CARWM President Duke Suwyn, MI REALTORS President Gene Szpeinski, and MI REALTORS Board Member (and Past CARWM President) Rod Alderink had the opportunity to visit U.S. Representatives Justin Amash and Bill Huizenga and U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenaw during last week’s visit to the nation’s capitol. Participating in the National Association of REALTORS Mid-Year meetings and Hill visits, the CARWM contingency was able to speak to national issues that could affect the commercial real estate industry. Most notable was the CARWM perspective on maintaining the 1031 Exchange business growth tool, which could be included as part of the tax reform discussion. President Suwyn provided great illustrations regarding the practical use of the 1031 by manufacturers wanted to grow and expand their businesses. Thank you to the group for their willingness to take time from their busy schedules to attend and participate in the NAR meetings.
![CARWM and the Grand Rapids contingency meeting with Rep. Amash.](https://carwm.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/FullSizeRender-300x224.jpg)
![Rod Alderink, Gene Szpeinski, Rep. Bill Huizenga, West Michigan Lakeshore member Beth Foley, and Duke Suwyn meet with Rep. Huizenga.](https://carwm.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/IMG_0004-300x224.jpg)
![Senator Peters met with REALTOR members from across the state, including CAR Members Duke Suwyn, Rod Alderink and Gene Szpeinski.](https://carwm.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/IMG_0007-300x223.jpg)
![CARWM members had the opportunity to visit Senator Debbie Stabenow's office on Thursday.](https://carwm.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/IMG_0003-224x300.jpg)