Professional Bail Agents of the United States
Dear Members & Friends,
I’m sure you are all tired of hearing about the “difficult economy” and how bad everything is. Well I have some news for you, there are definitely some silver linings to this downturned economy and one of them is GREAT rates in Las Vegas! We have renegotiated with Flamingo for a great rate of $99/night! This is an amazing rate for Las Vegas, especially for a “GO Room” at the Flamingo! But of course, the hotel is not the only reason to attend the 2010 PBUS Winter Conference. For starters we are inviting several very knowledgeable people to join us and the information they are going to share will be very valuable indeed.
We are very fortunate to be welcoming Sheriff Lee Baca to our Winter Conference. Sheriff Baca is in charge of the largest Sheriff’s department in the United States, with an annual budget of over 2.4 billion dollars and he is a strong supporter of bail. The Sheriff will be speaking at the Opening Session on Monday, along with LA City Attorney Carmen Trutanich and Deputy LA City Attorney Akili Nickson, so don’t miss out! Now, here’s a question for you: have you ever been asked “What is the true value of a bail agent when the tax payer supported system can just release the defendants? ” Well here is the best response to all their questions. Professor David Krahl and Sheriff Dennis Williams will be speaking about how bail agents save the government and tax payers money and how pre-trail release service programs cost the government and tax payers money. These are the facts and figures you need to bring home with you and share with others. Spread the word that you are serving not only the community but also the budget.
PBUS will also be offering the annual bail related Exhibit Hall with plenty of new and different vendors, as well as several breakout sessions throughout the conference, and all six CBA classes. There is so much going on that I can’t cover it all, but please check out the rest of our brochure and our website at www.PBUS.com where you can register for the conference and also see the conference schedule, which is constantly being updated and more information is added on a regular basis.
I would like to thank all my Board Members for a job well done and I have been honored to serve with you these last two years. 2010 is an election year for PBUS and as many of you heard at the 2009 Midyear Meeting I will be running for one more term. I invite all of my fellow Board Members to join me in seeking another PBUS term, as well as any other member that would like to become more involved with PBUS. We are always looking for new people with new ideas and lots of enthusiasm. If you would like to run for an office please inform the Nominations and Elections Committee, the information can be found on page 4 of this brochure.
I look forward to seeing all of you in February at the Flamingo. Remember, take advantage of the early bird conference registration rate, which is less than it was it 2009. See you all soon and in the mean time have wonderful holiday season and a happy and healthy new year!
Linda Braswell, MCBA PBUS President
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Opening Session
LA County Sheriff Lee Baca, LA City Attorney Carmen Trutanich, and Deputy LA City Attorney Akili Nickson Monday, February 15th 1:00 pm
We have an amazing three part program with three dynamic speakers for our Opening Session.
Sheriff Lee Baca commands the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the largest in the United States, with a budget of 2.4 billion dollars. He leads over 18,000 budgeted sworn and professional staff. The Sheriff’s Department is the law enforcement provider to 40 incorporated cities, 90 unincorporated communities, 9 community colleges, and hundreds of thousands of daily commuters of the Metropolitan Transit Authority and the Rapid Rail Transit District. Over 4 million people are directly protected by the Sheriff’s Department. The Sheriff’s Department also protects 58 Superior Courts and 600 bench officers. Moreover, the Department manages the Nation’s largest local jail system housing over 20,000 prisoners. Sheriff Baca is the Director of Homeland Security-Mutual Aid for California Region I, serving 13 million people. Sheriff Baca incorporates innovative practices into his leadership style based on proactive, progressive problem solving.
Los Angeles City Attorney Carmen Trutanich is the man in charge of the LA City Attorney’s Office. With more than 500 lawyers and 1,000 employees overall, the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office is among the largest government legal offices in the country. The City Attorney is the chief prosecutor for the City of Los Angeles with jurisdiction to prosecute all misdemeanor criminal offenses and infractions. He is also the chief legal advisor and general counsel to the Mayor and the City Council, as well as all boards, departments, and officers in the City of Los Angeles. City Attorney Trutanich’s recent involvement in the Medical Marijuana debate is the issue that he will discuss with us. Medical Marijuana is an issue that right now affects fourteen states, including California. However, it is probable that this debate will eventually spread across the entire nation. City Attorney Trutanich will be discussing the history of the Medical Marijuana debate, how and what changes have been made in California, where he sees the laws going, and how these changes will affect our legal system and our citizens. Would you like to know if the City Attorney thinks that our legal system is capable of monitoring and regulating medical marijuana effectively? If he believes that the suggested good intentions of using this drug overrule the possible problems that this new legality could create? How does he see the use of Medical Marijuana affecting our jail system, and therefore affecting bail agents? And what are his forecasts as to how this new program will affect the bail community in California and eventually all over the country? City Attorney Trutanich will address all of these concerns and more.
Akili Nickson is a Criminal Prosecutor with the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office. He is currently assigned as the Neighborhood Prosecutor for the 77th Police Division in South Los Angeles where he works almost exclusively on the investigation, enforcement and prosecution of quality of life and public safety concerns, including the proliferation of Bail Bond Companies soliciting at local police stations in the City of Los Angeles. He is taking a strong stand against “Guerilla Marketing” a tactic used by some bail agents to gain business by soliciting on the steps of the police station. These tactics have caused many safety concerns including assault and property damage. Attorney Nickson is working towards eradicating these issues and creating a level playing field for everyone in the bail business.
Join us for the Opening Session, completely chock-full of information! Show your support for PBUS’ friends and supporters; Sheriff Baca, LA City Attorney Trutanich and Deputy City Attorney Nickson.
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General Session
Professor David Krahl & Sheriff Dennis Williams: “Bail Agents Save Money Even in Today’s Economy – and we can prove it!” Tuesday, February 16 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Great supporters and believers in bail, Professor David Krahl and Sheriff Dennis Williams will discuss how bail agents SAVE the government and taxpayers money and how pre-trial release service programs COST the government and taxpayers money. The simple, clear, undisputed record is just this: bail agents add to state and local coffers every year doing what they are trained and licensed to do. Nonmonetary programs and pretrial release program cause the government to spend money paying staff to do what bail agents already do, and can only show an expense for the tax coffers. In the twenty-first century world and in light of a sub-optimally performing economy, counties and local governments are attempting to “do more with less.” Government officials are seeking to provide government services without increasing the size or the costs of the bureaucratic infrastructure. This has been particularly true when it comes to the issue of jail overcrowding, and the question of how to reduce the costs of jail operations. One pragmatic and workable solution to the problem of jail overcrowding and that oftentimes is routinely ignored by government officials is the use of surety bonding as a way to effectuate the pretrial release of those defendants who are awaiting trial. One of the distinct advantages of surety bonding is that it functions as cost-effective mechanism to provide for the pretrial release of defendants at an absolute zero-cost to taxpayers. Dr. Krahl conducted a study using 35,000 cases and an array of secondary data sources which led him to several principal findings indicating the cost-savings associated with surety bonding as a pretrial release mechanism. Dr. Krahl and Sheriff Williams will lead a discussion on their cold hard facts that bonding is a more effective way to deal with jail overcrowding. Come and learn the information that you need to take back to share with your local officials. Political Action Luncheon Wednesday, February 17 11:45 am - 2:15 pm
2010 is an election year for PBUS! The election of the next Board of Directors will take place at the Political Action Luncheon on Wednesday from 11:45 am – 2:15 pm. The luncheon is open to anyone who has a full conference registration. In order to vote in the elections you must be a Voting Member of PBUS. The Non- Voting Membership dues are $120 and the Voting Membership dues are $300. If you do not know which membership you have or would like to upgrade your membership before the conference please call the home office at 202-783-4120. All voting members will receive an ID bracelet the day of the elections to indicate that they may participate in the voting process. Anyone who is a voting member may cast a vote, you do not have to be registered for the conference to vote. Election Information Pursuant to our Bylaws, PBUS will conduct elections for all officer and director positions during the Political Action Luncheon at the 2010 Winter Conference, Membership Meeting & Expo. PBUS voting members, who have been voting members for two years and who are interested in running for office should notify the Nominations and Elections Committee. Members of that committee are: Dudley Goolsby (Chair), Armando Roche, Tony Madrid, Ron Olszowy,
4 winter conference 2010 and Gene Newman. Please send your notice of interest by February 5, 2010 to either the Chair of the Committee, Dudley Goolsby at [email protected] or to the attention of the Nominations Committee in care of the national office: PBUS, 1301 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Suite 925, Washington, DC 20004 or Fax to (202) 783-4125. Nominations will also be accepted from the floor. President’s Breakfast Thursday, February 18 9:30 am - 11:30 am
Before you leave on Thursday morning make sure you attend the President’s Breakfast. You will get to see the brand new National Board as well as be included in celebrating with those that have achieved educational excellence in the Certified Bail Agent and Master Certified Bail Agent Program. We will also be announcing the Agencies that have achieved their National Board Certified Agency designation. And don’t forget to leave room in your suitcase because there are some fantastic prizes that will be given away in the For Women Only auction. The breakfast will be fun, festive and sure to fill you up! It will be from 9:30 am to 11:30 am so plan your flights accordingly! For Women Only Program Tuesday, February 16 11:30 am - 1:30 pm
Join Linda Roche for a very exciting For Women Only Program. This event was originally created as a way for women in the bail industry to come together to network, share ideas and enjoy each other’s company. Over the years the attendance to this meeting has grown significantly and each year the program just gets better and better. We are also going to continue the very successful “For Women Only Ticket Auction.” Tickets will be on sale throughout the conference, which you can then drop into the boxes for each of the prizes. One winner will be drawn from each box, for each prize. If you would like to donate something to the auction, please bring it with you to the Flamingo and drop it off with one of the PBUS staff members. And a big thank you to those who have already made donations. One Day Pass – Either Day! This year, PBUS is making its special One Day Pass available EITHER Tuesday, February 16th or Wednesday, February 17th. The cost of the One Day Pass is $100 for Members and $300 for Not-Yet Members. However you can join as a Non-Voting
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Member for $120 and pay the member One Day Pass rate and save $80! The One Day Pass covers EITHER day from 8 am to 5 pm; you may attend educational sessions (either General or Breakout), the Exhibit Hall, and ladies may attend For Women Only. It does not include the Political Action Luncheon or any evening event. Awards & Recognition Grand Celebration
Honoring Excellence in Education Tuesday, February 16 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm
Every year PBUS likes to take the opportunity to honor important members of the bail community. This year we are shining the spotlight on everyone who has participated, contributed and created the nationally recognized Certified Bail Agent Program. We are honoring excellence in education. The evening will begin with a delightful Welcome Reception cocktail hour followed by an elegant sit down meal. During your delicious dinner we will recognize all of the CBA instructors, MCBA recipients and CBA recipients. Without continued learning no industry would be able to grow, so please join us in thanking all of those who have helped to make this industry more knowledgeable. In addition we will also be announcing the Bail Agents of the Year, Individual of the Year, Hall of Fame inductees and the President’s Award recipient. A ticket for the Welcome Reception and the Grand Celebration will be given to all registered attendees and registered guests. If you need any additional tickets, you may purchase them with your Registration. PBUS 2010 Commemorative Pin Know where they go!
ERA offers electronic monitoring products & services, with GPS tracking capability, at very competitive prices. • Enhance your revenue opportunities • Manage and improve your risk liability • Track your defendants’ whereabouts – 24/7 Ask about ERA’s unique turn-key program, and our new Bail Tracker – marry your surety bond to a GPS device Here is a sneak peak at the 2010 PBUS Commemorative for as low as $ 95 per month. Pin! Each year PBUS releases a limited edition 49 commemorative lapel pin for our Winter Conference. The first 300 people to register for the Conference will receive one FREE. Make sure you continue your www.eramonitoring.com • 954-703-6033 collection with this year’s beautiful pin! Wear all three and you could win a prize! VISIT US IN BOOTH # 26
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Breakout Sessions
Training Session with IRBsearch Monday, February 15th 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
IRBsearch is a national online locate product for finding people, businesses, and their assets. The presentation at the 2009 PBUS Winter Conference is designed to showcase how to assess pre-bond liability, lower risk, and track down skips. You will learn how to conduct searches on your subject, your subject’s family, friends, neighbors, and associates. Further examples will reveal how liability may be assessed through bankruptcies, liens and judgments, Asset Reports, and UCC Filings. The IRBsearch presentation also highlights Comprehensive Reports and Custom Comprehensive Reports. The Comprehensive report is a compilation of over 22 different searches in one easy-to-read format. The demonstration includes methods for saving and exporting searched results, managing Saved Reports, and managing My Account. IRBsearch provides access to the most information, the best data sources, and the fastest delivery. Find anyone, anywhere in the USA!
American Spirit Processing Training & Information Monday, February 15th 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
With the economy being as it is and times tough on us all, American Spirit Processing will show you ways to save thousands of dollars each year in credit card processing fees. They will also explain ways to increase security on each sale while preventing fraud and chargeback issues with customers. Receive an overview of the latest technologies and services that American Spirit Processing offers. These services will increase profit to your business while adding convenient payment methods for your clients. From Credit Cards to Guaranteed checks to Internet to the latest program “ACH with Guarantee Services”, even automating your accounts receivables with reoccurring billing from customer’s credit cards or checking accounts, American Spirit can handle all of your electronic payment needs while helping you sleep better at night, knowing your business is growing and your funds are safe! Skiptracing Exhibit Hall with Jeff Kirkpatrick The 2010 PBUS Winter Conference Expo has moved rooms! This year the Expo will be held in the Twilight Monday, February 15th 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm Room at the Flamingo Hotel. The Expo will be open Monday, February 15th from 12 pm – 4 pm, Tuesday from 8 am – 3 pm and Wednesday from 8 am – 12 Jeff will discuss the various Skiptracing databases available to pm. As always we will have exhibitors representing bail agents. In addition, he will share some of the technology different parts of the bail industry from insurance tools he uses in his own office. This will include things such as; companies, to software, to advertising. If there is a specific vendor that you would like to see in the how to change what appears on a person’s caller ID, Traplines, hall, please recommend them to PBUS or let Rachel Peep Hole viewers, and Underdoor cameras. How to record at the home office know. Rachel can be reached your cell phone calls without a recorder. How to legally obtain at 202-783-4120; we are always welcoming to new exhibitors! The exhibit hall is open to everyone cell phone records. Tricks on searching for information on registered for the conference and to registered Google. Electronic auto tracking using state of the art GPS guests. There will also be morning coffee and tracking devices and much more! afternoon snacks served in the exhibit hall each day.
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Probation, Parole & Post Conviction Bonds Tuesday, February 16th 9:30 am – 10:30 am
In 2007 Mississippi became the first state to pass a law allowing for post conviction bonds. This year Michigan passed a similar law. There are currently initiatives under way in Virginia, North & South Carolina and other states. Post conviction bonds could possibly greatly expand the current bail market. In almost every state, prison overcrowding is causing early releases and a post conviction bond would give your state one more tool in keeping account of these parolees/probationers. Come learn how Mississippi & Michigan passed these statutes and what the results have been and join in the discussion about the pros and the cons of passing the post conviction bonds in other states.
Introducing WebSite Lite Tuesday, February 16th 9:30 am – 10:30 am
WebSite Lite is a brand new Member Benefit offered by PBUS in cooperation with Aboutbail.com. Do you know where your phone book is? Hardly anyone ever looks up anything in the phone book, in today’s digital age, in many people’s minds if you aren’t on the web then you don’t exist. That is why PBUS feels that it is very important that our members create a place for themselves on the World Wide Web if they are not there already. To meet this need PBUS has come together with Aboutbail.com to offer our members a program called WebSite Lite. The benefit of this program is that it makes the process of creating and building a basic website as easy as possible for our PBUS Members especially for those with no prior internet or website experience. The agreement with Aboutbail.com is to offer a three page web site for a very reasonable yearly fee to all PBUS Members and at no charge to PBUS member’s who advertise with Aboutbail.com! At this session, representatives from Aboutbail. com will explain the program, the pricing options, how to manage your own website and how to get started today! Dear New Member and First Timers,
“Internet Marketing for Dummies” The PBUS Board of Directors and the PBUS Membership Committee would Tuesday, February 16th like to invite you to a wonderful 10:30 am – 11:30 am event held every year at the Winter Conference. The “New Members & Sponsored by BailBond.com, this light-hearted First Timers Reception.” This event has session teaches a basic understanding of become one of the highlights of the how to approach internet advertising. Is the conference, and is a wonderful way to Phone Book Obsolete? Some people think meet other new members and also to meet the leadership of the association. so. According to a 2009 survey, 4% definitely Please join us Monday, February 15th do use the phone book on a regular basis, from 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm for light hors 20% of people rarely use the phone book, d’oeuvres and cocktails. We so look and 76% never use the phone book. So where forward to meeting you. should today’s bail agents advertise? We will cut through all the smoke and mirrors to Sincerely, demonstrate exactly how the internet works PBUS and what it takes to be seen on the internet today. Online Marketing for FREE. There are
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easy things you can do that cost you nothing and make your bail agency visible. For example, you can make your local business appear on Google for FREE! We will show you the easy step-by-step process. No, there is no catch! Got a Website? How to “optimize” your web site with meta tags, key word descriptions, relevant content and back-links. What did he say? Hey–it’s a few new words for simple stuff. We will dissect a sample web page right before your eyes! If yours does not have these things inside, no one will find it on the internet.
Federal Law Issues – 8300 Forms, IRS Audits and Sect.1983 Suits with Mark Holtschneider Wednesday, February 17th 9:00 am – 10:00 am
Most rules related to bail bonds are set by the individual states. But, some are set by the federal government – like reporting $10k cash, IRS audits, and §1983 liability. What are your reporting requirements to the IRS when you receive $10,001 in cash? What if you receive this amount in installments? What if the payments are for separate bails? What does the IRS look for when they audit a bondsman? Can you be held liable for violating a fugitive’s constitutional rights? This seminar will answer all these questions and more. The presentation will be made by Mark Holtschneider, Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Lexington National Insurance Corporation.
Hot Topics! Wednesday, February 17th 10:30 am – 11:30 am
There is going to be a brand new kind of session at this year’s Winter Conference. We are setting up a time just for our members to talk about what’s important to you. We have asked for suggestions for “hot topics” that you want to discuss. This will give you an opportunity to meet other bail agents from across the country that might be experiencing the same issues as you; maybe they have ideas to share or maybe you have advice to give. Bring your business cards, network, make new friends and learn all there is to know. If you have an idea for a topic and have not already shared it, please email your idea to [email protected]. We cannot guarantee there will be a table set up for every idea we receive, but there will be plenty to choose from. We greatly appreciate your participation and suggestions, keep them coming!
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Michigan & Missisippi and the 10% Bond Thursday, February 18th 8:30 am – 9:30 am
Commercial bail has been fighting ten percent bail programs since the late sixties. After the bail industry consistently begin defeating those programs legislatively on a state level, the pretrial people turned to the courts and began getting the programs implemented by the courts using court rules. Michigan passed a law that seemed to successfully stop the use of ten percent by taking the incentive away from the courts and Mississippi successfully passed the same law allowing MS bail agents to curtail the use of ten percent release programs. This session will discuss how MI and MS handled the issue of 10% bonds and how your state might be able to do something similar in the future.
The Lost Art of Skip tracing with Alex Price Thursday, February 18th 8:30 am – 9:30 am
This unique seminar was developed especially for lenders and professional collateral recovery specialists by Alex Price and has been well received by both professions all over the country. Recognized nationally as an expert on the Art of Skip Tracing; Alex Price has over 20 years experience in skip tracing, collections and training. The seminar will cover the following topics: 1. What Is A Skip. 2. Qualifications of a Professional Skip Tracer. 3. Tools of A Professional Skip Tracer. 4. The Three Types of Skips. 5. Database Searching 6. Reading your Credit Application 7. Questions and Answers. PBUS Golf Tournament at Rio Secco Last year’s golf outing to Rio Secco was such a smash hit that PBUS is returning to the course this year. For those of you who did not attend, Rio Secco is a gorgeous course designed by Rees Jones and has been voted among the top ten new courses by Golf Digest and Golf Magazine. This picturesque course lies at the foothill of the Black Mountain Range and has beautiful and diverse views, of the steep canyons, the city scape and the desert. The cost of the entire package including greens fee, cart fee, lunch and transportation is $170 ($10 less than last year!). Tee times start at 8:10 am on Sunday February 14th and the bus leaves the Flamingo at 7:30 am, please meet in the North Tour Lobby a few minutes before. If you need to rent clubs we have a discounted rate of $50. There are a limited amount of spaces so if you are interested in playing please contact Rachel as soon as possible to reserve your spot, 202-783-4120 or [email protected]. National Board Certified Agency The National Board Certified Agency designation honors the highest level of professionalism in the bail industry. As of today there are only eight agencies in the country who have received this prestigious designation. If you would like your agency to be added to this acclaimed group visit the PBUS website to learn how to start the certification process today. If you would like to be awarded your certification at the 2010 Winter Conference your application must be completed by December 31, 2009. For any questions regarding the application process please call the home office at 202-783-4120 and ask for Rupendra.
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Optional Evening Out – Terry Fator at the Mirage!
It took ventriloquist, singer, comedian and celebrity impressionist Terry Fator 32 years to become an overnight sensation when he won the hearts of American and was selected “America’s Got Talent” 2007 $1 million dollar prize winner on NBC-TV. His key decision to blend those incredible skills with his amazing ability to mimic famous singers won over the judges and millions of fans who voted for him. After “America’s Got Talent” Fator was at the Las Vegas Hilton for several months where he performed to a packed house every night. Then in May of 2008 it was announced that Fator had signed a five year deal to perform nightly at The Mirage in Las Vegas, replacing headliner Danny Gans, having the theater renamed the Terry Fator Theatre, and reportedly signing one of the largest entertainment deals in Las Vegas history. Fator’s capability of
“I have been coming to Las Vegas for over 25 years and this is one of the best shows I have seen. I would put it in my top 3 most enjoyable shows. He can sing. He is funny and laugh you will. – Jeff Kirkpatrick
doing over 100 ventriloquial impersonations, using at least 16 different puppets in his act and being able to sing like just about anyone makes him a smash hit with everyone who sees his show. If you would like to join PBUS on Wednesday evening, February 17th to see this fantastic show, the cost of the tickets (including bus transportation one way) is $145. The bus will leave the Flamingo at 6:15 pm and the show starts at 7:30 pm. We have sold out our block of tickets, however we are taking names for a wait list and will let you know when tickets become available. PBUS Grand Auction Each year PBUS hosts a fast paced voice auction of valuable items. The auction will be held during the Tuesday night Grand Celebration Dinner. If We can help you build a strong foundation you are interested in donating something for the for your Bail Bond Agency. auction please let the home office know before the We have been using the same old fashion tools for over 35 years: conference and please bring the item with you to Las HONESTY, COMMITMENT, INTEGRITY, Vegas. Thank you. RESPONSIVENESS and SERVICE. Call us today and be a part of the nation’s most successful family of agents. 800.789.3899 Toll Free • 813.623.5042 Main Line • 813.623.5939 Fax Please visit our website at www.rochesurety.com
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CBA Classes All of the Certified Bail Agent classes will be offered at the 2010 PBUS Winter Conference. For all those who started their CBA program before December 31, 2008, you will need to complete CBA 1 through 5 in order to complete your CBA. For those who started their CBA program January 1, 2009, or later you will need to meet the new requirements of CBA 1 through 6. The classes do not have to be taken in chronological order. We now have all six classes available on-line. You may only take three classes on-line with the final exams taken at the conference. Please remember that you do not receive credit for the class until you have taken the exam at the conference. The exams will be offered in the Testing Center on Tuesday February 16th from 8:30 am – 10:30 am.
CBA I History & Responsibilities Tuesday, February 16th 7:30 am – 9:30 am
This class covers the history of bail, the history of Professional Bail Agents of the United States and presents an overview of the entire CBA program. CBA II: Your Professional Image Tuesday, February 16th 9:30 am – 11:30 am
This class discusses professionalism, demeanor, appearance, attitude, public relations and the Stability. Longevity. Integrity. PBUS Code of Ethics. In a word. . . CBA III: Daily Business Practices Monday, February 15th 8:00 am – 11:00 am The Only Name You Need to Know If YouWrite Bail This class covers, underwriting and risk section, forms and record keeping, supervision of agents • Specializing in non-contract • 24-hour agent service and employees and controlling you defendants. commercial surety bonds, • AM Best rated “A” (excellent) notary and bail bonds • Treasury listed • Family owned and operated CBA IV: Reducing Losses since 1971 Secure build-up funds • Monday, February 15th Accredited Surety and Casualty Company, Inc. 8:00 am – 11:00 am Phone: 800-432-2799 • Fax: 407-629-4571 www.accredited-inc.com This class covers the location and recovery Accredited . . .Where Agents Are Valued Partners of defendants, use of recovery agents, legal procedures and strategies and the recovery of the loss of expenses.
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CBA V: Legislative – Creating Your Future Monday, February 15th 8:00 am – 11:00 am
This class covers state and federal legislative involvement and the involvement in local, state and national bail organizations.
CBA VI: National Apprehension & Liability Standards Monday, February 15th 8:00 am – 11:00 am
This course covers all aspects of controlling & limiting liability for the Bail Agent and the Agency.
CBA-CE
In keeping with the tradition of striving to improve the quality of the PBUS education program, the Board of Directors has set a requirement for those receiving their CBA after 1999 that they recertify every 2 years. The cost for the Continuing Education Credit at the 2010 Winter Conference is $100 and is completed by attending the Opening Session, the General Session or the Council of Presidents’ Meeting.
Master Certified Bail Agent Program
There are currently 23 Master Certified Bail Agents in the country! Would you like to be the 24th? In order to achieve the MCBA designation, the applicant must have their CBA, be a current member of PBUS, be a licensed or appointed bail agent in good standing for no less than 10 years and meet all the additional requirements as set forth by PBUS. There is a class offered on Thursday, February 18th 8:30 am – 9:30 am at the 2010 PBUS Winter Conference that will go over the application process for your MCBA. It is free and open to anyone registered for the conference. Money Saving Information! CBA Graduation $ $ $ Remember, expenses incurred in attending the 2010 The fee for graduation is $175 and this includes your graduation PBUS Winter Conference such as registration fees, travel, commemorative pin and awards plaque. meals and lodging are generally tax deductible as business If you have completed all of the required expenses under IRS Section 162. classes within two years, attended at least two National Conventions, and you Remember, for every dollar you spend are a member in good standing of PBUS, and would like to be awarded your 100% comes off your total taxable income. $ $ $ graduation plaque at the 2010 Winter Conference you MUST notify the home office by December 31st. You can call Remember to SAVE YOUR RECEIPTS the office at (202) 783-4120, or email Please consult your tax advisor regarding the extent of deductibility for both the [email protected]. conference and your membership dues.
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Tentative Agenda for 2010 PBUS Winter Conference Sunday, February 14, 2010 Tuesday, February 16, 2010 7:30 AM Bus leaves for Golf 7:00 AM 3:00 PM Registration 11:30 PM 12:00 PM Volunteer Orientation 7:30 AM 9:30 AM CBA I - History & Responsibilities 12:00 PM 2:00 PM PBUS Committee Meetings 8:00 AM 3:00 PM Exhibit Hall 2:00 PM 4:00 PM Pre-Con Registration 8:30 AM 10:30 AM Testing Center 2:00 PM 5:30 PM Board of Directors Meeting 9:30 AM 11:30 AM CBA II - Your Professional Image 9:30 AM 10:30 AM Breakout: WebSite Lite Monday, February 15, 2010 9:30 AM 10:30 AM Breakout: Probation, Parole, Post 7:30 AM 4:00 PM Registration Conviction Bonds 8:00 AM 11:00 AM CBA III - Daily Business Practices 10:30 AM 11:30 AM Breakout: “Internet Marketing for Dummies” 8:00 AM 11:00 AM CBA IV - Reducing Losses 11:30 AM 1:30 PM FWO Luncheon 8:00 AM 11:00 AM CBA V - Legislative: Creating Your Future 2:00 PM 4:30 PM General Session: Professor David Krahl 8:00 AM 11:00 AM CBA VI - National Apprehension & & Sheriff Dennis Williams: “In Today’s Liability Standard Economy Bail Agents do it better – and we can prove it!” 10:00 AM 11:00 AM Property Bail Agents Forum 6:30 PM 7:30 PM Welcome Reception 11:00 AM 12:00 PM Breakout: Training Session with IRBsearch 7:30 PM 10:30 PM Grand Celebration – Celebrating Excellence in Education 11:00 AM 12:00 PM Breakout: American Spirit Processing Training and Information Wednesday, February 17, 2010 11:30 AM 12:30 PM Surety Council Meeting 8:00 AM 12:00 PM Exhibit Hall 12:00 PM 4:00 PM Exhibit Hall 9:00 AM 2:00 PM Registration 12:30 PM 1:30 PM Breakout: Skiptracing with Jeff Kirkpatrick 9:00 AM 10:00 AM Breakout: Federal Law Issues with Mark Holtschneider 1:30 PM 3:45 PM Opening Session with LA County Sheriff Lee Baca, LA City Attorney Carmen 10:30 AM 11:30 AM Breakout: Hot Topics! Trutanice and Deputy LA City Attorney Akili Nickson 11:45 AM 2:15 PM Political Action Luncheon (Elections) 4:00 PM 5:30 PM Membership Meeting 2:30 PM 5:30 PM Council of Presidents Meeting 5:30 PM 6:30 PM New Member & First Timers Reception 6:45 PM Off-Site Event – Terry Fator! OPEN EVENING Thursday, February 18, 2010 PBUS’ 2010 Economic Stimulus Package 8:30 AM 9:30 AM Master Certified Bail Agents Info Session
8:30 AM 9:30 AM Breakout: MI & MS and the 10% Bond Less Expensive Conference Registration 8:30 AM 9:30 AM Breakout: The Lost Art of Skip Tracing with Alex Price with Masterfiles + Less Expensive Room Rate 9:30 AM 11:30 AM Breakfast with the President 12:00 PM 1:00 PM New Board of Directors Meeting = More $$$ in your Pocket! As of 12/15/09
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Council of Presidents’ Meeting PBUS Insurance Company Members The COP Meeting is one of the most popular and informative meetings at any PBUS Conference. This is Accredited Surety and Casualty Company, Inc. a time for all the State Associations to come together to Allegheny Casualty Company discuss bail related issues that are effecting their states. Bail USA Inc. It’s important to learn what other bail agents have done Bankers Surety Services across the country so that when an issue comes to your Continental Heritage Insurance Company HCC Surety Group neighborhood you are prepared! This meeting, chaired by International Credit of North American Glenn Strickland, is open to anyone who has registered for Reinsurance Co. the Conference. International Fidelity Insurance Corporation Lexington National Insurance Corporation Palmetto Surety Corporation Property Bail Agents Forum Roche Surety & Casualty Company The Council of Property Bail Agents will be hosting a Safety National Casualty Company Sun Surety Insurance Company forum on Monday February 15th from 10:00 am – 11:00 Universal Fire & Casualty Insurance Company am. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend an open discussion on issues unique to property bail agents. For additional information about the forum, please contact Scott G. Hall at [email protected].
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AWARD NOMINATIONS PBUS is now accepting nominations for the 2010 Awards. Award winners will be chosen by the PBUS Awards Committee. The Awards will be presented at the Gala Dinner at the 2010 Winter Conference in Las Vegas, February 16th. You may submit as many nominees as you like. All nominations are confidential.
PBUS Hall of Fame Nominees must have 30+ years of exemplary service in the bail bond profession. The Hall of Fame honors individuals who through their deeds and actions exemplify the true meaning of the title “Professional Bail Agent.”
PBUS Bail Agent of the Year Those who lead, motivate and design have the privilege of helping their profession. We need your help in identifying those among us who are more than a cut above the rest. The bail profession has its fair share of outstanding innovators, superior designers, and market leaders; all who excel in their profession. Nominees must be licensed bail agents. Help us select the person who has contributed his or her talents to the bail profession in such a way that the entire profession has benefited from his or her insight and leadership.
PBUS Individual of the Year The PBUS Individual of the Year award is designed to recognize an individual, company or organization that has served to uplift our profession across the nation. Nominees should be involved in work that has impacted the PBUS mission by providing information, education, or representation in a manner that reflects national influence on the bail profession. The nominee does not have to be a licensed bail agent. However, FINANCIAL CASUALTY his or her contribution must reflect commitment to our profession as well as evidence of a positive & SURETY, INC. impact for the profession at the national level. ALWAYS LOOKING FOR MORE GOOD AGENT PARTNERS ARIZONA MARYLAND PENNSYLVANIA How to Nominate CALIFORNIA MICHIGAN SOUTH CAROLINA CONNECTICUT MINNESOTA TENNESSEE All nominations must be submitted by Monday, DELAWARE MISSISSIPPI TEXAS FLORIDA NEVADA UTAH December 28th to the PBUS Awards Committee, IDAHO NEW JERSEY VERMONT IOWA NEW YORK WASHINGTON 1301 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Suite 925, INDIANA NORTH CAROLINA WEST VIRGINIA Washington, D.C., 20004 Fax: 202-783-4125. You KANSAS NORTH DAKOTA and expanding to other can download a nomination form off the PBUS LOUISIANA OHIO states soon! website (www.pbus.com) on our Meetings & Events Great Service WWW.FCSURETY.COM Competitive Rates page or you can type a letter including the name Sr Management available 24/7 of the nominee, a brief statement explaining why Robert Sabo Nancy Reese Kathleen Ledbetter the individual deserves the nominations, and the Sr. Vice-President Compliance & Agent Relations Office Operations P. 877-737-2245 ext 8410 P. 877-737-2245 ext 8406 P. 877-737-2245 ext 8402 nominator’s name and contact information. Please F. 713-351-8401 F. 713-351-8401 F. 713-351-8401 E. [email protected] E. [email protected] E. [email protected] help us identify the true leaders of our profession Bob Jacobs Andy Renshaw California Market Sales & Marketing and those that deserve proper recognition. P. 877-737-2245 ext 8433 P. 877-737-2245 ext 8430 F. 713-351-8401 F. 713-351-8401 Nominate today! E. [email protected] E. [email protected]
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Hotel Info The 2010 PBUS Winter Conference, Membership Meeting and Expo will be returning for the second year to the Flamingo Hotel and this year our rates are even LOWER! We renegotiated a fantastic rate of $99/per night. These are terrific rates especially for such an amazing property! A property that is located in the center of the strip, with upgraded “GO Rooms,” eleven distinctive restaurants, cafés, bars and lounges, a 77,000-sq-ft Caribbean-style casino, amazing shows right in the hotel, four pools, four Tennis Courts, and a 15-acre tropical playground and Wildlife Habitat, the only one of its kind in Las Vegas! Reservations can be made by calling 1-800-835-5686 and using our group code: SFPB10 to get our group rate (available until January 20, 2010). Reserve your rooms early – our conference falls over Valentine’s Day weekend and even in these difficult economic times, Las Vegas WILL get booked up! So call now! Suites are also available if you are interested contact Rachel ([email protected] or 202-783-4120) at the home office and she will instruct you as to how to book them. FAQ Q. What is the attire for the conference and the Grand Celebration Dinner? A: The conference is Business Professional and the Grand Celebration Dinner is Black Tie Optional. Q. Can I bring my wife/husband/friend with me to the Conference? A: Absolutely! There are several options for registering them, they can either register for the conference if they want to attend the sessions, or they can register as a guest if they just want to attend meals, or if they only want to attend the Grand Celebration Dinner they can purchase just a dinner ticket. Q. Does the PBUS room block include Suites? And how do I make a reservation for one? A: The contract PBUS has with Flamingo gives us special rates for suites, but availability is based on the hotel’s block, not ours. The prices are $250 for a Go Mini Suite, $600 for a Neapolitan Suite, $750 for the Cosmopolitan Suite and $1,500 for the Metropolitan Suite. In order to make a reservation for a suite you must call our Reservation Coordinator Ms. Hightower at (702) 733- 3458 and tell her you are with PBUS and would like to reserve a suite as part of our block. Q. If I can’t take the time off work to attend the entire conference, is there any way I can see the exhibit hall? A: YES! You can purchase a One-Day Pass! It’s $100 for members and $300 for Not-Yet Members. The One-Day Pass covers Tuesday, February 16th OR Wednesday, February 17th and gets you into the exhibit hall as well as any general or Breakout sessions. It does not include the Political Action Luncheon or any evening event.
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If you would like to run for a Division Director but do not know which Division you are in, please check the list of states under each Division.
Greater Northwest Pacific Director Rhode Island Mid-West Director Director California Massachusetts North Dakota Washington Hawaii New York South Dakota Alaska Pennsylvania Wisconsin Idaho Old West Director New jersey Iowa Wyoming Texas Delaware Nebraska Montana New Mexico Maryland Minnesota Nevada Arizona Missouri Colorado Tropic Director Kansas Utah Deep South Director Florida Oklahoma Oregon Mississippi Puerto Rico Alabama U.S. Virgin Islands South Central Director Mid-America Director Georgia Louisiana Ohio Old South Director Arkansas Michigan Northeast Director Virginia Indiana Connecticut District of Columbia Kentucky Maine North Carolina West Virginia Vermont South Carolina Illinois New Hampshire Tennessee
Register for the conference:
There are two ways to do so: PBUS 1301 Pennsylvania Ave. NW 1. Go to www.PBUS.com and click on the Meetings Suite 925 & Events page. On the right hand side of the page Washington, DC 20004 you can click “Online Registration.” This will take you through the process of registering and you can pay online. You must be logged into the website in order to do this. If you have forgotten your log-in This is the easiest option if you are registering name and/or password call the PBUS home office several people and you do not know all of their log- at 202-783-4120 and they can help you. in information or you would like to do it all at once. 2. Go the www.PBUS.com and click on the Meetings If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to & Events page. On the right hand side of the call, 202-783-4120. page, click on “Registration Form.” This opens up a PDF format of the conference registration form. You can print this form out and either mail or fax it back to the PBUS home office. The fax number is 202-783-4125 and the address is:
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2008-2010 PBUS Board of Directors
President At-Large Director Mid-America Division Director Linda Braswell, MCBA Armando Roche, MCBA Frank M. Valli, MCBA Stuart, FL Tampa, FL Sandusky, OH
Executive Vice President At-Large Director Northeast Division Director Jeff Kirkpatrick, MCBA Krissy Rogers Scott Churchill, MCBA Jackson, MI Seminole, FL Hackettstown, NJ
Senior Vice President Council of Presidents Liaison Directors Emeritus Mary Casey, MCBA Glenn Strickland, CBA Tony Madrid, MCBA Hartford, CT Houston, TX Albuquerque, NM
Vice President Pacific Division Director Executive Director Marco J. LiMandri, MCBA Fred S. Anschultz, MCBA Stephen Kreimer San Diego, CA Los Angeles, CA Washington, DC
Secretary Greater Northwest Division Gene Newman, MCBA Director Jackson, MS Becky Magnuson, CBA Kennewick, WA Treasurer Pamela Jackson Old West Division Director PBUS Jacksonville, FL L.G. Cornish Jr., MCBA Fort Worth, TX Membership Immediate Past President Dudley Goolsby, Jr., CBA South Central Division Director Meeting Oklahoma City, OK Guy J. Ruggiero, Jr. Plaguemine, LA At-Large Director Monday, Margaret Kreins, MCBA Midwest Division Director February 15, 2010 Long Beach, CA David Stuckman, CBA Manhattan, KS At-Large Director Flamingo, Ronnie D. Long, CBA Tropics Division Director Fort Worth, TX Wanda L. Zumas, MCBA Las Vegas, NV Lowell, FL At-Large Director J.L. McEntire, CBA Deep South Division Director Revisions to the San Antonio, TX Scott G. Hall, MCBA bylaws may be Augusta, GA At-Large Director presented for your Frank Richardson, CBA Old South Division Director Lowsens, SC Tony L. Millner, Jr., CBA consideration Martinsville, VA
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