The Ambassadorship Program
Thursday, May 29 | 9:00-10:00am
This monthly event is open to all members and designed to foster open dialogue, provide insight into our decision-making processes, and explore opportunities for getting more involved with the organization.
Details of the Ambassadorship Program:
- When: The last Thursday of every month
- Time: 9:00-10:00am
- Where: REALTOR® Lounge (Lower Level)
- Who: 2 to 3 Director Representatives each month
Why Should You Attend?
Have you ever wondered why certain decisions are made by the Board of Directors? Are you interested in learning more about serving on a committee, taking on a leadership role, or even running for the Board? This informal gathering is your chance to chat with Director representatives and ask any questions you might have. Whether you’re curious about how our leadership works or you want to explore how you can take a more active role, this is the perfect space to get the answers you need.
We’re excited to provide this new avenue for open communication, and we hope you’ll take advantage of it!
Appy Hour
Tuesday, June 3 | 1:00-4:00pm
An interactive event featuring live demos of six amazing apps & tools that can make your real estate business more efficient and impactful. Attendance is open to those who are young in age, young in their career, or forever young at heart!
Apps & tools to be demonstrated: RPR (advanced tools), Trello, You Need A Budget (YNAB), Canva, Social Media Videos, Video AI
Sponsors:
Mortgage 1, Inc., First American Title, JW Inspection Services of Michigan, Next Door Photos
Location: Founder’s Centennial Room
Cost: $20.00, includes one drink ticket and appetizers
Staff contact: Krissie Entsminger
Encore Offering: Safety Class
Tuesday, June 10 | 1:00-4:00pm
This session has been approved for 3 hours of elective CE credit and will cover the following topics:
- Situational Awareness
- Identification of High-Risk Areas
- How to Safely Show a Home, Weapons of Opportunity
- Cell Phone Safety Features
- Local Safety Incidents
- Other Safety Resources
This class will be instructed by Chase Coughlin, 2024 Chairperson of GRAR’s Safety Task Force,
2024 Chairperson of the Safety Task Force, Former Ionia County Sheriff Deputy, and Former Member of the FBI’s Violent Crimes Team.
Sponsored by: CutCo Closing Gifts
Cost: $20 – includes light refreshments, a personal safety alarm, and 3 hours of CE credit (elective)
Location: 660 Kenmoor Ave SE, 49546
Staff contact: Krissie Entsminger
New Member Orientation
Thursday, June 12 | 8:15am-2:30pm
Thursday, July 10 | 8:15am-2:30pm
The new REALTOR® Member Orientation Program is comprised of three segments: classroom session (offered once per month – dates are subject to change), GRAR online comprehension exam, and online Code of Ethics training. Registrations are required to reserve seating. Lunch is provided.
Location: 660 Kenmoor Ave SE, 49546
Staff contact: Dana Tosh or 616-940-8218
Wake Up with YPN- Beyond the Deal: From Behind the Scenes to Front and Center
Thursday, June 19 | 9:30-10:30am
We will be exploring The Power of Storytelling in Real Estate.
Join moderator David Buko and panelists Lauren Marcy, Tiffany Szakal, and Jodi Smith as they share how crafting compelling narratives — whether around properties, clients, or personal journeys — can elevate your business and resonate deeply with buyers and sellers. We’ll see you there for more learning, laughter, and connection!
Coffee and pastries are being sponsored by CutCo Closing Gifts and Grand Home Inspection!
No registration is required, and all ages are welcome – Young in Age, New in Business, or Forever Young at Heart.
Cost: No cost. Feel free to bring a colleague!
Location: Egypt Valley Country Club
Staff contact: Krissie Entsminger
Save the dates of future sessions!
- September 18
- December 18
Code of Ethics Training
NAR requires that all REALTORS® complete a refresher Code of Ethics training course once every 3 years. GRAR policy calls for all members to complete the training in the same calendar year. Collectively, all GRAR members last completed the training in 2022. That means that we must now all complete the training in 2025.
Exemptions: Members who hold the REALTOR® Emeritus or Life Membership status.
While we encourage you to take advantage of NAR’s free online training, if you prefer in-person learning, GRAR will offer several classroom sessions:
- Tuesday, July 22 | 9:00-11:30am
- Wednesday, August 27 | 1:00-3:30pm
- Tuesday, September 9 | 9:00-11:30am
- Tuesday, October 28 | 9:00-11:30am
Cost: $15.00, includes 3 hours of elective CE
Location: GRAR (660 Kenmoor Ave SE, 49546)
Staff contact: Brittany Smith
Save the date: YPN Blue Bridge .1K
Wednesday, September 3 | 1:00-3:00pm
Run Like You Just Got a Lead!
Join YPN on this .1K across Grand Rapids’ Blue Bridge, followed by a happy hour at Z’s Bar & Restaurant
Staff contact: Krissie Entsminger
Save the date: Words That Work: De-Escalation Techniques Class
- Tuesday, September 30 | 9:30-11:30am
- Tuesday, December 9 | 9:30-11:30am
Learn how to identify indicators that a situation is escalating and utilize practical techniques to manage conflict in both professional and personal environments. Enhance problem solving and communication skills and feel more confident in challenging situations.
Staff contact: Krissie Entsminger
Forewarn Training
On-demand training
Get to know your prospects in a matter of seconds! By entering a name or a telephone number, members will be able to obtain information such as: addresses, vehicle registrations, phone numbers, property records, criminal background, bankruptcies, judgments, liens, foreclosures, and evictions.
In order to take advantage of this service, members are required to watch and complete a short online training. The session will focus on the dos and don’ts of usage to avoid liability.
Following the training, you will be asked to complete a quiz and submit a Use Agreement.
Please note: If you are already registered for New Member Orientation, you do not need to complete the online Forewarn training. This training will be included in New Member Orientation.
New Designated REALTOR® (DR) Orientation
Thursday, July 17 | 1:00-3:00pm
A review of important issues to be covered: Office Policy Manuals, Broker Supervisory Responsibilities, Procedures for New, Inactive & Transferring Agents, Permitted Unlicensed Support Staff Activities, Benefits (including but not limited to, MLS Shareholder eligibility) and more.
Save the Date: REBarGR
Thursday, September 25, 2025
The hottest event of the year!
Staff contact: Brittany Smith
Save the Date: Emerge
Thursday, October 30, 2025 | 9:30am-3:15pm
Happy hour to follow!
Location: Watermark Country Club – 1600 Galbraith Ave SE, 49546
Staff contact: Krissie Entsminger
YPN's Euchre Tournament Fundraiser
Save the date: Wednesday, November 12
Fundraiser to benefit GRAR’s Schoolhouse program and the REALTORS® Property Crisis Fund. More details coming soon!
YPN's Ugly Sweater Bowling
Save the date: Thursday, December 11
Eat, Drink, and Bowl Ugly at Westgate Bowling Alley from 12:00-2:30pm! More details coming soon.
Upcoming Flexmls Trainings
There are no trainings currently scheduled.
Flexmls offers an extensive library of recorded trainings to assist you with questions you may have through their Flexmls Academy.
Location: GRAR Meeting Room (660 Kenmoor Ave, 49546)
Staff contact: Rick Baumann
REALTORS® Property Resource (RPR) Webinars
RPR is the nation’s largest property database, exclusively for REALTORS®. RPR puts data, tools, and reports at your fingertips so you can respond to questions and requests instantly, and position yourself as an essential part of every transaction. RPR offers everything you need to “wow” your clients and close more deals.