Fall Conference features great guests, speakers and sessions

The 2019 FCCC Fall Conference featured numerous exciting moments for attendees to enjoy during the event at the TradeWinds in St. Pete Beach last week. The 2019 Fall Conference was highlighted by the appearance of three current legislators, who all addressed the Clerks and provided their thoughts on the upcoming legislative season.

Representative Chris Sprowls, who was recently named the Speaker-Designate of the Florida House of Representatives and represents Pinellas County, joined Clerks for a luncheon on Wednesday, October 2. He addressed Clerks and provided his insights on the Clerks’ essential role in the judicial process and discussed current efforts to reform criminal justice.

During the President’s Reception on Wednesday evening, the Honorable Stacy Butterfield, CPA (Polk), FCCC President, honored Representative Scott Plakon as FCCC Legislator of the Year. President Butterfield stated that Representative Plakon has been an advocate for Clerks this past legislative session, including serving as a sponsor for the Clerks’ bill and advocating for the Clerks’ policy requests; ultimately, those provisions of his bill passed as part of HB 337.

Representative Will Robinson, Jr., who represents Manatee and Sarasota counties, kicked off Thursday’s legislative-focused General Session by addressing conference attendees about his experience as a freshman legislator this past year.

More than 300 attendees, including 53 Clerks, were able to participate in many great sessions focused on Records and Executive tracks during the three-day event.

President Butterfield, with the assistance of the Honorable Linda Doggett (Lee), also honored longtime Lee County Clerk’s office employee, Doris Maitland, for being such a tremendous asset not only to Lee County, but also to Clerks throughout the state in her role as a pioneer for numerous technology initiatives for FCCC. Maitland, who has helped lead the Clerks’ Technology Group, will be retiring from the Lee County Clerk’s office in early 2020.

Following the recognition for Doris Maitland, attendees were able to hear insights from keynote speaker, Connie Dieken, who provided attendees with details on how to build influence by connecting, conveying, and convincing.

More information regarding the 2019 Fall Conference will be available in the coming weeks.