EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS MESSEGE

As many of you know, FLACARS was formed in 1994 for one specific purpose; to represent all Florida licensed collateral recovery specialists with regard to legislative issues. 

We determined from the beginning that FLACARS would represent the one man operator with the same fervor and commitment that we represented the multi-office operator.  In all our endeavors and efforts, I firmly believe we have fulfilled that mission.

I am also convinced that, without the integrity, expertise and assistance of our former Division Director, John Russi and our lobbyist, Charles Barner, we would have not come so close in our mission and our efforts this year.

In the 2004 Florida legislative session all the planning and hard work culminated in the most prolific and positive piece of legislation ever envisioned or attempted by our industry.

The successful passage of this legislative package didn’t just “almost happen”.  The concept was initiated some 4 years ago.  Over those 4 years there were many trips to Tallahassee, many meetings with Mr. Russi, Division of Licensing staff and our lobbyist, many telephone conferences, numerous letters and many, many changes in language in order to avoid challenges during the legislative process.

We will not give up. Positive results will impact and benefit every licensee who wants to improve his/her “bottom line” and should rekindle the excitement of being in this profession in Florida.

So, make your self aware of FLACARS legislative agenda. We hope you will carefully consider and grasp just what the changes would mean to you and your business.

            If you are a FLACARS member, I want to personally thank you for your membership fees which helped on our journey.

If you are not a member, and what FLACARS intends to accomplished does not convince you to join with us perhaps you should consider pursuing another career.

            FLACARS is now more than just a lobby fund. FLACARS will now be providing conventions with educational functions and access to industry vendors. Business meetings will present participants an opportunity to voice their opinion and provide direction.

            At the convention held in 2003 the participants at the recovery agency owner’s meeting provided feedback to the Division of Licensing and our lobbyist that will help shape the future on behalf of the rest of you that were not there.

            Money raised at that event was partnered with FLACARS funds to pay our lobbyist. It made me very proud to see our lobbyist compensated at a much more respectable level than ever before possible.

            Now FLACARS is the Florida Association.        This Alliance can be expected to reach new heights. I want to personally invite you to join FLACARS. Scratch that. I want to insist that you join FLACARS today!

Although I hope to still be involved with FLACARS, this will be my last article as your Executive Director.  The new structure of this organization, I believe will be more than beneficial to Florida licensees and to the collateral recovery profession as a whole.

John Russi/Recovery Industry Scholarship

At the Private Investigation, Recovery, & Security Advisory Council (PIRSAC) Meeting in March of this year I felt privileged to announced that the Recovery Industry has fully funded the John Russi/Recovery Industry Scholarship.

Included in this letter and available on the FLACARS Website is the form approved by the Division of Licensing for reporting unlicensed activity.

            In closing, I want to express my appreciation for the privilege of serving as your Executive Director and for the opportunity to give something back to the profession that has fed and clothed my family for the past 30 plus years.

Be Safe,

Joe Taylor

Editorial Comment: Joe Taylor is currently the Recovery Industry representative on the Private Investigative, Recovery and Security Advisory Council. He helped found FALR and is rumored to have been the first paid member.

Joe and his lovely wife Elizabeth have served the Recovery Industry with FLACARS 10 years with a level of service, sacrifice and dedication we can all be grateful for and proud of. Certified Asset Recovery Specialist National Certification Program™ (C.A.R.S.), was developed and introduced to the recovery industry in 1999 by Joe Taylor and approved by the State of Florida in2002 as an alternative to the classroom training required to be licensed. His own repossession company, Chekmate International is listed with ARA & TFA and is now being guided by Joe’s son Brian.

 CARS Home Office:  800-927-0153