Hello TBPA Members!

Here we are, already into deep into another year. As expected, your TBPA Board has been hard at work lining up speakers and subjects for the monthly CLE as well as for the upcoming fall seminar. And to continue keeping you all up to date, here are a few important announcements regarding changes to the TBPA luncheons, important “Save the Dates” announcements, and updates on pro bono events.  

VERY IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING OUR LUNCHEONS: The Tampa Club has informed us that they have increased the rates for our luncheon. The new rate will eventually be $16.50. I say "eventually" because in order to get the word out and not take anyone by surprise, TBPA will absorb the price increase and provide you with constant announcements that the membership rate will increase to $16.50 beginning with the July luncheon. The guest rate will stay the same at $25 per guest.

ALSO of import: the Board voted to change the dates of a majority of the luncheons in 2017 to the 3rd Thursday of the month so as to not conflict with PAF’s luncheons which are typically held on the 1st Tuesday of each month.  If we had left the schedule with the luncheons on the 2nd Thursday of the month, there would have been 5 months in 2017 where both luncheons would have fallen on the same week.  Since most firms do not allow their paralegals to attend two luncheons in the same week, it was decided that it would be best to move them to the 3rd Thursday schedule for all but two of the meetings.  As such, the schedule for the 2017 luncheons is set as follows:

May 18, 2017 - June 15, 2017 

July 13, 2017 (Remains 2nd Thursday)

August 17, 2017 - September 21, 2017 - October 19, 2017

November 16, 2017  - December 14, 2017 (Remains 2nd Thursday) 

and  January 18, 2018

Other Announcements:

NALA CONVENTION: Did you know that this year's annual NALA convention is practically in our own backyard? It will be held Wednesday, July 19, 2017 to Friday, July 21, 2017 in Orlando, FL. Join several TBPA members to network with paralegals from across the nation.  If you plan to attend, please let us know so that we can all enjoy some fun time together. TBPA will have a display table, so come and visit! Please contact NALALiaison@tbpa.org to let us know you'll be there... we don't want to miss you! 

Can't Attend? Vote by Proxy

If you are a voting member of NALA and cannot attend this year's annual meeting you may designate another NALA Active member to cast your vote by proxy. Your Designation of Proxy and Alternate Proxy forms must be sent to both the NALA Secretary and the NALA Credentials Chair in order for your proxy to be recorded. The form must be received by these officers no later than June 19, 2017.

Remember to instruct your proxy holders how you wish your vote to be cast. Announcement of candidates and proposed Bylaw amendments will be published in the May/June issue of Facts & Findings and on the NALA website.  

TBPA's President will be attending and is willing to be your Proxy. If you choose to designate Dana Martinez-Jones, ACP as your proxy, please let her know when you've submitted your proxy forms to NALA. Shoot an email to president@tbpa.org.

BOARD MEETINGS: Did you know that ALL TBPA members are welcome to attend the monthly Board meetings? If you are interested in joining us on any 2nd Monday of the month, our meetings start at 5:45 p.m. They are held at the Barnett, Bolt, Kirkwood, Long & Koche, P.A. firm. Please email if interested in attending as you will need access into the building. 

BRONZE SPONSOR FOR THE ANNUAL SEMINAR: Do you think that your firm would consider sponsoring our 2017 Annual Seminar which will be held on Friday, November 3, 2017 at the Hilton at Carillon Park?Sponsorship opportunities are now open!! Our 2016 Seminar had over 100 paralegals registered and we believe this year's seminar will be just as successful. 

Bronze Support Sponsorships at $200.00 is available if your firm desires to support TBPA, the paralegal profession, and seminar. TBPA will display sponsorship on-site at the seminar, plus on the website and in the seminar notebook. 

Sponsorship offers your firm exposure to hundreds of Tampa Bay Area paralegals.  Depending on the level of sponsorship, your firm could enjoy:

• Recognition on TBPA's Save the Date and Brochure mailings
• Recognition on TBPA's website 
• E-News Ad in select TBPA email blasts
• Recognition on Seminar signage and in Seminar materials

COMMUNITY SERVICE: The spotlight for community service support will be rotated between three very deserving organizations: USO, PACE Center for Girls, and A Kid's Place. Please keep an eye out on the luncheon notices which will advise you as to that month's focus. 

CERTIFICATION INFORMATION: 

ARE YOU A CP, ACP, FCP, RP OR CRP? 

WE NEED YOU TO SHARE YOUR KNOWLEDGE! WANT TO VOLUNTEER AND HELP YOUR FELLOW MEMBERS?

We are looking for CP, ACP, FCP, RP and CRP members who would be willing to volunteer to participate in a seminar workshop for our members interested in taking the NALA Certified Paralegal Exam, PACE exam or PCCE exam.

Participation would consist of teaching a specific area of law and/or topic on the exam. This workshop will be conducted on a Saturday. It will be an all day event.  If you are interested in lending your skills to further the advancement of fellow TBPA members, please contact Erika Burgos, at certification@tbpa.org. 

Upcoming Events:           

May 18, 2017:  This luncheon's CLE will be part one of a two-part residential litigation presentation featuring Alicia Seward, Esq., who will focus on Administration of Residential Tenancies in Landlord/Tenant Law.

June 15, 2017: Will be the second part of land law: Amy E. Stoll, Esq. on Non-Residential Landlord/Tenant Litigation. 

June 19, 2017: Deadline to file NALA Proxy form. See NALA website for more details.

July 22, 2017: Quarterly “Wills for Heroes” event at the HCBA. 

Also of note:

July 19-21, 2017: Save the Date for NALA’s Annual Convention in Orlando, FL – this is practically in our back yard so it would be great to have many of our members in attendance.

October 12-15, 2017: Save the Date for NFPA’s Annual Convention in New Orleans, LA.

November 3, 2017: Save the Date!! TBPA's Annual Seminar in St. Petersburg, FL – Your Seminar Committee has already been hard at work with this year’s theme “Invest in Yourself” and have begun reaching to sponsors. Come join the fun!