President's Message

Thank you to FCRA, the general membership, nominating committee and staff.

First of all let me say that I am humbled and deeply honored to be chosen to have the pleasure to lead this wonderful and talented group of reporters who make up this association as we celebrate 50 great years.

As YOUR President I have high hopes for this year. Along with myself and the wonderful board that went through the Nominating Committee I truly feel we have great leadership in place for a successful year.

As WE prepare for this upcoming year…..our collective focus is going to be on some major areas of priority for FCRA.

With the hard work and dedication of our Board of Directors and those who have been chosen to serve on the various committees I know that this is going to be a year of tremendous accomplishment, success and growth.

One thing which we CANNOT lose sight of…. is that FCRA is and always has been a VOLUNTEER Organization.

Those who serve all have jobs, families, children and other various hobbies. We do the BEST we can in budgeting our time and efforts but really need the support of MEMBERSHIP in these difficult times.

Do WE face challenges as an Association, as a profession, YOU BETTER BELIEVE IT!!

If it's NOT the tape recorder,

If it's NOT Digital Audio Recording,

If it's NOT the recent Economic Downturn,

If it's NOT contracting,

If it's NOT an aging membership with declining student enrollment,

If it's NOT reporter apathy,

If it's NOT declining membership,

If it's NOT gift giving….

Then what IS it?

To which I say: let's come together as an association, let's promote professionalism, let's embrace and promote Realtime to judges and litigators, let's educate our clients of our great skills, let's be proud of our profession and let's ALL promote MEMBERSHIP in our association as the power really IS in the numbers.

Does the Board of Directors including myself have ALL the answers, NO

But WE as a united group together can overcome these and any other obstacles placed in our path.

MEMBERSHIP:

This is a critical year to say the least.

Last year the dues increase was presented to the Membership, was voted on and passed overwhelmingly.

NOW we must follow through and be strong and support our association.

PLEASE, I urge those here today to spread the word back home in your offices and in your courthouses about where we are and where we are going and the challenges that lie ahead.

To pay what amounts to $25 per month to help keep your professional alive and well is just not too much to ask in MY opinion.

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS has been a huge item on our agenda.

I pledge… along with our Board and the hard working Government Relations Committee to push forward along with our lobbyists to continue to have a presence in Tallahassee and to continue to FIGHT for our criminal court rates and strive to prevent them from going lower in the future!!!

Where are we headed???

That my friends is the question.

Do we stand idle and let our future be dictated for us OR do WE take control of our future and ensure prosperous times ahead?

I PREFER THE LATTER and I hope you do too!

We must fight on and increase membership and involvement in our fine association.

It takes a continued group effort with the same collective goals in mind.

As you can see there are challenges we face.

I have confidence that we CAN and we WILL win the battle…..but ONLY if we come together for the good of the Association and OUR profession.

I urge you to go back to your home offices on Monday and tell your colleagues who are not here this weekend what you learned here, what you saw here and what our message is.

It's our jobs, our profession and our livelihoods at stake.

I am EXCITED to have been selected by the NOMINATING COMMITTEE to lead this great association and will do everything in MY power to achieve our goals.

There are wonderful people in this audience who care deeply about FCRA.

COUNT ME AMONG THEM.

I Look forward to this year and because YOU'RE here today I know you do too.

Thank you ALL and ROCK ON!