In Attendance

Kelley D. Chaney, RP, Jacqueline Bollinger, Joyce S. Kent, RP, MaryAnn Ivie, RP, Leah Short, Melissa C. Mayes, Jeannie Lihs, Diane Thompson, RP, CP, and Brenna C. Dickey were in attendance.

Wayne Akin, Board Advisor and Linda Lee True were also in attendance.

New Business

Kelley D. Chaney, RP addressed the board and asked if the first Wednesday at noon was still a good meeting time for the board. Board members agreed that this was still a good time. November 2, 2011 at noon was the date and time set as the next meeting of the board at the offices of Miller Nash LLP.

Kelley D. Chaney, RP asked the board their availability for the leadership retreat. After discussion, November 19, 2011 was determined to be the best day for the leadership retreat. The leadership retreat will be held at Stoel Rives LLP from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

There being no further new business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:52 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, Brenna Dickey, Vice President

New Business

• Wayne D. Akin presented the 2011 Outstanding Service Provider Appreciation Award to Nationwide Process Service Inc.
• Wayne D. Akin presented the 2011 Outstanding New Member Award to Leah Short.
• Wayne D. Akin presented the 2011 Outstanding Member Award to Kelley D. Chaney, RP.
• Awards to leadership team – Wayne D. Akin presented certificates of recognition to Deanne Snedeker, Legal Services Provider Liaison, Pamela “PJ” Packard, Annual Survey Chair, Amanda Purvis, Website Co-Chair, Jeannie Lihs, Membership Chair, Linda Loffer, Intellectual Property Chair, Natalie Nelson-Sander, RP, PACE Ambassador, Julie Lycklama, RP, Mentor/Mentee Chair, Tisha DeLozier, Probate Chair, Mary McCourt, CLA, CSR, CLI, Litigation Chair, Michele Davis, CP, Annual Meeting Co- Chair and Program Chair.
• Awards to Board of Directors Wayne D. Akin presented certificates of recognition and “Making a Difference” awards to board members: Brenna C. Dickey, Secretary and Corporate Chair, MaryAnn Ivie, RP, Treasurer, Kathleen K. Miller, RP, NFPA Primary Representative and National Affairs Chair, Joyce S. Kent, RP, NFPA Secondary Representative and Annual Meeting Co-Chair, Kelley D. Chaney, RP, Vice President and Pro Bono Chair, Thomas C. Holmes, Board Member, Karen Russell, RP, Board Member and Domestic Relations Chair, Jackie Bollinger, Board Member and Bylaws Committee Chair, Stacy Franz, Associate Representative, De Dishman, Board Advisor, and Wayne D. Akin, President and Nominations and Elections Chair.
• NFPA News – Wayne D. Akin announced that the 2012 NFPA annual convention will be in Anchorage and that NFPA’s annual convention in 2015 will be held in Honolulu.
• Pro Bono Awards – Kelley D. Chaney, RP thanked the service providers who support OPA’s pro bono efforts. Kelley D. Chaney, RP presented Dardie Robinson, Diane Thompson, RP, CP, Kelley D. Chaney, RP, Deborah Lazzereti, and Lisa Peterson with the NFPA pro bono award. Kelley D. Chaney, RP encouraged everyone to keep better track of their pro bono hours so that everyone who is performing pro bono work receives recognition.
• Wayne D. Akin also recognized Michele Davis, CP for her hard work on putting together the annual meeting. Michele Davis, CP recognized Joyce S. Kent, RP, her co-chair and Diane Thompson, RP, CP for the annual meeting, for all of her hard work.
• 2011-2012 Election Results – Wayne D. Akin reported the election results for 2011-2012. The election results for OPA 2011-2012 officers and board members and NFPA Secondary Representative were announced by Wayne D. Akin to be the following: President – Kelley D. Chaney, RP Vice President – Brenna C. Dickey Secretary – Melissa C. Mayes Treasurer – MaryAnn Ivie, RP NFPA Secondary – Joyce S. Kent, RP Board of Director (1 year term) – Jeannie Lihs Board of Director (1 year term) – Leah Short Board of Director (2 year term) – Diane Thompson, RP, CP Associate Representative – Linda Lee True
• Kelley D. Chaney, RP presented Wayne D. Akin with a gift certificate to Dosha Spa for a massage, as well as a watch.
• President’s Award – Wayne D. Akin presented the President’s Award to Kelley D. Chaney, RP, indicating that this award went to the person who helped him the most as President in the last year.
• 2011 Lifetime Achievement Award – President Wayne D. Akin awarded Mary McCourt, CLA, CSR, CLI with the 2011 Exceptional Member Award. Wayne D. Akin informed the members that Mary McCourt, CLA, CSR, CLI has received the Oregon Paralegal Association outstanding member five times. Mary McCourt has played a critical roll in the Western Business College Program (now known as Everest College) and given roses to students and helped guide the program. Mary McCourt, CLA, CSR, CLI served on Oregon State Bar Quality of Life Committee, attends all Everest College graduation ceremonies and passes out roses at graduation, chaired the OPA litigation specialty group for many years, and been a OPA board member. Everest College has named their law library “The Mary McCourt Law Library,” in her honor. Mary McCourt, CLA, CSR, CLI does outreach for OPA. The board decided to give a new award that has never been given before. Mary McCourt, CLA, CSR, CLI said OPA is the best association she’s ever known.

Committee Reports – Wayne D. Akin said the committee reports have been tabled until the next board meeting.

The meeting adjourned at approximately 5:32 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Brenna Dickey, Board Secretary

Friday, Nov. 25, 2011

2012:                                                                        2013:

Friday, March 23^rd                                                Friday, January 18^th

Friday May 25^th                                                    Friday, April 19th

Friday August 17^th                                                 Friday, May 24th

Friday October 19^th

Friday November 23rd

In Attendance

Wayne Akin, Brenna Dickey, MaryAnn Ivie, RP, and Kelley D. Chaney, RP were in attendance.

Sherry Rainey was also in attendance.

Diane Thompson, CP, RP, Michele Davis, Tom Holmes, Julie Lycklama, RP, Karen Russell, RP, Kathleen Miller, RP and Janis Timlick attended the meeting by phone.

Jackie Bollinger was excused from attendance.

Minutes

The minutes of the September 7, 2011, board meeting were discussed. After discussion, the September 7, 2011, minutes were approved as amended.

Treasurer’s Report

MaryAnn Ivie, RP reported OPA has $26,726. MaryAnn Ivie, RP reported that we have spent $16,701 in NFPA dues. MaryAnn Ivie, RP reminded Wayne Akin that she needs the final budget so she can prepare it for the annual meeting.

Committee Reports

• Advertising – Wayne Akin reported that the new advertising rates will be going in the new Paragram. Wayne Akin is working to get new sustaining members. MaryAnn Ivie, RP reported that we have more sustaining members this year (we have nine). Wayne Akin said he wants more sustaining members. Wayne Akin reported that DTI, a national vendor, is moving into the region and that he will be approaching DTI to become a sustaining member of OPA.
• Annual Meeting – Michele Davis, CP reported that the annual meeting had collected $21,570 in income and she believes half of that will be a profit for OPA. Michele Davis, CP reported that OPA currently has 23 exhibitors and one of them will be Esquire. Diane Thompson, CP, RP reported that 60 members are attending the annual conference, with 55 members also attending casino night. Diane Thompson, CP, RP reported that on October 14, 2011, the annual meeting committee will be sending out reminders and providing the username and password to download the meeting materials. Diane Thompson, CP, RP reported the meeting materials were also on CD. Diane Thompson, CP, RP encouraged board and committee members to attend the casino social event. Diane Thompson, CP, RP reported there are 19 attending the Success Seminar.
• Annual Survey – Wayne Akin reported he has contacted Pamela Packard, RP to do the annual survey and she has agreed to do the annual survey. Wayne Akin reported we will have the paper surveys at the annual meeting and will also be performing the annual survey via Survey Monkey.
• Associate Representative – Stacy Franz was unable to attend today’s meeting and the report was tabled.
• Corporate – Brenna Dickey reported that the corporate specialty group meeting was held on September 15, 2011. Brenna Dickey reported that although there wasn’t the attendance she was hoping for, the speakers were excellent and the members able to attend really enjoyed the speakers. Brenna Dickey reported that the last quarterly meeting of the year has been scheduled on December 15, 2011. Thomas E. Wrosch, the Registries Manager of the Oregon Secretary of State, will be speaking on upcoming changes in Oregon law in the new year.
• Domestic Relations – Karen Russell, RP will be sending e-blasts to all members to see if they are interested in joining her specialty group.
• Membership – Wayne Akin said Jeannie Lihs has been sending out updated membership lists.
• National Affairs – Wayne Akin, RP reported the NFPA convention is in a week. Kathleen Miller, RP reported she has only received two comments on agenda topics and three people have commented on the report. Kathleen Miller, RP reported that the Treasurer is the only contested race. Kathleen Miller, RP reported that Karen Santagata, RP was appointed as Treasurer and is not running for the position. Kathleen Miller, RP said the person running against Karen Santagata, RP has issues with when the budget is received by NFPA board members. Discussion of candidates proceeded among board members, including the Vice President of Marketing. Wayne Akin said it might be an exciting conference.
• Paragram – Wayne Akin reported there will be a new Paragram out this Friday. Sherry Rainey reported that she interviewed Loretta McCool of Unisearch and said it was a nice profile.
• Pro Bono – Kelley Chaney, RP reported she will be participating in a telephone conference regarding her NFPA speaking engagement. Kelley Chaney, RP reported that we will have several pro bono causes we will be supporting at the annual meeting, including Buddy Bears, Lawmen, Dress for Success, Classroom Law Project, and March of Dimes. Kelley Chaney, RP reported Boly Welch donated baskets for our annual meeting.
• Research and Development – Wayne Akin reported that Pamela “PJ” Packard, RP was unavailable to attend the meeting.
• South of Portland Paralegals – Wayne Akin asked Diane Thompson, CP, RP if the SOPP group have appointed a chair. Diane Thompson, CP, RP said she was unaware that someone had been appointed the chair. Wayne Akin said he will speak with Linda Odermott regarding the status.
• Website – Tom Holmes said he and his team have been doing updates to the website, and have the flyer for the Success Seminar on the front page. Tom Holmes reported that he is working on the ecommerce aspect of the website. Diane Thompson, RP, CP asked about when the Paragram will be available on the website. Sherry Rainey said she will be posting historic Paragrams and the recent Paragram.

Old Business

Wayne Akin reported that he has informed Mary McCourt , CLA, CSR, CLI of the award and has confirmed that she is attending the annual meeting. Wayne Akin reported he had sent condolences to Mary McCourt, CLA, CSR, CLI regarding the loss of her companion.

Awards and Nominations – Wayne Akin reported that Michele Davis, CP is in charge of annual awards. Wayne Akin reported he is waiting for a few candidate statements to come in and will be sending out the candidate statements and photos. Wayne Akin reported the ballots will be sent out via Survey Monkey.

Open Forum

MaryAnn Ivie, RP said she would like to have a new position created – Assistant Treasurer – to help with PayPal and advertising. Diane Thompson, RP, CP said the post office box fees are due and she is willing to bring the check if MaryAnn Ivie, RP sends her the check. Kelley Chaney, RP asked MaryAnn Ivie, RP if it would be an appointed position. Kathleen Miller, RP suggested that the board create a finance committee.

Kathleen Miller, RP said she will be contacting board and committee members more about the Foundation for the Advancement of the Paralegal Profession (“Foundation”). Kathleen Miller, RP is not sure why the Foundation has not been one of NFPA’s charities. Kathleen Miller, RP reported that the Foundation provides grants for certification programs. Kathleen Miller, RP suggested that our PACE ambassador could come up with a program for a grant from the Foundation to promote PACE.

There being no new business, the meeting was adjourned at 1:05 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, Brenna Dickey, Board Secretary

Also House Bill 2710 creates new provisions and amends circuit court, appellate court and other court filing fees effective October 1, 2011, and applies to proceedings commenced on or after October 1, 2011. See Oregon Laws 2011, Chapter 595: http://www.leg.state.or.us/11orlaws/sess0500.dir/0595.pdf

See the latest issue of our bi-monthly newsletter, findings and conclusions.

In Attendance

Wayne Akin and Brenna Dickey were in attendance. Jeannie Lihs and Sherry Rainey were also in attendance.

MaryAnn Ivie, RP, Tom Holmes, Kelley Chaney, RP, Jacqueline Bollinger, Janis Timlick, Karen Russell, RP, Julie Lycklama, RP, and Kathleen Miller, RP attended by phone.

Minutes

The minutes of the December 1, 2010 and January 5, 2011 board meetings were discussed. After discussion, the December 1, 2010 minutes and January 5, 2011 minutes were approved.

Treasurer’s Report

Wayne Akin said he would be calling a special budget meeting and will be checking for dates for availability. MaryAnn Ivie, RP submitted the treasurer’s report to the board. Wayne Akin reminded everyone to get their requested budget items for next year in to Kelley Chaney, RP and MaryAnn Ivie, RP.

Committee Reports

• Annual Meeting— Kelley Chaney, RP reported that Michele Davis, CP and Joyce Kent, RP were unable to attend today’s meeting, so the annual report committee’s report was tabled. Kelley Chaney, RP reported that Michele Davis, CP had informed her that the quarterly meeting was successful.

• Associate Representative – Wayne Akin reported OPA would be holding a Success Seminar at Clark College on April 9, 2011. Wayne Akin said Kelley Chaney, RP could circulate the flyer. There is a resume workshop at the end of the event.

• Bylaws – Jackie Bollinger reported that the Bylaws ad hoc committee hasn’t been able to meet for a few weeks, but the ad hoc committee has been working on revising the bylaws and is making progress on revising the bylaws. Jackie Bollinger reported that the next meeting will be tomorrow.

• Corporate – Brenna Dickey reported to the board that the next corporate specialty group meeting will be held on Thursday, March 31, 2011 at noon. Janis Timlick and Loretta McCool of Unisearch, Inc. and Valerie Sasaki of Miller Nash LLP will be speaking to the corporate specialty group about resources available to them through NRAI and nexus issues for businesses doing business out of state.

• Domestic Relations – Karen Russell, RP will send out an e-mail in the next week to those interested in the members interested in domestic relations

• Intellectual Property – No report. • Job Bank – Sherry Rainey reported that she is posting new employment opportunities on

the OPA website.

• Membership – Jeannie Lihs reported we have approximately 240 members, some of which are on a trial basis. Jeannie Lihs submitted the draft application for membership for the upcoming OPA year to Kelley Chaney, RP.

• Mentee/Mentor – Julie Lycklama, RP reported that we have 36 people in the program, but we need more mentors, so if more people are interested, it would be great to have more participation.

• National Affairs – Tabled report. Wayne Akin said Cindy Byfield has left NFPA and he’s not sure who is replacing her but he will keep the board posted. Brenna Dickey indicated she was interested in attending the NFPA Regulation and Leadership Conference at the end of April if OPA leadership was still supporting her attendance. After consideration, the board approved sending Brenna Dickey to Cleveland, Ohio for the NFPA Regulation and Leadership Conference. Wayne Akin mentioned to the board that Natalie Nelson-Sander would also be attending the NFPA Regulation and Leadership Conference in conjunction with the PACE Conference.

• Paragram – Sherry Rainey has been working on keeping the stories for publication together. Sherry Rainey said that the full page ads are what is taking up most of the room. Wayne Akin announced that Derek Miller is no longer the publisher of the Paragram and that those responsibilities for its publication will be with Wayne Akin now. Kelley Chaney, RP will be handling the e-blasts and Sherry Rainey will be the editor of the Paragram.

• Pro Bono – Kelley Chaney, RP reported that the pro bono meeting was scheduled and was canceled due to the threat of inclement weather. The next meeting will be March 22, 2011 at her law firm. Kelley Chaney, RP found out from the national pro bono coordinator that they are moving the currently separate pro bono meeting to the annual meeting. The San Jose pro bono conference is now canceled. Kelley Chaney, RP was asked to be a speaker at the NFPA pro bono meeting. Wayne Akin said Kelley Chaney, RP should get the request for attendance on the new budget. Tom Holmes said there is a general policy of NFPA not to pay for speakers. Wayne Akin said there may be funds available, so Kelley Chaney, RP should ask NFPA what if any, is covered and factor that in to her budget. Kelley Chaney, RP announced that April 30, 2011 is the March for Babies event and asked board members to put the event on their calendar.

• Research and Professional Development – Pamela “PJ” Packard was unable to attend and the report is tabled.

• Web Site – Tom Holmes reported that he has Sherry Rainey working on the website and Amanda Purvis working on the calendar on the website. Tom Holmes will be working on having board meeting minutes on the website. Tom Holmes said it’s time to renew the Costco cards and he hasn’t received anything. Karen Russell, RP asked if there is a contract and Tom Holmes said there isn’t. Tom Holmes said he has sent the invoice to MaryAnn Ivie, RP and he will resend it to her. Wayne Akin said it would be nice to have the contract in place.

Open Forum

There being no new business, the meeting was adjourned at 12:42 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, Brenna Dickey, Board Secretary

In Attendance

Wayne Akin, Jackie Bollinger, MaryAnn Ivie, RP, Joyce Kent, RP, Kathleen Miller, RP, Tom Holmes, Kelley Chaney, RP, Julie Lycklama, RP and Brenna Dickey were in attendance.

Also in attendance were the following members: Molly Adams, Jennifer Barnes, Julie Brown, Melanie Carvalho, RP, Michele Davis, CP, Laura Donnelly, Rudy Foglio, Stacy Franz, Sherri Hohman, Sharon Kidder, Anna Klostermann, Nicole Kondos, Debra Lerten, Diane Thompson, CP, RP, Suzan Lindstrom, Lisa Molseed, Maggie Sullivan, Jamie Lynn Summerfield, Diane Thompson, CP, RP, Linda Lee True, Loretta McCool, Janis Timlick, Sarah Vowles, Susan Wheeler, and Laurel Yoder. Also in attendance were Stewart Bartlett and Taylor Sand of IKON, Bill Carlson of IKON, Kevin Chorlton and Ryan Johnston of Bridge City Legal, Wallace Charman and Andrew Merino of Discover-e, Ingrid Steinkoenig of LIM, Naegeli Reporting representatives, Yoshi Ehinger and Dan Northrup of Streamline, and Debilyn Riggs attended.

Karen Russell, RP was excused from attendance.

Treasurer’s Report

MaryAnn Ivie, RP submitted a written treasurer’s report to the board.

Committee Reports

• Annual Meeting—Michele Davis, CP and Joyce Kent, RP, co-chairs of the annual meeting committee, reported to the board about the progress of the committee’s work on the annual meeting. Michele Davis, CP introduced the annual meeting co-chair, Joyce Kent, RP. Michele Davis, CP reported that they are planning an awesome meeting this year. The annual meeting committee solicited bids from different venues, including the Monarch, Portland Holiday Inn, and the Embassy Suites. Michele Davis, CP reported that the annual meeting committee is recommending to the board that OPA proceed with a contract with the Embassy Suites by the airport. October 28, 2011and October 29, 2011 would be the dates for the meeting. MaryAnn Ivie, RP moved that OPA have its annual meeting on October 28, 2011 and October 29, 2011 at the Embassy Suites by the airport. Jackie Bollinger seconded the motion. The board voted, and all board members except Kathleen Miller, RP voted to approve the motion. Kathleen Miller, RP voted against the motion.

• Annual Survey – Pamela “PJ” Packard reported she has prepared results from the annual survey. Pamela “PJ” Packard reported she received 63 responses. The most interesting thing she found was there was a large number of members were in the age group 51-60 and 51% of OPA members are 41 and over. Pamela “PJ” Packard thinks we should notice the graying of the profession and plan on doing succession planning. Mean salary was $57,700. Mode was 60. In terms of billing rates, the mean and mode were $150 per hour. Pamela “PJ” Packard will prepare a summary of the annual survey. Pamela “PJ” Packard has also been looking into areas for paralegals to broaden their skills. If you’d like to be part of the Research and Professional Development Committee, please let Pamela “PJ” Packard know.

• Associate Representative – Stacy Franz reported on OPA’s involvement on January 29, 2011 with Career Day at Portland Community College. 47 of OPA’s members are students and associates. Stacy Franz and many others from OPA attended PCC career day event. Three of these students from the event are here tonight. Stacy Franz is glad to know they are getting involved in the organization while they’re still in school. OPA is planning the OPA Success Seminar in April. It is going to be on a Saturday, but the date has not been determined. Stacy Franz asked people to become mentors to students. Stacy Franz announced they are planning another Success Seminar during the annual meeting.

• Corporate – Brenna Dickey reported to the board that the last corporate specialty group meeting was held on Wednesday, December 8, 2010 at noon. Tom Wrosch, the Commercial Registries Manager of the Oregon Secretary of State, was well-received by the group. Brenna Dickey reported the corporate specialty group will be having its next quarterly meeting soon and she has requested that someone from the Oregon Division of Finance and Corporate Securities come to speak to the corporate specialty group.

• Intellectual Property – Kelley Cheney, RP said Linda Loffer was unable to attend, but she sent the board a written report.

• Membership – Kelley Cheney, RP said Jeannie Lihs sent in a report

• Mentee/Mentor – Julie Lycklama, RP has 45 people participating in the program, and she has received more requests for mentoring. Julie Lycklama, RP has forms to fill out or can e-mail the form to you. Wayne Akin said there is interest in elder law, so please get involved

• National Affairs – Kathleen Miller, RP is the NFPA representative. Joyce Kent, RP is the secondary representative. Kathleen Miller said there was something in the Paragram mentioned the upcoming events with NFPA. Kathleen Miller said we’re keeping the membership informed and encouraged people to participate on the national level if they want to do so. Wayne Akin encourages people to get involved on the national level. Wayne Akin said it’s a different perspective on the national level and to see the profession through those eyes and not only on the local level. Stacy Franz reported that a student submitted an article and had it published.

• Pro Bono – Kelley Chaney, RP passed around a Save the Date for the upcoming March for Babies. Kelley Chaney, RP reported that OPA raised $750 last year. It’s a fun event and encourages everyone to attend. Kelley Chaney, RP also passed around the Classroom Law Project. May 4, 2011 is Law Day. Kelley Chaney, RP the nice thing about the Classroom Law Project it’s a one-time event and a fun way to get involved. The March of Dimes counts as community service hours. Kelley Chaney, RP reported OPA does the Legalmen packages every other month. They provide us with a list. Coffee or flavored coffee are very popular. Wayne Akin receives reports on Facebook that they want good coffee. We’ve sent out big boxes – three boxes. MaryAnn Ivie, RP received an e-mail from the south horn of Africa that received a large box of goodies. And MaryAnn Ivie, RP explained they were on the list and they were really happy. Discover-e helps pick up donations. MaryAnn Ivie, RP reminded that the size of the boxes are small. Someone asked about what is the Legalmen? Kathleen Miller, RP explained that it is a group trained to be paralegals once they are outside military service. Ultimate goal is for them to be employed as paralegals. Glad to mentor with them. Wayne Akin said most are educated as paralegals and they work as paralegals in the Navy and Army. Tom Holmes mentioned that there is a reporting for pro bono hours that you can get credit for.

• Web Site – Tom Holmes reported the website has gone through a change. It’s now in WordPress. The site is a work in progress. Amanda Purvis and Sherry Rainey and Tom Holmes are working on the website to make it more attractive and useful. It’s looking much better. Tualatin Web Designs and the designer Daniel Payne have done a great job with the design.

Open Forum

There being no new business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:39 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, Brenna Dickey, Board Secretary