VCRA President's Message

Dear Past, Present, and Future Members:

The Virginia Court Reporters Association is in its forty-first year of existence, which supports the old adage "There is strength in numbers." The collective knowledge and vast experience of this Association and its events is where working reporters look for guidance on "hot new issues" and reinforcement of the old.

The many eyes and ears of this large body enable us to go about our daily duties with the surety that through our involvement with VCRA, we will become alerted to the nuances of being a court reporter in Virginia; changes in Notary laws, the Committee formed by the Supreme Court of Virginia in 2007 focused on implementing mandatory certification for court reporters, and the like; we have the comfort of knowing that through VCRA-sponsored events like Fall Education Day, the Annual Convention, and the quarterly newsletter, we, through our Association, will become alerted to the ever-changing facets of our profession here in Virginia. (After all, if it weren’t for Fall Education Day a few years ago, I would still be swearing in witnesses over the phone; wouldn’t you?)

Training and awareness of the basic fundamentals of being a professional court reporter have shifted over the years. In today’s world, with many reporters working on their own, and all reporters transcribing in their own isolated worlds, the value this professional Association offers you is greater than ever. To be viewed as professionals, we must behave like professionals. Continuing education is an important component to every professional’s career.

I look forward to assisting you enhance the value of your VCRA membership. Please contact me with any ideas or suggestions you may have.

Kerry Zahn
President