NALS Professional Development and Education Conference
March 11–13, 2010

Submitted by: Helene L. Wood, PP, PLS, TSC, NALS Secretary/Treasurer

Tulsa welcomed conference visitors to the 2010 NALS Professional Development and Education Conference where we continued our journey to Think Big with Patricia E. Infanti, PP, PLS.

Tulsa weather was a little nippy, but a welcome relief from tons of snow in other parts of NALSland.  Members and visitors arrived ready to network, share, and learn and were energetic and enthusiastic.  Everyone was ready for their infusion of NALS after the winter.

Preconference Activities
For the first time in many years, certification exams were held prior to the official beginning of the conference, with a cram course offered on Wednesday prior to the exams being administered on Thursday.

The conference officially began on Thursday afternoon with orientation for the 2010‑2011 NALS leadership team, consisting of board members, committee chairs, committee members, task force members, and staff led by Julie Abernathy, PP, PLS.  Julie shared with us the values, purpose, vision, and mission of NALS to help us understand our duties and responsibilities as members of the leadership team and the important role we play in maintaining and growing the NALS programs to ensure the future of our association.
The Hum-Vee limo made its return this year, ferrying members to Top Dollar (where the Foundation jewelry is purchased).  There was a lot of sparkle and shimmer on display the rest of the weekend as everyone showed off their latest finds.

Opening Announcements
NALS President Julie Abernathy opened the conference by welcoming everyone to Tulsa for a weekend of continuing to Think Big by having opportunities for learning, networking, renewing acquaintances, and forging new friendships.  She then introduced Faynell Poe, PP, PLS, the NALS Foundation Chair, who introduced the keynote speaker, Pamela Hemann, CAE.

Keynote Speaker
Pam Hemann is president of Association Management Services, Inc. (AMS), a management company founded in 1988, which serves regional, national, and international organizations, and is accredited by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE).

Prior to founding AMS, Ms. Hemann held senior positions with nonprofit organizations in Washington, D.C., including the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, the International Newspaper Guild, the Color Pigments Manufacturers Association, and the National Automobile Dealers Association.

She earned her CAE designation in 1989 and was inducted into the ASAE Fellows in 1996.  She is a past chairman of ASAE and was a member of the ASAE’s “7 Measures of Success” task force.  She chaired the ASAE strategic planning committee for two years during her service on the ASAE board of directors and executive committee.

During her keynote presentation, Pam lead us down the “Pathway to Leadership.”  She talked to us about the importance of engaging our members and discussed the latest trends in leaderships, what we should look for in the future, and issues we should be considering.  She enumerated the steps to success and advised us to know our association and our resources.  Pam enlightened us about the important conversations we should be having and how important it is that we Think Big.  Pam told us that the best things in our association are free—our mission and brand.

President Julie closed the opening session by encouraging us to visit the exhibitors and the NALS Store and be prepared to Think Big and have lots of fun this year.  She reminded us that by recruiting five members, we would have our national dues waived for the year and to pay that forward by telling our recruits that they too can get their next year’s dues waived if they recruit five members within their first year of membership.

Regional Meetings
Regional meetings were held Friday morning before the Networking Luncheon giving each Region a chance to plan for the coming year with the continuation of the two-year Think Big membership campaign.

Networking Luncheon
At the Networking Luncheon on Friday (March 12), NALS 2009-2010 President Julie A. Abernathy, PP, PLS, ask the members of the select group of those attending their very first NALS professional development conference to stand and be recognized.  The next group introduced by President Julie was the NALS Past Presidents.  We were honored to have eight

NALS Past Presidents attending:
Anita Cottrell, PP, PLS
Donna Dendy, PP, PLS, CLA, TSC
Marie Ringholz, PP, PLS
Jill Hall, PP, PLS, CLA
September Holmblad, PP, PLS
Mary Burns, PP, PLS
Cathy Hankins, PP, PLS
Dee Beardsley, PP, PLS

President Julie then introduced the Resource Center staff:
Saundra Bates, Membership Services Manager
Jennifer King, NALS Meetings and Marketing Assistance
Jay Moore, Communications Manager
Diana Price, Education and Certificate Manager
Shirley Tune, Membership Services Assistant
Tammy Hailey, CAE, Executive Director

Tours were scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. for anyone wishing to catch the shuttle to visit the NALS Resource Center which houses the NALS staff.

President Julie recognized the 2009-2010 Board of Directors and the NALS Leadership Team, which consists of volunteers serving as committee chairs, cochairs, and subcommittee chairs, committee and task force members, and Online Learning Center presenters.

Next President Julie recognized and gave special thanks to the 32 members of the NALS Think Big Team.  Each of the eight teams was composed of the regional director, one member from the Foundation, one member from the Membership Committee, and one member from the Marketing Committee.  The teams met monthly online and shared many wonderful ideas.  While no one region met the challenge made at the beginning of the campaign to grow a net 10 percent, many new members joined NALS and of those new members some will serve on the coming year’s leadership team.

President Julie made the following announcements:

• NALS Education Conference and National Forum, October 21–24, 2010, Branson, Missouri, at Branson Chateau on the Lake Resort & Convention Center (call 1.888.333.5253 for reservations).  The block rate for a double room is $119.  Registration and education session information is available on the NALS Web site.  Tours can be coordinated with Jennifer King and will also be posted to the Web site. 
  
• On Thursday (October 21), there will be a bonus leadership training session with David Horowitz (speaker).  Also, there is an optional event on Thursday evening to the Dixie Stampede (a ticketed, off-site event) with transportation provided to those who get their tickets through NALS.
  
• On Friday morning Erick Burton, CSP [Certified Speaking Professional] (author of “The Leadership Accelerator”), will be the opening keynote speaker.  He will also offer an additional ticketed Executive Coaching session. 
  
• On Saturday David Horowitz, as the closing keynote speaker, will enlighten us on The Value of Showing Up.
  
• The 2011 NALS Education Conference and National Forum will be held October 13–16, 2011, at The Hyatt Regency Cincinnati, with a room rate of $115.
  

Following President Julie’s closing remarks, President-elect Patti Infanti, PP, PLS, came to the podium for a special announcement:  To increase the ROI—return on investment—of our membership, a very important change will take place in the NALS Online Learning Center immediately following the conference.  The OLC and the sessions held there will be available only to NALS members.  The education offered in the OLC will be exclusively available to NALS members.  Members will access the OLC by logging on to the NALS Web site through the “members log in here” link on the home page.

President-elect Patti asked what we thought about the new electronic magazine, the NALS docket.  She assured us that the small d in “docket” was not a typographical error, but intentional.  This new publication is going to be the voice of NALS for NALS members.  While @Law is a great resource for information on the industry, the NALS docket is our resource for information on NALS and is the new monthly digital newsletter giving us valuable information from NALS in a less formal format.  It will also include e-Learn and Leading the Way.

Next President-elect Patti promoted the Webinars saying that NALS had beefed up the Webinar offerings for the year ahead and the schedule appears on the NALS Web site.  The session on March 25 will be held at 8 p.m. and the topic will be “Word—Avoiding Disaster,” which discusses document corruption and how to void it.  The April 8 topic is the future of the legal secretary.

President-elect Patti asked if we were part of the many social media networks such as the NALS Community at Ning, Linked In, Facebook, and Twitter.  She said if we were not, we were missing a wonderful opportunity to stay connected with our NALS friends, our family, and our colleagues throughout the year.  She encouraged us to check out Jay Moore’s session following the luncheon.

We were reminded that the Think Big Campaign would be continuing with the recruit-five-members-and-get-your-national-dues-waived program.  The five new memberships must be in the same category of membership as we are.  We were additionally reminded to Pay It Forward by letting our recruits know that they, too, can get their national dues waived by recruiting five new members in their same membership category.

President-elect Patti announced that, while the NALS Life Membership category had been closed for a few years, the NALS Board had received a request from one of the state associations to reopen that category of national membership.  In response to that request, the NALS Board has reopened the national Life Membership option at a cost of $1,500, which is offered only through one single payment.  Anyone wishing to take advantage of the option should communicate with Saundra Bates, NALS Membership Services Manager.

The next announcement President-elect Patti made was about the Think Tank, which is a group of people NALS has pulled together to find ways to improve NALS and keep us moving along for the next 80 years.  This group is comprised of people from around the country, working in large firms, small firms, new members, seasoned members, educators, and attorneys.  Patti asked us to participate in any surveys and to participate candidly because NALS also needs the members’ input.  We also need to participate in focus groups and other information gathering activities, not to mention the “suggestions” button at the bottom left-hand corner of the NALS Web site.  Members will be updated on the progress of the Think Tank.  If we have comments or suggestions we want to share, NALS has set up a special e‑mail address for this purpose:  thinktank@nals.org.

President-elect Patti recognized the exhibitors at the conference:  Avansic, Avery Dennison, Liberty Mutual, Sam’s Club, Glass Jewelry by Carol Jorgenson, Tammy Mullins (author of Preston Falls Up), and Brenda Moyes of Pretty Picture Purses.  The sponsors and exhibitors give a lot to the association.  Since they support NALS, we should show them our support as well.

NALS 2010–2011 President Patricia E. Infanti, PP, PLS, introduced and swore in the 2010‑2011 NALS Foundation Trustees:

Faynell Poe, PP, PLS, Chair
Mary Burns, PP, PLS
Mary Jo Denman, PP, PLS
Cathy Hankins, PP, PLS
Mary Lenhart, PP, PLS
Meri Nelson, PP, PLS, TSC
Nikkie Rice, PLS
Julie Abernathy, PP, PLS, as Trustee and Board Liaison

And working with the trustees:
Foundation Deputy Executive Assistant Jennifer King
NALS Executor Director Tammy Hailey, CAE

Foundation Chair Faynell Poe said the Foundation is looking forward to another great year working hand in hand with NALS under Patti’s leadership and then spoke briefly about how the Foundation “puts your dollars” to work.  Since last March, the Foundation has presented $21,600 in grants, as well as to various regions, chapters, and state associations.  Along with all eight region, the Foundation funded Dr. Gavin Manes and Lisa Marie Platske, the keynote speakers in Irvine, and will also present two keynote speakers in Branson.

Faynell also said our contributions and participation make it possible for the NALS Foundation to continue to fund quality education programs for all levels of our association.  Many of us participate in their fundraising efforts by donating sweepstakes and auction items and many more participate by buying tickets.  In addition, many members have chosen to make a financial contribution at one of the Foundation’s Investment Circle levels.  Faynell recognized the following circle organizations:

Bronze Circle
NALS of Orange County

Silver Circle
Texas ALP

Gold Circle
Region 2
Region 4
Region 6

Faynell next recognized the individuals attending the conference who had joined the circles and acknowledged that these contributions to the Foundation had come from the heart.
Faynell announced that Dee Beardsley, PP, PLS; Cindy Lane Hughes, PP, PLS; Debbie Nickerson, PP, PLS; and Marie Ringholz, PP, PLS, would no longer be serving as Foundation Trustees.  She said it had been a pleasure working with them, she had learned a great deal from them, and their dedication and commitment would be missed.  She presented Dee and Marie with a certificate of appreciation and said she would mail Cindy’s and Debbie’s certificates since they were not attending the conference.

Next Faynell announced there would be no ATM grants at the conference and there would be no Think Big grants to the regions this year, but the Foundation would be offering twenty scholarships to the 2011 Professional Development Conference.  Further details are available on the Foundation’s page on the NALS Web site.

The luncheon concluded with the announcement there would be a wrap-up session on Saturday from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. during which the Foundation will hold their drawings.

Installation and President’s Reception
On Friday following the afternoon leadership and education sessions, NALS Past President Mary Burns, PP, PLS, installed the new board and administered the oath of office to the 2010–2011 NALS Board of Directors:

President—Patricia E. Infanti, PP, PLS (PA)
President-elect—Kathleen R. Amirante, PP, PLS (MI)
Secretary/Treasurer—Helene L. Wood, PP, PLS, TSC (TX)
Certification Director—Doris Compton, PP, PLS (AR)
Education Director—Jeannie Shaw, PP, PLS (MS)
Marketing Director—Karen McElroy, PP, PLS (AZ)
Membership Director—Tina Boone, PLS (TN)
Region 1 Director—Antoinette VanSchaick, PP, PLS (NY)
Region 2 Director—Rita Ann Gilson, PP, PLS (PA)
Region 3 Director—Barbara A. Stone, PP, PLS (MI)
Region 4 Director—Lisa J. Mitchum, PLS (GA)
Region 5 Director—Renee L. Kleinjan, PLS (MN)
Region 6 Director—Tina Hurley, PP, PLS (TX)
Region 7 Director—Brynne Williamson, PP, PLS (WA)
Region 8 Director—Karen Becker, PP, PLS (CA)
NALS Foundation Chair—Faynell Poe, PP, PLS (TX)
Immediate Past President—Julie A. Abernathy, PP, PLS (TX)
NALS Executive Director—Tammy Hailey, CAE (OK)

Julie Abernathy, PP, PLS, presented the president’s pin of office to the NALS 40th President, Patricia E. Infanti, PP, PLS, along with the traditional gavel.  Patti reciprocated by presenting Julie with her past president’s pin and gift before the past presidents welcomed Julie into their fold.

Patti spoke to the attendees of the sacrifices we make when we love something and compared that to love of NALS.  She discussed the fact that change is constant and we must embrace change in all its diverse forms.  Sometimes change can be painful as we let go of long-revered policies and procedures and embrace a new vision of our chapters and state associations.  Patti reminded us that the greatest achievement we as leaders reach is when new or younger members accept the challenge to be leaders and succeed.  Patti concluded by inviting all of NALS to Think Big and embrace a journey of possibilities!

The President’s reception followed.  Attendees enjoyed champagne toasts to President Patti and cake, along with the famous Philadelphia’s treats of Tastykakes and Hershey Kisses (Keep It Simple, Sweetie), as we celebrated Patti’s special day with her NALS family and friends.  The President’s reception was made possible through the generous donations of:

Ballard Spahr LLP
Legal Directories Publishing Company
NALS Region 2
NALS of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia LSA
NALS Local Chapters and Individual Members

Recognition Luncheon
The Recognition Luncheon is always one of the most anticipated events of the Tulsa conference as the successes of our leaders, chapters, states, regions, and members are announced.  President Patricia E. Infanti, PP, PLS, began by recognizing the hard work and dedication of the Oklahoma members, who were instrumental in putting together the conference.  Certificates of appreciation were presented by Doris Compton, PP, PLS, NALS 2009‑2010 Education Director, to Oklahoma members Joanne Davis, PP, PLS; Cindy Squier, PP, PLS; Gay Sellers, PP, PLS; and Katherine Warren, PP, PLS.

As President Patti announced the 2009‑2010 leadership team members in attendance, Immediate Past President Julie Abernathy, PP, PLS, presented leadership pins to them, which included the Board of Directors, committee chairs and members, task force members, NALS Foundation Trustees, and Online Learning Center facilitators and moderators.  Over 145 individuals served on the 2009‑2010 leadership team.

President Patti also recognized the individuals who had received a CLE Award during the past year:

Original
Theresa Estopare, PP, PLS
Anne Jack, PP, PLS

Renewal
Linda Adair, PLS
Rita Alesi, PP, PLS, CLA, TSC
Teresa Garber, PP, PLS
Bonita Hole, PP, PLS, RS, CNSA, CPCA, ACP
Patricia E. Infanti, PP, PLS
Janice Miller, PP, PLS, CPS
Carol Pyle

After recognizing the NALS Life Members in attendance, President Patti recognized the individuals in attendance who had achieved certification during the past year:

ALS
Elizabeth Moore, ALS
Gina L. Knight, ALS

PLS
Amy Doran, PLS
Barbara LeCaptain, PLS
Samantha Tandy, PLS

PLS—Recertification
Julie Abernathy, PP, PLS
Susan Acklin, PLS
Bridget Allen, PLS
Kathleen Amirante, PP, PLS
Kathleen Cusack, PLS
Theresa Estopare, PP, PLS
Jill Hale, PP, PLS, CLA
Catherine Hankins, PP, PLS
Sharon Johndrow, PLS
Mary Lenhart, PP, PLS
Misty Lewis, PP, PLS
Cynthia Pitts, PLS
Jeannie Shaw, PP, PLS
Debra Taylor, PP, PLS
Mary Vickers, PP, PLS
Loretta Ulmer, PLS

Professional Paralegal
Virginia Brownell, PP, PLS
Christine Clayton, PP, PLS
Teresa Garber, PP, PLS
Janet Gordon, PP, PLS
Micki Warnecker, PP, PLS

Professional Paralegal—Recertification
Rita Alesi, PP, PLS, CLA, TSC
Donice Alford, PP, PLS
Kathleen Amirante, PP, PLS
Nancy Anderstrom, PP, PLS
Karen Becker, PP, PLS
Talley Brathovd, PP, PLS
Delores Champ, PP, PLS
Marilyn Chenoweth, PP, PLS
Jamie Early, PP, PLS
Theresa Estopare, PP, PLS
Vickie French, PP, PLS
Rita Gilson, PP, PLS
Kelly Hickey, PP, PLS
Michelle Haughey, PP, PLS
Karen Kuhn, PP, PLS
Wendy Latham, PP, PLS
Karen McElroy, PP, PLS
Janice Miller, PP, PLS, CPS
Meri Nelson, PP, PLS, TSC
Gay Sellers, PP, PLS
Jeannie Shaw, PP, PLS
Barbara Stone, PP, PLS
Peggy Sullivan, PP, PLS
Debra Taylor, PP, PLS
Mary Vickers, PP, PLS

All certified members in attendance were asked to stand and be recognized.  The members who administered certification exams were also recognized.

NALS Foundation Chair Faynell Poe, PP, PLS, thanked the state and chapter associations who submitted a program for a Jett Award.  Assisted by Immediate Past President Julie Abernathy, PP, PLS, and President Patti, Faynell announced this year’s Jett Award winners:

Cornerstone Awards
Houston ALP—Think Big Membership Development
NALS of Lansing—50th Anniversary Celebration
NALS of West Michigan—Ethics in the Workplace

Keystone Awards
NALS of Missouri—Mock Exam Development
Philadelphia LSA—Secretarial Boot Camp

Founder’s Award
NALS of Greater Seattle—“Where’s Eula Mae?”
President Patti congratulated NALS of Greater Seattle and reminded us that we could hear more about the “Where’s Eula Mae?” program at the NALS Jett Award Founder’s Award session this afternoon.  She then thanked us for an enjoyable luncheon and sent us on to our next session.

Closing and Wrap Up
NALS Foundation Chair Faynell Poe thanked everyone for their support of the Foundation and announced that approximately $6,000 had been raised over the conference.

Networking Dinner
The Networking Dinner held on Saturday evening was the perfect end to a wonderful conference.  We changed from suits to jeans and tees, and enjoyed a good dinner with good company followed by music and dancing.

Leadership Sessions
Leadership training was jointly conducted for both state/chapter presidents/presidents-elect and state/chapter membership chairmen beginning Friday morning.

Presidents/Presidents-elect

• Social Media:  Join the Conversation.  Jay Moore, the NALS Communications Manager, presented this session.  He discussed the differences in the way people today think and communicate than in the last generation.  He explained the different social media and how to break through the clutter and make social media work for us.  Jay concluded the session by explaining that all marketing is a conversation with current and potential customers, and social media gives us a unique way to open up the lines of conversation to make it a two-way process.  He advised that we should be (1) authentic, (2) brave, and (3) consistent and have fun.
  
• Decision to Volunteer (Findings from the ASAE Research Study).  Pam Hemann, CAE, presented this session.  During her presentation, she discussed why we have volunteers, how we manage their experience, and ways to apply it to our organization.  Pam shared the key findings of a study sponsored by ASAE and the Center for Association Leadership.  The study found that not all volunteers are alike and that there are patterns to association volunteering.  These patterns are categorized as Local Leaders (who focus on local chapter boards and committee services), Writers (who are the subject matter experts of an organization), Teachers (who are the mentors, coaches, and tutors), and Shapers (who engage in every activity and perform the majority of the volunteer work within an association).  Pam also discussed why members begin volunteering, why members do not volunteer, and why volunteers leave.  This was an interactive and energized presentation, and we exchanged ideas and challenges.
  
• NALS University.  As the state and local presidents and presidents-elect entered the auditorium, each was given a red rubber Class of 2010 bracelet.  Following orientation, the students attended the classes of their choices.  Classes were 20 minutes in length with a 5-minute passing period.  In all ten different classes were held, but students could attend only seven because of the time.  The subjects (with professors) included:
  
  • Building Blocks—Your Governance Documents  (Helene Wood, PP, PLS, TSC)
    
  • Positive Leaders Elevate Anyone to Succeed With Enthusiasm (“PLEASE”)  (Leadership/Motivation/Overcoming Negativity)  (Karen McElroy, PP, PLS)
    
  • Financial Planning—Demystified  (Finance and Budgets)  (Jeannie Shaw, PP, PLS)
    
  • Spiders Create Webs to Catch Flies—Create Your Web to Catch Members!  (Marketing)  (Barbara A. Stone, PP, PLS)
    
  • Don’t Be Afraid to Negotiate!  (Negotiating Contracts)  (Tammy Hailey, CAE)
    
  • Strategic Planning—Huh? What Happened to Long Range Planning?  (Julie A. Abernathy, PP, PLS)
    
  • Made to Stick Fundraising  (Deborah Waters, FPR)
    
  • Ask Not What Your Community Can Do For You  (Community Service)  (Cathy Hankins, PP, PLS)
    
  • Titles—What’s in a Name?  Grab Them With Your Programs  (Programs With a Punch)  (Tina Hurley, PP, PLS)
    
  • Don’t Just Run With the Pack, Lead It  (Leading Effective Meetings)  (Lisa Mitchum, PLS)
    At the conclusion of the University, each student in the 2010 graduating class received a diploma in recognition of their accomplishments from President-elect Kathie Amirante and Secretary/Treasurer Helene Wood.
    
• NALS University Graduate Session.  NALS University was followed by the Graduate Session, which was a panel emceed by Helene Wood, who provided information on what the students could expect as local and state presidents and presidents-elect.  The panelists were:              

  Tammy Hailey, CAE, NALS Executive Director
  Diana Price, NALS Education and Certification Director
  Lisa J. Mitchum, PLS, NALS Region 4 Director
  Brynne Williamson, PP, PLS, NALS Region 7 Director
  Karen McElroy, PP, PLS, NALS Marketing Director
  Kathie Amirante, PP, PLS, NALS President-elect
  Theresa Garber, PP, PLS, NALS of West Michigan

Tammy provided information regarding NALS.  Diana requested the students’ assistance in designating testing sites and exam administrators for the coming year.  Lisa spoke on planning meetings and good communications.  Brynne spoke about dealing with difficult people.  Karen spoke on delegation and how to get members involved.  Teri made a short presentation on a program developed by her chapter with their local business college.
At the conclusion of the Graduate Session, students were provided with the NALS University Presidents Tool Kit on cd.

Membership

• Decision to Volunteer (Findings from the ASAE Research Study).  Pam Hemann, CAE, presented this session.  See Presidents/Presidents-elect for a description of the session.
  
• Social Media:  Join the Conversation.  Jay Moore, the NALS Communications Manager, presented this session.  See Presidents/Presidents-elect for a description of the session.
  
• NALS Membership Chair Sherri Kravitz, PP, PLS, and NALS Membership Director Tina Boone, PP, PLS, continued the membership sessions with a workshop on Saturday (March 13), which was divided into morning and afternoon sessions.  The workshop was upbeat and gave everyone many ideas to take back to their state associations and chapters.  Sherri and Tina tag-teamed, with Tina opening the morning session with everyone introducing themselves and answering the question about the one thing they wanted to know more about in NALS.  An explanation was provided about the different positions on the NALS Membership Committee and the duties of the committee.  Information was also provided on the second year of the Think Big membership campaign, the values of NALS, getting organized, the NALS social and professional community groups, and a nuts-and-bolts guide for SMCs and LMCs.  During the afternoon session, Sherri guided the members attending the workshop through the Membership Tool Kit, engaged them in conversation and brainstorming, and continued the discussion about the second year of the Think Big membership campaign.  She also encouraged them to use the Recruit Five theme to recruit and retain members throughout the year.
  

Professional Development and Education Sessions
The sessions offered this year covered a variety of professional development and education topics:

• Communication—It’s More Than What You Say.  Peggy Sullivan, PP, PLS, focused on the communication process, barriers to communication, and ways to improve our communication skills and make them more effective.
  
• Trial and Pretrial Conduct on Paper and in Practice:  A Cut Above the Ordinary.  John Tucker, a partner in Rhodes Hieronymus, conducted a panel discussion and presented video vignettes of pitfalls in proper trial and pretrial conduct.
  
• Go Green With Avery.  Karl Schoen, a consumer education specialist with Avery Dennison, a NALS corporate sponsor, talked about exciting new and existing Avery products that help us reduce, reuse, and recycle in our workplace or home office.
  
• Cut + Paste = Copyright Infringement.  Rachel Blue, a former trademark examining attorney with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, discussed the impact of copyright law on everyday actions.
  
• Professional Dress for the Office.  Doris Compton, PP, PLS, spoke about the good, the bad, and the ugly and how to make the most positive and professional first impression.
  
• Christmas Packages, Birthday Presents and Hair Are All Good Places for Ribbons—But in Microsoft WORD . . . You Decide.  Julie M. Yoder, a systems trainer for Crowe & Dunlevy, discussed the changes that come with Microsoft’s new 2007 interface and how to customize it, work with shortcut keys to find features faster, and use it to your advantage in increasing your productivity.
  
• Loss During Tough Economic Times.  Barbara A. LeCaptain, PLS, discussed dealing with stress and loss during difficult times.
  
• Everything You Wanted to Know About Chapter 11 Reorganization But Were Afraid to Ask.  William H. Hoch, a shareholder in Crowe & Dunlevy, presented a program designed to provide a quick primer on Chapter 11 reorganization for legal assistants so they can add value to client representation.
  
• Marketing Tips—Getting Your Name Out There.  Joyce Bassett, PP, PLS, presented tips to more effectively promote chapter and state association names and events.
  
• Duties & Functions of U.S. Marshals Service.  U.S. Marshal Chad Hunt discussed the various duties and functions performed by the U.S. Marshals Service, such as service of process, processing and handling of fugitives, and transporting prisoners.
  
• Employment Law Update.  Patrick W. Cipolla, a managing attorney in human resources with ONEOK, Inc., gave an overview of how the changes to the ADA and FMLA have impacted the day-to-day practices of employers and the status and impact of the Employee Free Choice Act.
  
• E-Discovery & Digital Forensics and Electronically Stored Information:  Focus on Data Processing and Metadata.  Gavin Manes, Ph.D., a nationally recognized expert in digital forensics and currently the president of Avansic, a NALS corporate sponsor, discussed the processing stage of electronically stored information and detailed the advantages and disadvantages of the currently available tools in relation to the specific information being processed, as well as their relative cost.
  

And A Final Thank You
Special thanks to our corporate sponsors, exhibitors, and advertisers:  Aflac; Avansic; Avery Dennison; Eley TV Legal Video; Esquire Solutions; Glass Jewelry by Carol Jorgenson; Legal Directories Publishing Company, Inc.; Liberty Mutual; Brenda Moyes of Pretty Picture Purses; Tammy Mullins (author of Preston Falls Up); NALS of Atlanta; NALS of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia Legal Secretaries Association; ReadyTalk; Sam’s Club; Texas Association of Legal Professionals; Thomson Reuters/West; and Helene L. Wood, PP, PLS, TSC.

Special recognition goes to the staff of the NALS Resource Center.  Without their tireless efforts, our association would not function.  Our fabulous Resource Center staff includes:

Tammy Hailey, CAE, Executive Director
Saundra Bates, Membership Services Manager
Diana Price, Education and Certification Manager
Jennifer King, NALS Meetings and Marketing Assistant
Jay Moore, Communications Manager

Words cannot express how thankful we are for each of them and their dedication to our association and its members.