CALSPro - California Association of Legal Support Professionals

Election Results And Conference Highlights

Posted October 10, 2017 in Conference, Membership

Members Make Significant Changes

The recent CALSPro 49^th Conference held at the beautiful Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort in Rancho Mirage was a tremendous success. Thanks to the Conference Committee, chaired by Ken Hastings, and President, Larry Kirlin, for creating an outstanding program with informative education sessions, a productive business meeting, and great social and networking opportunities.  We appreciate the support of the exhibitors, sponsors, speakers and attendees, whose participation contributes greatly to the success of the conference.

During this year’s business meeting, members in attendance voted on two significant bylaw amendments that will change the infrastructure of the association.  The first change is to the area of nominations and elections to the Board of Directors and Officer positions.  Until now, only members in attendance at the Annual Business Meeting can nominate and elect the leadership, leaving those members who are not able to attend the meeting unable to participate in the election process. In order to involve the entire membership in this important process, the members voted to approve the bylaw amendment which will now allow nominations and elections to take place outside of the conference.  A Nominating Committee will be formed to engage the entire membership in the importance of becoming a leader, and develop a slate of nominees to be presented to the members for vote, prior to the conference, via ballot.

The second change is to the membership criteria with the elimination of the Company and Individual Member categories and the addition of the Active Member and Independent Contractor Member categories. These changes will present the entire membership with more opportunities to participate in various programs.  Additionally, effective with 2018 membership dues, members will be able to pay their dues via an affordable automatic monthly credit card payment.

We are very excited about the changes the members made at the Conference, the energy and engagement of the membership, and we look forward to a successful future.  Please watch your e-mail and the CALSPro website and blog for further updates.  Also, please see below regarding the building of a CALSPro App – a new, member’s only benefit that will launch in 2018.  Many thanks to Kristian Pujol for taking the lead on this project.

Thank you for your membership.

Announcing 2018 Board Of Directors

Member of the Year – Kristian Pujol Rookie of the Year which was awarded posthumously to Paul Janney. Award accepted by his father Steve Janney

2017 Conference Wrap-Up

Posted September 26, 2017 in Conference

By Ken Hastings, Owner, Hastings Professional Process Servers

As the Conference Chairman it was amazing to see members, vendors, sponsors all having an amazing evening on Friday night. The weather was perfect and so was the view.  We had live music, good food and the drinks were flowing.

Saturday morning brought us Senator Jeff Stone who exceed all expectations.  He was scheduled to provide us with a few minutes of his time but generously gave CALSPro much more.

We had Bob Davies who energized the room with a mix of exercises, laughter and science. Our takeaways from this may vary, but mine will be that I am my own biggest obstacle — fear is a lie and takes an opposing view.

As we moved along, Saturday afternoon brought us even more education. Michael Kern and Lance Randall gave us a NAPPS update. John Perez and Tony Klein presented Foreign Depo. Subpoenas. Tom Alkema led a special breakout session for photocopiers. Bob Musser did exactly what I asked him to do which was to explain to CALSPro members why, “Stand your ground” is relevant to process servers in California.

A special thank you to all of our Saturday speakers and special guests.  There is no annual conference without your time and effort.

Thank you to our sponsors and exhibitors and most of all, thank you to all of our attendees. It was our pleasure to bring this conference to you.

We appreciate your time and dedication to our industry.  We hope to see you and many more at next year’s CALSPro 50th Annual Conference in Sacramento!

Check out more photos on Facebook. If you don’t follow us, now’s the time to start!

A Few Things You Should Know About The Database Services/Process Server’s Toolbox 

Posted September 21, 2017 in Conference

Since 1988, Database Services has been providing excellent software and unmatched support for Professional Process Servers.  We were the first to have status on the web, the first to enable trading of jobs with other process servers, and we have developed an unmatched reputation for support.  We have about 950 current companies using our software and thousands of individual process servers use our “in the field” apps to keep their clients happy and informed.

Our core servers and services are located at a level 3 colocation facility, and as Hurricane Irma proved, hosting your data with Process Server’s Toolbox is a good bet.  Despite widespread power outages, our hosted customers experienced 100% uptime.

Just a few things that a CA process server should know about Process Server’s Toolbox:

• Upgrades, training, and best in industry support is free with your subscription to PST
• Largest network of electronic job trading means less time doing data entry
• Easily trade jobs between other PST and even non-PST users
• Provide real time updates to your clients with customizable email alerts and status on the web
• Automatic emails to clients with links to affidavit and invoice
• Batch scan documents to save you time
• Forward and receive jobs from anyone connected to Secure Document Trading
• PST integrates with many attorney case management platforms
• Create affidavits and invoices in PST
• Use our preloaded CA affidavits or create your very own.
• Reports that meet your business needs, know where all of your jobs are at a glance and track who owes you money
• Spend less time on the paperwork to get more serving done
• iPST2 mobile app makes serving quicker, easier, and safer

Annual conference is probably the best opportunity to make new business connections.  Several of our vendor members will be onsite at conference to show you what they can do for your business.

Conference Spotlight: ServeManager

Posted September 12, 2017 in Conference

Annual conference is probably the best opportunity to make new business connections.  Several of our vendor members will be onsite at conference to show you what they can do for your business.

Below is a preview of what you can expect to learn:

Process servers who use ServeManager save 25 minutes per job, have improved their workflow and have happier clients.

Some of the largest process serving and document retrieval firms in California trust ServeManager – the fastest growing legal support case management program. ServeManager provides all the features you need to run your business while allowing you to provide real-time updates to your clients – reducing your time spent on status calls and improving customer service.

ServeManager features include:

• unlimited users
• cloud-based job management
• create affidavits and field sheets (all major CA affidavits available)
• create document retrieval packets
• create and send invoices and statements
• apply sales tax to statements
• collaborate with clients and their staff
• forward jobs and receive jobs from other ServeManager users
• map and route your jobs
• mass print documents
• integrate Dropbox, Drive and other popular 3rd party applications
• take credit card payments (no merchant account required)
• automated data back-ups

Start automating time-consuming tasks and spend more time growing your business. Register for our free trial at ServeManager.com

Developing A Legislative Agenda For The Professional Photocopy Industry

Posted September 7, 2017 in Legislation

The California Association of Legal Support Professionals (CALSPro) is an association comprised of over 300 company and individual members who provide professional legal support services to the legal community. These services include process serving, photocopying, court filing, subpoena preparation, court record searches, skip tracing and private investigations.

A cornerstone of our association is our legislative program; designed to fight adverse activity and promote favorable policy. As evidenced by confusion over flat rate billing for WCAB records and ROI companies not adhering to current Evidence Code fee schedules, the photocopy legislation is long overdue for a review.

One of our goals for 2018 is to develop a legislative agenda for the professional photocopy industry and we are seeking input from the whole industry, not just our members.

We scheduled a round table discussion from 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM on Saturday, September 23^rd to kick off the conversation.

NON-MEMBER PHOTOCOPIERS ALLOWED TO ATTEND AT NO CHARGE

As way to entice more professional photocopiers to join the conversation, the Board of Directors agreed to allow non-member photocopiers to attend the round table discussion and the full Saturday business and educational portions of the 49^th Annual Conference at the Omni Report Rancho Law Palmas, Rancho Mirage, California AT NO CHARGE.  We only ask that they pay for their meals should they decide to attend the luncheon or evening banquet.

Please spread the word about this special offer.  Let your colleagues know they can be a part of shaping the future of our industry.

A Complimentary Invitation for Non-Member Professional Photocopiers is HERE. For planning purposes we ask that non-members complete this form and FAX it to CALSPro: 916.924.7323.  If you have any questions you can call 916.239.4065.

We look forward to your participation at the conference.  Thank you for your time and consideration.

A Word from Our Keynote Speaker, Bob Davies

Posted August 31, 2017 in Conference

The Coaching Conversation
By Bob Davies

I recently participated on a panel as one of four of the top coaches in the USA. It was quite an honor to be selected and it was interesting to see the approaches of other coaches considered to be leaders in the field. It became very apparent that I have a different and unique approach. I thought I’d share it with you.

My approach is a combination of the best practices of elite performers and laws of science. If you look at a definition of coaching you will see that it’s a partnership designed to forward and enhance the life long process of human learning, effectiveness and fulfillment. This operates from the major assumption that people want to live in excellence and continue to learn and become more effective and fulfilled.

I’ve rarely come across someone who doesn’t say that they want this but most people don’t believe that they can have change and improvement so they simply don’t try. They live their lives in resignation believing that they are doing the best that they can be doing. I challenge people about this.

I ask, “Do dogs love bones?” Almost everyone will say yes. I reply, “No they don’t. They love meat, they settle for bones!”

Where are you living your life in resignation believing that you are doing the best that you can be doing? This type of analysis is not good or bad, it just is.

So I’ll ask you to look inward without judgment. If you go to judgment you will become defensive and justify your circumstances. This will prevent personal and professional growth. As a result of the coaching conversation that I have with people, they will have the following experience. I use this triangle as an anology.

They will see things differently then they have on their own in the past, new perspectives. They will be challenged and they will be held accountable.

My approach also cares about how they are as a human being, how fulfilled they are, their mission, their fun and passions. Also included is their actions. Are they doing not only the right kinds of activities but enough of them for a result to occur. That’s human doing.

I start at the bottom of the triangle, physiology. This is the foundation. Almost everyone that I work with is on my health program. Some are not. I have a coaching commandment that states the following;

“Your lifestyle is an asset, not a liability”. This is backed up by another commandment, “What I can control, I must control.”

I also embrace the serenity prayer and add that as a coaching commandment as well, “God grant me the serenity to accept the things that I can not change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.” We go for progress, not perfection.

Also a major part of this foundational base of my coaching triangle is attitude. All behavior is driven by neurons, your brain. Attitude is a mindset — a set of beliefs and neurological networks called schematas. These are wired together bundles of neurons that make up a habit.

We must control our attitude. Science says there is no dispute about this. Your thinking is an electrical impulse that generates the release of chemicals. These chemicals (neurotransmitters) have a charge and like attracts like so it is your thought that creates your reality. I like what the noted biologist Benjamin Libet says,

“Reality is in the mind of the observer.”

This is a quantum physics discussion for another time. Have you seen the mathematical “Coincidence or Not?” formulas? It states the following:

If ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ Equals 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Then K + N + O + W + L + E + D + G + E 11 + 14+ 15 + 23 + 12 + 5 + 4 + 7 + 5 = 96%

CALSPro Press Conference Issue 2017 20 3 H + A + R + D + W + O + R + K 8 + 1 + 18 + 4 + 23 + 15 + 18 + 11 = 98% Both are important but fall just short of 100%

However A + T + T + I + T + U+ D + E 1 + 20 + 20 + 9 + 20 + 21 + 4 + 5 = 100% Is this a coincidence? Well the world is made of math. Language is the math of communication. There are no mistakes in the universe, who knows. It’s a very interesting observation that is supported by science.

For example, a positive attitude works in opposition to the emotional amygdale in the limbic system — the emotional area of the brain, by keeping electrical activity in an area called the septum. With positive thinking the septum is activated and that opens receptor sites for brain chemicals associated with focus, attention and well being. There is a scientific reason to be training your attitude. Physiology, attitude, mindset and beliefs are ongoing processes of discovery. Trial and error, failures and successes are constantly being developed in my coaching.

Next I jump up to the top of the triangle, Goals. We must ask and answer these questions:

1. What do you want? 2. What are you building? 3. Why bother? 4. How much is enough?

This includes your mission, your vision, why you exist, what your philosophies are as well as the specific targets. Next will come a discussion on the tactics that you will use to reach those goals. This includes staffing, campaigns, marketing, etc. This is followed by a discussion about your metrics, what you can observe and measure as well as the systems that need to be in place to execute your plan. Next the following questions are asked:

1. What do you need to do to have what you want? 2. What do you need to do this week? 3. What will you do this week, your commitment? 4. How will you be held accountable?

What is your behavioral contract? This is a powerful conversation to have. Remember, change is very, very difficult. The reason is due to how the brain works creating neural networks of bundled neurons that wire together and fire together. They become dense and fire fast.

I have mentioned in previous articles how change goes through three stages:

1. Unbearable. 2. Uncomfortable. 3. Unstoppable.

Most people won’t make it through the unbearable stage. It takes a reason to persist. You’ve got to have a clearly defined WHY! If you do persist however, you will generate new neurological patterns, called brain plasticity, and then move to being unstoppable. It’s a matter of purpose, passion, excitement, planning and accountability. I have my clients follow the following steps of their program:

1. Constant learning fosters neural genesis, new brain cell development. So, they read one page a day from my “Day Book’.

2. Meditate 5-10 minutes every day. Meditation strengthens the development of the outer cortex, it enhances the mylenation of the neurons for faster and easier firing and increases meta cognition, a noticing of your feelings and sensations.

3. Precise previous planning prevents poor performance. We do weekly behavioral contracts and embrace accountability.

4. Hire a coach! That’s my menu for excellence. Make it a great day!

High Performance Training, Inc. Bob Davies, B.S. Health, M.Ed. Psychology, MCC Master Certified Coach

Bringing your family to the Annual Conference?

Posted August 29, 2017 in Conference

The Omni Ranch Mirage resort offers an abundance of activities for families. Here’s a peek at some of their offerings in their own words.

 Omni Kids Crew:

The Omni Kids Crew program at Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa caters to our youngest guests. Upon check-in, kids receive a backpack filled with fun items designed specifically for them upon request. Kids also receive milk and cookies delivered to their guest room on the first night upon request. Our Omni Kids Crew coloring menu is also available at our restaurants, with crayons and an Omni Kids Crew cup.

Backpack items include:

• Activity book with stickers
• Crayons
• 2-in-1 card games
• Binoculars
• Small tabletop game

No charge to registered “Select Guests.” Sign up for the Select Guest program at no charge when you make your reservations with Omni.

Spa & Wellness: 

Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa also offers a variety of recreational activities, a fitness center for our guests and healthy meal options at all our restaurants and through our in-room dining. No matter your health regimen, we’ll help you stay on track and have fun along the way.

Pools, Sand & Splashtopia:

Whether your idea of unwinding in the water is making a splash on thrilling 100-foot waterslides or retreating to the oasis-like ambience of an adults-only pool, we offer a unique getaway experience for you.

For adventurous spirits, Splashtopia offers waterslides, a meandering lazy river, a sandy beach and more. If you’re looking to relax in fabulous poolside accommodations, the adults-only Azure Pool features recently updated furniture and luxurious oversized daybeds.

Resort Activities:

Adults and kids will find plenty of activities in and around Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa in Palm Springs, California. Our experience planners can help you with reservations at our resort or to assist with any on site planning.

Area Attractions:

Stop by the concierge at Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa for a complete picture of all of the fun things to do near our Rancho Mirage resort. Our resort puts guests in the heart of the Coachella Valley with a multitude of shopping, dining, outdoor and educational adventures within a 30-minute drive.

Kidstopia:  On-site child care.  Day program (noon-4pm) $60 lunch not included.  Evening program (6-10pm) $75 includes dinner

Kids Meals: Special meals prepared just for kids will be available at the Saturday banquet for $25.00. Please order your kids’ meals at the conference registration table when you check in.

CALSPro Optional Family Activities:

• Group Exercise
• Nutrition Class
• Skin Care Workshop
• Shopping
• Palm Spring Aerial Tramway (tickets available for pre-purchase at the Omni)

Send a message to info@calspro.org if you are interested in participating in one of the optional family activities. We will plan activities and caravans if we have enough interest in advance.

Our goal is to make this a fun weekend for the whole family.  Please let us know if you are bringing younger children or have any special needs.

Hotel Cut Off Date Has Been Extended To August 25th

Posted August 24, 2017 in Conference

This year’s conference will be held at Omni Rancho Las Palmas. Located in Rancho Mirage, Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa is minutes from River and close to Rancho Las Palmas Shopping Center. This 4-star resort is within close proximity of Rancho Las Palmas Country Club and McCallum Theatre.

Conference Room Rate: $169/night
Plus a daily resort fee of $8.00 (reduced from $32.00).

Resort fee currently includes toll-free, credit card and local calling, entrance to our fitness center, in-room high-speed Internet access, in-room coffee and tea, overnight self-parking, access to Splashtopia for registered resort guests and daily newspaper available at Front Desk.

Please book by Friday, August 25, 2017. Please contact the hotel directly 1-888-444-OMNI and ask for the CALSPro rate.

________________________________________

Omni Rancho Las Palmas
41000 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
(760) 862-4533

High Performance for High Success

Posted August 22, 2017 in Conference

By Ken Hastings, Conference Chair

It is that time of year again. It is time for conference and I think we have a great one in store for you and your families. CALSPro is excited to offer a conference where you can not only meet with colleagues but learn something new that you can take home with you and implement in your businesses. We are equally excited about the venue that encourages you to bring your families and enjoy time away from the office.

Each year the Conference Chair works diligently to try and deliver a unique opportunity to interact with industry leaders as well as experts from different fields. This year we are fortunate that we will be delivering both to you. The highlight of this year will definitely be Mr. Bob Davies. Bob brings an interactive program that is sure to entertain as well as inform. Bob speaks all across the country and has graciously agreed to come and speak to us.

Coming out of the Strategic Planning Session we have several new By-Law amendment proposals that are being brought before the membership. Your vote only counts if you are there, so make sure your voice is heard.

Continuing to deliver a new and unique conference venue is not always easy. This year, our location definitely aides in this endeavor by providing a unique location with history. The Omni Rancho Las Palmas is a great resort. Several of our members have stayed at this resort over the past couple of years and find it wonderful. The Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort was once the playground of the Hollywood rich and famous. The Hollywood elite would fly their private planes in from greater Los Angeles and land right on the fairways of the resort to escape the city for secret getaways. We hope to provide you with the same opportunities. From the Blu Ember Restaurant to the gorgeous views, from the awesome golf course to the outstanding pools, water slides and lazy river. Yes I said water slides and lazy river.

The resort is adjacent to The River Mall. The mall is an outdoor shopping place which features shops and restaurants such as Fleming’s Steakhouse, Yard House and the Cheesecake Factory. There is a movie theater, outdoor live music and a man made river flowing throughout the mall.

Our location is an 8 minute drive to The Shops at El Paseo. If you have never been to the Palm Springs area before, El Paseo is the Rodeo Drive of the desert. It features shops such as Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton, Saks Fifth Ave., Kate Spade New York, Burberry, Ralph Lauren, Lululemon and several respected art galleries. Definitely a great place to shop.

These are just a few of the highlights, sights and options available to you at this years conference. We are working on even more but you will have to attend to see what is in store. So pack up the family, pack your bags, and get ready for an awesome weekend you won’t want to miss. See you in Rancho Mirage!