Chartered State Associations
Each year, in June, NAPPS issues payment to all eight chartered state association in an amount totaling $10 for each NAPPS member in their state. A summary of this year's payouts:
California
183 members
$1,830.00
Florida
176 members
$1,760.00
New York
170 members
$1,700.00
Texas
109 members
$1,090.00
Oregon
37 members
$370.00
Washington
36 members
$360.00
Arizona
35 members
$350.00
New Jersey
35 members
$350.00
TOTAL............................................
$7,810.00
This is the third year in which these payments have been made. In 1992 NAPPS issued payments totaling $6,990, which increased to $7,750 in 2003, and have increased even more in 2004. California, with 11 new members, has taken over first place from Florida, which drops to second place after a loss of 17 members. Florida had been the leader for the first two years.
2004 Membership Renewals Are Up
Each year we lose between 105 and 115 members, which represent 6 to 8% of our membership. This is an unusually good loss ratio for an organization of our size. The loss ratio of some associations is twice that number. And losses that high can be a catastrophic if not fatal blow to their ability to continue effectively representing their members.
This year, however, only 97 NAPPS members did not renew their memberships. This is just a fraction over 6%, the best loss ratio we've had in years…further evidence that our members feel that NAPPS is deserving of their continued allegiance.
August Board Meeting
The first board meeting of the new fiscal year was held in Three Forks, Montana, at the Sacajawea Hotel. Former board member Peter Lazetich, one of the owners of this hotel, is the magnet that drew us to this historic site (see photos in this issue). Following are some of the highlights of that meeting:
The reduced registration fees to attend this year's convention in St. Louis ($50 for members and $25 for spouse or guest) caused us to take a substantial financial hit; however, as I reported to the board, it had a relatively insignificant impact on our finances. Overall, we ended our current fiscal year spending a little over $5,000 more than we brought in.
Fred Blum, chair of the NAPPS E-Filing Committee, reported that he and Robin Martinelli attended the ABA E-Filing Committee meeting in Atlanta on August 6. He stressed that this was an extremely important committee which had great potential to seriously impact our industry. And that it was up to us to make sure the impact was positive rather than negative. The next meeting of that committee will be held in Las Vegas during the 2004 E-Court Conference in December. Jeff Karotkin, chair of the NAPPS Technology and the Courts Committee, will be attending that meeting and conference.
John Perez, chair of the Education Committee, reported that the educational seminars in New York are attracting new members to the New York state association. He is working with Troy McDonald to set up a training program in Florida. I would suspect, however, that the recent chaotic weather in that state may slow their progress.
Bruce Lazarus was appointed by President MaryLee Rustand as chair of the State Charter Committee to fill that post following the resignation of Thomas MacDonald. He wants any person wishing to start a state association to give him a call at (219) 393-9070.
2005 NAPPS Conference
The 2005 Conference will be held in Scottsdale, AZ, at the Chaparral Suites Hotel. The dates are May 19-21. Room rates are $119 + tax for single or double, with a complimentary full breakfast and evening cocktails. Although we haven't as yet put up full conference information on our website, we have linked the hotel's website so you can see photos of the hotel and its rooms and facilities. Go to www.napps.org and pull down the "Events" menu.
2006 NAPPS Conference
We're still in a state of flux with respect to our 2006 conference location. One site that we are investigating is Washington, DC. But the room rates for hotels close to city center are very pricey. And if the room rate doesn't get you, the food prices will. Moreover, hotels are now establishing high minimums that you must spend for food and drink in order to get free meeting and seminar space. Even a registration fee in the $200-for-member-$150-for-spouse range won't bring in enough to cover these high minimums. So we're still searching.
In Memoriam-Robert H. Brown Jr.
We were just informed that Robert H. Brown Jr. of Robert H. Brown Jr. Process Service Inc. in Bradenton, Fla. had passed away on Friday, September 10. He was 72. Robert had been a NAPPS member for nine years. His daughter stated he had been ill for some time. We extend our sincere condolences to his family.
NAPPS Board Meeting Scheduled for San Diego
The November 13 board meeting will be held at the Hilton Harbor Island Hotel in San Diego. Board meetings are open to all NAPPS members and we welcome you if you care to attend. Board meeting information is published in the directory supplements that go out to members the first of each month. Call the NAPPS office if you have questions.
