I get asked several times a day about the real estate industry: Are things getting better? Are property values...
Get a MI State Park Pass with your License Renewal this year
I have not bought a State Park Pass in many years--I will now!!!
This started October 1st.
Michigan parks pass now available with license renewal
From The Detroit News: http://detnews.com/article/20101001/METRO/10010398/Michigan-parks-pass-n...
Starting today, Michigan residents renewing their car and truck licenses will have the option of paying $10 for a "recreation passport," granting them access to all of the state's parks and boat launches for the year.
Officials are gambling that the option will help maintain the state's aging and deteriorating parks facilities, which receive no general fund dollars.
"We're hoping residents will make an investment in the great outdoors of Michigan when they go to renew their vehicle registrations," said Mary Detloff, spokeswoman for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment.
State officials say the new system could bring in $35 million to help maintain the state's boat launches and 98 parks; that's about three times what the system earns from park and boating fees.
Kelly Chesney, a spokeswoman for the Secretary of State's Office, said motorists who OK the additional $10 fee will receive a special tab for their license plate.
"This special tab does away with the sticker that goes in the window of the car, unless you're an out-of-state-resident," she said. Those park visitors will still have to buy a daily pass for $8 or an annual pass for $29.
The Secretary of State Office is mailing information on the recreation passports to motorists with license renewal notices.
DNRE officials tout the new recreation passports as a bargain,Dettloff said.
"An annual pass is $24 and a daily pass is $6," she said. "If you pay $10 when you register your vehicle, you end up saving $14."
According to Dettloff, Michigan's state park system is struggling, even though it saw a 6 percent jump in usage in 2009.
"A lot of our parks were established in the 1920s, '30s, '40s and '50s, and they have outdated utility systems," Dettloff said.
"We have about a $300 million backlog of maintenance needs, but only 1 percent of our annual budget ($47 million in 2010) goes toward maintenance."
The program has the support of numerous conservation and recreational groups, including the Michigan United Conservation Clubs, which represents 400 associations in Michigan and 42,000 members.
"We are in favor, not only as a discount for Michigan citizens who want to enjoy our wonderful state parks, but also as a funding mechanism that should provide sustainable revenue for state parks in the future," said Dave Nyberg, legislative affairs manager for the conservation clubs.
"As far we're concerned, it's a win-win situation."
tgreenwood@detnews.com (313) 222-2023
From The Detroit News: http://detnews.com/article/20101001/METRO/10010398/Michigan-parks-pass-now-available-with-license-renewal#ixzz13jeol2m1
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E-mail me at rbeaudin@remax.net
When you are buying or selling property in today’s real estate market, it’s important to have confidence in your real estate professional. Rick’s commitment as your local REALTOR® is to provide you with the specialized real estate service you deserve.
Rick has two daughters who are Pinckney High School graduates. Andrea graduated from Northwood University in Midland, and works for Rick part-time, as well as at H&R Block in Novi. Rachel is a cosmetologist at Salon Silhouettes in Brighton.
Rick went from proud parent to the professional “Pinckney Pirate” Realtor after he began dressing as a pirate to help raise money for the Pinckney Community Schools District. He wears a pirate hat equipped with a fake, long, black hair to high school football and basketball games to sell 50/50 raffle tickets. He began branding himself and establishing a marketing program based on the Pinckney Pirate theme. He can also be seen as the Pinckney Pirate at many local events, like parades, festivals and expo shows.
Rick has also been active in the Pinckney Lakeland Hamburg Hell Chamber of Commerce, serving as the organization’s president from 2002-2007.
Of all his volunteer work, Rick is most passionate about the American Cancer Society. He also serves on the organization’s committee for the Brighton Relay for Life, giving team presentations and recruiting teams.
Just a few years ago, Rick was part of the “Ms. Relay” contest in which he reports looking “stunning” in a red dress; long, blonde locks; high heels and all. He’s also served as emcee for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walks in Howell and Ann Arbor.
In recognition of the wonderful example he’s set for his colleagues, Rick was the first-ever recipient of the Livingston Association of Realtors “Volunteer of the Year” award.
Along with local and community involvement, Rick also volunteers within his industry. He plans “After Hours” events at different local restaurant to bring together agents from all of the different local real estate companies. It provides an opportunity for open communication and discussion about the local market conditions.
Rick is single and lives on Zukey Lake. True to his community roots, he’s organized many singles activities in the area.
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