Friends,
We are once again closing out another year, and, as I
reflect on 2017, I am grateful, humbled and inspired by the tireless efforts of
our members, leadership and staff.
One of the highlights of our year was the installation of
the newest GTLA CLE -- the Watch Me CLE. In its inaugural year, Watch Me enjoyed
a sold-old crowd, providing an interactive, engaging and wholly unique
experience for our members. For the new attorney, and even for our seasoned
veterans, the workshop provided an in-depth look into the trial preparation of
some of GTLA’s most successful members in their areas of expertise, and we are
looking forward to another top-notch seminar at the Second Annual Watch
Me CLE Jan. 26-27, 2018 in Savannah.
For the second year in a row, the GTLA staff and leadership
hit the road with the GTLA Justice Tour to interact with members across the
state and give an update on the upcoming legislative session. Our organization
is only as effective with the legislature as the relationships that our members
establish with their local representation, and I know that I speak for myself,
Bill Clark and his entire lobbying team when I say ‘thank you’ to those who
have reached out to become a valued resource to your state representatives and
senators.
Speaking of the legislature, the Civil Justice PAC has been
hard at work all year gearing up for the 2018 midterm elections. The PAC had
more than 450 individual contributors resulting in $350,000 to campaigns in
2017, most notably to help elect GTLA member and now Senator-Elect Jen Jordan!
We will have more opportunities for success such as Jen’s in 2018, but only
with your help!
2017 also had it’s share of bittersweet moments, including
the retirement of long-time GTLA Finance Director Gail Brown. After serving our
association tirelessly through more than three decades, 33 GTLA Presidents,
seven executive directors (and times with NO director), peaks and valleys, Gail
will be enjoying a much-needed and extremely well-deserved retirement! While we
will miss her, the impact that she had on this organization, and on each of us
cannot be understated. I, along with our entire staff and GTLA leadership,
want to thank her for her unwavering service.
As
we look ahead to 2018, know that your GTLA staff is already hard at work making
preparations for another successful year, but before we join our families for
the bustle of the holiday season, we want to issue one final word of thanks to you,
our members, for your vision, insight and dedication to our association and to
our cause. Warmest wishes to each and every one of you for all the blessings of
this magical season!
Best,
Emily Hurt, GTLA Executive Director