President
July 2010
Hello ASTC Members.
I want to introduce myself to those of you I have not had a chance to meet, touch base with old friends and colleagues, and let everyone know what is in store for this fiscal year.
For the past three years, the ASTC Presidents and the Board focused on getting ASTC’s house in order. Some highlights include the online library, ASTC publications, a forum to discuss ethical dilemmas and new protocols to help our committees work efficiently.
This year, I’m setting my sights on our public image and increasing membership. My vision is to see ASTC become the “go to” organization for information and commentary on all aspects of trial advocacy.
Visibility
It’s time to start promoting the many benefits and resources ASTC and its members bring to the legal community. The Professional Visibility Committee is ready to get the word out and we have the communication vehicles in place: The Jury Expert, 3 ASTC twitter accounts, ASTC Linked In, Deliberations Blog, ASTC.org website, and ASTC Facebook.
The challenge is to supply “content” to the Professional Visibility Committee. The more the better! If you write an article, give a speech, participate in a pro bono project or get interviewed on the evening news, please let the Visibility Committee co-chairs, Kathy Kellerman and Brian Bunch, know.
Right now we have three exciting news items to publicize:
The Jury Expert
The Jury Expert is ASTC’s most successful publication ever. I’m putting together a task force to look at the future of TJE and what needs to be done now to ensure it becomes a profitable enterprise.
TJE has a following of approximately 15,000 and provides a steady revenue stream through advertising, I encourage everyone to take advantage of this membership benefit and submit articles for publication.
Membership
The Board has set a goal to increase membership by 10–15% bringing our number closer to 500. The Membership Committee is already working out the plan. It includes reaching out to trial consultants who have not yet been persuaded to join. Membership and Professional Visibility Committees are working together to make sure we communicate the value to current and future members.
A Balanced Budget
As Cynthia Cohen said earlier this year, “Money makes the world go round and a balanced budget maintains harmony.” The Board voted to enforce a “no deficit spending” rule this year and to increase revenue through The Jury Expert advertising, new memberships and our 2011 Annual Conference.
I’ll keep you posted on our progress and our accomplishments. I’m looking forward to a great year!
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Foley
Founding Partner – Zagnoli McEvoy Foley LLC
President – American Society of Trial Consultants