Don’t look now, but membership is growing. We now have well over 2,000 members. In the past decade, it has not been uncommon for bar associations to experience declining membership. The DCBA tide has turned and with our MCLE and other services, our sea will continue to swell and wash upon the shores of our neighboring counties.

Glenda, Gloria, Jacki, Chris and Eric have worked their tails off this year. I am sure you’ve noticed the "arc angel" every day at the Courthouse. Additionally, the number of MCLE and social events we’ve held with unprecedented attendance has been phenomenal. Behind the scenes, our publications and electronic communications have gone off well and have been well received. To say this has been a busy year would be an understatement.

The Judiciary Committee is charged with the responsibility to investigate and report upon the qualifications of prospective judges and upon the retention of judges. Under the leadership of Judiciary Committee Chairperson, Keith E. (you can call him Chuck) Roberts, Jr., the Judiciary Committee has convened efficiently and flawlessly on three separate occasions, providing the Circuit Courts with timely and relevant information about the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit Associate Judge candidates. Please note that the Circuit Court’s selections this past year have all come from candidates on our "Highly Recommended" list. Additionally, we conducted an extensive poll where in excess of 540 members provided their opinions regarding Associate Judge retention. The power of the DCBA lies in its ability to assertively speak in a strong, unwavering voice. That has been accomplished this year without controversy.

With the advent of MCLE, our committee meetings have taken on a new look. Instead of a handful of lawyers chatting about issues of the day (not that there’s anything wrong with that), our committee meetings often fill rooms with the participation of leading authorities in the respective field and our judiciary. It is impossible to thank each and every one of you, but you all deserve a ton of credit and our thanks.

Financially, we are stable and secure. As a last, final act of this fiscal year, we intend to "tithe" our net increase of fiscal year end income over expenses to Legal Aid and the remainder will be used to reduce our mortgage balance. I am thankful that we can also brag about our financial stewardship in addition to everything else that has occurred this year.

We are bigger, stronger and faster (i.e., electronic communication and the website) than ever. The reason why "Every Member Matters" is that with the involvement, participation and voice of all of YOU, we shall in greater strength and numbers achieve the DCBA’s historic mission to "Advance the practice of law and promote the legal profession through community service and education." Our former and present leaders have built a strong spirit of legal community, promoted bench/bar relations and enhanced our profession’s public image while providing valuable services to our members, promoting civility, collegiality and increasing participation through the diversity of our membership. We have a strong leadership team coming up the ranks. Our Board of Directors is dedicated and sincere. Our future is bright.

This has been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and although exhausting, a real pleasure. I have especially enjoyed writing these Presidential novellas and toasting all of YOU at our social events. Time for some whoopability and baseball. Fred, Tom, Kent and Steve . . . . . keep the engine hot!