At the 2010 Installation Reception, we honored the Past Presidents of our Bar Association.  We began the ceremony by telling the rich history of our Bar Association, including the obstacles our founders and pioneers had to overcome to establish equality and justice in this community.  The work is not finished.  For that reason, this year’s theme is “Continuing the Legacy.”

As I announced at this year’s Installation Reception, the legacy of this organization is public service and fighting injustice.  Consequently, we have several events planned this year with the public in mind.  For example, we plan on continuing our Community Forums on current hot button issues.  These forums help to bridge the gap between the public in need of critical information and the practitioners who possess the information.  We also plan to do a "Know Your Rights" Campaign geared toward our Senior Citizens.

None of what we accomplish is possible without the support of our members and friends.  We need your support and ask that you renew your membership by visiting our "Become a Member" page on our website.  We also ask that you volunteer whenever you can and in whatever interests you.  Moreover, we ask that you come to as many of our General Body meetings as you can, every Third Friday of the month, where our agenda is discussed and critical decisions are made. In return, we plan to give you quality programming this year in the form of great CLEs, opportunities to network with other organizations, and a page on our website to list your firm/employer and practice area.

I am humbled and honored to have received this great opportunity to lead this organization into 2011.  As I told our members and friends at the Installation Reception, I welcome all ideas and suggestions on how to move this organization forward and will work with any organization that shares our ideals and our passion for public service.  Above all, I look forward to serving you and our community as President of FMCBA.

Grasford Smith
President