EVENT DETAILS

    Gopher Fun,

   Gopher Fellowship,

   Gopher Education,

   Gopher Minnesota!

The North Central Regional Association of Assessing Officers invites you to the 2010 Annual Conference.  The conference includes:

NCRAAO Golf Classic

Oak Marsh Golf Course, Monday, June 21, 2010, 8:00 AM shotgun start.

18 holes, shared cart, lunch & prizes.  Registration deadline is May 17, 2010. 
Click here to register for the NCRAAO Golf Classic 

Silent Auction

Please remember to bring a silent auction item to the conference.  Your generous gift is greatly appreciated.

NCRAAO Annual Meeting

Excellent Education Sessions  

Tour of New Twins Baseball Park set to open in April 2010 

Annual Banquet

Agenda:

Education Seminars:

Tuesday June 22, 2010 – Afternoon Sessions

1:00 pm-5:00 pm         

Green Construction Technology

What is green Building? This seminar will discuss government regulatory agencies, certifications and full discussion of the key elements of green construction: the site, structure, water conservation, HVAC, electrical, interior and exterior finishes, sustainable products, political regulations and cost analysis. 

1:00 pm-2:30 pm         

Craig Harrington SRA, Lakeshore Land & Site Valuation

 Lakeshore and riverfront real estate presents unique challenges from a valuation perspective. This session will identify the valuation process for waterfront land and sites, recognize waterfront characteristics for valuation purposes, recognize waterfront setback and zoning issues that effect value. 

1:00 pm-2:30 pm         

Media Relations

With property tax issues a hot topic today, you may be fielding more calls than ever from local or regional news media. News reporters are not your enemy -- though it may feel that way at times!  Fortunately, a little common sense can go a long way when it comes to media relations. Learn some "best practices" and other tips to help you comfortably respond to media queries, avoid some common pitfalls, prepare for interviews, and even pitch news stories that help reporters and their audience understand what you do. 

3:00 pm-4:30 pm         

Craig Harrington SRA, Lakeshore Building Valuation

Lakeshore and riverfront real estate presents unique challenges from a valuation perspective. This session aids the attendees to understand the characteristics of waterfront property that must be addressed in appraiser’s scope of work. Attendees will recognize the reasons why waterfront property is difficult to appraise, identify six classic lakeshore valuation errors, identify the valuation process for waterfront land and sites, recognize waterfront characteristics for valuation purposes, recognize waterfront setback and zoning issues that effect value and identify problem solving valuation techniques for a variety of waterfront properties. 

 3:00 pm-4:30 pm         

The Assessor as Expert Witness

This seminar will examine recent Minnesota tax court decisions involving assessors preparing appraisals and testifying as an expert witness. 

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

8:00 am-12:00 pm       

Unique Appraisal Problems Part 1 Rick Stuart

This workshop deals with unique appraisal problems and by use of case studies using actual market data, steps the participants through the appraisal process of measuring value and/or value loss. Topics include contamination, mold, meth labs, snakes, out-of-town buyers, metal-sided dwellings and valuation using limited sales. 

8:00 am-12:00 pm

Ethics MN Assessors, Minnesota Department of Revenue Staff

This course was developed in accordance with Minnesota Statute which requires all licensed Minnesota assessors to attend and participate in a seminar that focuses on ethics, professional conduct and the need for a standardized assessment practices.  Attendance at this course will meet Minnesota Assessor’s requirements to attend the course at least once in every 4-year licensing period.  However, this course is open to all NCRAAO participants to attend.  The purpose of the course is to help assessors think about what ethical decisions are the right ones for themselves.  If you have ever been in a situation where you weren’t sure which solution was the correct one, this course may be for you.  If you’re curious about how to figure out a “coffee shop dilemma,” correcting a County Board Commissioner, and determining how to implement state guidelines can be related in a course about ethics, consider signing up for this offering.

10:00 am-11:30 am     

Ag Market-Steve Taff

How much does productivity really matter in land markets??  Minnesota has a CPI measure which NRCS is expanding to other states.  How can these land productivity measures be worked into the assessing process?

1:00 pm-5:00 pm

Unique Appraisal Problems Part 2-Rick Stuart

This workshop deals with unique appraisal problems and by use of case studies using actual market data, steps the participants through the appraisal process of measuring value and/or value loss. Topics include contamination, mold, meth labs, snakes, out-of-town buyers, metal-sided dwellings and valuation using limited sales.

1:00 pm-5:00 pm 

Transit Oriented Development Project - Bloomington Central Station

Bloomington’s South Loop's high intensity mixed use redevelopment replaces outdated, incompatible land uses and abandon buildings with development that maximizes the area’s potential and is more compatible with Light Rail Transit.  This seminar will explore the challenges encountered in the redevelopment process and will include a tour of the project. 

1:00 pm-2:30 pm         

 Ag Market-Steve Taff

How much does productivity really matter in land markets??  Minnesota has a CPI measure which NRCS is expanding to other states.  How can these land productivity measures be worked into the assessing process? 

3:00 pm-4:30 pm         

Media Relations

With property tax issues a hot topic today, you may be fielding more calls than ever from local or regional news media. News reporters are not your enemy -- though it may feel that way at times!  Fortunately, a little common sense can go a long way when it comes to media relations. Learn some "best practices" and other tips to help you comfortably respond to media queries, avoid some common pitfalls, prepare for interviews, and even pitch news stories that help reporters and their audience understand what you do. 

1:00 pm-5:00 pm

Registration:

Early bird registration rate is $235.00 by May 20, 2010.  After May 20, 2010 the online registration rate will be $275.00.  If you miss the online registration deadline of June 15, 2010, the rate at the door will be  $300.00.  Registration fee includes Monday night reception and silent auction, Tuesday lunch, Tuesday evening Target field tour and meal, Wednesday lunch and banquet, and all education seminars.  Extra individual meal and banquet tickets are availale. 

Registration and golf payments should be made out to NCRAAO and sent to:
Paul Knutson
Rice County Assessor’s Office
320 NW 3^rd Street, Suite 4
Faribault, MN 55021-6100
(NCRAAO:  "Policy Eleven-Refunds" will apply for cancellations)
Click here to register for 2010 NCRAAO conference

Lodging:

Ramada 
Mall of America / Airport

2300 E American Blvd

Bloomington, MN 55425

We are the preferred hotel of Mall of America— the largest retail and entertainment complex in the nation. Our 255-room full-service hotel welcomes you with a warm, inviting atmosphere and professional, personalized service. Our friendly staff is always available to take care of your needs and special requests.

The Ramada Mall of America is the perfect choice for business events and special occasions, with 32,000 square feet of meeting space and full convention and banquet services. Our genuine warmth and friendliness guarantees your experience with us will be enjoyable and memorable. Join us at the Joke Joint Comedy Club located just off the Lobby open Friday through Sunday nights.

The hotel has a full list of amenities including a fitness center, business center, a large indoor pool, the area's only outdoor pool(open rain or shine at a comfortable 88°), and fantastic American and Southwest cuisine at The Boulevard Cafe.

From its location in the heart of Bloomington, Minnesota, the Ramada is only two miles from the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport and across the street from Mall of America. For the convenience of our guests, we offer free shuttle service to and from the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport and Mall of America. Light Rail Transit departs from the Mall of America Station every 5 – 15 minutes for a fast, convenient, and comfortable ride to downtown Minneapolis. The hotel also offers easy access to the recently opened IKEA department store, all major freeways, and a plethora of restaurants and shopping centers.

The Ramada Mall of America has reserved a block of rooms, run of the house, for the event at the following rates:

          Single or double rate             $105.00 + tax

          Parlor Suites                        $165.00 + tax

Group code is CGNCRA.  Reservation cut-off date is May 29, 2010

Reservations for the Event will be made by individual attendees directly with the Hotel’s reservation department by calling 952-854-3411 or 1-800-272-6232. The reservation cut-off date is May 29 2010.  After the cut-off date no reservations will be accepted at the special group rate.  Guests will be accommodated on a SPACE AND RATE AVAILABLE BASIS.  The check-in time is 3:00 pm and check-out time is 12:00 pm.  Hotel will accommodate any early arrivals on a space available basis.