to avoid paying a commission.
CAPITOL WATCH
UPDATE ON LEGISLATIVE ISSUES IMPORTANT TO YOUR BUSINESS
Announcing the REALTOR® Key Contact Network
T
his month, MAR launches our REALTOR® Key Contact Network, a new
initiative designed to target and communicate with our state legislators
and government officials.
MAR members who have existing relationships with state legislators and/or
key government officials are invited to participate in this grassroots networking initiative.
The program is designed to establish access to
our elected leaders, allow us to share timely
and accurate information about issues of concern to REALTORS® and build the credibility of
the real estate profession.
Legislators, in particular, are eager to hear
from constituents about how a particular legislative proposal will affect their
districts. By establishing a network of contacts with key legislators and government officials, we can mobilize quickly when issues of importance to REALTORS® arise.
• Must have a previously established working or personal relationship with the
legislator and his or her staff.
• Must invest or have pledged to invest a minimum of $25 to MARPAC by REALTOR® Day at the Capitol each year.
• Must commit to attending the MAR Key Contact Training Workshop and
Reception and REALTOR® Day at the Capitol annually and serve as group leader
in meetings with the assigned legislator.
• Must serve as "key contact" during the full elective term of a legislator or
other elected official. n
Are you “key contact” material?
We need responsible, proactive, politically savvy members to key into this
business-enhancing MARPAC initiative. Visit www.msrealtors.org to apply.
For more information, contact MAR Vice President of Public Policy
Quentin Whitwell at 601-932-5241, ext. 28 or qwhitwell@msrealtors.org.
Here’s how it works:
An MAR-member "key contact" will serve as the primary political contact
person for the appointed Mississippi State Representative or Senator. The key
contact will be responsible for the following:
• Establishing a working relationship with the designated Representative
and/or Senator and their staff.
• Partnering with MAR to activate REALTORS® political and legislative activity
by encouraging members to respond swiftly and effectively to our calls-toaction.
• Contacting MAR via e-mail, phone or fax for each call-to-action so that MAR
can track response.
• Sending letters as requested when they are part of a call-to-action and providing MAR with a copy of the letter for verification.
• Developing and maintaining political contacts in the state and serving as a
resource to MAR and its members.
• Attending the MAR Key Contact Training Workshop and Reception annually
as well as REALTOR® Day at the Capitol.
• Functioning as MAR’s spokesperson at meetings with the designated
Representative or Senator.
• Presenting MAR’s Political Action Committee (MARPAC) contribution checks
to their designated legislator.
• Representing MAR by attending receptions, events or other fundraisers in the
state for their designated legislator.
In order to be selected as a "key contact," an MAR member must meet the
following requirements:
• Must be a registered voter.
• Must reside within the legislative district of the assigned legislative member.
60-SECOND
TECHNOLOGY
SEMINAR
BY DANE SKIRTECH
Zip away your risks with Standard Forms software
Are you using MAR’s ZipForm Standard Forms software? If not, what are
you waiting for? This is a valuable timesaving, risk management tool available
exclusively to Mississippi REALTORS®.
You can find the latest version of your Mississippi-specific ZipForm software
and updates for download at www.msrealtors.org. Your one-year subscription
of ZipForms includes more than 30 MAR-endorsed, Mississippi-specific standard real estate forms and contracts, plus MREC and federally mandated
forms. The forms are updated at least once annually.
MAR provides your initial download of the software FREE to you as an MAR
member benefit (for the first twelve months).
After that initial download, you can renew your subscription annually and
receive all forms updates at a special Mississippi REALTOR® rate of only $59.95
a year – a great deal for such a valuable package of business tools. If you prefer, you can order a CD version of ZipForms. There is a $14.95 handling charge
on all CDs. If you're interested in the CD, Internet-based or networked versions
of Mississippi ZipForms, you can find out more by contacting ZipForms directly at 800-383-9805. n
Dane Skirtech is a nationally recognized real estate technology speaker
and MAR’s Director of Information Technology. E-mail him at
dane@msrealtors.org.
Membership Sales, Auto Financing
Insurance for Home, Life, Health,
Auto & Marinecraft
Octavia Clayborne
Agent
900 East County Line Road
Ridgeland, MS 39157
Phone: 601-957-8484 x115
Fax: 601-957-9007
Toll Free: 800-872-8538
oclayborne@aaamissouri.com
LEGAL EASE
BY QUENTIN WHITWELL
Don’t get burned in court: Use arbitration
T
he arbitration clause that has been added to the
Mississippi Association of REALTORS®’ standard real estate contract is your protection
from potential litigation.
If a disagreement does arise between a REALTOR®
and some other party involved in a transaction, the
REALTOR® should be able to advise the allegedly
aggrieved party as to their rights in arbitration. Simply
put, here’s what the legal language in the "Addendum
to Purchase Agreement: Mandatory Arbitration" really means:
The rights of the buyer and seller
The buyer or the seller can file an arbitration against a party whom they
allege has wronged them. If the buyer or the seller takes issue with anything
the real estate company, broker or agent, did against them during the purchase
of the property, they will file a "Demand for Arbitration" with the American
Arbitration Association. If the buyer or seller has any other grievance against a
builder, one another, a manufacturer of a product like Dry-Vit, for example,
that buyer or seller can still file a lawsuit against those parties. However, any
action against the REALTOR® will be separately filed and arbitrated, not tried in
a court of law.
Arbitration court comes to you
An arbitrator is the sole "judge" of a case. And essentially, "arbitration
court" comes to you. Wherever the problem arose, the arbitrator will "hold
court" there for the dispute to be settled. The AAA has real estate experts, not
necessarily lawyers, who listen to the merits of the complaint and decide what
the award will be, if any.
Loser pays for arbitration costs
An arbitration requires the loser to pay costs of the arbitration including
any attorney fees. Therefore, if a complaint is filed against a REALTOR® and the
REALTOR® wins the case, the filing party may be required to pay the expenses
the REALTOR® incurred for participating in the arbitration. Plus, once an
award is finalized, a court can enforce the judgment and execute against the
losing party.
Damages awarded aren’t speculative
Arbitrators are not bound by any limits per se in
awarding damages. However, our clause clearly indicates that the damages must conform to the terms of
the purchase agreement. Too often in this day and
time, juries take small controversies and turn them
into big awards. MAR respects the rights of the consumer but expects the Arbitrator to confine damage
awards to what the claim is about and not some speculative approach. This section of the arbitration clause alone is worth taking the
time to make sure every party initials this paragraph separately to acknowledge
they agree to subject themselves to arbitration.
Arbitrations are legal in Mississippi
The document outlines the authority behind recent Court rulings that arbitrations are legal in Mississippi and throughout the country.
Buyer and seller signatures required
Have the buyer and seller sign the arbitration form separately from the rest of
the contract to make a distinct acknowledgement that arbitration will be required
if they later desire to file a dispute against any REALTOR® involved in the transaction.
One more thing: An arbitration clause should not in any way prevent your
errors and omissions insurer from providing coverage for the tendering of legal
counsel. Please note that the form of arbitration described in this column is completely separate from REALTOR® arbitrations governed by Grievance Panels.
You can find the "Addendum to Purchase Agreement: Mandatory Arbitration"
as part of MAR’s Standard Forms offered through ZipForm at www.msrealtors.org.
Quentin Whitwell is MAR’s Vice President of Public Policy and legal counsel.
E-mail him at qwhitwell@msrealtors.org. n
Quentin Whitwell is Vice President of Public Policy for the Mississippi
Association of REALTORS®. E-mail him at qwhitwell@msrealtors.org.
Claim information
MAR Legal Hotline
800-747-1103 Ext. 25
• FREE and CONFIDENTIAL legal information
• Available Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Leave a detailed message, your name and number, and in most cases
our attorney will return your call that same day!
• Please read terms and conditions at www.msrealtors.org
For claims, contact:
American Arbitration Association
Central Case Management Center
Tel: 972-702-8222 • Fax: 972-490-9008
Email: BargenquestM@adr.org
OR
A "Demand for Arbitration" can be filed online at www.adr.org
FOR THE COURSE OF
YOUR CAREER
BY JO USRY
Trust me: Some REALTORS® are violating antitrust laws
F
ederal antitrust laws have existed for more than 100 years as a means
of promoting competition and preventing monopolies. But the very
nature of the real estate business continually puts brokers and agents
at risk of violating these laws because they so frequently cooperate with one
another in the sale of properties.
Price fixing and association meetings are two of the major antitrust concerns for REALTORS®. Complying with antitrust laws means that neither associations nor their members collectively set the price of services provided by
real estate professionals. Pricing decisions are made independently by each
firm and must be explained in such a manner for prospective clients.
According to the National Association of REALTORS® Antitrust
Compliance Brochure (available at www.realtor.org), a REALTOR® should
"focus on the positive aspects of doing business with you and the services
which distinguish your firm" and "never say things that could be understood
to suggest a conspiracy or falsely disparage a competitor."
It sounds simple enough, yet a new course offered through the
Mississippi REALTOR® Institute proves that some REALTORS® continue to vio-
late antitrust laws every day. "Caught on Camera: Antitrust in the 21st
Century," our newest four-hour continuing education course, shows video clips
of real estate agents actually videotaped violating antitrust laws. The course,
based on the actual experiences of a real estate broker, was developed by
Marie Spodek, DREI, a nationally recognized real estate educator and trainer.
Are you sure you can trust your understanding of what constitutes an
antitrust violation? Are you one of the agents captured on video? Plan to
attend this revealing continuing education course and find out. n
Jo Usry is MAR’s Vice President of Professional Development. E-mail her
at jusry@msrealtors.org.
Caught on Camera: Antitrust in the 21st Century
4 Hours Elective CE
December 14 • 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. • Jackson
Cost: $65 • Register at www.msrealtors.org
Upcoming Classroom Courses*
Get ALL of your elective AND
Mississippi-specific required CE online
at www.msrealtors.org.
Know someone interested in a real
estate career? Have a new recruit?
Refer them to our online 60-hour
salesperson pre-licensing course for
only $225.
800-747-1103
Course
Date
Location
Broker B
Salesperson Post License
Fundamentals of Real Estate Appraisal (Part 1)
Salesperson Pre-License (Evening)
Quadrennial Code of Ethics
Property Disclosures: What you need to know
License, Contract and Agency Law
Standard Form For Dummies and
License Law & Contract Law
License Law & Contract Law
Agency Law
Salesperson Pre-License
Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice
Broker A
Cram Exam (classroom)
Broker Post License
Salesperson Pre License
Report Writing ( Part 1)
License, Contract and Agency Law
Caught on Camera and Buyer Representation
Report Writing (Part 2)
Sept. 27 – 30
Sept. 27 - 30
Sept. 30 - Oct. 1
Oct. 4 - Nov. 2
Oct. 5
Oct. 5
Oct. 6
Oct. 11
Jackson
Tupelo
Jackson
Gulfport
Meridian
Meridian
Meridian
Jackson
Oct. 12
Oct. 14 - 15
Oct. 14
Oct. 18 - 21
Oct. 20
Oct. 20
Oct. 20
Oct. 25 - Nov. 5
Oct. 28 - 29
Nov. 11 - 12
Nov. 15 - 19
Nov. 15 - 18
Nov. 19
Nov. 29 - Dec. 2
Nov. 29 - Dec. 10
Dec. 2 - 3
Dec. 13
Dec. 14
Dec. 16 - 17
Jackson
Jackson
Greenwood
Jackson
Vicksburg
Vicksburg
Corinth
Jackson
Jackson
Jackson
Jackson
Gulfport
Jackson
Jackson
Hattiesburg
Jackson
Jackson
Jackson
Jackson
*As of August 6, 2004
Been
Been there,
there,
done
done that
that
REALTOR® Guest ColuMnists Share their Stories
Know the rules: It’s the law
By Cynthia Joachim
W
hen License Law went into effect in Mississippi 50 years ago, it elevated the standards of practice and mandated accountability. Still, I’m
sure new real estate licensees back then couldn’t have envisioned the
complexity of real estate transactions today or appreciated the risks associated
with brokerage practice.
A licensee’s greatest challenge today is avoiding litigation and loss of
license. Strict compliance with the license law is the first line of defense and is
accomplished by a thorough familiarity of the law. Particular attention should
be paid to the rules and regulations as these dictate much of a licensee’s daily
activities yet are often overlooked until the licensee is charged with a violation.
Here’s a refresher on some of the most important rules to remember:
• The Rules on Agency Disclosure require oral and written disclosure of
agency relationships on mandated forms and in all contracts. Every licensee
engaged in activity under Section 73-35-3 must use the forms in all types of
transactions including leasing and property management.
• The Rules on Conducting Business detail the payment of fees to brokers not
holding resident or non-resident licenses on the newly amended Mississippi
Cooperating Agreement form.
• Documentation in writing is required of offers submitted to sellers which
have been rejected, in the event that the buyer asks for verification of the seller’s rejection.
• All licensees must answer any correspondence in a timely matter and failure
to do so is deemed prima facie evidence of a violation.
• Licensees must never charge for an opinion of value and may only give one
if listing or selling a property.
• The Rules on Documents require all buyer representation agreements to
contain a 15-day termination clause of the agreement by the buyer. Also, all listing agreements intended to be exclusive must be in writing and signed by the
parties.
• Licensees must deliver immediately to a client or customer all documents
signed by the client or the customer. This rule is often violated unintentionally
and is truly an Achilles’ heel for every licensee.
• The Advertising Rules require the broker to strictly monitor all advertising in
the company name. A drive-through in many markets and a glance at real
estate classifieds proves that this rule is often and blatantly violated. If the
licensee is buying or selling for his own account, the licensee’s status must be
disclosed in writing.
• Brokers have strict obligations concerning escrow funds under the rules governing trust funds and the accounting practices.
• Under the Rules concerning Complaints and Notification, all licensees must
report any adverse judgments within 10 days to the Mississippi Real Estate
Commission.
If you don’t have one already, get a copy of the latest edition of License Law
from the Mississippi Real Estate Commission – and read it! Your business –
and your license – depend on it. n
Cynthia Joachim, MBA, JD, ABR, ABRM, CIPS, CRB, CRS,
GRI has been licensed as a broker since 1977. She is a
Mississippi REALTOR® Institute instructor with expertise
in risk management, agency law, License Law and contract Law.
Cynthia Joachim is author of Mississippi Real Estate
Basics, a License Law overview book available for purchase at www.msrealtors.org through the Mississippi
REALTOR® Institute for $18. Judy N. Glenn served as
content reviewer for the publication.
Follow the Code, lead the profession
By Judy N. Glenn
I
n the 2003 movie comedy Freaky Friday, a mother-daughter duo couldn’t
do anything the other found acceptable. On a visit to a Chinese Restaurant
some Asian Voodoo administered through fortune cookies left each
trapped inside the other’s body. The only way they could return to normal was
to selflessly see one another’s point of view and empathize.
The REALTOR® Code of Ethics is a blueprint for ethical decision making
when working with clients, customers, the public and fellow REALTORS®. It
instructs in both legal and value-driven choices and brings order to the marketplace by helping REALTORS® see the transaction from other points of view.
The end result is career-building relationships that benefit everyone involved.
Since 2001, REALTOR® ranks have grown by almost a quarter million people. Laws governing REALTORS® and their transactions come from many
authorities. Contract law, agency law, and license law are a few. While it may
not be possible to know each and every requirement that could affect a transaction, especially for those who are new to the industry, following the 17
Articles of the Code of Ethics and their Standards of Practice will assist in guiding a successful transaction, in part because the Code of Ethics also guided the
development of some of the laws involved.
The success of our shared inventory system, the Multiple Listing Service, is
largely due to assurances provided by Professional Standards Procedures that
provide mediation and arbitration. Without this valuable member benefit,
REALTORS® would be much less confident in the cooperation that has helped
so many.
Follow the code...continued on page 10
Are you the windshield or the bug?
By Oliver Frascona, Esq., GRI
T
here are only two types of people out there: us and them. If we are to
avoid litigation, license issues and paying for mistakes, we have to follow
a few simple risk reduction rules and avoid being the bug. The rules are
not a lot different than what we learned as kids.
Fly in the right place. Do it right or not at all. We will only do what is
legal. No under the table payments. No false loan applications. No off the contract terms. We will not be tempted by the lenders, the old timers, the new people and those that "got away" with it. We do it clear, concise and proper every
time. Your track record is all you have. Once everyone knows that you are honest and do it right, there are no issues.
Keep track of your path. Create a Paper Trail. Our paperwork is perfect.
The contract is clear. We did not write a lot of additional provisions we were
unsure of. We used the proper forms. And we confirmed things with e-mails and
letters.
When lost, seek assistance. If you don’t know, ask the right person.
Know the rules and follow them. When in doubt ask the real estate commission
or an attorney. Ask someone you can hold accountable and rely upon – someone with the reputation of doing it by the book.
Let others drive. Get good education and get it often. Learn from those
that know and know how to do it right. There are no free lunches. Follow leaders not just those that are out in front. Get good form books, good continuing
education from a reliable institution and instructor.
Fly hard in the right direction. When you are following the rules, if you
know what you are doing is right and that you will seek help when you need it,
you are on the way to a successful career.
Follow the code...continued from page 9
The REALTOR® Code of Ethics has been a "best practices" guide to emerging free market systems in other countries. As we continue to grow our international real estate client base in Mississippi, the Code will likely have been our
advance helper in creating realistic expectations and broadening understanding of what we do and how we do it.
Without the need of an "out-of-body experience" we will be much more
able to selflessly see another’s point of view and empathize as we follow the
Code. n
Judy N. Glenn, CRB, GRI, is broker/owner of Corinth
Realty in Corinth. She has been a trainer in real estaterelated fields since 1979 and is a director of REBAC, the
world's largest association of real estate professionals
focusing on specifically representing real estate buyers.
Still need Quadrennial Code of Ethics training?
Only three more courses available before Dec. 31:
• Oct. 5 - Meridian (free to Meridian REALTORS®)
• Oct. 12 - Jackson
• Oct. 20 - Corinth
Cost: $65
Register at www.msrealtors.org
®
REALTOR® Pride. Know that you are a REALTOR®, not just someone selling real estate. Act proud, honest, thankful and helpful. Help other REALTORS®
and accept help from them. Work hard for the association, it pays dividends in
the long run with great associations and being on the right side of great projects
to help everyone.
Keep your success to yourself. People are envious of those who work
hard and make money. NO need to tell anyone how much you made last year.
Always measure things in the number of families you were able to help buy or
sell property, not dollars. When someone is not happy with themselves, they lash
out at those who seems to have success. The more you look like that, the better
your chances are of hitting the windshield.
In short, do what your momma would want to see you do, and do it with
vigor, pride and a sense that if God stopped you in the street to account, you
would be fine. n
Oliver Frascona is a nationally recognized attorney and
REALTOR® who speaks for NAR and numerous state associations. He is an authority on risk management and
Code of Ethics training.
Purchase a copy of Oliver Frascona’s The Digital Paper
Trail, a compilation of sample letters, e-mails and clauses
that fit almost every conceivable real estate issue, along with
content focused on avoiding risk. The book is available for
$79.95 through the Mississippi REALTOR® Institute at
www.msrealtors.org.
E&O claims rising:
Experts offer tips for avoiding risk
By Sarah J. Schmidt
L
egal claims paid out against
Mississippi real estate licensees
have taken a precipitous jump this
year, according to executives at Rice
Insurance Services Company (RISC), which
provides the Errors & Omissions (E&O)
group policy for Mississippi real estate
licensees.
Claims paid through mid-July total
$422,787 – an alarming increase over last
year’s total of $350,929. At this rate, claims
paid in 2004 could more than double last
year’s figures in the coming months – foreshadowing of E&O premium increases in the
future.
In addition, 121 complaints were lodged
against Mississippi real estate licensees last
year, resulting in formal disciplinary investigations by the Mississippi Real Estate
Commission. MREC received hundreds more
complaints that settled before an investigation was necessary.
What’s causing this disturbing trend and
how can REALTORS® protect themselves?
Here’s advice from three experts: Cindy
Rice Grissom, RISC’s chief executive officer,
Stewart Prather, RISC’s E&O counsel, and
Robert Praytor, MREC administrator:
Q: What accounts for the increase in legal liability
claims against Mississippi licensees?
RISC: Those figures [quoted above] reflect payments for claims reported since October 1, 2000. Mississippi
had the second highest number of claims per insured licensee in the nine mandated state programs administered by RISC last year. The claims are similar to those reported in other mandated states.
It is hard to say whether the increases will continue at the same rate or not. We did have two policy limits claims
($100,000 each) paid out in Mississippi during 2004, which is unusual for these policies. Most of our claims
involve payments of less than $10,000. Claim costs continue to rise. It becomes more costly to defend claims
as legal fees rise. A significant value of this coverage is that the insurance company pays for the defense of the
claim.
Q: What’s the most common complaint filed against
Mississippi real estate licensees?
MREC: By far, the most common complaint MREC receives is misrepresentation. The typical complaint comes
from a buyer who claims a licensee misrepresented material facts about a property.
RISC: The majority of claims involving a real estate transaction are based on failure to disclose a defect.
Common Mississippi claims include non-disclosure of termite infestation/damage, foundation problems, roof
problems and flooding or leaking.
Q: What should REALTORS® do to avoid those complaints?
MREC: The problem starts when an agent just hands the seller a Property Disclosure Form and tells him to fill
it out, then never looks at it again. Some agents don’t think it’s their responsibility to verify the proper completion of a disclosure form, but in fact it is. Many E&O claims and disciplinary actions occur because there’s a
blank on the disclosure statement, and the agent makes no effort to get the seller to address it.
RISC: The biggest mistake made by real estate licensees is failing to stress to the seller the importance of full
disclosure to potential purchasers. Most claims could be avoided if the real estate licensee recommended
home inspections and termite inspections in writing and kept copies of the written recommendations in the file.
If the licensee doesn’t keep proper documentation, then the question of whether or not the recommendation
was made will become a question for the jury. It is also helpful if the inspection reports are delivered prior to
closing since it is less likely that a claim will be made if the buyer has time to make an informed decision.
Q: What if the seller isn’t forthcoming with disclosure?
MREC: Of course, the seller should fill out the Property Disclosure honestly, but then the agent is obligated to
make sure every single question is answered. The agent must also verify that the information is not obviously
wrong. If the seller simply refuses to answer certain questions or if the agent knows something hasn’t been
properly disclosed on the form, then the agent must attach an addendum to the disclosure form indicating the
seller refused to answer and providing any additional information the agent knows.
Q: What else can REALTORS® do to reduce their liability
risks and better serve clients?
RISC: Licensees should always recommend that a buyer obtain a home inspection and termite inspection, [but]
it may be risky to recommend a particular inspector. If the inspection fails to disclose a problem with the property, then the buyer may claim the licensee was negligent by recommending a careless inspector. The best practice is to provide the buyer with a listing [of licensed home inspectors]. (Editors note: such lists are available
at www.msrealtors.org and www.mrec.state.ms.us.) If the buyer waives the right to an inspection, always get a
written waiver signed by the buyer and place it in the file. n
Avoiding nightmares, facing
Top 10 Mississippi REALTOR® risks ranked
By Sarah J. Schmidt
R
isk management can be a nightmare for agents and brokers alike. Here
are the top 10 "nightmare" risks threatening Mississippi REALTORS® in
today’s litigious environment, according to legal and real estate professionals around the state:
1. Misrepresentation/failure to communicate
This is the Mississippi Real Estate Commission’s number one
issue.
"We get more phone calls and complaints; we do more investigations and disciplinary action on misrepresentation than on
any other issue," says Robert Praytor, MREC administrator.
He frequently hears complaints about REALTORS® not returning phone calls. That alone isn’t a violation, but it’s often a sign of
deeper problems. The solution: communicate and tell the truth!
Be willing to say, "I don’t know" if you really don’t know. Never
exaggerate or schmooze over the facts.
As a listing agent, demand that the seller fill in all blanks on
the Property Condition Disclosure Statement and religiously file
these documents for every transaction.
4. Cooperating agreements
These lucrative arrangements with out-of-state brokers harbor
certain risks. That’s why MREC just published a new Cooperating
Agreement Form (available for download at www.msrealtors.org)
and plans "considerably more enforcement" in coming months, according
to Praytor.
"If you’re involved with an out-of-state broker and a
single penny leaves the state of Mississippi,
then you’re subject to disciplinary
action if you haven’t filed a
Cooperating Agreement," Praytor
says. The agreement must be
signed before any licensable activity takes place, and a separate
form must be signed for each
transaction where any referral
fees are paid to an out-of-state
broker. Relocation company
transactions are not exempt from the
requirement.
2. Inadequate supervision
Because brokers are liable for their agents’ actions, proper supervision is
crucial to correct mistakes, negligence, and sloppy work that could otherwise
trigger a lawsuit.
Ester Smith-Brown, broker for Prudential Magnolia Realty in Tupelo, says
the best prevention is for the broker to be onsite and available. "It’s so important agents get help early if something unusual starts brewing," she explains.
A broker who’s accessible and involved insures early intervention. It also
lessens the likelihood a salesperson will act without the broker’s knowledge,
opening the broker to potential liability about which he or she isn’t even aware.
Legally speaking, brokers are liable for their agents even if they’re not aware
their agents are committing offenses. For regulatory matters, however, MREC
has recently indicated it will consider the following questions when determining whether to discipline a broker for an agent’s offense:
• What training did the agent receive?
• Did the broker provide organized, on-going training?
• Are the training dates, times, and attendees documented?
• Under what circumstances did the agent’s action occur?
• Should the broker be liable for the agent’s action in this instance?
3. Training, or lack thereof
Training must be a priority, especially for inexperienced agents, says SmithBrown, because there’s more risk when agents are new.
Documenting training may also help defend against legal claims or liabilities should questions arise. Carlene Alfonso, Coldwell Banker Alfonso Realty
Inc., Gulfport, uses sign-in sheets at every sales meeting to document who
attended and what topics were covered. That policy helps demonstrate how her
company values education and impresses upon salespersons their obligation
to attend and participate. It may also be the only way a broker can prove he or
she provided adequate in-house training for salespersons if ever faced with disciplinary sanctions.
5. Independent contractor
agreements
Brokers encounter embarrassing and
costly problems with the IRS if they treat
salespersons as employees but compensate them only as independent contractors. If salespersons are actually working
as employees, then the broker is responsible for paying their employment taxes.
There’s no such responsibility if the salespersons are independent contractors.
That’s why the work agreement between
the broker and each salesperson is so
important. It provides evidence that the
salesperson’s activities are those of an
independent contractor, and it demonstrates the broker and salesperson’s
intent in forming their relationship.
The IRS recommends that brokers
have salespersons sign Independent
your risks
Contractor Agreements (available for download at
www.msrealtors.org) annually and maintain them on file at all
times. For more information about distinguishing independent
contractors from employees, see the IRS’s explanation at
www.irs.gov/businesses /small/article/ 0,,id=99921,00.html.
6. Dual agency
Most people – including many REALTORS®– don’t
fully understand the concept of dual agency and
how it affects buyer/seller rights, Alfonso says. To
counter that risk, agents and brokers should
educate themselves and their clients.
If you practice dual agency, then you must
also administer and maintain appropriate
disclosure forms. Both the buyer and seller
must give their written, informed consent
before a REALTOR® can proceed as a dual
agent. Praytor says the Dual Agency
Disclosure Form is frequently overlooked
by agents, but it’s probably one of the most
critical documents to maintain in a
REALTOR’s® files.
7. Improper documentation
In at least 35% of MREC investigations, Praytor says the Working With a
Real Estate Broker Form is missing
from REALTORS’® files.
"If you don’t have that document in
your file, signed and completed by the
client, then you’re subject to disciplinary action," he warns. In the most
recent cases involving this offense,
MREC suspended REALTORS’® licenses
for at least three months.
Praytor says Property Disclosure
Forms and Dual Agency Disclosure
Forms are also frequently missing from
REALTORS’® files.
The Mississippi Association of REALTORS® has 32 standard forms and addendums
available for download at www.msrealtors.org. A
special task force reviews and revises these forms
regularly to provide current and reliable tools for
REALTORS. Using these forms and following consistent documentation policies throughout your
office can significantly reduce this common risk.
8. Mishandling earnest money
Nothing riles a client faster than discovering
a REALTOR® mishandled his earnest money. If
that happens, you can bet on an angry client call
to MREC and an ugly investigation you’d rather
avoid. Instead, know your responsibilities and
follow Rule IV, D.1 of the License Law. Deposit
all earnest money into a trust account prior to
the close of business on the next banking day
after the money is received. Never, never, never
hold the earnest money in your own operating
account or co-mingle funds. Promptly account
for and remit earnest money when the transaction is completed. If there’s
uncertainty over the proper disposition of earnest money, a broker may turn
the money over to a court of law for disposition (form available at www.msrealtors.org). Failure to follow the rules constitutes grounds for revocation or
suspension of a REALTOR’s® license.
9. Home inspecting without a license
Since 2001, state law has required home inspectors to be licensed before
conducting residential real estate inspections, but some inspectors still reportedly operate without licenses. This means REALTORS® should beware when a
buyer insists on choosing his own inspector. REALTORS® should recommend
only licensed home inspectors, but if a buyer chooses someone else, then the
REALTOR® should confirm whether the inspector is properly licensed. Home
inspectors must renew their licenses every two years. Failure to recommend a
licensed inspector or to confirm an inspector’s credentials could create liability for the REALTOR® if inconsistencies are later uncovered.
If a buyer insists on an unlicensed inspector, then either: 1) conduct the
inspection before writing the purchase agreement; or 2) do not make the sale
contingent on the inspection. Verify licensed inspectors at www.msrealtors.org
or visit the list of licensees at the Mississippi Home Inspector Board’s web site
http://www.mrec.state.ms.us.
10. Sex offenders
A federal law known as Meagan’s Law provides public access to the
names and whereabouts of convicted sex offenders. Legal experts say this
could eventually become part of a REALTOR’s® duty to disclose. At present, however, REALTORS® should refer clients to the sex offender website
(www.sor.mdps.state.ms.us) if they pose such inquiries.
If an agent has direct knowledge that a sex offender lives in the neighborhood, then the agent should disclose that fact to the buyer. If a seller acknowledges to an agent that a sex offender lives in the neighborhood but doesn’t want
the agent to disclose that fact, the listing agent should respond as follows: "Mr.
Seller, I have no obligation to disclose the fact unless asked directly by a buyer’s
agent or a buyer. If asked directly, and since I have direct knowledge, I must
disclose the fact under the duties of fairness and honesty that are owed customers." If this response meets resistance, the agent should seriously reconsider accepting the listing. n
Toward agency reform: Working group
set to release recommendations
By Quentin Whitwell
L
ast autumn, MAR leaders established an Agency Reform Working Group to
assess agency relationship disclosure in Mississippi and make recommendations for a statutory approach to agency relationships in real estate
transactions that would better serve the needs of Mississippi real estate consumers. Chaired by former Real Estate Commissioner Joe Stedman of Natchez,
the group has worked through much of this year seeking member input, studying the issue and formulating its recommendations for change.
In late August, the Agency Working Group released a white paper – the first
of two to be released by the working group – that provides an overview of real
estate agency relationships in Mississippi, and will set the stage for the second
white paper, to be released this month, outlining problems with the current
structure and practice of agency relationships in Mississippi, and recommending a number of proposals for change. You may download the first white paper,
entitled Real Estate Agency Relationships in Mississippi: An Overview, at
www.msrealtors.org.
According to Stedman, the Working Group will be proposing recommendations for addressing these problems (and several others) with real estate agency
relationships as currently practiced in our state:
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Problem #1: Common Law Agency
Mississippi is one of the few states in the nation that has not enacted statutory agency – in which an agent’s and principal’s duties and responsibilities in
the real estate transaction are defined in the statute. Absent the clarity that statutory agency can bring, real estate agency relationships in Mississippi are governed by the Common Law – years and years of case law, in which judges have
interpreted what it means to be an agent and the obligations of agent and principal.
MAR’s Agency Working Group believes that applying the Common Law of
agency to the relationships between real estate licensees and consumers has
resulted not only in ambiguity about agency duties, but misunderstandings and
consequences that are contrary to the best interests of those consumers and
licensees alike, and leaves interpretation about performance of agency obligations to the caprice of judges, who often misinterpret the nature of agency relationships in the context or real estate transactions.
Problem #2: Disclosed Dual Agency
Dual agency is permissible under current law, but requires careful attention
to proper disclosure and adherence to a difficult standard of care in working
with two principals whose interests are so obviously opposite. However, as a
dual agent, a broker simply cannot provide a full range of fiduciary duties to
either the seller or the buyer. Many experts take that point further and suggest
that one simply cannot serve two masters, and so disclosed dual agency is untenable for both agency and principals.
With dual representation comes compromised obligations of loyalty.
Although a dual agent must disclose all material information known by the
licensee and disclose all latent material defects in the property that are known
to them, the fiduciary duty of disclosure cannot be maintained in the same way
a single party’s representative can fulfill this obligation. A dual agent can provide information about comparable properties that have sold in order to educate both clients in making educated buying/selling decisions but cannot advocate for the best price on either side. Likewise, the standard duties of reasonable skill and care are still required but the dual agent’s inability to fully advise
the clients makes the position unclear for consumers. This crossroads is the
fundamental flaw of dual agency, making the notion a fiction.
Problem #3: Current Disclosure Process
Under current MREC regulation, acceptable agency relationships are limited
to a licensee acting as a seller’s agent, a buyer’s agent, a customer or a disclosed
dual agent. Each relationship has a list of expected duties described in the
"Working with a Real Estate Broker" form mandated by the Mississippi Real
Estate Commission. Unfortunately, the form confuses consumers and leaves
licensees believing they have an established relationship they likely do not have.
While disclosure is of highest importance, the current process can be simplified
and improved.
MAR’s Board of Directors is expected to act on the recommendations of the
Agency Working Group this month. Watch www.msrealtors.org for the release of
the working group recommendations. n
LICENSE
50
Real Estate License Law marks 50th
anniversary in Mississippi
REALTORS® remember life before licenses
By Sarah J. Schmidt
Years
Years
1954-2004
1954-2004
L AW
License law amended
and reaffirmed in 1980
Governor William Winter, signing HB 179,
on May 16, 1980, to reaffirm and amend
the Mississippi Real Estate Brokers License
Act of 1954. Others present (left to right):
Tha Vann, MAR Executive Officer;
Margaret Joyner, MAR Assistant Executive
Officer; Dan Schroeder, MREC
Administrator; M.D. Smith, MAR Director
of Education; Don Ashcraft, MAR 1st Vice
President; Jim Hobson, MAR Legislative
Chairman; J.B. McGehee, MREC;
Johnny Jabour, MREC; Bob Ridgway, MAR
Secretary-Treasurer; and Harry Joachim,
MREC.
From left to right:
Among the state’s first licensees,
REALTORS® Harry Joachim and W.B. Ball
present REALTOR® Bill Tate with a plaque
in appreciation for his term as Mississippi
Association of REALTORS® President, 1970.
Don Ashcraft
Sue Tate
H.C. Ashcraft
F
ifty years ago this spring, a handful of Mississippi REALTORS® helped push legislation through the state legislature that profoundly changed the real estate profession. House Bill No. 262, as it was then known, imposed
the first REALTOR® licensing requirements and established the Mississippi Real Estate Commission to control
licensing, regulation and supervision of REALTORS®.
Don Ashcraft of Ashcraft Management Company in Jackson was away at college when the law passed on May 6,
1954, but his father H.C. Ashcraft led the lobbying effort. The summer before, Don worked in his father’s office, typing letters and tracking news stories about the legislation. He remembers the day the Governor signed the bill as a
milestone in his father’s career.
Various efforts to pass real estate license laws in Mississippi began in the late 1940’s, but it wasn’t until H.C.
Ashcraft got involved in 1951 that REALTORS® exerted a more organized effort, culminating with passage of the law
three years later. In an account H.C. authored several years afterwards, he wrote that Mississippi was known as a
"territory for happy hunting where anyone could pull shady deals for which Mississippi brokers were usually
blamed." He and other real estate leaders realized a License Law would vastly improve that situation by protecting
the public and bringing professional dignity to legitimate REALTORS®.
And that’s exactly what the law has done.
Harry Joachim, of Century 21 Harry J. Joachim Inc. Realty in Biloxi, says most other states already had similar
laws. "The primary purpose of the License Law was to protect the public, but it was good for all of us because it also
protected REALTORS®," he explains. Joachim’s family company is one of the oldest real estate firms still operating
in Mississippi today, dating back to the 1800’s. He was also one of the first named to the newly formed Mississippi
Real Estate Commission after the License Law passed, serving as Chairman for 18 years.
Sue Tate, who with her husband Bill Tate of the TRI Group in Tupelo was among the first to be licensed, remembers the License Law had a significant impact on the public’s perception of REALTORS®. "It helped bring about an
appreciation for the work REALTORS® did," she notes. "What used to be called a ‘deal,’ is now a transaction that
requires expertise and training."
Tate says the educational requirements that grew out of the License Law have elevated the profession. "As the
state has grown economically, there’ve been more opportunities for real estate work, but the people who haven’t
stayed up-to-date with training and education are now left behind," Tate says. Ashcraft agrees. He thinks the education requirements of the License Law enhance the image of real estate professionals and prepare them to be more
effective.
There was a time, Ashcraft laughs, when REALTORS® barely ranked above used car salesmen in public opinion
polls. But the public has slowly come to regard the profession differently now because of the strict licensing and
continuing education requirements. "The License Law in 1954 was just a starting point, but a very necessary one,"
Ashcraft concludes. n
Risky Business
REALTORS® get real
about risk management
By Sarah J. Schmidt
F
or all the hype, risk management is simply about doing the right thing, say four successful managing brokers who’ve made risk reduction part of their companies’
business philosophies. These REALTORS® should know – three of them have
been sued (two won their cases, while one is still pending), and the fourth frequently
deals with client issues that could spawn litigation at any time. They aren’t just paying lip service to a concept; indeed, these REALTORS® live risk management every
day.
Carlene Alfonso, CEO of Coldwell Banker Alfonso Realty Inc., manages six
offices and more than 100 agents covering three counties on Mississippi’s Gulf Coast.
She says communication is the hardest aspect of her job. "Making sure all our
agents are on the same page, regardless of which office they’re in or where
they’re operating, is crucial for risk management to be consistent and
coordinated in our company," she explains. She hires agents and
managers known for their honest and ethical reputations. "If you
start with that, then there’s a good foundation to build on with
training," she says.
And train them, she does. Her company operates a full-time
training center where agents learn through a variety of teaching
methods. "There’s not a single training session or sales meeting where we don’t go over case studies or legal developments
or solutions to keep our agents out of hot water," Alfonso
says. This experiential method of learning works well
"because people learn better if you’re not just yapping at
them," Alfonso laughs. Her company also e-mails weekly
newsletters to all agents, reminding them of training schedules and risk reduction pointers. Office managers and
administrators must be properly trained too, Alfonso advises. "The person running your office is usually the first person the public sees. From that person, clients then form an
impression about the whole company."
Lynette Magee, managing broker for CryeLeike Realtors, Inc., oversees two branches in
Southhaven and Hernando. She takes risk management very seriously. "One lawsuit can damage profitability for a company and completely devastate a
professional’s career," she warns. Magee says today’s
litigious society has unfortunately produced burgeoning numbers of
lawsuits that probably would never have been filed in decades past. She
remains hopeful that the tort reform measures passed this spring through
the Mississippi Legislature will help ease the burden of frivolous lawsuits
against the state’s real estate professionals and other small business owners.
Magee says her job is to recognize potential problems and deal with situations that are most frequently litigated. She admits it keeps her awake
sometimes at night, but she knows the best way to do her job is to stay
involved with her associates. "If a problem arises, they know we’ll deal with
Emerging risk:
Meth labs
it up front and correct it immediately," she says.
She credits Crye-Leike College, the company’s on-going training program, as the cornerstone of their successful risk reduction program. "It’s a very thorough nuts and bolts
five-week session that takes associates through every facet of the real estate profession
after they’ve completed pre-licensing courses," Magee explains. Associates also focus at
least 25 percent of their weekly sales meeting time on risk reduction. Magee says associates share situations and collectively offer solutions. "These are real world problems, not
made up. Invariably in these meetings, a problem will come up, then another associate will
relate a similar situation and tell how it was resolved. They all learn from each other’s
experiences," she says.
Doug Maselle, President of Century 21 Maselle & Associates, is
broker for over 100 agents in the Jackson metro area. His company has
been sued several times through the years, but has never lost a case.
That’s not something he’s happy about, though. "Litigation is extremely
time consuming, even if you’re in the right. We’ve never lost a lawsuit,
but I say we’ve lost in every one of them because of the time and energy
it took just to defend those cases," Maselle explains. As burdensome as it was, relying on
the requisite paper trail saved his company in every case.
"We have a system in place in which we require everybody to produce documentation
and crosscheck everything on every transaction. We’ve also spent a lot of time developing
various forms, all directed at risk management," Maselle says. He estimates his company
currently uses 20 to 30 different types of disclosure forms. REALTORS® struggle with proper documentation, Maselle says, because "they’re ‘people’ people; they aren’t by nature
detailed oriented." Realizing this weak point helps Maselle develop strategies to protect his
company, clients and associates. "Unfortunately you don’t have to do anything wrong to
end up in a lawsuit anymore. If you don’t have documentation to defend yourself, it’s pretty scary," Maselle laments.
Esther Smith-Brown, of Prudential Magnolia Realty & Associates,
Inc. in Tupelo, manages operations for about 30 agents and brokers. She
oversees a team of listing coordinators and sales coordinators, while
keeping a keen eye on contract review. "I try to do things right. A lot of
what happens in life is a result of your own actions," she believes. That’s
one reason her staff is organized in levels that provide thorough oversight and review of all transactions. "Everything we do here is reviewed time and time
again; corrections are made, and transactions are properly documented to make sure
we’re protecting our clients and ourselves as best we can. If we didn’t do it that way, we’d
just be opening the door to big problems," she explains.
Although the threat of litigation looms large for REALTORS®, Smith-Brown says that’s
not the only reason to implement risk management. Consumers are a lot smarter these
days and expect REALTORS® to be highly skilled professionals, she notes. "If you want to
succeed in real estate, regardless of the size of your office, then you need to have risk
reduction in place and working smoothly. Don’t just think about it; do it!" n
On the cover:
From left to right: Coldwell Banker Alfonso Realty managing broker and CEO
Carlene Alfonso, CRB, CRS; Karen Glass, Relocation Director; Herb Dubuisson, CRB,
CRS, President; Judy Freeman, CRS, CCIM, CRB, General Manager; and Walter
Ketchings, CCIM, CRB, Chief Financial Officer
By Sarah J. Schmidt
L
aw enforcement officials say meth labs, used to make
the illegal drug methamphetamine, are rapidly multiplying across the country. Drug users set up meth labs
in houses, apartments, rooms, sheds and even motor vehicles. Rural areas are especially attractive to drug users
because they offer more privacy.
Meth labs pose serious health risks for neighbors or
others who may unknowingly be
exposed to chemicals and toxins
used in the illegal drug operation.
But the danger doesn’t stop there.
Contamination remains on surfaces
and in absorbent materials (carpets,
furniture, wallboards), sinks, drains
and ventilation systems that can
cause permanent harm to the respiratory system, skin, eyes, nervous
system and brain. The effects on
children are even more severe.
Some states now maintain lists of
properties where meth labs have
been discovered; other states
require property owners to conduct chemical clean up
before the properties can be sold or transferred. Currently,
Mississippi law does not address either issue, but the presence of a meth lab or contamination from a meth lab would
certainly constitute a material fact about a property, which
the seller is obligated to disclose under Mississippi law. If a
REALTOR® suspects any such improprieties, the REALTOR®
should check with local law enforcement officials to see if
the property has been involved in any illegal activity. If a
REALTOR® knows the property harbors chemical hazards,
this fact should be disclosed. n
To learn more about the property dangers of meth
labs, visit these web sites:
California Farm Bureau
www.cfbf.com/programs/agcrime/meth.asp
Koch Crime Institute
www.kci.org/meth_info/meth_cleanup.htm
Minnesota Dept of Health
www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/meth
COMMERCIAL
REAL ESTATE
REPORT
BY BETH HANSEN
hen I joined the Mississippi Association of REALTORS® staff some five
years ago, one of the immediate challenges I remember facing was
trying to figure out what all of those letters behind our members’
names meant. ABR? SIOR? ALC? It seemed like a secret code.
I quickly came to appreciate just how important those letters were to our
members, representing a lot of time and effort spent in a designation program.
Whether your specialty is residential or commercial, a wide variety of designation options are available to help you further your real estate education and
advance your career.
The National Association of REALTORS’® five commercial-based Institutes,
Societies and Councils have developed a wide variety of programs and services to assist members in increasing skills, productivity and knowledge. In
Mississippi, three commercial ISCs have active state chapters, offering many
opportunities for education, professional development and networking.
The Mississippi Chapter of the REALTORS® Land Institute
(www.rliland.com), led by President Vidal Davis, Natchez, meets regularly, this
year holding chapter events in Jackson, Natchez and Starkville. Guest speakers
have covered topics such as conservation easements, economic forecasting
and futures in the forestry industry, and NRCS conservation programs. Meetings
conclude with marketing sessions that feature discussions of the timber value
or crop-growing potential of a piece of land, sometimes even detailing the great
hunting and fishing! This group has made it their business to know as much as
possible about land brokerage, agri-business, and land acquisition. Courses
W
leading toward the ALC (Accredited Land Consultant) designation are also
offered, with the chapter hosting the popular “Land 101” course in August and
the advanced “Tax Deferred 1031 Exchanges” in October.
The Institute of Real Estate Management (www.irem.org) was created to
enhance the knowledge and professionalism of the real estate management
industry. Two designations are offered: Certified Property Managers (CPMs)
are well-versed in property and real estate asset management, while Accredited
Residential Managers (ARMs) focus generally on accumulating experience and
education in apartment management. The Mississippi Chapter of IREM, led by
President Ben Lloyd of Jackson holds quarterly meetings, and has heard this
year from speakers discussing the legal climate in our state and cost segregation analysis, topics that impact relationships with both tenants and investors.
Philip Holman of Jackson leads the Mississippi Chapter of CCIM (Certified
Commercial and Investment Manager – www.ccim.com), a group that specializes in brokerage, leasing, asset management, valuation and investment analysis. The chapter holds quarterly meetings, and has sponsored several education and training courses for members this year. The CCIM designation course
“CI Intro” was offered in June on the Coast, and the chapter sponsored a oneday “Case Studies in Comparative Lease Analysis” course in Jackson in
August. Training sessions were held to help members improve their skills in
utilizing two of the Institute’s most valuable member services: Site To Do
Business and CCIMNet.
Whether your interest runs to commercial leasing, brokerage, or timberland, you’re sure to find a like-minded group of individuals in Mississippi to
encourage and help educate you. Details of upcoming events are posted at
www.mcar.ms. n
Beth Hansen is MAR’s Director of Local Board Services and is Executive
Officer for MCAR, CCIM, CRS and RLI in Mississippi. E-mail her at
bhansen@msrealtors.org.
YOUR NECK OF THE WOODS
Local Board & AE Forum
In Mississippi, there are 22 local boards servicing REALTORS® in every corner of the state. Here’s what’s going on in their communities:
Biloxi-Ocean Springs
The Biloxi-Ocean Springs Association of REALTORS®
held its annual MARPAC Silent Auction at Chez
Charles Place in Ocean Springs, and we raised over
$4,200 in contributions. We would like to give special thanks to our members, sponsors, affiliates, and
local businesses for their generous donations.
150 and 170 people every Monday thru Friday. The
Greenwood Board of REALTORS® supports this
endeavor by working the last Friday of each month
in groups of six during the serving hours. The Board
just recently donated 100 bowls to the cause. As
usual, Greenwoodians are caring folks and constantly try to help others.
Clarksdale
No information available.
Grenada
Cleveland
We welcomed George Hatcher to our membership
this summer. We also congratulate Lynn Pace for
being named our 2004 REALTOR® of the Year.
Several members from our board will be in
Birmingham and look forward to meeting people
from all over the state during the week.
Gulf Coast
On July 22, the members of the Gulf Coast
Association voted unanimously to ratify a merger
with the East Gulf Coast Board. By year end, pending approval by the National Association of REALTORS®, the two organizations with become one unified Association. Acknowledging that the coast area
has grown from small individual markets to a larger tri-county market, the time was at hand to give
careful consideration to the opportunity that had
presented itself to our organizations.
East Gulf Coast
The merger with the Gulf Coast Board of REALTORS®
is moving ahead. It has now been approved by both
boards. Our board’s separate MLS system ended
July 31. Now there is only one MLS for the Gulf
Coast. Our ever-popular RPAC auction was held on
August 1.7
Four County
As the year draws to a close, we are focused on
electing new officers for 2005. Our small Board is
scattered over four counties: Alcorn, Tippah,
Tishomingo and Prentiss. We’re doing our best to
gather our REALTORS® to make important year-end
decisions. We’re being inundated with requests for
our REALTORS® needing continuing education, having questions about renewing licenses or obtaining
a new certified designation.
Golden Triangle
Congratulations to Gina Rhett of Real Estate, Inc.
Rhett was honored as our 2004 local REALTOR® of
the Year. She is well-deserving of this honor! We
would also like to thank REALTOR® Institute instructor Robbie Earhart for teaching a salesperson postlicense class in Columbus, allowing our local members to take advantage of the course closer to home.
Greenville
Readers of the Delta Democrat Times voted Collins
Realty, owned by Dottie Collins, Real Estate Agency
of the Year and Lanier Bogan of Coldwell Banker,
REALTOR® of the Year. Our Adopt-A-Spot location
was featured as a Point of Pride in our local paper
thanks to Searcy Cunningham of Cunningham
Realty. Our President Ray Millwood will graduate
from LeadershipMAR at convention in September.
Greenwood
The Greenwood Board of Realtors established the
Greenwood Interfaith Ministries Committee in 2003
and has continued to serve one hot meal to between
Hattiesburg
Upcoming Events - HAAR members will help with a
Habitat for Humanity Home in September. Also,
"Parking With Your Neighbors" - a fundraiser for the
Hattiesburg Zoological Society will be held Saturday,
Oct. 2nd at Hattiesburg Kamper Park and Zoo.
REALTORS® and affiliates will sponsor booths with
games for children, food booths and DNA/finger
printing. Plans are being made for sponsoring
required continuing education hours in November.
Jackson
In October, Michael Russer (known as "Mr.
Internet") will present a four-hour course in
Jackson for our members. JAR's annual REALTOR®
of the Year will be presented at its September meeting, along with the slate of candidates for 2005.
Laurel
Meridian
We will offer eight hours of elective CE on October
5, four of which is Quadrennial Code of Ethics
Training. Sign up now to make sure you’re in compliance by the Dec. 31 deadline. A Post-License
course will be held here Oct. 6-9. AE Laura Miller
is available to teach the Do-Not-Call session, which
provides documentation and certificates for those
persons and offices to meet the criteria of the Safe
Harbor section for compliance. Call the Board
Office to schedule your training session. Visit our
Board website at www.meridianboardofrealtors.org
for information on upcoming Habitat, Wesley House
and Victory Outreach programs.
Natchez
Congratulations to Anna Sue Stedman - 2004 REALTOR® of the Year for the Natchez Board. Great Job!
North Central
Northeast
Northwest
Pearl River
The Pearl River County Board of REALTORS® hired
a new AE, Trey Crawford, in May 2004. As part of
our Scholarship Program, three graduating seniors
from Picayune High, Pearl River County High, and
Poplarville High received scholarships. The Board
also offered free continuing education during our
Staying on Target seminar.
Southwest
The Southwest Board of REALTORS® will be meeting
at Southwest Community College during September
and October. We are also trying to line up some
continuing education hours.
Vicksburg/Warren County
The Vicksburg-Warren County Board of REALTORS®
is planning to publish our own real estate advertising book named "The Real Estate Market Place".
Due to increasing advertising costs, we plan to publish our own quality book at rock bottom prices as
a member service. Continuing education opportunities in Vicksburg are scheduled for October 19 (four
hours elective CE) and October 20 (four hours
Agency Law, two hours Contract Law, and two hours
License Law). Register at www.msrealtors.org. Check
our local website www.vicksburgrealtors.com for our
complete schedule of events. Welcome to Donna
McBride, Vicksburg's new MLS Secretary.
Mississippi Commercial Association
MCAR members will meet in Oxford on Wednesday,
November 10th to conclude its annual series of
regional meetings. Dr. Robert Khayat will provide
the keynote address, and other guests will include
economic development officials from North
Mississippi counties. MCAR invites anyone interested in commercial real estate development in North
Mississippi to join us. Further details of the meeting
will be posted at www.mcar.ms as they become
available.
Local boards and association executives can
submit 50-word news briefs for publication in
the next issue of Real Estate LEADER by
November 1. Send items for consideration to
Angela Cain, Editor, at acain@msrealtors.org.
Advertise in
Reach Mississippi's real estate
marketplace by the thousands!
REALTOR® business card size referral ads:
Only $89 for one issue (discounts for multiple issues)
1/4 page, 1/2 page and full page ads also available
Reserve your space NOW for our winter issue!
(Delivered to more than 5,100 REALTORS® in December)
Contact MAR Advertising Sales Specialist Krissa Dobbins
at 601-932-5241, ext. 17 or kdobbins@msrealtors.org.
Farish,
Schwartz
& Orgler, PLLC
Attorneys at Law
15487 Oak Lane Drive, Ste 200 I
Gulfport, MS 39503
228-832-8550
2355 Pass Road, Suite B
Biloxi, MS 39531
228-388-7441
Headliners
Two REALTORS® ranked
as leading business women
Two distinguished Mississippi REALTOR® leaders
have been named to the Mississippi Business
Journal's "50 Leading Business Women" for 2004.
2001 MAR President Charlotte
Sadler, ABR, CRB, CRS, of John
Jones & Associates in Pascagoula
was named, as was 2004 MAR
President-Elect Nancy Lane,
CCIM of Jackson.
Sadler
The "50 Leading Business Women"
list is sponsored annually by the
Mississippi Business Journal,
Mississippi Economic Council,
Southwest Airlines, Baptist Health
Systems and BellSouth.
Top 30 REALTORS® under 30
MEMBERS IN THE NEWS
REALTOR® named Outstanding Citizen
REALTOR® Mandy Gardner, 28,
of Century 21 Maselle &
Associates in Jackson was recently named to NAR's 2004 list of Top
30 REALTORS® under 30. Gardner
is the only Mississippian on this
Gardner year's list.
Benjy Nelkin of Greenville, is
the 2004 recipient of the
Mississippi
Main
Street
Association's "Outstanding Citizen
of the Year" award for his commitment to the restoration of the hisNelkin toric downtown Greenville area.
Nelkin was also fundamental in the development of
Her sales volume in 2003 was $10 million, making numerous Greenville area museums and preservaher the top-selling Century 21 agent in Jackson and tion of several historic Greenville landmarks.
second-ranked statewide, according to Century 21
Maselle & Associates.
The Mississippi Main Street Association is a nonprofit economic development group that aggressive"I love my job," said Gardner. "I enjoy helping peo- ly rejuvenates depressed downtown economies. The
ple find a home. For someone to put that kind of Citizen of the Year award goes to those who stand out
trust in you is an honor."
by giving time, funding and dedication to Main Street
initiatives in their towns and communities.
Lane
Successful REALTORS® who are extraordinary MARPAC contributors
Golden
$5000
Jerry Brewer
Senatobia
Sterling
$1000
Crystal
$2500
Jesse Davis
Oxford
Larry Edwards
Ridgeland
Judy Glenn
Corinth
Charlotte Sadler
Pascagoula
David Stevens
Clinton
Ginger Britt
Hernando
Esther Smith Brown
Tupelo
Scott Brunner
Ridgeland
Dottie Collins
Greenville
Bill Cook
Jackson
Judy Corts
Hattiesburg
Pam Beard
Vicksburg
Marshall Holyfield
Gautier
Cheryl Cranford
Hattiesburg
Mark Cumbest
Moss Point
Ann Davis
Columbus
John Dean Jr.
Leland
Jean Amos
Starkville
No photo
available
John Dinkins
Madison
Lavelle Dragula
Hattiesburg
Dottie Farris
Hattiesburg
Cathy Feltenstein
Meridian
Joan Ferguson
Germantown
Sue Gallaspy
Hattiesburg
Sue Gardner
Tupelo
Charles Green
Pascagoula
Don Halle
Gulfport
Chester Harvey
Ocean Springs
Joyce Haskins
Oxford
Cindy Holt
Madison
Stuart Irby
Hattiesburg
Gwen James
Hattiesburg
Pat Jefcoat
Hattiesburg
John Jones
Pascagoula
Tony Jones
Olive Branch
Bruce Kammer
Picayune
Kevin Kessinger
Oxford
Nancy Lane
Jackson
Bob Leigh
Southaven
Peggy Leigh
Southaven
Johnny McArthur
Hattiesburg
Brian McPhail
Hattiesburg
Melanie Mitchell
Starkville
Gary Murphree
Houston
Donald Nace
Hattiesburg
Brenda O'Neal-Lambert
Hattiesburg
Belva Pleasants
Greenwood
C.R.(Bob) Ridgway
Jackson
Danette Shaw
Gulfport
Ellen Short
Tupelo
Debbie Sinopoli
Hattiesburg
Delois Smith
Hattiesburg
Andy Stetelman
Hattiesburg
Joyce Tadlock
Hattiesburg
Quentin Whitwell
Jackson
Chris Wilson
Laurel
Terry Winstead
Meridian
Nell Wyatt
Ridgeland
No photo
available
Peggy Love-Moore
Laurel
Janice Shows
Madison
Successful REALTORS® who are committed to investing their fair share
Ron Barnes, Bay Saint Louis
Wayne Bartley, Southaven
Sharron Battaglia, Gulfport
Lu Becker, Brookhaven
John Beith, Picayune
Robert Belew, Biloxi
E. Bennett, Bay St. Louis
Randy Berg, Brandon
David Berkley, Bude
Barbara Biddix, Biloxi
Martin Bittick, Brandon
William Blair, Columbus
Julie Blake, Brandon
Marvin Bobinger, Lucedale
Lanier Bogen, Greenville
Robert Bottin, Vicksburg
M. Boudreaux, Biloxi
Brad Bounds, Purvis
Mark Bounds, Madison
99 Club $99 - $249
Trudy Bounds, Hattiesburg
Jeanne Adams, Gulfport
W. Bourgeois, Laurel
John Adamson, Laurel
Curtis Bowie, Greenwood
Kathryn Adkins, Madison
David Bowling, Jackson
Mike Aertker, Long Beach
Michael Bowling, Terry
Carlene Alfonso, Gulfport
Larry Bradley, Brandon
Jo Ann Alford, Jackson
Ray Branscome, Grenada
Timothy Allred, Meridian
Shirley Braun, Biloxi
Joree Anderson, Brandon
Brian Breithaupt, Vicksburg
Larry Anderson, Olive Branch Dixie Breithaupt, Vicksburg
Robert Andrews, Greenville
Wesley Breland, Hattiesburg
Wallace Ashley, Cleveland
Barbara Brewer, Biloxi
Jim Atchison, Biloxi
W. Bridges, Jackson
Dianne Atwood, Southaven
Eddie Briggs, Madison
Joe Azar, Greenville
James Briscoe, Jackson
Sherwood Bailey, Gulfport
Bettie Britt, Southaven
William Bailey, Madison
Cynthie Britton, Biloxi
Charles Ball, Columbia
Mary Brock, Terry
Frank Barhanovich, Biloxi
Ken Broom, Hattiesburg
Magnolia Club $250-$999
J. Austin, Pass Christian
Steve Bullard, Biloxi
James Carson, Jackson
Jim Conerly, Jackson
Linda Graham, Jackson
Philip Holman, Jackson
Amelia Irvin, Starkville
Libbi Logan, Cleveland
Mary Marr, Beckman
Sara McCaughan, Brandon
Stephanie McConnell,
Bay Saint Louis
Margie McFarland, Biloxi
Laura Miller, Meridian
Jerry Olson, Long Beach
Rosemary Stovall, Madison
Shereriva Strunk, Pascagoula
Joseph Broussard, Biloxi
Ann Brown, Biloxi
Dianne Brown, Ridgeland
George Brown, Hattiesburg
James Brown, Southaven
James Brown, Ridgeland
Roger Brown, Pontotoc
Timothy Brown, Brandon
Dan Bruns, Gulfport
Tressie Buckhaulter,
Jackson
Michelle Buechner,
Theodore
Pamela Bullard, Hattiesburg
Michelle Burford, Jackson
Lloyd Burton, Jackson
Claire Butts, Flowood
Margaret Byrd, Flowood
Mary Byrd, Hattiesburg
Myrtle Cain-Berry,
Hattiesburg
Paul Campbell, Vicksburg
Richard Caraway, Jackson
Patsy Carey, Hernando
Haley Carlson, Southaven
Eugene Carothers,
Hattiesburg
Jerry Carriere, Gulfport
Teleah Carter, Columbus
David Case, Jackson
Karl Causey, Jackson
Rosemary Chambliss,
Southaven
Tammy Chancellor, Quitman
Nita Cheramie, Jackson
Travis Childers, Booneville
Bennett Chotard, Ridgeland
Ernie Clark, Brookhaven
Sue Clement, Southaven
Ressie Cliett, West Point
James Coats, Grenada
Robert Coburn, Greenville
Dennis Coleman, Columbus
Ginger Coleman, Gulfport
Tony Coleman, Flowood
Malinda Colerick, Biloxi
Gerald Collins, Hattiesburg
Cynthia Conner, Quitman
Tom Conner, Mc Comb
Donald Cooper, Jackson
Robert Corey, Meridian
Norma Cother, Tupelo
Peggy Cothern, McComb
Richard Cowart, Vicksburg
Sidney Cox, Brandon
David Craft, Gulfport
Freda Craft, Pascagoula
Rod Crosby, Ridgeland
Bethany Culley, Jackson
Andrea Cummins, Oxford
Robert Cunningham,
Greenville
Linda Curlee, Magee
Shirley Curry, Tupelo
Sandra Damers, Biloxi
Peter Daschbach, Jackson
A Davis, Natchez
Fred Davis, Jackson
Jan Davis, Gulfport
Mimi Deck, Madison
Jim Defoe, Jackson
Barbara Delano, Biloxi
Laura Demuth, Long Beach
Dee Denton, Ridgeland
William Deterly, Jackson
Rosa Dial, Brandon
Cindy Dickinson, Hattiesburg
Edwin Diez, Jackson
Anthony DiFatta, Madison
Barry Doleac, Hattiesburg
Steven Drown, Gulfport
Ron DuBard, Greenwood
Lawrence Dudley, Meridian
Robert Dugan, Brandon
Paul Dunbar, Hattiesburg
Ella East, Jackson
John Ellis, Pass Christian
Kenneth Ellis, Greenwood
Andy Estes, Tupelo
Christa Estes, Tupelo
James Etheridge, Mc Comb
Sheila Etheridge, Covington
Clarence Evans, Jackson
Cheryl Fair, Southaven
Bernard Favret, New Orleans
Michael Fearn, Biloxi
J. Fineran, Bay St. Louis
Hal Fiser, Clarksdale
W. Flowers, Jackson
Steven Floyd, Hattiesburg
Cecilia Forster, Southaven
Nell Foshee, Batesville
Judy Freeman, Gulfport
Evelyn Fuller, Gulfport
Judy Galloway, Gulfport
William Gamble, Jackson
Marilyn Garbacz, Flora
Glen Gardner, Picayune
Mandy Gardner, Flowood
Sigrid Garner, Brandon
Michael Garvey, Hattiesburg
Allison Gates, Gulfport
Mike Gates, Hattiesburg
Win Girod, Raymond
Jeffrey Gooden, Clarksdale
Tish Goodman, Greenwood
Judy Goodwin, Grenada
Charles Graham, Biloxi
Tana Graham, Jackson
Tom Graham, Gulfport
Edward Grantham, Canton
Emily Gray, Mooreville
Tanya Gray, Laurel
Charles Green, Pascagoula
Donna Green, Brandon
Paul Green, Natchez
Jamie Greer, Madison
Sue Gregory, Grenada
Anita Griffith, Cleveland
David Griffith, Cleveland
Raymond Groom, Picayune
Michael Grower, Jackson
Thomas Guest, Oxford
Shirley Gussio, Vicksburg
Kenndy Hall, Jackson
Linda Halle, Gulfport
J. Max Hamidi, Cordova
Carlysle Hamilton,
Ocean Springs
Pat Hamilton, Meridian
Royce Hanberry, Hattiesburg
Bonnie Hankins, Grenada
Caryn Hanson, Escatawpa
Doris Hardy, Columbus
Debby Harmon, Tupelo
Patricia Harrington,
Ocean Springs
Paul Harrington, Natchez
William Harris, Brandon
Rebecca Hatten, Hattiesburg
Janell Hatton, Columbia
Gary Hawkins, Madison
Ralph Hays, Flowood
James Healy, Gulfport
Terry Hedgepeth, Richland
Clinton Herring, Jackson
Howard Herring, Meadville
William Hewes, Gulfport
Cheryl High, Gulfport
Kay Hodge, Hernando
Kenneth Hodge, Hernando
Virginia Hodges, Meridian
Tanya Holland, Columbia
Wes Holsapple, Madison
D Holstein, Biloxi
Jayna Horne, Gulfport
Nikki Horton, Leland
Margarite Howell, Meridian
Yvonne Huddleston, Jackson
Tommye Hurtt, Jackson
Larry Hutchens, Holly Springs
Nancy Hutchens, Holly Springs
Charles Hutcheson, Meridian
David Ingram, Ridgeland
James Irby, Jackson
Elizabeth Ishee, Petal
Felix Jackson, Prairie
Linda Jackson, Brandon
Anne James, Biloxi
Craig Jefcoat, Bay Springs
Marguerite Jeffcoat, Greenville
Kay Jefferies, Southaven
Joe Jenkins, Jackson
John Jenkins, Jackson
Sheila Jenkins, Ridgeland
Ann Jensen, Jackson
James Jensen, Jackson
Matt Jensen, Madison
Craig Joachim, Ocean Springs
Carole Johnson, Southaven
Gregory Johnson, Jackson
Jane Johnson, Southaven
Joe Johnson, Laurel
Kathryn Johnson, Southaven
Katie Johnson, Olive Branch
Michael Johnson, Flowood
Diane Jones, Olive Branch
Kenneth Jones, Gulfport
Lavaree Jones, Jackson
Martin Jones, Gulfport
J. D. Jordan, Columbus
Betty Jurich, Ocean Springs
Joseph Karr, Oxford
Cassie Kauerz, Meridian
Linda Kaufman, Biloxi
Laura Kelley, Waynesboro
Nancy Kelsey, Jackson
Mildred Kendrick, Gulfport
Ames Kergosien,
Bay Saint Louis
Carolyn Kessinger, Oxford
Walter Ketchings,
Ocean Springs
Robie Kight, Jackson
Billy King, Oxford
Cynthia King, Gulfport
Jenny King, Hattiesburg
Lynn King, Madison
William King, Hattiesburg
Jane Kingsafer, Hattiesburg
Jerome Kittrell, Meridian
Clifford Klousia, Jackson
William Knesal, Gulfport
Malcolm Kretschmar,
Greenville
Lorraine Krohn, Gulfport
Kaye Ladd, Tupelo
Lois Laird, Columbus
Kathy Landry, Picayune
David Lane, Jackson
Jesse Lane, Jackson
Sandy Lane, Olive Branch
Mary Lang, Greenville
Catharine Langlinais,
Ocean Springs
Angela Laster, Columbus
Steve Lawler, Picayune
Leigh Leech, Jackson
Vanessa Leech, Vicksburg
Roch Lemieux, Manderville
Valerie Leoni, Ocean Springs
John Lewis, Jackson
Barbara Linn, Clinton
Cindy Litsinger, Madison
Debbie Little, Meridian
George Loden, Tupelo
Marlene Logan, Pass Christian
Jimmy Lovett, Morton
Judy Lundy, Grenada
Barry Lutz, Ocean Springs
Robert Lyle, Jackson
Lawrence Magdovitz,
Clarksdale
Gerard Maher, Gulfport
Michael Maloney, Brandon
Jeanie Malouf, Brandon
Patsy Mansfield, Picayune
Carole Martin, Batesville
Conrad Martin, Jackson
Linda Martin, Philadelphia
Marcus Martin, Brandon
Binnie Maselle, Flowood
Doug Maselle, Flowood
Sandi Mathews, Ridgeland
Elizabeth Maximo, Picayune
Joseph McAllister, Meridian
Mary McAnally, Jackson
Sarah McArthur, Gulfport
M.L. McCarty, Columbus
Ed McDonald, Clinton
Gary McFarland, Clinton
John McFarland, Gulfport
Harold McGarrh, Greenville
Rick McGill, Columbus
Dewey McGowan, Richland
Rita McIntosh, Flowood
Jimmy McKay, Madison
Douglas McKinnon, Jackson
Curtis McMillan, Mendenhall
George McMillin, Vicksburg
Roland McPhail, Oxford
Brenda McRae, Southaven
Julius McRee, Oxford
Samuel McReynolds, Starkville
Lila McRight, Greenville
Sandy Metrolis, Meridian
Jo Lynn Michael, Jackson
Joseph Miller, Jackson
Laura Miller, Meridian
Cindy Millette, Brandon
Ray Millwood, Greenville
Ken Minniti, Phoenix
Jim Mitchell, Flowood
Madge Mitchell, Raymond
Maurice Mitchell, Mc Henry
Pamela Mitchell, Brandon
Jana Montgomery, Biloxi
David Moody, Meridian
Albert Moore, Pearl
Martha Moore, Union
Alfred Moran, Ocean Springs
Sharon Moran, Gulfport
Vicki Moran, Biloxi
Joe Morgan, Madison
John Morgan, Jackson
Johnny Morgan, Oxford
Tommy Morgan, Tupelo
Karen Morreale,
Pass Christian
Leonard Morris, Batesville
David Morrow, Brandon
Jonnette Moss, Ridgeland
Rodger Motz, Southaven
Becky Murdock, Southaven
William Murdock,
Southaven
Christy Neal, Southaven
Edwin Neelly, Tupelo
Robert Neill, Hattiesburg
Benjamin Nelken,
Greenville
Deborah Nettles, Starkville
Sheila Nicholas, Jackson
Keith Nichols, Corinth
Ken Nixon, Starkville
Arthur Noble, Madison
Stephen Norsworthy,
Brandon
Sollie Norwood, Jackson
Neal Olive, Ocean Springs
Martin O'Neal, Sandhill
Mark Orgler, Gulfport
Herb Orth, Vidalia
Sherry Owen, Gulfport
Lynn Pace, Cleveland
Wallace Page,
Ocean Springs
Roger Palmer, Olive Branch
Carla Palmer-Allen,
Ridgeland
Keiko Palmero, Gulfport
Guy Parker, Jackson
Barbara Payne, Gulfport
Miranda Payne, Madison
Carey Pennebaker, Jackson
Glenn Pennington, Prentiss
Gloria Petway, Southaven
Gene Phillips, Flowood
John Phillips, Biloxi
Kristie Phillips, Madison
Perry Phillips, Hattiesburg
Harry Piascik, Biloxi
R. Pierce, Madison
Robert Pigford, Meridian
Cleo Pigg, Flowood
Julia Pippin, Picayune
Helen Pitts, Tupelo
Clinton Plummer, Gulfport
Laura Plyler, Tupelo
John Pollman, Meridian
John Praytor, Ridgeland
John Price, Brandon
Terrie Price, Ocean Springs
Linda Pruett, Greenwood
Betsy Pryor, Jackson
Frank Pucylowski,
Ridgeland
William Purvis, Gulfport
Pam Pybas, Ridgeland
Wade Quin, Brandon
Randy Ragsdale, Meridian
David Raines, Gulfport
Joe Rankin, Jackson
Chari Rapp, Waveland
Dale Ray, Starkville
Margaret Ray, Meridian
Ray Rayburn, Hattiesburg
Diane Reece, Grenada
Paul Reese, Picayune
Lonnie Reynolds, Laurel
Wythe Rhett, Columbus
Sandy Richards, Gulfport
Barbara Richardson,
Jackson
W. Dillard Richardson,
Saltillo
Gail Riddick, Drew
Jerry Riley, Gulfport
Martin Rivers, Biloxi
Vickie Rivers,
Ocean Springs
William Rodwell, Gulfport
Judy Rose, Southaven
Ricky Round, Laurel
Roddy Rumbley, Madison
Glenn Sable, Clinton
Billy Sanders,
Bay Saint Louis
Erma Sanders, Columbus
Mildred Sanders, Jackson
Lorraine Santo, Long Beach
Ray Sartor, Ripley
Randall Saxton, Madison
James Schaefer, Gulfport
Bernard Schmaltz,
Bay Saint Louis
Julie Schmidt, Jackson
Kim Seaman, Pascagoula
Ronnie Sellers, Clarksdale
Kate Sharp, Jackson
Billie Shaw, Madison
Lissa Shivers, Lafayette
James Shoemaker, Jackson
Frankie Shows, Columbus
Janice Shumaker, Jackson
Johnny Simmons, Jackson
Larry Sims, Laurel
Reginald Sims, Madison
Bo Smith, Ridgeland
Charlotte Smith, Jackson
Daniel Smith,
Diamondhead
Gary Smith, Madison
Joey Smith, Meridian
Judy Smith, Southaven
Lisa Smith, Southaven
Robert Smith, Richland
Evelyn Smith-Ransom,
Jackson
Margie Smithson,
Olive Branch
Debra Sogard,
Bay Saint Louis
Joyce Sones, Poplarville
Leland Speakes, Cleveland
Edward Spencer,
Olive Branch
Vernon Spencer, Brandon
Sandra Stafford, Fulton
Jenene Stamboulieh,
Madison
Patricia Starnes, Gulfport
Joe Stedman, Natchez
Steven Steen, Madison
John Stermer,
Ocean Springs
Cora Stewart, Southaven
Richard Stockett,
Crystal Springs
Charles Stone, Greenville
Troy Stricklin, Ridgeland
James Stroo, Hattiesburg
Sharon Sullivan, Jackson
Jan Swearingen, Gulfport
Tanya Swoope, Biloxi
Durwood Tadlock,
Vicksburg
Rose Tate, Greenville
Ann Taylor, Ocean Springs
Joyce Taylor, Madison
Judy Taylor, Southaven
Anne Teadt, Pass Christian
Geraldine Tenhet, Mathiston
Annette Terry, Biloxi
Dawn Testa, Oxford
Eva Thomas, Jackson
Charles Thompson, Jackson
Matthew Thompson,
Camden
Tonya Thompson, Columbus
Ike Thrash, Hattiesburg
Linda Throop, Moss Point
Brian Thweatt, Southaven
Joe Toms, Meridian
Carla Townsend, Brandon
Heather Tumlinson,
Ocean Springs
Ginger Turner, Ridgeland
Thomas Underwood,
Brandon
Douglas Upchurch,
Vicksburg
Gerald Vernon, Jackson
Gwendolyn Walker, Oxford
Arlene Wall, Biloxi
Phyllis Waltman, Hattiesburg
Bobby Ware, Biloxi
Gregory Warren, Forest
Mark Warren, Jackson
Catherine Warriner, Jackson
Janet Waterhouse,
Ocean Springs
Vicki Weaver, Ridgeland
Chris Webster, Ridgeland
Hermine Welch, Madison
John Wells, Gulfport
Don West, Columbus
William White, Booneville
John Wichman, Sumrall
Clyde Wiggins, Southaven
Ginger Wiggins, Ridgeland
Russell Wilcox, Madison
Watkins Wild, Mc Comb
Jolie Wilding, Gulfport
Brenda Wiley, Ridgeland
Sue Wilkinson, Brandon
Bailey Williams, Corinth
Boyd Williams, Meridian
Kimberlee Williams,
Ocean Springs
Sandra Williams, Tunica
Shirley Wilroy, Hernando
Pattye Wilson, Greenville
Randall Wingfield, Madison
Thellis Winstead, Meridian
Tony Winstead, Meridian
W. Winstead, Meridian
Lucille Wolfe, Greenville
Jerry Woods, Pearl
Barry Woodward, Madison
William Wright, Jackson
Mitzi Yarnell, Gulfport
Margaret Yockers, Madison
Shirley Zimmerman,
Ocean Springs
Other Contributors,
Priscilla Aaron, Gulfport
Joseph Abell, Ocean Springs
Patti Abernathy, Tupelo
Cynthia Acosta, Biloxi
Shirley Acosta, Gulfport
Joyce Acy, Madison
Michelle Acy, Greenwood
Carlton Adams, Ridgeland
Euvonne Adams, Southaven
Eugenia Adamson, Laurel
Gloria Addison, Meridian
Jeri Agent, Madison
Shirley Agner, Southaven
Dianne Albrecht, Gulfport
Bonnie Albritton, Moss Point
Elizabeth Alderman, Saucier
Robert Aldridge, Biloxi
Harry Alexander, Oxford
Joey Alexander, Magnolia
Kim Alexander, Starkville
John Alford, Jackson
Mike Alford, Olive Branch
Justin Allen, Biloxi
Robby Allen, Southaven
Sherree Allen, Brandon
Roberta Alley, Biloxi
Shelton Allison, Jackson
Tim Allred, Meridian
Elena Alm, Biloxi
Frances Alvarado, Vicksburg
Nancy Amacker, Hattiesburg
Cora Anders, Jackson
Michael Anderson,
Hattiesburg
Silas Anderson, Jackson
Mary Andress, Vicksburg
Leigh Ann, Starkville
Mary Ann, Brandon
Betty Appleton, Oxford
Bernard Armstrong,
Southaven
Elizabeth Arnold,
Pass Christian
Ellen Arnold, Ocean Springs
Simeon Aspacio, Biloxi
Rebecca Atchison, Biloxi
Judy Atherton, Biloxi
Jennie Atkins, Natchez
Paul Atwood, Southaven
Jane August, Corinth
Stephanie Avant, Greenwood
Sheila Avery, Ridgeland
Marty Ayers, Southaven
Pamela Ayers, Southaven
Lee Aylward, Cleveland
Virgie Azar, Greenville
Stacy Babb, Carriere
Sharla Bachelder, Flowood
Grady Baggett, Biloxi
Carole Bailey, Jackson
Elizabeth Bailey, Gulfport
Kathy Bailey, Tupelo
Sandra Bailey, Gulfport
Sherret Bailey, Oxford
Peggy Bain, Corinth
Kay Baird, West Point
Bobby Baker, Batesville
Bradley Baker, Batesville
Gloria Baker, Madison
Andrea Balius,
Ocean Springs
Andrea Balius, Diberville
James Ball, Vicksburg
Stephen Ballard, Southaven
Alicia Bariola, Greenville
Locke Barkley, Jackson
Jackie Barksdale, Clinton
Jane Barksdale, Ridgeland
Claudia Barnes, Picayune
Susan Barnes, Biloxi
Anita Barnett, Holly Springs
Linda Barnett, Natchez
Robin Barnett, Tupelo
Susan Barnett, Vicksburg
Susan Barnett, Laurel
Charleene Barnette, Clinton
Richard Barrett, Leland
Marie Bartels, Gulfport
Kristyn Bass, Jackson
Mindy Bass, Brandon
Jane Batchelor, Vicksburg
Charles Bates, Laurel
Judy Batson, Ridgeland
Ted Batson, Ridgeland
Penny Battistelli, Cleveland
Jennifer Baum,
Diamondhead
Danny Beaman, Columbus
Clay Beard, Jackson
Jerry Beard, Vicksburg
Kathy Beck, Grenada
Mary Marr Beckman, Ocean
Springs
Chris Beckman-Marx, Ocean
Springs
Maranda Bell, Brandon
Lynn Bella, Biloxi
Bradley Bennett, Southaven
Patricia Bennett, Hattiesburg
Rhonda Bennett, Gulfport
Deborah Benoit, Picayune
Marcia Benson, Biloxi
Rebecca Benson, Oxford
Patricia Berret, Ridgeland
Jena Berrong, Jackson
Debbie Best, Mc Comb
Pam Biggs, Crystal Springs
Anthony Bishop, Biloxi
Dorothy Bittick, Brandon
Cindy Black, Tupelo
Sunday Black, Brandon
Leslie Blacklidge, Biloxi
Paul Blacksmith, Vancleave
Brenda Blackwell,
Hattiesburg
Charla Blackwell, Brandon
Don Blackwell, Flowood
Gary Blair, Brookhaven
Janie Blaize, Biloxi
Daniel Bland, Natchez
LaSonya Blankenship, Olive
Branch
Susan Blanton, Southaven
Deborah Blocker, Meridian
Harold Blossman, Mc Comb
Vernon Boatman, Jackson
Jane Bobitt, Cleveland
Terri Boblick, Brandon
Terri Boblick, Brandon
Kenneth Boler, Gulfport
Alicia Bomar, Southaven
Chris Bond, Jackson
Janice Bond, Laurel
David Booker, Meridian
Shelly Bookwalter, Olive
Branch
Bonnie Borne, Batesville
Cheryl Boudreaux, Biloxi
Deanna Bourgeois, Laurel
Joseph Bourriague, Biloxi
Shirley Bowen, Ridgeland
Cecil Bowers, Greenwood
Lori Box, Greenwood
Lee Boyette, Laurel
Deborah Braden, Southaven
Lisa Bradley, Tupelo
Lori Bragg, Ridgeland
Joe Bramlett, Mc Comb
Stacey Bramlett, Mc Comb
Leslea Brant, Southaven
Darla Branton, Leland
Susan Brashier, Laurel
Melissa Breedlove, Brandon
Harlyn Breland, Picayune
Julie Breland, Ocean
Springs
Tommy Breland, Poplarville
Harriet Brewer, Ridgeland
Ashley Bridges, Jackson
David Bridges, Jackson
Roderick Bridges, Jackson
Rebecca Briggs, Madison
Andria Brinston, Brandon
Robert Briscoe, Oxford
Becky Brister, Jackson
Stephen Broadus, Gulfport
Sarah Brock, Oxford
Ann Brooks, Jackson
Teresa Brooks, Starkville
Cynthia Brosh, Biloxi
Brandon Brown, Brandon
Evelyn Brown, Hurley
John Brown, Ridgeland
Melanie Brown, Ridgeland
Michael Brown, Poplarville
Sammy Brown, Tupelo
Susan Brown, Ridgeland
Tinika Brown, Jackson
Vicky Brown, Columbus
Beverley Browning,
Ridgeland
Mary Bryan, Madison
Karen Bryant, Columbus
Lisa Bryant, Southaven
Elizabeth Buchanan,
Gulfport
Luran Buchanan, Jackson
Sara Buchanan, Jackson
Patricia Buckner, Starkville
Kate Bucy, Ridgeland
Corinne Buehler, Greenville
Judith Buford,
Diamondhead
Francine Bukvich, Brandon
Carolyn Bullard, Biloxi
Peggy Bullion, Hattiesburg
Cheryl Bullock, Jackson
John Bunch, Greenwood
Jo Bunnell, Tupelo
Emery Burch, Purvis
Janet Burkett, Brandon
Lisa Burnett, Southaven
Peggy Burnham, Pascagoula
Diane Burns, Gautier
Dianne Burns, Gulfport
Cheryle Burrow, Pearl
Frank Burt, Meridian
Patricia Burton, Greenville
Susan Burton, Ridgeland
Danny Busby, Laurel
Deborah Busching,
Madison
Betty Bush, Ridgeland
Billy Butler, Oxford
Cynthia Butler, Biloxi
Dennis Butler, Lake Charles
Ruth Byars, Olive Branch
Hugh Byrd, Taylorsville
Kris Byrd, Laurel
Margaret Byrd,
Ocean Springs
Margaret Byrd, Flowood
Harris Callum, Flora
Crissie Cameron, Flowood
Natalie Cameron, Poplarville
Betty Campbell, Tupelo
Judith Campbell, Southaven
Margaret Campbell, Tupelo
Vickey Campbell,
Hattiesburg
William Campbell, Madison
Carole Cantrell, Brandon
Christine Cappiello, Gulfport
Peggy Carman, Madison
James Carmon, Southaven
Vicki Carmon, Corinth
Betty Carr, Starkville
Sybil Carraway, Vicksburg
William Carrere, Waveland
Hubert Carson, Wiggins
Jamee Carter, Vicksburg
Janie Carter, Jackson
Robin Carter, Ridgeland
Ellen Carty, Hattiesburg
Sam Caruthers, Lucedale
Rebecca Cason, Gautier
Peggy Catchings, Jackson
Bea Cathey, Hattiesburg
Jennifer Catledge, Olive
Branch
Shannon Cavanaugh,
Gulfport
Terry Caves, Laurel
Wanda Cazaubon, Gulfport
Frederick Cerami, Brandon
Lorna Chain, Jackson
Karon Chambers, Tupelo
Gloria Chancellor, Meridian
L.M. Chancellor, Meridian
Cynthia Chappelear,
Madison
Margaret Charbonnet, Bay
Saint Louis
Carroll Charles, Greenwood
Lavonne Chase, Jackson
Barry Chatham, Southaven
Jahnae Cherry, Olive Branch
Martha Chesser, Starkville
Amiee Christie, Gulfport
Keith Clair, Jackson
Alah Clark, Madison
Carol Claverie, Biloxi
Amy Clay, Hernando
Kenneth Clay, Meridian
Robert Clay, Hernando
Cathi Clements, Madison
Barry Clemmer, Jackson
Sandra Clifford, Bay Saint
Louis
Kevin Clifton, Ocean Springs
Betty Cline, Crystal Springs
Gloria Clyatt, Madison
Genie Coats, Meridian
Laurie Cobb, Meridian
Vickey Cobb, Meridian
Frances Coffin, Laurel
David Coggins, Tupelo
Ginger Coggins, Collierville
Kathy Coker, Madison
Denise Cole, Southaven
Eddie Cole, Olive Branch
Louise Cole, Tupelo
Nancy Cole, Ridgeland
David Coleman, Columbus
Ginger Coleman, Gulfport
Kecia Coleman, Southaven
Keith Coleman, Columbus
C. Collier, Pass Christian
Trisha Collier, Meridian
Juanice Collins, Poplarville
Margie Collins, Olive
Branch
Sandy Collins, Jackson
Timothy Collins, Oxford
Wendell Collins, Poplarville
Juanita Colvin, Biloxi
Robert Compretta,
Waveland
Stephen Compton, Brandon
Charla Conlee, Clinton
Greg Conley, Jackson
Sharon Conlin, Jackson
Donald Conn, Madison
Michael Conway, Picayune
Christy Cook, Tupelo
Patricia Cook, Olive Branch
William Cook, Ocean
Springs
Shannon Cooke, Biloxi
Jackie Coombs, Corinth
Bryan Cooper, Picayune
Tamara Cooper, Jackson
Steve Corey, Meridian
Steve Cork, Tupelo
Elizabeth Corkren, Gulfport
Dolores Cornacchione, Mc
Comb
Brian Couch, Southaven
Elmer Couch, Grenada
Brenda Coulter, Vicksburg
Barbara Cousan, Picayune
Buck Covington, Madison
Larry Cowart, Moss Point
Tonia Cowart, Jackson
Bobby Cox, Booneville
Gene Cox, Pass Christian
Lady Cox, Starkville
Sandy Cox, Ocean Springs
Suzanne Cox, Ridgeland
Martie Craddieth, Tougaloo
Megan Craft, Brandon
Thomas Craig, Tupelo
Cathy Crain, Jackson
Melanie Crain, Starkville
Jay Crane, Meridian
Joel Craven, Purvis
Ruth Crawford, Madison
Mary Creel, Gulfport
Sheri Creel, Brandon
Shonya Creel, Columbia
Don Cresswell, Jackson
Billy Cross, Madison
Renee Crutchfield, Brandon
Marilyn Cuccia,
Diamondhead
Brian Cuevas, Gulfport
Renee Culpepper, Biloxi
Karen Cummins, Vicksburg
Searcy Cunningham,
Greenville
Chris Curlee, Magee
Beth Curtis, Meridian
Kelly Dabbs, Ridgeland
Sterling Dahl, Starkville
Darleen Dale, Hattiesburg
Mark Dale, Monticello
Paul Dallas, Tupelo
Veronica Dalton,
Hattiesburg
Don Daniels, Southaven
Gary Daniels, Jackson
Patricia Daniels, Madison
Roy Davidson, Jackson
Althea Davis, Ridgeland
Cassie Davis, Meridian
Janet Davis, Cleveland
Larry Davis, Ridgeland
Mae Beth Davis, Southaven
Martha Davis, Picayune
Michael Davis, Vicksburg
Scott Davis, Tupelo
Clyde Day, Biloxi
Patsy Day, Jackson
Margaret Deavours, Jackson
Jenifer Decker, Tupelo
Cherry Deddens, Madison
Lesley Deddens, Madison
Patricia Dedeaux, Gulfport
Nancy DeFazio, Long Beach
Jason Deitenbeck, Flowood
Ruth Dempsey, Ackerman
Carol Dendy, Madison
Margaret Dengler,
Ocean Springs
Jerry Denham, Hattiesburg
Doris Denney, Columbus
Keith Dennis, Jackson
Timothy DeRossette,
Vicksburg
Margaret Derryberry,
Brandon
Jeri Derscheid,
Ocean Springs
Jeri Derscheid, Gautier
Dean DeRuiter, Madison
Lillie DeShields, Natchez
Pat DeWeese, Natchez
Patsy Dingman, Gulfport
Donna Diveley, Meridian
Marjorie Dixon, Jackson
Leslie Dobbins,
Ocean Springs
Alicia Doleac, Hattiesburg
Lisa Donald, Brandon
Tracey Dooley, Meridian
Nancy Dorroh,
Ocean Springs
Dean Dove, Brandon
Michael Dowdy, Columbus
Carol Downing, Hattiesburg
Helene Doxey, Waveland
Sylvia Drake, Brandon
Bob Draper, Greenwood
Betty DuBard, Greenwood
Jason Dudley, Meridian
Alfred Dulaney, Terry
Winona Dunn, Gulfport
Taricia Dunson, Ridgeland
Lynn DuPont, Picayune
Carolyn Durbin, Gulfport
Lou Ann Durfey, Madison
Nancy Durham, Picayune
Sharon Durham, Flowood
Margaret Duval-Scharwath,
Hattiesburg
Shannon Dye, Ridgeland
Susan Dye, Southaven
Tipton Dyess, Brandon
Janis Early, Jackson
Janice Easom, Natchez
Tamara Eastep, Gulfport
Thomas Easter, Gulfport
Brenda Easterwood,
Meridian
Paul Eavenson, Hattiesburg
Louise Echavarria,
Pass Christian
Marian Edmonson,
Bay Saint Louis
Van Edmonson,
Bay Saint Louis
Donna Edwards, Brandon
Joe Edwards, Brandon
Sandra Edwards,
Ocean Springs
Sandra Edwards,
Ocean Springs
Belinda Elder, Brandon
Sandra Ellard, Natchez
Bethany Ellington, Madison
Caffie Ellis, Vicksburg
Fay Ellis, Southaven
Kim Ellis, Pass Christian
Terri Ellis, Vicksburg
Sue Elmore, Oxford
Robbie Enfinger, Southaven
Jim Engle, Jackson
G. H. English,
Ocean Springs
Phyllis Enis, Columbus
Charles Epps, Byram
Terry Escue, Brandon
Sharon Eskridge, Southaven
Brenda Estes, Tupelo
Brian Estes, Jackson
Renee Estes, Columbus
Brenda Eubanks, Southaven
Demetrese Evans, Jackson
Cynthia Everett, Pascagoula
James Evers, Jackson
Darrell Fairchild,
Hattiesburg
Jill Fairchild, Brandon
Carolyn Faust, Southaven
E Favre, Diamondhead
Melissa Fayard, Biloxi
Jackie Fearn, Biloxi
Janette Fedric, Greenwood
Cathy Feinstein, Meridian
Charles Feltus, Natchez
Lane Feltus, Natchez
Catherine Fennell, Brandon
Judi Ferguson, Senatobia
Carole Ferrell, Natchez
Camille Ferriss, Brandon
Bridget Ferrucci,
Ocean Springs
Olivia Fight, Flowood
Frank Fillingham, Ridgeland
Lynn Fillingham, Ridgeland
John Fiser, Clarksdale
Sara Flanagan, Greenwood
Michael Flannes, Madison
James Fleming, Carriere
Mary Fleming, Carriere
Patricia Fleming, Mc Comb
Sally Fletcher, Jackson
Marilyn Flowers, Grenada
Donald Floyd, Meridian
Patrick Floyd, Diamondhead
Betty Flurry, Gulfport
Betsy Folmar, Madison
Ronald Forbes, Hattiesburg
Joyce Forbush, Ocean Springs
Glenn Ford, Picayune
Gloria Ford, Tupelo
Jill Ford, Jackson
Kevin Ford, Ocean Springs
Martha Ford, Picayune
Sam Ford, Gulfport
Mark Formby, Picayune
Helen Fortner, Diamondhead
Becky Fowler, Brandon
William Fox, Starkville
Charlotte Fraisse,
Ocean Springs
Charlotte Fraisse,
Ocean Springs
Ellen Franklin, Meridian
Kelly Franklin, Biloxi
Patsy Frederick, Amory
Judy Freeman, Gulfport
Vicki Freeze, Brandon
Janet Frisbie, Bay Saint Louis
William Frohn, Ridgeland
Jamie Frye, Meridian
James Gallaspy, Hattiesburg
Theresa Gandour, Long Beach
Beth Garland, Flowood
Lee Garland, Flowood
Jennifer Garlich, Pascagoula
Jason Garner, Gulfport
Monica Garner, Mc Comb
Ronnie Garner, Brandon
Ti Garner, Brandon
Audrey Garrett, Gulfport
Peggy Garrison, Southaven
Bettye Gartrell, Jackson
Betty Garvin, Ridgeland
Gloria Gasaway, Tupelo
Christopher Gaskin, Meridian
Betty Gates, Bay Saint Louis
William Gattis, Vancleave
Philip Gattuso, Hattiesburg
Robert Gavin, Natchez
Barbara Gay, Pass Christian
Phyllis Gay, Ripley
Grace George, Tougaloo
Olivia Gerald, Starkville
Gianna Giambelluca, Biloxi
Lita Gibson, Bay Saint Louis
Helene Giles, Bay Saint Louis
Jane Gillespie, Booneville
Theresa Gillis, Byram
Thomas Gipson, Biloxi
Yvonne Gladney, Gautier
Karen Glass, Gulfport
Karen Glass, Pass Christian
Roger Glass, Pass Christian
Karen Godfrey, Clinton
Odell Godwin, Leland
Stacey Godwin,
Bay Saint Louis
Sue Golmon, Tupelo
John Gomes, Moss Point
Ray Gonzales, Gulfport
Jennifer Goode, Canton
Rebecca Goodell, Columbus
Jane Goodson, Jackson
Douglas Goodwin, Starkville
Paul Goodwin, Hattiesburg
Michelle Gorana,
Ocean Springs
Kathleen Gott, Gulfport
Charles Gottesman, Biloxi
Danny Gowen, Southaven
Sharon Grace, Oxford
Diane Graham, Jackson
Harold Graham, Biloxi
Hazel Graham, Ridgeland
Karen Graham, Vicksburg
Kristy Graham, Meridian
Mark Graham, Hattiesburg
Sarah Graham, Tupelo
Leslie Granberry, Gulfport
Thomas Grant, Vicksburg
Stephanie Grantham,
Ridgeland
Faye Gray, Meridian
Pam Gray, Madison
Patricia Gray, Hattiesburg
Scott Gray, Meridian
Terri Gray, Madison
Thomas Gray, Mooreville
Clarissa Green, Meridian
James Green, Oxford
Michael Green, Brandon
P Green, Natchez
Eloise Greene, Biloxi
Marilyn Greene, Meridian
Tracey Greene, Meridain
Chip Grenn, Hattiesburg
Gregory Gresham,
Holly Springs
Kimberly Griffin, Brandon
Max Griffin, Pontotoc
Pamela Griffin, Madison
Yvonne Griffith, Waveland
Julia Grimes, Tupelo
Dan Grimmett, Ridgeland
Rick Grubbs, Tupelo
Jim Guest, Oxford
Jacob Guice, Biloxi
Malinda Gullick, Southaven
Reid Guy, Madison
Jacqueline Haarala,
Meridian
Kenneth Hale, Southaven
Martha Hale, Corinth
Andrea Haley, Gulfport
Jolynda Halinski, Vicksburg
Donald Hall, Laurel
John Hall, Waveland
Joshua Halsema, Biloxi
Carolyn Handler, Biloxi
Denise Haney, Southaven
Chuck Hanna,
Ocean Springs
Kim Hanna, Southaven
Todd Hannaford, Tupelo
Jamie Hanry, Jackson
Beth Hansen, Jackson
Richard Hansen, Gulfport
Carol Hardison, Ridgeland
Rebecca Harlan, Biloxi
Bethany Harless, Jackson
John Harless, Madison
Jan Harlow, Laurel
Peggy Harper, Hattiesburg
William Harper,
Ocean Springs
Judy Harrell, Vicksburg
Scott Harrell, Brandon
Elizabeth Harriel, Biloxi
Carolyn Harrington,
Natchez
Elsie Harris, Brandon
James Harris, Ridgeland
Melanie Harris, Greenwood
Pamlia Harris, Jackson
Tammy Harris, Columbia
Tom Harris, Vicksburg
Amy Harrison, Jackson
Sarah Harrison, Picayune
Andrea Harter,
Ocean Springs
Micki Hartley, Madison
James Harwell, Meridian
Margaret Hasselvander,
Hattiesburg
David Hatchett, Jackson
Jo Hatten, Brandon
B. A. Haviland,
Ocean Springs
Leisa Havis, Biloxi
Alyssia Healy, Gulfport
Tori Heard, Madison
Michael Heath, Meridian
Jonathan Hederman,
Oxford
Waurene Heflin, Tupelo
Richard Heitmann, Madison
Sue Helmers, Southaven
William Hendrix, Oxford
Cathy Henley, Picayune
Susan Henslee, Brandon
Penny Henson,
Olive Branch
Gwen Herring, Oxford
Patti Herrington, Ridgeland
Robert Heslep, Cleveland
William Hester, Laurel
Bill Hetrick, Clinton
Marilyn Hetrick, Clinton
Williams Hewes, Gulfport
Wendy Hewlett, Oxford
Tara High, Gulfport
Bradley Hignight, Gulfport
Andrea Hill, Greenville
Elaine Hill, Laurel
Jackie Hill, Hattiesburg
Janet Hill, Gulfport
John Hill, Meridian
Norma Hill, Hattiesburg
Eugenia Hines, Madison
Sherry Hocutt, Hattiesburg
Robert Hodges, Meridian
Mike Hoffman, Jackson
Beverly Hoge, Clinton
Julie Holcomb, Tupelo
Pamela Holcomb, Tupelo
Peggy Holder, Oxford
Jackie Holifield,
Bay Saint Louis
Tommie Holifield,
Hattiesburg
Albert Holley, Jackson
Daniel Holliman, Biloxi
Jean Holliman, Gulfport
Daryl Hollingsworth,
Vicksburg
Sandra Hollingsworth,
Vicksburg
Christopher Holloway,
Batesville
Elizabeth Holloway, Biloxi
Judy Holmes, McComb
Margaret Holmes,
Pascagoula
Brent Holston, Carriere
Tricia Hooker, Greenwood
Gert Hoover, Jackson
Gwendolyn Hoover,
Long Beach
Glenda Hopkins, Ridgeland
Carol Horne, Tupelo
Kristi Horne, Madison
Melissa Horst, Madison
Ellen Horton, Ridgeland
Lela Horton, Tupelo
Debbie Houston, Grenada
Deborah Howard,
Ridgeland
Patricia Howard, Lucedale
Berlin Howell, Water Valley
Bobbie Howell, Corinth
Kaye Howell, Hattiesburg
Mary Howes, Gulfport
Leon Hubert, Biloxi
Brian Hudson, Clinton
Gwendolyn Hudson,
Jackson
Lana Hudson, Ridgeland
Geraldine Hughes,
Bay Saint Louis
John Hughes, Laurel
Karen Hughes, Greenville
Lester Hughes, Hattiesburg
Vickie Hughes, Southaven
Stacy Humphrey, Ripley
Ann Hunt, Picayune
Betty Hunt, Southaven
Diane Hunt, Senatobia
Marion Hunt, Southaven
Robert Hurdle,
Holly Springs
Scarlett Hurdle,
Holly Springs
Tom Hurdle, Oxford
Judy Hurley, Greenwood
James Hutcherson, Indianola
Marie Hutcheson, Meridian
Mary Lou Hutchinson,
Meridian
Sandra Hutchinson, Biloxi
Jane Hyde, Ridgeland
Nancy Ingram, Ridgeland
Randy Inman, Ridgeland
Mark Irby, Jackson
Merle Irby, Meridian
Charles Irving, Jackson
Norman Isbell, Corinth
Lawana Ivey, Southaven
Danny Ivy, Clinton
Deborah Ivy, Clinton
Irene Jackson, Ridgeland
James Jackson, Greenwood
Laura Jackson, Clinton
Mary Jackson, Cleveland
Pat Jacobs, Corinth
Diane James, Jackson
Bryan Jameson, Madison
Arick Jamison, Ridgeland
Linda Jasmin, Southaven
Debora Jenkins, Hernando
Lisa Jenkins, Jackson
Marshall Jenkins, Tupelo
Martin Jenkins, Meridian
Elaine Jennings, Brandon
Peggy Jennings, Greenwood
Rita Jensen, Flowood
Betty Jo, Vicksburg
Betty Jo, Greenville
Mary Jo, Southaven
Elizabeth Joachim,
Ocean Springs
Debbie Joel, Cleveland
Jeffrey Joel, Cleveland
Cecil Johnson, Carriere
Charles Johnson, Hattiesburg
Dalton Johnson, Jackson
Hugh Johnson, Jackson
Jean Johnson, Laurel
Kathleen Johnson, Gautier
Lacey Johnson, Oxford
Nancy Johnson, Caledonia
Nancy R. Johnson, Columbus
Patricia Johnson, Columbus
Patty Johnson, Tupelo
Clarine Johnston,
Bogue Chitto
Ronnie Johnston, Vicksburg
Carol Jones, Vicksburg
Carolyn Jones, Mc Comb
Debbie Jones, Jackson
Deborah Jones, Brandon
Eva Jones, Ridgeland
Kim Jones, Columbus
Loyd Jones, Olive Branch
Malcom Jones,
Ocean Springs
Mary Jo Jones, Pass Christian
Michelle Jones, Olive Branch
Michelle Jones, Gulfport
Patricia Jones, Long Beach
Patricia Jones, Jackson
Samuel Jones, Hernando
Sarah Jones, Ridgeland
Tawanda Knight Jones,
Olive Branch
Cheryl Jordan, Laurel
Heather Jordan,
Ocean Springs
Jay Jordan, Gulfport
Nancy Jordan, Natchez
Scarlett Jordan,
Diamondhead
Tony Jordan, Vicksburg
Vesta Jordan, Hattiesburg
Richard Joslin, Oxford
Betty Ann Joyner, Meridian
Betty Jurich, Ocean Springs
Elaine Kaden, Southaven
Kimberly Kaliszak, Biloxi
Connie Kate, Gulfport
Lisa Keefe, Corinth
Carolyn Keene, Vicksburg
Charlene Keith, Brandon
Cynthia Kelly, Braxton
Margaret Kempner,
Ocean Springs
Dorris Kendrick, Gautier
Guy Kennedy, Southaven
Nettie Kennedy, Picayune
Donald Kessinger, Oxford
Felix Key, Gulfport
Felix Key, Gulfport
Beth Keys, Columbus
James Kimbrell, Natchez
Janet Kinard, Grenada
Ella Kincade, Hattiesburg
Gail King, Mc Comb
Metra King, Southaven
Diane Kinsella, Southaven
Darla Kirk, Tupelo
Tracy Kirkley, Olive Branch
Janet Kirsch, Gulfport
Vicki Klein, Flowood
Carol Kloac, Tupelo
Hugh Knight, Biloxi
Jimmy Knight, Meridian
Kathy Kolb, Vicksburg
Sharon Kotecki,
Olive Branch
Juanita Kraft, Madison
Marjorie Kusser,
Diamondhead
Martha Kyker, Brandon
Betty Ladner, Biloxi
Jane Ladner, Jackson
Wallace Ladner, Gulfport
Karyn LaFontaine, Gulfport
Cindy Lai, Jackson
Dan Laird, Columbus
Jack Lamb, Hattiesburg
Betsy Landers, Ridgeland
Barbara Landry,
Bay Saint Louis
Stephanie Landry,
Ocean Springs
Pat Lane, Starkville
Kenneth Langlinais,
Ocean Springs
Sara Langston, Tupelo
Jennifer Larson, Biloxi
Shelly Lashlee, Southaven
Ann Lauman, Jackson
Nicole Lavigne,
Ocean Springs
Beau Lawrence, Jackson
Janet Lawrence, Biloxi
Robert Learned, Gulfport
Philip LeBlanc, Gulfport
Beverly Lee, Biloxi
Martha Lee, Hattiesburg
Mary Lee, Gulfport
Mary Lee, Gulfport
Wayne Lee, Jackson
Annita LeFan, Hattiesburg
Jennifer Lefoldt, Ridgeland
James Leggitt, Oxford
Nancy Lehman, Madison
Dana Lewis, Ridgeland
Mary Lewis, Ridgeland
Misti Lewis, Greenville
Tab Lewis, Hattiesburg
Vernell Lewis, Ridgeland
Shirley Liberto, Brandon
Jan Liles, Grenada
Phillip Lindley, Natchez
Janey Linley, Starkville
Scott Linn, Clinton
Mary Pat Linton, Meridian
John List, Bay Saint Louis
Alice Little, Brandon
James Loe, Picayune
Sean Logan, Pass Christian
Lucille Logue, Vicksburg
Christie Lott, Gulfport
Holly Lott, Greenwood
Laurie Lott, Biloxi
Leland Lott, Hattiesburg
Maris Loup, Bay Saint Louis
Teresa Love, Clinton
Anita Lovelady, Oxford
Jason Lovern, Philadelphia
James Lowe, Vicksburg
Lisa Lowe, Laurel
Louise Lowe, Brandon
May Lowe, Ridgeland
Billie Lowery, Picayune
Mary Lucas, Clinton
Bea Luckett, Tupelo
Manthie Lumpkin, Picayune
Carla Lunn, Pontotoc
David Lunn, Pontotoc
Anna Lynn, Jackson
Jacqueline MacDonald, Biloxi
Enid Machen, Gulfport
Virginia Macken, Gulfport
Debbie Magee, Florence
Lola Magee, Meridian
Carol Magers, Diamondhead
Cynthia Mahner, Waveland
Susie Maier, Madison
Lee Makamson, Greenwood
Michelle Malone, Jackson
Linda Maloney, Meridian
Traci Maloney, Jackson
Clare Maness, Olive Branch
Chyrl Mann, Starkville
Mark Mann, Tupelo
Mary Manning, Jackson
Sheryn Maricle, Southaven
J. Mark, Laurel
Terry Marks, Ridgeland
Jerry Marlow, Meridian
Jeffrey Martella, Brandon
Anne Martin, D'Iberville
Barbara Martin, Escatawpa
Bobbie Martin, Jackson
Henry Martin, Vicksburg
Kay Martin, Jackson
Laurie Martin, Meridian
Laurie Martin, Meridian
Shea Martin, Jackson
Michelle Mason, Oxford
Theresa Mason, Tupelo
Teresa Mathis, Meridian
Pamela Matthews, Clinton
Billy Maxwell, Southaven
Clara Maxwell, Grenada
Linda Maxwell, Southaven
Brenda May, Gulfport
Jewelene Mayes, Ridgeland
Beth Mazzanti, Vicksburg
Walt McArthur, Hattiesburg
Audrey McBride, Starkville
Debbie McCabe, Gulfport
Robin McCaffrey, Hattiesburg
Mike McCain, Cleveland
Shelli McCarrens, Southaven
Jean McCarty, Ridgeland
Melton McCarty, Columbus
Paul McCollough, Greenville
Lane McCool, Tupelo
Leslie Dawn McCormick,
Meridian
Levi McCraney, Greenville
Judy McCrary, Petal
Annamay McCullough,
Southaven
Susie McDaniel, Hattiesburg
Jason McDerment, Lucedale
Lynn McDerment, Lucedale
Edward McDill, Jackson
Nancy McDill, Jackson
Clyde McGehee, Brandon
Delayne McGowan, Ridgeland
Faye McGuffee, Clinton
Elaine McIntire, Greenville
J. D. McIntosh, Flowood
Pamela McIntosh, Biloxi
John McIntyre, Waveland
Deonda McKee, Gulfport
Justin McKee, Gulfport
Mary McKee, Bay Saint Louis
Patricia McKeithen, Meridian
Robert McKellar, Hattiesburg
Jeff Mckelroy, Southaven
Emeldia McKey, Ocean Springs
Beth McLellan, Kosciusko
Daniel Mcleod, Laurel
Larry McMahan, Hattiesburg
Maggie McMichael,
Hattiesburg
Nicole McMichael, Madison
Beverly McMillin, Vicksburg
Bill McMullin, Laurel
Judith McMurphy, Biloxi
Christa McNeese, Hattiesburg
Denise McNemar, Ridgeland
Joann McPherson, Meridian
Neal McQuinn, Ridgeland
Joseph McVey, Biloxi
Grace Meadows, Jackson
Laura Meadows,
Pass Christian
Judy Melancon, Picayune
Abraham Menhel, Greenville
Carl Merck, Brandon
Christopher Merck, Brandon
Joe Metts, Brandon
Karen Michels, Oxford
Julie Middleton, Ridgeland
Lynn Middleton, Clarksdale
Ewing Milam, Jackson
Geneva Milam, Diamondhead
Stephanie Milam, Greenville
Amy Miller, Biloxi
Christy Miller, Tupelo
Elloise Miller, Batesville
Laura Miller, Hattiesburg
Marian Miller, Clarksdale
Nora Miller, Biloxi
Robert Miller, Pass Christian
Marty Mills, Pontotoc
Mary Mills, Flowood
Brenda Milton, Southaven
Donna Mincey, Flowood
Angie Mitchell, Laurel
Janie Mitchell, Picayune
Kimmons Mitchell, Corinth
Annette Mize, Greenwood
Mary Mizell, Diamondhead
Sonya Mobley, Gulfport
Dennis Moffett, Lucedale
Regina Mohamed, Southaven
Angela Mohr, Tupelo
Douglas Molyneaux, Gulfport
John Mondy, Jackson
Melonie Monk, Gulfport
Donna Monsour, Meridian
Gwen Montgomery,
Hattiesburg
Janet Moody, Olive Branch
Katherine Moody,
Ocean Springs
Katherine Moody,
Ocean Springs
Eric Moore, Meridian
Janet Moore, Pearl
John Moore, Olive Branch
Judy Moore, Olive Branch
Lisa Moore, Jackson
Sherley Moore, Pearl
Joan Moreno, Gulfport
Adam Morgan, Tupelo
Anita Morgan, Greenwood
Doris Morgan, Gulfport
H. Morgan, Columbus
Steve Morgan, Booneville
Tracy Morgan, Clinton
Chuck Morman, Brandon
Ajax Morris, Cleveland
Chuck Morris, Ridgeland
Judy Morris, Jackson
Su Morris, Ridgeland
Tate Moudy, Brandon
John Mozingo, Gulfport
Martha Mueller, Gulfport
Jan Munn, Ocean Springs
Chester Murdock, Biloxi
Bonita Murphy, Jackson
Estelle Murphy, Clinton
Jackye F. Murray, McComb
Travis Murray, Crosby
William Murtagh, Brandon
Ann Musgrove, Carriere
Anne Myers, Madison
Jane Myers, Tupelo
John Myers, Mc Comb
Kenneth Myers, Gulfport
Ruth Myers, Clinton
Tena Myers, Ridgeland
Billie Myrick, Ocean Springs
Max Myrick, Laurel
Samantha Nabors, Southaven
Winnie Nace, Hattiesburg
Dina Naron, Lucedale
George Nash, Jackson
Janie Nash, Sandhill
Patsy Navas, Gulfport
Kathleen Nelson, Gulfport
Teresa Nelson, Gautier
John Newell, Jackson
Sharon Newell, Greenville
Janice Newman, Gulfport
Karen Newsom, Ridgeland
Carolyn Nichols, Gulfport
Chad Nichols, Gulfport
Clinton Nicholson, Richland
Kimberly Noffsinger, Starkville
Betsy Nolan, Diamondhead
Patrick Nolan, Diamondhead
Sarah Nolan, Diamondhead
John Noonan, Bay Saint Louis
Carlene Noone, Madison
Joyce Noone, Madison
Beverly Nordin, Jackson
Susan Norris, Biloxi
Phillip Norsworthy, Brandon
Connie Norwood, Vicksburg
Fred Nosef, Greenville
Billy Nowell, Cleveland
Nancy Nowell, Ridgeland
Brenda Null, Meridian
Jonathan Nutt, Brandon
Tammy Nutt, Madison
Alainna O'Bannon, Vicksburg
Emily O'Beirne, Natchez
Cara O'Bryant, Southaven
Carolyn Odems, Jackson
Avra O'Dwyer, Bay Saint Louis
Michael O'Dwyer,
Bay Saint Louis
Rita Ogle, Jackson
Jeanne Okamoto, Metairie
Letitia O'Lane, Southaven
Natalie Olier', Ocean Springs
David Olivier, Slidell
Amy Olsen, Biloxi
Susan O'Mara, Ridgeland
Tanya O'Rourke, Clinton
Maureen Orth, Vidalia
Linda Outten, Ridgeland
Kane Overstreet, Columbus
Ashley Owens, Meridian
June Owens, Hattiesburg
Bobby Pace, Ridgeland
Joshua Padgett, Gulfport
Margaret Page, Meridian
Wallace Page, Ocean Springs
Francis Parker, Brandon
Mary Parker, Diamondhead
Peggy Parker, Biloxi
Tammie Parks, Oxford
Bill Parrish, Gulfport
Joe Pate, West Point
Jane Patrick, Gulfport
Marla Patterson, Tupelo
Tina Patterson, Brandon
Bette Paul, Vicksburg
Tina Pavlov, Gulfport
Charles Payne, Jackson
Robert Peaks, Ocean Springs
Brenda Pearce, Tupelo
MARPAC contributors...continued on page 24
MARPAC contributors...continued from page 23
Chris Peede, Flowood
Lisa Pennington, Tupelo
Sue Pennock, Brandon
Arlene Perkins, Biloxi
Sally Perkins, Hattiesburg
Ethel Perry, Picayune
Heather Perry, Collinsville
Karen Peters, Gulfport
Michael Peters, Jackson
Mitchell Peters, Jackson
Robert Peters, Vicksburg
Bob Peterson, Hattiesburg
Twila Peterson, Pascagoula
Dixie Phelps, Ridgeland
Elaine Phelps, Ridgeland
Gerald Phillips, Laurel
Hallie Phillips, Meridian
Janice Phillips, Tupelo
Tamara Phillips, Biloxi
Thomas Phillips, Columbus
Tim Phillips, Oxford
Silvana Piadade, Southaven
Judy Pickering, Jackson
Bettye Pierce, Hattiesburg
Vernon Pierce, Moss Point
Laci Pittman, Clinton
Hoyet Pitts, Tupelo
Anne Pitts-Falk, Jackson
Hal Pleasants, Jackson
Ronnie Plummer, Gulfport
Sharon Pompelia, Meridian
Barbara Pope, Columbus
Curtis Pope, Biloxi
Elizabeth Pope, Biloxi
Constance Portas, Gautier
Cyndi Porter, Southaven
Joseph Poston, Southaven
Frances Praytor, Ridgeland
Karen Preston-Morf, Oxford
Ann Prewitt, Ridgeland
Cherie Price, Olive Branch
Terrie Price, Ocean Springs
Ken Primos, Ridgeland
Virginia Primos, Jackson
Stephanie Prisock-Nix,
Ridgeland
John Proctor, Jackson
Lee Pruett, Greenwood
Dale Pruitt, Brandon
Betsy Pryor, Jackson
Scott Purdy, Southaven
Caronde Puryear, Jackson
William Putman, Grenada
Lulu Pyron, Ridgeland
Billie Quinn, Laurel
Jason Quinn, Jackson
Carol Rafferty, Bay Saint Louis
Jocelyn Raimey, Hattiesburg
Margaret Rainey, Jackson
Suzanne Raley, Meridian
Jennine Ramage, Southaven
Charlene Ramey, Hattiesburg
Carolyn Ramsey, Vicksburg
Dero Ramsey, Starkville
Lorraine Ramsey, Clinton
Doris Randall, Gulfport
Patsy Randle, Starkville
Karen Rasberry, Laurel
Steve Ratcliff, Jackson
Vicky Ratliff, Natchez
Dorsey Ray, Indianola
Fletcher Ray, Ridgeland
Linda Ray, Clinton
Wayne Ray, Flowood
Barbara Rea, Meridian
Rhonda Rea-Brown, Madison
Christine Reaves, Ridgeland
Faye Rector, Columbus
David Redfield, Olive Branch
Cathy Reed, Ocean Springs
Janice Reed, Tupelo
Levell Reed, Meridian
Susan Reed, Ocean Springs
Tamara Reed, Greenville
Deana Reese, Brandon
Trina Reeves, Biloxi
Sharon Register, Hattiesburg
Sheila Reynolds, Laurel
Gina Rhett, Columbus
Kathryn Rhett, Columbus
Robert Rhett, Columbus
Penelope Rhoads, Hattiesburg
George Rhoden, Madison
Janice Rhodes, Starkville
Carolyn Richards, Hernando
Penny Richardson,
Philadelphia
Sue Richardson, Vicksburg
William Richardson,
Long Beach
Joseph Richburg, Tupelo
Wayne Richmond,
Ocean Springs
Paula Ricks, Ridgeland
Sarah Rider, Biloxi
Cindy Riemann, Gulfport
Steven Rife, Biloxi
Rebecca Rigsby, Picayune
Louis Riles, Tupelo
James Riley, Jackson
Joyce Riley, Tupelo
Thomas Ring, Vicksburg
Jon William Ritten,
Diamondhead
Phillip Rizzo, Cleveland
Robert Robbins,
Ocean Springs
Anne Roberts, Columbus
Lynwood Roberts, Tupelo
Sherry Roberts, Germantown
Wayne Roberts, Brandon
Carolyn Robertson, Columbus
Cindy Robertson, Clinton
Cynthia Robertson, Jackson
Ervin Robertson, Jackson
Michael Robertson,
Ocean Springs
Diane Robinson, Jackson
Florence Robinson, Picayune
John Robinson, Jackson
Teresa Robinson, Madison
Claudalette Robison, Gulfport
Cynthia Rodwell, Gulfport
Shirley Roe, Brandon
Bennie Rogers, Laurel
Lisa Rohman, Tupelo
George Rosamond, Ridgeland
Jean Rosamond, Jackson
Fred Ross, Oxford
Leonard Rowe, Jackson
Rhonda Rowzee, Laurel
James Royce, Tupelo
Theda Ruff, Madison
Michele Rumbley, Madison
Jean Rushing, Madison
Von Rushing, Mc Comb
William Rushing,
Ocean Springs
Mark Ruth, Hattiesburg
Carla Rutledge, Ocean Springs
Lisa Ryan, Madison
Margaret S, Meridian
Rob Sagona, Picayune
Bryan Saliba, Hattiesburg
Julie Sample, Ridgeland
Anita Sanderford,
Diamondhead
Richard Sanders, Laurel
Robert Sanders, Vicksburg
Robert Sanders, Vicksburg
Leah Sandidge, Clinton
Wanda Sandlin, Southaven
William Sartor, Ripley
Sid Sasser, Brookhaven
Charlotte Satcher, Laurel
Robert Saucier, Diamondhead
Tia Saucier, Gulfport
Betty Saxton, Madison
Debra Scairono, Gulfport
Patti Schankin, Gulfport
Susan Schneeflock, Ridgeland
Ed Schreiner, Southaven
Heather Schreiner, Southaven
Marjorie Schroeder,
Bay Saint Louis
Barbara Schwarzauer,
Jackson
Pamela Scott, Pass Christian
Kimberly Seal, Gulfport
Miraim Seale, Hattiesburg
Jan Seall, McComb
Steve Seaman, Pascagoula
Rebecca Seay, Ridgeland
James Secrist, Meridian
Nancy Seepe, Ridgeland
Barbara Sellers, Hattiesburg
Darcy Sellers, Hattiesburg
Virginia Sells, Meridian
Diane Senger, Southaven
Denise Sexton, Biloxi
Gilda Seymour, Ocean Springs
Harley Seymour, Biloxi
Shirley Seymour, Biloxi
Claire Shackelford, Gulfport
Pat Shannon, Madison
Pat Shannon, Madison
Pamela Sharp, Meridian
Marcus Sharpe, Madison
Stephanie Shaw, Gulfport
Tessa Shelton, Gulfport
Lynne Shirley, Bay Saint Louis
Carol Shoemaker, Brandon
Andy Short, Tupelo
Clay Short, Tupelo
Jeffery Short, Tupelo
Kathryn Short, Tupelo
Lynn Short, Corinth
Gregory Shows, Columbus
Rodney Shows, Hattiesburg
Sheri Shramek, Clinton
Nancy Shroyer, Gulfport
Betty Shumock, Hurley
Raphael Shumock, Hurley
James Sills, Madison
Carrie Simmons, Gulfport
Odis Simmons, Long Beach
Sharon Simmons, Vicksburg
Suzanne Simmons, Flowood
Charlotte Simpson, Brandon
John Simpson, Jackson
Gary Sims, Hattiesburg
Martha Sims, Laurel
Dolly Skelton, Southaven
Sylvia Skrmetta, Pass Christian
Rose Slay, Brandon
Rose Slay, Brandon
Alice Smith, Madison
Becky Smith, Brandon
Bob Smith, Olive Branch
Connie Smith, Brookhaven
Daphne Smith, Biloxi
Dawn Smith, Picayune
Diane Smith, Oxford
Dorothy Smith, Jackson
Ellen Smith, Jackson
Elyse Smith, Tupelo
Glen Smith, Jackson
Jacquelyn Smith, Natchez
James Smith, Hattiesburg
Jane Smith, Columbus
Jill Smith, Brandon
Johnny Smith, Meridian
Lance Smith, Southaven
Linda Smith, Brookhaven
Linda Smith, Tupelo
Malese Smith, Biloxi
Melinda Smith, Jackson
Melissa Smith, Southaven
Phyllis Smith, Jackson
Quinton Smith, Picayune
Ray Smith, Summit
Ron Smith, Tupelo
Ronald Smith, Picayune
Ronald Smith, Columbus
Shane Smith, Biloxi
Stacy Smith, Bay Saint Louis
Susan Smith, Hattiesburg
Susan Smith, Ocean Springs
Thomas Smith, Madison
Wayne Smith, Grenada
Stacie Smith-Michel,
Hattiesburg
David Smothers, Tupelo
Angela Snow, Ridgeland
Cleo South, Natchez
Scott Sparkman, Madison
Gayla Spence, Oxford
Allison Spencer, Southaven
Brenda Spencer, Tupelo
Karen Spencer, Grenada
Woody Spiers, Picayune
Marty Spitzer, Columbus
Donna Spooner, Jackson
Harry St., Bay Saint Louis
Barbara Staehle,
Bay Saint Louis
Stephen Stamboulieh,
Ridgeland
Linda Starns, Flowood
Kay Staten, Grenada
Shelia Staten, Hattiesburg
Anna Stedman, Natchez
Doe Steely, Ridgeland
David Stephenson, Meridian
Leslie Stephenson, Jackson
Annette Stevenson, Jackson
Janie Stewart, Ridgeland
Nancy Stewart, Hattiesburg
Perry Stewart, Hattiesburg
Venelia Stewart, Pass Christian
Bobbie Stinson, Ridgeland
Rob Stockett, Madison
Kay Stockstill, Tylertown
Bill Stoddard, Southaven
Debbie Stokes, Senatobia
Dawn Stolz, Bay Saint Louis
Dwayne Stone, Columbus
Fay Stone, Greenville
Debbie Stovall, Pass Christian
Douglas Stovall, Gulfport
Linda Stribling, Ridgeland
Frances Stricklin, Ridgeland
Raymond Stronsky, Gulfport
Annette Stroupe, Senatobia
Martha Strum, Gautier
Becky Stuart, Hattiesburg
Cristy Stuart, Meridian
Faith Stuart, Ridgeland
Roger Sturdivant, Clinton
Cindy Suit, Biloxi
Susan Sunderland, Gulfport
Richard Sutherland,
Pascagoula
Jane Swain, Jackson
Kris Swartzendruber,
Diamondhead
Jay Swindle, Madison
James Tadej, Biloxi
Bobby Tadlock, Brandon
Kutenia Tate, Jackson
Debra Tatum, Ocean Springs
Ronald Tatum, Vicksburg
Ann Taylor, Ocean Springs
David Taylor, Cleveland
Dottie Taylor, Grenada
Kathy Taylor, Southaven
Marsha Taylor, Holly Springs
Martha Taylor, Long Beach
Tim Taylor, Water Valley
John Teel, Ridgeland
Irlene Terry, Jackson
Sam Testa, Oxford
Rita Tetzlaff, Picayune
Cynthia Thigpen, Picayune
Bonnie Thomas, Ridgeland
Gerald Thomas, Flowood
Leland Thomas, Carriere
Ricardo Thomas, Gulfport
Shirley Thomas, Tupelo
Henrietta Thompson,
Southaven
Molly Thompson, Tupelo
Rick Thompson, Southaven
Sandra Thompson, Oxford
Brian Thornhill, Greenwood
Don Thrash, Meridian
Jerry Thurman, Laurel
Carolyn Tiblier, Gulfport
Carlyn Tillman, Meridian
John Todd, Tougaloo
Mark Tolar, Picayune
Charles Tomasello, Gulfport
Wanda Touchstone,
Hattiesburg
Cathy Tran, Biloxi
Glenn Trotter, Purvis
Jeanne Trotter, Hattiesburg
Cameron Tucker, Southaven
Glenda Tucker, Ridgeland
James Tucker, Brandon
Tracy Tucker, Meridian
Ann Tumlinson, Jackson
Katrina Turk, Hattiesburg
Barbara Turner, Tupelo
Chris Turner, Meridian
Cydney Turner, Tupelo
Kathie Turner, Biloxi
Ann Tyner, Madison
Charlotte Tyner, Jackson
Sarah Uhl, Biloxi
Andrea Upchurch, Vicksburg
Ginger Upchurch, Vicksburg
Jo Usry, Jackson
Jack Ussery, Southaven
Judy Uzzle, Vicksburg
Cathy Valdes, Starkville
Helen Valentine, Meridian
Charles Vance, Brandon
Jason VanDeVelde, Gulfport
Star Varnell, Vicksburg
Jodie Vaughn, Brandon
Sandra Vaughn, Laurel
Cindy Vick, Southaven
Gary Vickers, Brandon
Lynda Viguerie, Hattiesburg
Roberta Vinoski, Biloxi
Thomas Vlasic, Ocean Springs
Brenda Wade, Jackson
Lynn Wade, Biloxi
Ruth Wadley, Ridgeland
Raymond Waggoner, Biloxi
Sissy Wagner, Jackson
Brenda Waldrop, Columbus
Barbara Walker, Vicksburg
Carolyn Walker, Vicksburg
Deborah Walker, Jackson
George Walker, Madison
Joseph Walker, Laurel
Lisa Walker, Southaven
Mary Walker, Ridgeland
Victoria Walker, Madison
Diane Wallace, Vicksburg
Scarlett Wallace, Starkville
Debbie Walley, Laurel
Ron Walton, Meridian
DONALD WARD, Laurel
Robert Ward, Jackson
Sandra Ward, Columbus
Steve Ward, Amory
Vickey Ward, Jackson
Alexander Warren,
Olive Branch
Jason Warren, Tupelo
Melissa Warren, Gulfport
Regina Warren, Gulfport
Rob Warren, Jackson
Linda Waters, Meridian
Adam Watkins, Hattiesburg
April Watkins, Corinth
Karla Watkins, Jackson
LuAnn Watkins, Picayune
Nan Watkins, Meridian
Dorothy Watson, Starkville
Lynn Weathersby, Brandon
Amy Webb, Corinth
Judy Webb, Starkville
Michael Webb, Columbia
Sandy Webb, Gulfport
Rita Webster, Ridgeland
Nellie Weeks, Corinth
Edith Weems, Southaven
Frank Weins, Meridian
Patricia Weir, Jackson
Thomas Weisenberger, Flora
Terry Wells, Ridgeland
Virginia Wells, Philadelphia
Zeno Wells, Gulfport
Jane West, Biloxi
Vicki West, Tupelo
Clarice Westmoreland, Tupelo
Franklin Whitaker, Tupelo
Juanda Whitaker, Tupelo
Bart White, Baldwyn
Dante White, Gulfport
Donald White, Jackson
Jere White, Tupelo
Jonell White, Brandon
Katy White, Jackson
Lisa White, Jackson
Rebecca White, Southaven
Nathan Whitehead, Brandon
Dianne Whitfield, Oxford
Patricia Whitfield, Picayune
Brian Whitton, Clinton
William Wicht, Gulfport
Mary Wieden, Flowood
Natalie Wiggins, Hattiesburg
Mary Wiginton, Biloxi
R.J. Wilbanks, Southaven
Shirley Wilbanks, Columbus
Chestene Wiley, Jackson
Melinda Wilkinson, Jackson
Shirley Willard, Vancleave
Calvin Williams, Starkville
Cherry Williams, Columbus
Faye Williams, Biloxi
Gregory Williams,
Ocean Springs
Hilbert Williams, Columbus
JoAnn Williams, Meridian
John P. Williams, Gulfport
Kris Williams, Hattiesburg
Leslie Williams, Gulfport
Robert Williams, Corinth
Shane Williams, West Point
Susan Williams, Starkville
Tina Williams, Meridian
Virginia Williams,
Ocean Springs
Wayne Williams, Madison
Parish Williamson,
Philadelphia
Rosa Willis, Southaven
Todd Willis, Southaven
Helen Wilson, Clinton
Jimmy Wilson, Clinton
Mabel Wilson, Southaven
Mary Wilson, Oxford
Matt Wilson, Southaven
Nancy Windham, Jackson
Sandra Winsett, Moss Point
Yvonne Winstead, Vicksburg
Terri Wissel, Ridgeland
Jessica Wittmann,
Pass Christian
Teri Wolfert, Moss Point
Norlene Wolford, Columbus
Betty Womack, Tupelo
Amy Wood, Pass Christian
Michelle Wood, Biloxi
Shelia Wood, Tupelo
Glade Woods, Picayune
Jo Woods, Picayune
Margaret Woodson, Picayune
Elizabeth Woodward, Madison
Lynn Wooldridge, Tupelo
Marcia Wright, Pearl
Sandra Wright, Hattiesburg
Sherrell Wright, Vicksburg
Karla Wroten, Natchez
Sybil Wroten, Natchez
Tabitha Wroten, Natchez
George Wyatt, Ridgeland
Edward Yarnell, Gulfport
Ruby Yates, Jackson
Ruby Yates, Jackson
Gingia Yerger, Jackson
Robert Yonkers, Jackson
Joe Young, Saltillo
Martha Young, Meridian
Mickey Young, Tupelo
Stephanie Young, Oxford
Vincent Young, Columbus
Shirley Zimmerman,
Ocean Springs
Local Board MARPAC participation levels*
Biloxi-Ocean Springs
62%
Clarksdale
18%
Cleveland
55%
East Gulf Coast
54%
Four County
30%
Golden Triangle
71%
Greenville
63%
Greenwood
65%
Grenada
67%
Gulf Coast
52%
Hattiesburg
54%
Jackson
42%
Laurel
90%
Meridian
99%
MCAR
51%
Natchez
36%
North Central
33%
Northwest
31%
Northeast
61%
Pearl River
57%
Southwest
24%
Vicksburg
53%
Local AEs
100%
TOTAL Participation
49%
100%
Mississippi continues to be an RPAC leader among sister states
in the National Association of REALTORS® family...They're
watching our fundraising and political advocacy successes with
interest. Thanks to all of you who have invested in MARPAC this
year. You're setting the standard for others to emulate.
The REALTORS® listed in these pages have invested in the positive work MARPAC has done to get elected officials in place
and laws passed that make Mississippi a better place to work
and live. If you haven't invested your Fair Share, you're still
benefiting from our hard work. Isn't it about time you showed
your support? See the special MARPAC Judicial Election Guide
in this issue and learn why your help is needed now more
than ever.
REALTOR RESOURCES
®
MAR Affinity Partners
NEW! A.B. Dick Southeastern
www.abdicksoutheastern.com
dustin@abdicksoutheastern.com
601-664-6777
(Dustin Carmean)
Sales and service of office equipment, including:
• Digital copiers (color & black/white)
• Printers (color & black/white)
• Fax machines
• Network Connected/Multi-functional
• Scanners
These products will be offered to MAR at a special
rate of 8% above dealer cost.
NEW! Venture Technologies
www.ventech.com
601-956-5440
Venture Technologies joins MAR as its newest affinity
partner, offering networking; telephony; managed
services; web design, development and hosting. Virusfree and SPAM-FREE e-mail and application hosting is
available through Venture's secure data center. Focus
on real estate – not on your network. Take advantage
of exclusive REALTOR® savings.
AmSouth Bank
www.amsouth.com
gloria.allenhill@amsouth.com
800-AMSOUTH
• Free personal checking (and more)
• Free telephone and internet banking
• No annual fee on fixed-rate credit cards,
installment loan discounts
• FREE safe deposit box for six months
Fred Salvo Associates
lynda@fredsalvo.com
601-956-9217
Fred Salvo Associates offers free insurance consulting
to all Mississippi REALTORS® to identify their specific
needs and offer quality solutions.
• Individual Major Medical
• Group Major Medical
• Medicare Supplement
• Long Term Care
• Short Term Medical
Hallmark Imports
www.hallmarktoyota.com or
www.hallmarkbmw.com
601-899-7231; 800-898-0785
Mississippi REALTOR®-only offer:
• Purchase of any new Toyota or BMW for dealer
invoice price plus six percent
• Purchase a vehicle from Hallmark in Jackson and
receive free local routine maintenance for the first
50,000 miles—at your hometown dealer.
Howard Computers
www.howard-computers.com/msrealtors
601-399-5025
(Stacey Pickering)
• Desktop & laptop systems customized for
Mississippi REALTORS®
• Build your own system by choosing components
that work for you
• Support Mississippi's economy by doing business
with a MS company
MAR Members-Only Services
Legal Hotline
800-747-1103 x25
• FREE and CONFIDENTIAL
• Available Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Leave a detailed message, your name and number,
and in most cases our attorney will return your
call that same day!
• Please read terms and conditions at
www.msrealtors.org
MAROnline
www.msrealtors.org
• Your round-the-clock REALTOR® resource
• Register for meetings and events
• Includes MAR’s at-a-glance info
newsletter, updated daily
• Standard real estate forms
• Download our Mississippi Managing Broker kits,
including customizable office policies & procedures in Word
• Minutes from previous MAR committee & Board
of Directors meetings
ZipForm™
Standard Forms Software
First software download FREE for MAR members.
Includes 27 newly revised, Mississippi-specific standard forms and contracts, plus three new commercial
contracts NAR-recommended software with a new
level of user-friendliness (including e-mail compatibility!) Download and register the software at www.msrealtors.org.
REALTOR® VIP Alliances
www.realtor.org/prodser.nsf?opendatabase
800-874-6500
Inclusive of NAR’s former REALTOR® Benefits Plus program, REALTOR® VIP is a comprehensive program of
insurance and financial solutions, preferred pricing,
and special publications designed to help you make
smart business decisions, gain the advantages of group
buying power, secure your future, expand your professional knowledge and enhance your success.
INFORMATION
CENTRAL
2004 Executive Committee
Bruce Kammer, CRS, President
bruce@msrealtors.org, 601-798-7942
Nancy Lane, CCIM, President-Elect
nancylaneccim@earthlink.net, 601-362-7887
Pam Beard, CRB, CRS, GRI, First Vice
President/Central District
pambeard@brokersouthgmac.com
601-638-4505
Don Halle, Southern District Vice President
donhalle@donhalle.com, 228-896-4859
Al Brock, Northern District Vice President
albrock@remax.net, 662-378-3321
Chris Wilson, Secretary-Treasurer
chris@msrealtors.org, 601-649-1030
Ellen Short, ABR, GRI, Immediate Past President
ellen@msrealtors.org, 662-842-8283
Lynette Magee, GRI, Member Ex Officio
lynette@msrealtors.org, 662-349-5550
Staff Directory
R. Scott Brunner, CAE, Executive Vice President
rscottbrun@aol.com, ext. 12
Jo Usry, Vice President of Professional
Development, jusry@msrealtors.org, ext. 14
William Fulton, Vice President of Operations
wfulton@msrealtors.org, ext. 13
Quentin Whitwell, Vice President of Public Policy,
qwhitwell@msrealtors.org, ext. 28
Angela Cain, Vice President of Marketing
acain@msrealtors.org, ext. 11
Dane Skirtech, Director of Information
Technology, dane@msrealtors.org, ext. 24
Beth Hansen, Director of Local Board
Services/MCAR/CCIM/CRS/RLI
bhansen@msrealtors.org, ext. 15
Heather Burns, Meetings & Events Manager
hburnsgarcia@msrealtors.org, ext. 29
Cindy Howard, Executive Assistant &
Facility Manager
choward@msrealtors.org, ext. 10
Brinda Boutwell, CE Course Advisor
bboutwell@msrealtors.org, ext. 45
Krissa Dobbins, Marketing Specialist
kdobbins@msrealtors.org, ext. 17
Della Wilson-Turner, Receptionist
dturner@msrealtors.org, ext. 47
Amy Thomas, Pre-Licensing Course Advisor
athomas@msrealtors.org, ext. 46
Kay Ciarletta, Public Policy Assistant
kciarletta@msrealtors.org, ext.16
Mike Delamater, Systems Administrator
mdelamater@msrealtors.org, ext.27
Toll-free:800-747-1103
Tel:
601-932-5241
E-mail: mar@msrealtors.org
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LeadershipMAR Class of 2004
THE LAST WORD
BY SCOTT BRUNNER ©
I’m sorry I laughed, Mister Speaker.
Now will someone please give me back my laptop?
I
admit it: When House Speaker Billy McCoy’s car was stolen this past Spring
(not once but twice, and both in the same week) from the Jackson motel
where he lives during the Legislative Session, I chuckled – not out of any
political animus toward the Speaker, mind you, but for the simple irony of it all.
I mean, if the state’s third-ranking elected official is not exempt from Jackson’s
unending spate of auto theft and burglary, who is?
Granted, it made for some laughs here at the office when I suggested rather
irreverently that it probably was some over-zealous employee of Mississippians
for Economic Progress – the pro-tort-reform organization (of which MAR is a
charter member) that ragged the Speaker so relentlessly during the Session –
who had pinched the obdurate McCoy’s poor old sedan just for spite.
I meant it in jest, of course – that kind of shake-your-head-in-disbelief
humor that is the only socially acceptable alternative to forming a posse and trotting off to hunt the scoundrels down.
Little did I know – and here’s where it gets really ironic – that I’d be the next
victim.
Here’s exactly what happened. I had just returned from the NAR Midyear
Meetings in Washington, DC. After landing at the Jackson airport, I retrieved my
car from the parking lot and headed straight to meet my family at our evening
engagement: the annual Parent Appreciation Dinner hosted by my 8-year-old
daughter and her gaggle of Heritage Girl pals from church.
I parked and headed inside.
Shortly, while we’re in there singing My Country ‘Tis of Thee and feasting on
daughter-made spaghetti with malformed meatballs – and here’s where it gets
exponentially ironic – some thugs rake through the church parking lot breaking into cars and pilfering personal property.
Granted, they didn’t actually steal my car, so I guess it could have been
worse. But they did bust out the rear driver’s side window and filch my backpack briefcase…which happened to contain my new laptop…which happened
to have on it every document I’d ever created since coming to work for MAR in
1994…but which (thankfully) I had backed-up only a week before…except
that I had (stupidly) stored the backup thumb-drive (drum roll please): in my
backpack.
So much for an ounce of prevention.
They struck five cars in all. Glass all over the parking lot, in our seats and
floorboards; glove compartments rifled through and left ajar; and anything of
monetary value gone, even the pennies from the cupholder.
Of the five victims/owners, the rascals did best by me: laptop, PDA, prescription sunglasses, Mont Blanc pen Karen gave me as a wedding gift, various
and sundry trinkets I’d picked up for the kids during my trip. As the thoughtful
cop said of my backpack as he scribbled my name on a steno pad (!): "You can
kiss that baby goodbye. That stuff’ll be in and out of some pawn shop and long
gone by the time you wake up tomorrow." (Gee, thanks, officer….Now tell me
again what your job is?)
There are some – Jackson’s Police Chief among them – who’ve asserted that
Jackson doesn’t really have a crime problem, that folks only perceive there’s a
problem – as if our vehicles haven’t really been stolen or burglarized; it only
seems like they have. I won’t comment on the absurdity of that, except to say
that my church has now bitten the bullet and hired a private security firm to
police our campus in fashionable Northeast Jackson.
Insurance – a risk management tool whose worth I cannot overstate – covered most of my loss, and my bitterness has begun to subside. Sure, I could kick
myself for storing my backup in my backpack, but then again…who knew?
Speaker McCoy did apparently. He at least had the good sense not to leave
his laptop in his car…or rather, cars.
So…I’m sorry I laughed, Mr. Speaker. Just to make up for it, when you get
a minute, I’d like to buy you a cup of coffee and tell you about my idea for "Bring
Back the Posse" legislation. n
Scott Brunner is MAR’s Executive Vice President and the author of two
books, Due South and Carryin’ On…and Other Strange Things Southerners Do.

Real Estate LEADER Magazine (Fall 2004)

Transcription

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