Let Us Know

First, let me say I hope you all have a wonderful, safe and happy Fourth of July holiday.  The Fourth of July is my youngest son's birthday so it is always exciting. Additionally this year we just found out my oldest son and his wife are expecting my second grandchild this coming December so there is a lot to celebrate.

Now for the letting us know part, we are always looking at new ways to make your NALS experience even better. So please, if you ever think I wish NALS did this, or that, let us know. We love to hear from our members and we want to serve you the best that we can. Additionally consider what part you would like to play in the future development of NALS.  Are you involved at the local, state or national level?  Is there a project that you think is important that you would like to be involved in yourself? Consider whether or not you want to serve on the NALS Board or even the NALS Leadership Team.  Regardless of where you see yourself we want to hear from you, we want to meet and exceed your expectations for the future of NALS. Let us hear from you!

Happy 3rd of July!

I wanted to take the time to wish everyone a Happy (Day Before) Independence Day! I hope you are all going to celebrate with family and/or friends. Take the time to enjoy the freedoms we have and thank someone that has helped preserve them!

I will be celebrating all weekend with friends as tonight we kick it off with some baseball and hot dogs with fireworks to follow...not many things more American that that huh? Tomorrow in Tulsa there is a fireworks display along the Arkansas River that is normally quite impressive so we will probably gather to enjoy this and we will be cooking out Saturday with friends and neighbors...I recommend any and all of these activities for you and your families as well!

Have Fun People! And Be Safe!

Jay

Summer Conferences

The regional conferences are upon us--take advantage of all NALS offers by attending the regional conference closest to you. The Regional Directors and their respective committees have been hard at work preparing a great conference for you - the member. It's not too late to register for some of the conferences. Not only will you come away with great education, but you will meet members from all over your region. Those networking opportunities are "priceless."


If you're interested in a conference near you, check out the calendar pull down menu and choose c0nferences for a complete list of conferences in your area.


And speaking of conferences, I know you've seen all the information posted about the upcoming NALS conference to be held in Norfolk, VA. I don't know about you, but I'm anxious to participate.


I look forward to meeting members throughout my summer travels to the Region 3 and Region 7 conferences.

What's On Your iPod?

I have been interested in podcasting for several years now, maybe because it takes me back to my radio days at San Diego State University. Listening to a podcast is basically like listening to the radio. Sometimes, the content is a monologue, sometimes an interview, or a discussion among two or more individuals on a topic of interest. Some are wildly funny, others informative or serious. From an initial handful four years ago, there are now tens of thousands of podcasts out there with millions of subscribers. You can search for podcasts of interest at the iTunes store (most subscriptions are free) or through websites such as podcastalley.com. One of my favorites is Grammar Girl's Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing (http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/). Check it out and let me know what you think.

I'd also like to know what else you are listening to. What's on your iPod?

SPIRIT OF NORFOLK - DEADLINE EXTENDED!

Straight from Cathy Hankins over at the Conference Blog the deadline for the Spirit of Norfolk Dinner Cruise has been extended to May 31st! This is due to overwhelming demand as there are currently 143 NALS members and guests registered for this event! That is more than one third of the boat!

If you have not registered for this event do so now! You do not want to hear how much fun it was, experience it first hand by registering today. DO NOT CALL NALS TO REGISTER. Contant Melanie Nissenson at (757) 217-0627 before May 31st to get the special NALS rate. This is a rate of $45 per person instead of the normal charge of $69 per person!

Check out the NALS Conference Blog at and find out the latest news and find out what is going on in the area!

Jay

Norfolk! The deadline is getting close!

Hey everyone,

I just wanted to remind you that the deadline for registering for the special rate on the Spirit of Norfolk Dinner Cruise is in 2 Days! The price will go up after this date so don't wait any long to get signed up. The Sprit of Norfolk is offering NALS members attending the annual conference a special dinner cruise on Thursday, September 11th, 2008. Boarding begins at 6:30 p.m. and you'll cruise from 7- 10 p.m. The cost includes a cruise around the harbor, a buffet dinner and entertainment (DJ). Cost for NALS: only $45 per person inclusive. YOU MUST REGISTER BY 4/30/08 TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS SPECIAL RATE! (Retail is $69.03 per person—savings of $24.03 per person) If you register for the cruise after April 30th, your cost will be $69.03. DO NOT CALL NALS TO REGISTER! To sign up for the cruise, contact Melanie Nissenson at (757) 217-0627 before space fills up. Register by April 30, 2008 & SAVE!!!!

Also members are organizing a bus trip on Wednesday, September 10, to Historic Williamsburg. The price for this will be around $55-60 per person depending on how many sign up so if you want more details contact Jennifer Reed at the NALS Resource Center (reed@nals.org).

Another note, we're staying at the Marriott Waterside and the deadline for hotel reservations is August 10, 2008. The room block is filling up fast and the hotel does not have to add additional rooms to the block. Don't be left sleeping on the beach. If you have problems making room reservations for extra days contact the hotel directly during business hours (M-F, 9-4:30) and ask for in-house reservations. If you have trouble beyond that, contact Tammy Hailey, CAE, at the NALS Resource Center and she will work with our representative at the hotel. Pick up the phone and call 1-757-627-4200 and make your reservation today!

If you have not registered for the conference remember that the EARLY BIRD DEADLINE IS JUNE 1, 2008!

See you in Norfolk!!

Jay

Your Input is Important!

NALS has been the premier leader in the legal support professional industry since 1929. Many changes have occurred in the last 79 years, with more changes expected to happen in the future. To keep NALS as the premier legal professional association, the Strategic Planning Committee needs your responses. The Committee is constantly reviewing the focus of NALS and wants to stay abreast of members’ needs and desires for the future. The latest Environmental Scan is now available. NALS values your input, and in fact, the Strategic Planning Committee actually takes time to review the responses and, yes - we do review, discuss, and implement programs from what you tell us!

Thank you for participating in the first environmental scan. A new scan will be posted soon, look for notice of the availability of the new scan in E-News. The second scan deals with the generational issues and what you want NALS to offer to facilitate your position with your employer. Please take a few moments of your time to participate in this scan.

Thank you for your participation in this scan. Your insights make a difference. We will inform you about future opportunities to have your opinions heard. The results will be posted in June.