Wisconsin?

[Stone]

The Wisconsin Chapter of the Appraisal Institute holds an annual year in review symposium with food and drinks (including Vodka and Olives) but it's in the Metro Milwaukee area which makes for a long drive for most people.

Perhaps someone could consider organizing an event around mid-year closer to Wausau or maybe up in the Eau Claire area. I've talked with a good number of appraisers west of the Wisconsin River on the phone but it would sure be nice to put a face with their names.

Wait, Milwaukee is far for most people, but Eau Claire is close?:new_smile-l:

It would be fun to meet up for a drink with some of the WI folks, if the timing worked out. I've had the pleasure of meeting Ray Miller (a couple of times and stopped at his ranch when he was not around, as well) and Dave Smith. There was another appraiser (I'm forgetting his name off the top of my head) from the Madison area who used to frequent the site that I've met, but I believe he is out of the business. He owned a store and I think the combination of appraisal and store ownership got to be too much.

 

[kerrylanger]

I'm thinking of organizing a "Sconistock". Appraisers not only Wisconsin, but from all over the country would be invited. Camp out, grill, drink beer etc... Then head over to Madison and protest what the board is doing. Then move on to Illinois. Same thing, big group shows up at the board hearing and let them know we are paying attention. Anyone one else want to include their state in on "Appraiserstock"?
I know, I'm being silly But really, we need to get organized and stand up to abuse of power and to people in charge who are nincompoops.

 

[Wayne Tomlinson]

Most of you know that Illinois just got a new director of the appraisal division who is a forumite. Brian Weaver has occassionally posted here, and has posted more since he got his new job than before.

Probably because he cant appraise as director, he had more time, that is until 23 April, the first day on the job.

Brian might just host one of those party things that you are talking about.

The idea sounds like fun. Can an appraiser attend if he/she doesn't drink beer?

Wayne Tomlinson

 

[Annemieke Roell]

I'm thinking of organizing a "Sconistock". Appraisers not only Wisconsin, but from all over the country would be invited. Camp out, grill, drink beer etc... Then head over to Madison and protest what the board is doing. Then move on to Illinois. Same thing, big group shows up at the board hearing and let them know we are paying attention. Anyone one else want to include their state in on "Appraiserstock"?
I know, I'm being silly But really, we need to get organized and stand up to abuse of power and to people in charge who are nincompoops.

We are hosting the second annual KSAP conference in May. Last year we had appraisers from OK, MO, AR, CO, NM, FL, TX in attendance and this year we are adding AZ and MS to the list, plus a few more.

Some great things came out of last year's gathering and the plan is to add to that again this year. Come on down!! Weekend of May 19.

 

[kerrylanger]

I think it is great appraisers are banding together!! Beer is not essential however Same old thing rules true, invite and offer food and beer and usually you get a good turn out. I actually would be happy to offer my place to whomever would want to participate in this occasion. We have five acres, of which we have horses, pygmy goats, chickens etc...kinda a fun place to visit. Hudson is also a really cool town to hang out in. Fun shops and restaraunts etc..If there was a mass of appraisers that showed up with tents we for sure could happily host!! I really think banding together against this board bullsh** would help.

 

[Stone]

I'm not entirely sure that heading "over to Madison and protest what the board is doing" is a particularly great plan of attack. I realize that you and Ray are having a tough go of it at the moment (though Ray seems to be able to see the light at this time), but I'm not sure that getting a bunch of people together to protest the board is going to help anything.

 

[kerrylanger]

OK maybe not a protest and maybe not a Sconistock. How about a union or something to band appraisers together (someday)? Something to let boards know we are starting to pay attention. One or two appraisers at a board meeting would not raise eyebrows, but 20 -30 would. They know they are doing something wrong and are probably going to pay a big price down the road. I think it would be good to stop this abuse of power before it claims anymore careers.

How about a Wisconsin Conference of AF members? Somewhere central like the Wisconsin Dells? Fun place and somewhat central. What does everyone think??? Maybe we could draft something up there that would effectively express our concerns. Something to present to the board. In the meantime, it could be a mini vacation (can write it off) and an opportunity to meet some really cool people! Let me know if anyone is interested...

 

[Stone]

Kerry - I think getting people together could be a great idea if schedules permit.

However, and please don't take this the wrong way - I've never had to walk in your shoes, it seems to me like you should concentrate your efforts on defending your case, rather than trying to get a bunch of people to draft a letter or protest the board.

It would seem to me to be more productive for you to deal with the issues in front of you, rather than agitating the situation further. Maybe that is a wussy answer on my part, but keeping your energies focused on the situation at hand seems like the way to go, IMO.

(And, again, I've never had to deal with it, so I have no idea what you are going through.)

 

[kerrylanger]

The reason appraisers are an easy target and are scapegoats is because we have for so long been adversarial towards each other. The failure to unite has only given the "powers that be" the license to sh** all over us. Posting on the forum gives the appearance of organizing but it is less than effective. I think the forum is helping us deal with our problem to some extent but more needs to be done. I'm happy that you have not had to walk in my shoes. I hope and pray that others don't have to go through this cr**. I wouldn't wish this on the worst of my enemies. I know of two more people that have received their letters from the state. These are good, ethical appraisers. The "complaints" have not been provided to them. This makes it difficult to write a response. The demand for the workfile contents as well is a way for the state to give them enough rope to hang themselves. Like I said before, the states are using USPAP as a weapon to prove that they are doing their jobs and to raise funds. Just observing what is really going on IMHO.

 

[kerrylanger]

WCAF Anyone interested???