View from the Hill: One IREM member shares her Capitol Hill experience.(Institute of Real Estate Management)

On April 16, 275 IREM and CCIM Members attended 220 meetings representing 40 states at IREM's 11 th annual Capitol Hill Visit. I was one of those IREM Members.

The trek to Capitol Hill was the culmination of IREM'S Leadership and Legislative Summit where national committees met, local chapters were honored at the Chapter Star Recognition and members participated in various workshops that shape the future of IREM policy and legislative positions.

To prepare to meet with our U.S. Senators and Representatives, we attended the orientation conducted by IREM, CCIM Institute and the National Association of Realtors legislative staff. With their expertise and guidance, we were able to hone our legislative knowledge and presentation skills to ready us for the meetings. Armed with documents detailing the 2008 IREM/CCIM legislative priorities, we were equipped to make our way to Capitol Hill.

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This was my third Capitol Hill Visit. For me, it is a thrill to be a part of the legislative process. Walking the halls where past U.S. Presidents met with Congress and meeting with Congressman Steve Kagen from Wisconsin's 8th Congressional District in John F.Kennedy's former office made me pause and reflect on what my colleagues and I were experiencing.

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We had six appointments scheduled, including two with senators (both democrats) and four representatives (three republicans and one democrat).

Of the various issues we lobbied, it is apparent that energy related topics will be at the forefront of the next administration, no matter the party. Most of the representatives we met agreed they would support positive incentives over rigid mandates, which is encouraging.

I've been asked if I think we can make a difference by going to Capitol Hill. My answer is that we must participate as citizens in our government to make that difference, and make our desires and expectations known to those we entrust with the management of our country.

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by Victoria R. Parmentier, CPM[R]

Victoria R.Parmentier, CPM, is the president of R.E. Management, Inc., in Green Bay, Wis. She also serves as Government Affairs Chairperson for the IREM Milwaukee Chapter 13 Executive Council and Vice Chair of the Legislative and Public Policy Committee for IREM headquarters.

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