State Associations Meeting
Thursday, September 27, 2012
3:00 p.m. ET
Attendees:
Michele Oken California - NACM Vice President
State Associations Subcommittee Chair
Vicky Carlson Minnesota Association for Court Management
Kip Anderson Arizona Association of Superior Court Administrators
Sylvia Argento Ohio Association for Court Administration
Lynn Maloy Louisiana Court Administrators Association
Debbie Arnson
(For Kay Renfro)OregonAssociation for Court Administration
Yolanda Lewis Georgia Council of Court Administrators
Christie LovelessTexas Association for Court Administration
Kevin BowlingMichigan – NACM Past President
Kelly SteeleColorado - NACM Board Member - Membership Services Committee Chair
The Chair welcomed all participants to the first State Associations Committee conference call of the year. She explained that the main purpose for the conference calls is the opportunity for states to network and share ideas.
Michele mentioned that there were 15 attendees at the State leadership conference held at the NACM Conference in Orlando. Lynn Maloy indicated that she enjoyed the round table discussion with the other state representatives, sharing ideas and thought the leadership challenge presentation was great. Vicky Carlson also found round table discussion valuable. Michele asked for input about changing the day and time of the leadership conference. Participants agreed that they would be adverse tothe leadership conference conflicting with NACM workshops or SIG’s. It was suggested that an alternate time slot could be on the day of the exhibit show.
Michele gave an overview of thedual membershipprogram for states to partner with NACM. Link to template for dual membership agreement:
Sylvia stated that it has been well received in Ohio, that NACM has gained members through its partnership with Ohio. Texas and Georgia are both interested in implementing; Kevin indicated that there has been positive feedback from the two associations in Michigan that have taken advantage of the partnership.
Michele asked for input regarding the possibility of creating a state association webpage on NACM’s website for posting of Bylaws, association information and conference/speaker information. The idea was well received. Kevin suggested posting agendas from past state association conferences.
Conference call topic for discussion: “Membership retention in difficult budget times.” Michele explained NACM's hardship program. Since members and their courts have been faced with challenging financial times, those declaring financial hardship (must submit application with explanation of hardship) can renew their membership for one year at a rate of $25. Members continue to receive all information electronically. Kelly shared the membership committee’s
e-membership concept (which will be formally recommended to the Board at the October meeting)highlighting the value of allowing access to the members only section where video conference sessions are available as well as NACM webinars. The October webinar will focus on membership services and will be held on Wednesday, October 24.
Roundtable discussion
Arizona: Kip shared that his association is a small group of 15 court administrators; they sponsor someone to attend NACM conferences.
Texas: Christie indicated that the association has introduced the concept of joining a judge with a court administrator; their membership levels have dropped 7 to 8 percent which she believes could be related to membership renewal set by anniversary date.
Ohio: Sylvia stated that their association sends the president and president elect to the NACM annual conference. Membership has not declined; membership rate of $50
Minnesota: Vicky commented that membership in the Minnesota Association has stayed constant. They estimated and planned for 100 to attend their conference and 160 are registered. The state unified system has been broken apart so they are working to merge with others.
Louisiana: Lynn shared that their association is growing and not really having budget difficulties. They regularly send the president and vice president to NACM. They are also consideringsoliciting sponsors for scholarships to the conference. Dues were recently raised to $75. Membership is currently over 100.
Georgia: Yolanda stated that their membership is staying consistent. They have a newer problem of retaining senior members. Senior members usually don't attend local conferences but attend NACM. Curriculum for state association’s conferences is more localized. They have started bringing judges to NACM.
Oregon: Debbie shared that they have lost members from rural areas. Their association currently has 179 members; membership rate is $50.
Discussionheld about association secretarial services; some partner or utilize services; others do it on their own.
Participants showed interest in the following topics for discussion at future meetings:
- Roberts Rules of Order
- Ethical issues: ie. Conference evening activity; concern about auditors not allowing funds to be used for activities
- National Time Standards adopted by COSCA/CCJ
- State Conference development: states share ideas and how their conferences are structured; share agendas from past years including cost of speakers
Lynn Maloy stated that she will term out on Monday. Dawn Palermo will be the next president.
There being no further business, the meeting concluded at 12:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Michele Oken, Vice President
State Associations Committee Chair
Dates of future conference calls
Last Thursday of the month, bi-monthly 3:00 p.m. ET
November 29
January 24
March 28
May 30
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