First, I would like to say thank you to each of you for choosing me as your President for 2012. When I first became a part of this organization, I never imagined I would end up in this position. However, with some guidance, mentoring, and a hands-on approach, I was able to gain the confidence needed to move forward within the ranks. Now, it is clear to me why people join organizations such as this. I have gained so many friends and family members. I have gained so much insight and had help in areas of law where others had expertise. I have been enriched in my professional and personal life by the teamwork and comradery among the members of this organization. I understand now, as with any relationship, you get what you give. I plan to get the most out of CFPA and I challenge each of you to do the same. I challenge each of you to become involved. Find a place (because each of us has one) where your strengths lie and step up to the plate. This organization is about you and is for you so take advantage of it.
 
 2011 has been a whirlwind year for me and I know I am not alone. We have all faced challenges physically, professionally and economically. However, we have all stood strong and continued to move forward with a positive attitude. CFPA has also undergone some exciting changes in 2011, including launching our monthly newsletter "Carpe Diem" which we hope will reach members and non members alike. We are continuously working to find the most economical way to provide webinars to our members and non members for more convenience and hope to launch that sometime this year. I am also proud to announce that we are able to provide a discount to our members and students who wish to take the Certified Paralegal Exam by offering a free ACT testing center by partnering with ITT Technical Institute. This can save you over $100 in fees! We are always looking for ways to promote professionalism and education while saving you money. In addition, we launched a mobile website and we need your feedback.  
 
It is my goal to make the Central Florida Paralegal Association more visible in our community. This will include more promotion of our events, more events for our members to network, and more community service projects that will assist our community and promote team building within our association. Giving back is one of the things in my life that brings me joy. I want to share this with you, it's contagious. Not only can we get together and do some good, I encourage you to bring your family out to these events. We want to remain an inclusive organization who stands strong and invites members and non members to help further the goals of our association.
 
I look forward to an awesome year with each and every one of you. I encourage suggestions, recommendations, and comments. We want to know what is important to you so that we can continue to build this organization to meets the needs of the paralegals in our community.
 
Finally, remember that membership renewals are due by December 31, 2011 if you plan to take advantage of the discounted rate of $50. As of January 1, 2012, the renewal fee will be $60.
 
Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Remember to take time for yourself and appreciate the time you have with those who are significant in your lives.

We appreciate Black Diamond's sponsorship of our newsletter this month and as a supportive Patron Member of CFPA. If you wish to know more about Black Diamond, please click on their logo below which is linked to their web site.
 

Peonca Grier, CP, FRP
Certified Paralegal/Florida Registered Paralegal
Incoming CFPA President - 2012
President@cfpainc.org

It just seems like yesterday I was providing you with my very first Annual Meeting speech and providing you with an idea of some of my goals for the upcoming year.

 

Sincerely,

Every year the current President has the honor of choosing a member who stands out, someone that goes above and beyond within our organization. A person who is constantly helping out where needed and gets involved in CFPA's activities.

 

It was a difficult decision as many of the people who stand before you fit that definition.   However, there was one person who separated herself from the rest during the year.  

 

Our recipient wore many hats this year. She is our current web master, she is our student relations chair, she is co-chair of the review course, she is a part of the bylaws committee and she was our past secretary.   As web master, she has consistently made our web page current, fresh and packed with helpful information. If you have not visited our web site, you are missing a wealth of information about or organization, affiliated organizations and a page filled with resources for all paralegals; as student relations chair, she has provided information about our organization to local colleges who provide paralegal studies programs; as co-chair of the review course, she has assisted in obtaining speakers and co-hosting the course; as part of the bylaws committee, she has assisted in creating constructive changes to the bylaws and as my secretary, she has made sure I have provided the information required as President.   She has been with CFPA for many years and has held the title of President in the Past.     

        

She is dedicated to the Paralegal Profession, the legal community and to our organization. I am proud to present this year's President's Award to ANNE HUGHES.  

  

Anne Hughes, ACP, FCP, FRP

 

CONGRATULATIONS ANNE!!!   

We appreciate the following sponsors of our Annual Meeting and Holiday Party - Denim and Diamonds:

 

Greenberg Traurig, P.A.

Gold

Level I

www.gtlaw.com

 

U.S. Legal Support

Silver

Level 1

www.uslegalsupport.com

 

Access Investigative Services

Silver

Level II

www.accessinvestigativeservices

 

The Presentation Group

Bronze

Level I

www.presentationgroup.com

 

Video Verification

www.videoverification.cc

Bronze

Level II

 

AAllen Bryan & Associates

www.aallen.com

Bronze

Level II

 

Florida Coast Process LLC

www.floridacoastprocess.com

Bronze

Level II

 

Upcoming CFPA Luncheons ... 

Check out CFPA's Website for all the details.

 

 

You can find CFPA on these social networking sites:

 

  

Facebook

 

 

Linked In

 

 

Twitter  

That effective July 1, 2011, pursuant to Section 55.03, Florida Statutes, the statutory interest rates on judgments will be established quarterly by the CFO of the Florida Department of Financial Services.

 

Interest rates will be set on December 1, March 1, June 1 and September 1 of each year.

 

Interest rate effective October 1, 2011 is 4.75%.  

http://www.myfloridacfo.com/aadir/interest.htm  

 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the 2011 CFPA Carpe Diem Newsletter sponsors this year who had a part in making this new monthly electronic newsletter possible.


If you would like to be a "Sponsor of the Month" or if you have any legal articles or topics of interest that you would like to see covered in the next issue of the Carpe Diem please feel free to share them with me.


Cassie Snyder, CP, FRP
CFPA Carpe Diem Editor

Editor@cfpainc.org