Summer 2014 President's Letter
Dear MCRA Member,
For the past three years I have attended the National Court Reporters Convention where I have been inspired by so many leaders in our field, prominent court reporters who have perfected or nearly perfected their skill, and reporters just starting out and attempting to gather as much information as possible about the career ahead of them.
MCRA Director Lorreen Hollingsworth and I attended the convention this past August in San Francisco. Following are a few of the highlights from San Francisco:
Nancy Varallo, RDR, CRR, turned over the reins of the National presidency to Sarah Nageotte, RDR, CRR, CBC, Jefferson, Ohio. Nancy's outgoing speech can be found at http://thejcr.com/2014/07/30/ncras-2014-convention-expo-coverage/. Thank you, Nancy, for your service and dedication to the profession.
The Drucker industry outlook report projects there will be a dramatic shortage of court reporters by 2020. NCRA is rolling out a new marketing campaign to raise awareness about the health and vitality of our dynamic profession. State associations will be asked to assist in this effort by engaging with and encouraging prospective students to enroll in court reporting programs. In addition to the new student website, www.crtakenote.com, an awareness campaign will be launched to publicize the campaign in major periodicals. You can view the complete Drucker report at www.crtakenote.com.
Now, what we've all been waiting for! It has just gotten easier to take your skills examinations. NCRA has partnered with Realtime Coach and ProctorU to provide NCRA certification exams online and on demand. Starting January 2015 candidates will be able to take certification exams in the comfort of their own homes or offices. The National exams will be offered November 2014 in brick and mortar sites. In May 2015 there will be only a few brick and mortar sites across the country offering the exam. For more information on the new testing procedures see ncra.org/testing.
Congratulations to Michelle Keegan, RMR, CRR, of Quincy, Massachusetts, for doing so well in both the realtime and speed contests. The full results of the contests can be found at http://thejcr.com/2014/08/02/2014-speed-contest-results/ and http://thejcr.com/2014/08/02/2014-realtime-contest-results/. Michelle, you are truly inspirational.
Back on the home front, we have a new website! All the information above (and more!) has been posted on it. Our new website allows us the flexibility to create what you would like to see. If you have any suggestions, please send them to info@mcraonline.com.
Additionally, your MCRA board has formed committees and we are making plans to make a difference in your organization. We are looking for members to join us in making your association a worthwhile and lively group of court reporters. Following is a list of the committees, their current members and their purposes. Please consider joining one of the committees. I assure you that you will not regret volunteering your time and talent to this great profession.
Certification Committee - Marsha Gerber, Lorreen Hollingsworth, Marie Leonard, Kathryn Sweeney,Deanna Veinotte
The certification committee shall conduct the NCRA and MCRA examinations. The committee shall issue a certificate to each candidate who has satisfactorily passed the Certified Shorthand Reporter examination.
Education Committee - Joan Cassidy, Sue Garvin
The education committee shall keep informed of court reporting training programs and assist where possible in the development and success of said programs.
Events Committee - Toni Beckwith, Ellen Fritch Lenaghan, Lorreen Hollingsworth
The events committee shall assist in the planning and implementing of educational and social events sponsored by MCRA.
Legislative Committee - Frank Dunn, Sue Garvin, Jill Kourafas, Lisa Phipps, Kathy Silva
The legislative committee shall keep informed of matters involving legislation that affects shorthand reporters. Where necessary, it shall directly assist in the passage of legislation for the benefit and good of the future of the court reporting profession.
Membership Committee - Megan Castro, Ellen Fritch Lenaghan, Jill Kourafas, Lisa Phipps
The membership committee shall promote membership in MCRA and encourage members to be involved in events, initiatives and goals.
Outreach Committee - Michelle Kaczynski, Jill Kourafas, Jill Shepherd
The outreach committee shall endeavor to raise awareness of the court reporting profession and MCRA by initiating contacts and developing relationships in the legal community and elsewhere.
If you are interested in volunteering for any of the committees, please reach out to the committee members, contact MCRA at info@mcraonline.com or me personally at kathysilva@verizon.net.
Sincerely,
Kathy Silva
MCRA President