By Chris Willette, NCRA President
I would like to take this opportunity to address the third-party contracting issues as they have developed over the past few months.
In February of 2018, when NCRA was presented with the request to testify in Virginia regarding their legislation, a statement was issued. That statement was created based on conversations in which I have participated over the past eight years with NCRA members and my personal knowledge of the industry. A message was crafted by me and reviewed by NCRA’s Executive Committee. The message was provided to NCRA’s Executive Director and CEO, Marcia Ferranto, for delivery to the listservs. That message was not approved by the entire Board. As president, I take responsibility for that statement.
At a meeting held on April 5, 2018, the Board voted to remove all references to the February 2018 statement from the NCRA website. At the same April 5 meeting, the Board voted to rescind the policy adopted by the Board and released to members following the March 9, 2018, meeting. Further, the 1997 Policy in Support of Enactment of Anti-Contracting Laws or Regulations has been amended to add language stating that NCRA will refrain from providing public testimony. NCRA’s model legislation and all reference materials will remain available for use as needed by members.
A complete statement prepared and voted on by the Board in an April 16, 2018, meeting can be found at NCRA’s upgraded and newly designed website. Be sure to have a look around! I would like to thank the Board for the tremendous commitment and deliberation I have witnessed surrounding this issue.
I have had many conversations with members over the past few months. It is my personal belief that this topic, while emotional, convoluted, and important, must evolve to reflect the industry as it exists in 2018 and moving forward. However, the immediate need to build awareness of the stenographic profession, recruit and graduate new reporters and captioners, promote certification, and provide quality continuing education opportunities so we are a bright reflection of our industry remain my key priorities as I close out my term as 2017-2018 NCRA President.
Thank you for your continued dedication and support of our profession.
NCRA President Chris Willette, RDR, CRR, CRC, can be reached at president@ncra.org.
Read more on this story:
Board of Directors Statement on Third-Party Contracting
