Greetings from Montana! I hope you are all having a wonderful Oregon summer. There’s really nothing like it. Whether you are jumping into Crater Lake or floating down one of the many beautiful rivers, it’s such a wonderful place to explore.

Speaking of exploring, we hope to see you all at Hood River November 1-3, 2024, for the Fall Convention. The Fall Convention committee is working hard to put together a great time. And hopefully you can find some free time to try out windsurfing, go for a hike, or enjoy the Hood River Farmers Market on Saturday. Please be on the lookout for registration information coming soon to the website and your inboxes.

With the encouragement and funding from LNS Court Reporting & Legal Video, OCRA has brought the NCRA Career Launcher to Oregon! This program helps members to fully prepare for the full experience of the deposition process from medical to personal injury to family law. Brynn Minor, an OCRA member who recently transitioned from student to freelancer and NCRA Career Launcher guinea pig, has completed the modules, including Examination Under Oath, Workers’ Comp (hearing), and Employment with an interpreter, to name a few. We look forward to many more of you joining in on this opportunity to learn and stand out among other colleagues and peers when it comes time for the job search.

Students, please get your essays in for the Ray Outstanding Student Endowment (ROSE) Award. You must be at a speed level of at least 140 words per minute and write a 500-word essay on why you chose to become a reporter and what your goals are as a reporter. You may also write on other related topics. We would love to hear your story and can’t wait to see who the lucky winner is at Fall Convention. The award includes $500 cash, a plaque, OCRA fall convention seminar fee, two nights’ lodging at the OCRA fall convention, and a one-year student membership with OCRA.

We have one vacancy on the OCRA Board of Directors beginning in November: director. Please submit any nominations (yourself or others) to Shellene Iverson. We would love to have you and hear your fresh perspective and ideas!

I’m looking forward to seeing everyone in person in such a beautiful area in Oregon in the fall. I hope you have a wonderful summer and take advantage of that sunshine!

Kendra Steppler, RPR, CRR

President, Oregon Court Reporters Association