From The Chairman of the Board

First of all let me thank all the participants in the 2003 Florida Convention. The vendors came through for us in a big way and because of that we have much to be grateful for. I am delighted to serve a role in the Florida Association. Those of us on the Board of Directors serve to oversee the business aspect of the Association. We have no control over the consciences or actions of the officers elected by the membership so long as they are following the direction of the members and are working to the benefit of the members and the recovery industry.

Thinking back to around 1986, I recall taking a commuter flight to Tallahassee, FL, and then a taxi to an office building in the city.  In a small meeting room Joe Taylor, Jeannie Bennett, George Martin, and some other agents from around the State were gathered.  I would say there were fewer than twenty of us there.  This may not have been the first time these people met to discuss forming an association, but it was the first time I had been in attendance, so for me this was the beginning of FALR.  I could see these people believed very strongly that we had to have a State Association.  I listened to them carefully, and realized they were right.  We HAD to have one. 

Today as much as ever recovery agents in Florida need to have a State Association looking out for their interests in the legislative process. For several years Joe Taylor and FLACARS were filling this void alone. This year the FALR Cavalry arrived.    

Over the years there were a lot of positive developments in FALR(A)…. education, vendor interaction and camaraderie have changed the face of the industry for the better. But I know the largest single function that the Association can provide for the membership happens in Tallahassee.  

 I have witnessed some personal disagreements in the direction the Florida Association needs to take. What is ironic is that all sides really share most of the same concepts of what the goals should be.

I truly believe the future is bright for FALR. The only thing missing is people from all sides believing in what the association can accomplish and working together towards those goals.  

In closing, I would like to thank the people who worked so very hard over the years for the good of the association.  You know who you are.  I believe I speak for the entire membership when I say we are extremely grateful for your efforts. 

 Jack Honacher
Chairman of the Board
FLair Inc. / FALR