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Welcome to our 2015 Continuing Education Class. As always our Board of Directors looks forward to working together with company owners and agents to make this year the best ever. West Tennessee Director Derrick Britt gave us our slogan this year – Do the Right Thing in 2015. Ladies and Gentlemen, I submit to you that unless we make some corrections in our Professionalism, Image and Ethics, unwanted changes will be made to our beloved profession. Judges have evolved in the argument of discount bonds. The new point the court contends is that “It’s a matter of public safety and discounting a bond is like reducing bail without the court’s knowledge or approval”. This grabs the attention of both the general public and legislators throughout the country. For all purposes, we have effectively lost New Jersey to pre-trial services. Why you ask? Discount bonds!

I am aware of a minimum of four incidents in Tennessee just in the last quarter of 2014 wherein bail agents and fugitive recovery agents were arrested. Kidnapping, aggravated assault, burglary and sexual assault are only a few of the offenses brought against our fellow bondsmen! While all are innocent until proven guilty, these arrests have again brought us to the forefront with judges, district attorneys, sheriffs and the 109th General Assembly. I ask each of you to “Do the Right Thing in 2015” by taking a look at our business practices and how we conduct ourselves. As I mentioned earlier, if we don’t the judicial system will.

I would like to take this opportunity to announce the resignation of East Tennessee Director and Education Chairman David Sparks. David has served in these positions for many years and has been a huge asset to the association. You could always depend on David no matter what was asked of him. He was also a member of PBUS for many years. He will be greatly missed by all.It is my honor to have been a part of this great profession for the past 33 years my hope and prayers are that each of you has that opportunity as well.

Thank you,
CHARLES W. WHITE, SR.
President TAPBA
Old South Director PBUS