Debbie Gutierrez, President

Dear Colleagues -

I hope this note finds you enjoying the summer days.  It’s hard to believe it’s been over a month since the Worcester Social.  While our association events may seem far and few between, when we do get together it’s such a great opportunity to find out the latest happenings with technology, to meet new friends, and to catch up with old friends, too! 

I don’t think there are many among us who don’t love being a court reporter – whether you’ve been in the profession for two years or twenty years – it’s challenging and rewarding to be members of such a respected profession. (One other job I would like having would be the Phantom Gourmet, but then I’d be the next Jenny Craig spokesperson!)  While we face obstacles in our industry, our national and state associations are a strong voice in local and federal legislatures and they provide numerous opportunities to improve our skills and increase our reputation in the legal system.  Which brings me to the purpose of this letter -- licensure.

While I am thrilled that in the last few months a number of court reporters have inquired about reinstating their membership, this also presents a problem since a lapse results in the loss of CSR status.  As a service to these former members, MCRA is offering two ways to reinstate CSR status.  Lisa Moreira will proctor the CSR test on Saturday, October 25th.  Upon passing the test and paying 2008 dues, nonmembers may retain their original CSR number. Remember…. to hold a valid CSR license, membership in MCRA is mandatory.  The other option is to take advantage of a recent Board vote to allow an amnesty period for former members to reinstate their membership and CSR status by paying three years of dues -- 2008 and two back years.  While this may seem like an arbitrary amount, I assure you, it is not.  In fairness to current MCRA members who have consistently been members in good standing, the Board gathered and analyzed membership data and past practice and decided to offer an amnesty period until December 31, 2008. 

It is critical that this information reach as many court reporters as possible.  MCRA will do its part by spreading this word in as many different ways as we can - email, postcard, and on the website. But you, our current members, can help by passing the word to your court reporter friends and colleagues.  These two opportunities to reinstate MCRA membership and CSR status are approaching fast… and, there will be absolutely no exceptions to the 12/31/08 amnesty period deadline.
                       
I’m sure you’ll agree that both of these options are a small price to pay for membership in a strong organization that works for you by providing professional development and networking opportunities while representing the interests of court reporters at the state and national level.  Please join me in ensuring that the court reporting profession remains just that – a group of talented specialists with a professional CSR designation.  I challenge court reporters who are not currently licensed to push yourself -- take the CSR in October.  The tests are fair and reasonable (the speeds are less than the speeds for the RPR) and this achievement contributes to the strength and reputation of our profession! 

Thank you for your support.

Debbie Gutierrez
President, MCRA