greater_kalamazoo_association_of_realtors
greater_kalamazoo_association_of_realtors

2027 Committee Information

2027 Strategic Pillars Summary Footer A

GKAR Committees are the lifeblood of the Association, serving and executing the vision for the Association, in alignment with the Bylaws, Strategic Plan, and National Association of REALTORS®' Core Standards. Approximately 100 Members are selected to serve GKAR each year; contributing to the professionalism of our Membership and the real estate industry in Southwest Michigan as a whole.

Click here to view the 2027 Strategic Pillars.

  • The application period is open from November 1st, until December 4th, 2026.
  • All applicants will be notified of application status no later than Friday, December 18th, 2026; some Committees may be limited in size.
  • Contact Callie Reed CallieR@gkar.com or (269) 382-1597, ext. 112, with any questions.

Go to Committee Application
 

2027 Committee Assignments

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Advocacy committee

 Minimum three years of GKAR Membership
Schedule: 2nd Wednesday from 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm; expected to meet 5-7 times

Purpose: To champion REALTOR® interests and protect private property rights through legislative advocacy, political engagement, and education. The committee works to strengthen relationships with elected officials, increase awareness of issues impacting real estate, and encourage member participation and investment in RPAC.

Assignments:  Past assignments have included: attend the annual Governmental Legislative Update Forum; participate/attend Candidate Interviews for State Governor, State Senate, State Representatives, Kalamazoo County Commissioners: attend Capitol Day in Lansing to represent REALTORS® while visiting our Legislators; initiate outreach to Members regarding the significance of RPAC; and promote 100% participation in RPAC with all committees and Board of Directors. Committee Members are highly encouraged to participate in RPAC. 

 

Community Relations committee

Schedule: 1st Friday from 10:00 am - 11:00 am; expected to meet 7-9 times; required to participate in Committee projects

Purpose: To champion REALTOR® interests and protect private property rights through legislative advocacy, political engagement, and education. The committee works to strengthen relationships with elected officials, increase awareness of issues impacting real estate, and encourage member participation and investment in RPAC.

Assignments:  Past community projects have included: Bowl for Kids’ Sake; Walk to End Homelessness; Senior Services Ramp Build (2); Local Housing Volunteer Day; and Day of Service for Veterans. Committee Members are highly encouraged to participate in RPAC.  

 

Grievance committee

REALTORS® Only 
Schedule: As needed

Purpose: To uphold the integrity of the REALTOR® profession by providing a fair, impartial, and consistent review of ethics complaints and arbitration requests, ensuring matters are appropriately evaluated in accordance with the REALTOR® Code of Ethics and established professional standards procedures.  

Assignments: Reviews complaints and arbitration requests to determine whether they warrant further consideration, without deciding guilt or innocence. Minimum of three years of REALTOR® Membership. Committee Members are highly encouraged to participate in RPAC.  

 

MLS committee

REALTORS® Only 
Schedule: 2nd Tuesday from 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm; expected to meet 7 times

Purpose: To support a reliable, efficient, and innovative Multiple Listing Service that meets the evolving needs of members. The committee promotes data accuracy, fair and consistent MLS policies, and continuous improvements that enhance member services and support a cooperative real estate marketplace.

Assignments:  Review MLS policies and recommend updates to ensure compliance and consistency with industry standards; Identify opportunities to improve MLS functionality, data accuracy, and member experience; Evaluate emerging technologies, industry trends, and opportunities for MLS innovation; Gather member feedback and recommend educational opportunities or service enhancements; Monitor MLS partnerships, data-sharing opportunities and industry changes that could affect GKAR’s long-term MLS operations. Committee Members are highly encouraged to participate in RPAC.  

 

Professional Development committee

Schedule: 2nd Thursday from 9:00 am - 10:00 am; expected to meet 8-10 times; required to participate in Committee programs

Purpose: To empower REALTORS® through relevant education, professional development, and resources that strengthen their expertise, enhance professionalism, and support long-term success.

Assignments: Plan, coordinate, promote, and support four professional development events throughout the year, beginning with the Economic Development Forum. Identify and select topics for the remaining three events based on member interests, emerging industry trends, and professional development needs. Seek engaging speakers and relevant educational opportunities that enhance member knowledge, professionalism, and business success. Encourage member participation and evaluate event feedback to guide future programming. Committee Members are highly encouraged to participate in RPAC.  

 

Professional standards committee

 REALTORS® Only
Schedule: As needed 

Purpose:  To promote professionalism, accountability, and public trust in REALTORS® by providing fair and impartial hearings of alleged Code of Ethics violations and arbitration disputes, while upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct and due process. 

Assignments: Conducts hearings, determines whether violations occurred, and resolves arbitration disputes in accordance with established procedures. Minimum of five years of REALTOR® Membership. Committee Members are highly encouraged to participate in RPAC.  

 

Risk Management committee

 Minimum three years of GKAR Membership
Schedule: 2nd Friday from 9:00 am - 10:30 am; expected to meet 9-11 times

Purpose: To minimize risk and promote professionalism in real estate transactions through the review and improvement of standard forms, contracts, and disclosures, while providing members with the resources and guidance needed to navigate an evolving real estate industry.

Assignments:  Participate in the West Michigan Regional Forms Committee to review, evaluate, and recommend updates to standard forms, contracts, and disclosures. Monitor emerging legal issues, regulatory changes, and industry practices that may impact real estate transactions and member liability. Identify opportunities to improve member awareness of risk management practices and communicate important updates throughout the year. Committee Members are highly encouraged to participate in RPAC.