The third deployment of our UNITED WE STAND tour of duty is now complete. Thanks to all members of Saline County LSP for hosting the AALS Winter Business Meeting in Bryant this past weekend. It was a very informative, fun, and profitable meeting and we appreciate your hospitality and efforts on our behalf.

Congratulations to our new slate of AALS officers for 2012-2013:
President – Janet Gordon, PP, PLS
Pres-Elect – Mimi Jumper
Executive Secretary – Kimmi Wiles
Treasurer – Mary Hand, PP, PLS
Past President – Cheryl Summerhill, PLS

Members present at the meeting voted to rename the AALS retreat. The winning entry was from Margarett Wilson, PLS, and the retreat shall now be known as AALS PROFESSIONAL ENHANCEMENT RETREAT. Margarett’s registration to the 2012 AALS Professional Enhancement Retreat will be paid for submitting the winning entry. This Retreat will be held at Lakepoint Conference Center in Russellville, Arkansas on June 1-2. Be sure to watch upcoming emails for final information to register. The CLEC is working hard to present informational sessions that will benefit all AALS members.

The silent auction to benefit the AALS scholarship account was successful, as was the raffle of the $50.00 bill to benefit the AALS Retreat.

Mr. Stark Ligon, who spoke to us on ethics, sent a thank-you to Donna Holloway on Saturday at the conclusion of his session. His email stated: … They are the cream of AR lsp [legal support professionals], and I get as much from their questions as they probably get from my talk. … Do not be surprised if I might call on your group in 2012 for some input into our revision effort on the Rule that now somewhat covers the client file and what to do with it, as we struggle with that here.”

Incoming president Janet Gordon, PP, PLS, is looking for committee chairs, committee members, and workers for 2012-2013. If you are interested in being a part of AALS leadership for 2012-2013, please contact Janet and let her know where your interests lie. Why not step out of your personal comfort zone and try a new position? Challenge yourself!

Our AALS Annual Meeting will be held on April 27-29 in Garland County, who will be celebrating their 50th year as a NALS chapter. Please start making your arrangements now to attend. You won’t want to miss any of the exciting things that are being planned, including the Awards Banquet and the installation of your new officers.

Many, many other great things happened at the Winter Business Meeting and Educational Conference – all of which were to benefit you, the AALS member. If you were unable to attend, please contact your State Director to gain all the beneficial information.

Cheryl Summerhill, PLS
2011-2012 AALS President
UNITED WE STAND