minutes-business-4403

MINUTES FOR KCRA BUSINESS MEETING HELD

SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 2003

IN LOUISVILLE, KY.

The Kentucky Court Reporters Association held its annual Business Meeting in conjunction with the Spring/Summer Seminar held in Louisville on April 4, 2003. President Regina McBride, in one of her last official duties, called the meeting to order at 6:37 p.m. and pronounced that the organization did have a quorum to conduct business.

In the first order of business, President McBride introduced Jim Dale, who was chairman of the Nominating Committee for the 2003 election of officers and directors. On behalf of the committee, Mr. Dale presented a slate of officer candidates that included Gayle Rogers for President, Angela Smith for Vice President, Alan Wernecke for Treasurer and Pam Merlo for Secretary. There were no nominations from the floor and the slate was approved by acclamation. Next, Mr. Dale presented a slate of director candidates that included Robin Barrett, Erikia Davis, Tracy Grimes, Deana Legg, Maryann Murphy, Julie Ritter and Debra Roche. After nominations closed, Mr. Dale instructed the membership to vote for four of the candidates. After the ballots were collected and counted, it was determined that Erikia Davis, Deana Legg, Maryann Murphy and Debra Roche had been elected.

Next, the minutes of the April 13, 2002 Business Meeting were approved.

Next, outgoing Treasurer Sherry Rhode gave the Treasurer’s Report. First, Ms. Rhode gave a handout detailing the organization’s financial standing from Jan. 1, 2002 through Dec. 31, 2002. The organization end the last calendar year with $3,723.82 in the Regular Checking Account, $87.90 in the Money Market Checking Account, and $10,676.48 in a Certificate of Deposit that is set to expire on Aug. 7, 2003. That left the KCRA with a balance of $14,488.20. Then, Ms. Rhode distributed a handout of the organization’s financial balance from Jan. 1, 2003 through March 27, 2003. Due, in large part, to the fact that the organization had deposited $10,670 in Seminar dues the KCRA’s balance was $25,364.50. The report was approved.

Next, President McBride offered an amendment to the current organization By-Laws. The change was described as a housecleaning measure to clearly define the membership of videographers and to conform to current practices. It was approved.

Next, President McBride made a recommendation that Billie H. Cochran, who is now non-active, be bestowed as a Honorary Member of the KCRA. The motion was approved unanimously. In addition, President McBride secured a United States Flag that had flown over the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. as a gift to Ms. Cochran. Although Ms. Cochran was unable to attend, a video presentation was made and will be sent to her.

Next, it was announced that the KCRA would be continuing a new membership campaign to actively identify and recruit new members to the organization. In-coming President Gayle Rogers won a previous contest, enlisting five new active members by April 1, 2003.

Next, out-going President McBride gave her last President’s Report.

She announced that Ms. Rogers will serve the organization well in her new role and thanked the out-going officers and Board of Directors for their commitment, service, dedication and accomplishments.

She thanked Marilyn Haywood, from West Kentucky Tech, for her hard work in helping the school receive federal funding for its’ program, and for her hard work in building the school’s enrollment and reputation throughout the state.

She thanked the organization’s attorneys and membership for their support of the anti-contracting legislation that was passed by the Kentucky General Assembly. She said that the organization was submitting two questions to the Kentucky Bar Association, which she hopes will issue an Ethics Opinion defending Kentucky’s anti-contracting law. She said that the Kentucky Bar may issue its’ opinion in the next couple of months.

She thanked Jim Dale and his Committee for a lot of hard work in developing a model "Voluntary Certification Program" for Kentucky. President McBride said she was hopeful that the organization would adopt it after attempts to adopt legislation mandating licensing had failed.

She thanked all the people involved in the National Court Reporters Association, and applauded their work ethic on behalf of court reporters everywhere.

She closed with an invitation and request that all members get involved and volunteer to help make the profession and the organization stronger.

Next, Jim Dale distributed copies of a proposal for a "Voluntary Certification Program." Although the KCRA would not take any action on the proposal at this time, Mr. Dale asked that all members review the proposal, make comments and offer suggestions. The goal of the "program" would be to raise the level of competency and create a model for ethical conduct in the profession.

Being no new business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:31 p.m.