At the end of July, Cincinnati Bar Association (CBA) Executive Director Lisa McPherson and I attended the National Conference of Bar Presidents in Chicago. It was refreshing to see over 60 other regional and state bar associations in attendance and learn about the most recent trends within the bar association industry. On my way back to Cincinnati, I reflected on my time at the conference and the CBA as a whole. Here are few key takeaways that bolstered my confidence in the CBA. 

1. The CBA’s staff is a tremendous asset
One thing you realize at a national conference of bar associations is that not all bar associations have the same resources. Some are fully operated by their attorney members and don’t have any full-time or part-time staff. Others face financial instability. On the other hand, several bar associations are very stable, the CBA being one of them. 
I attribute much of the overriding strength of the CBA in its membership and staff. For example, the CBA has had three executive directors over the past roughly 30 years led by John Norwine (1995-2016), Catherine Glover (2016-2019) and Lisa McPherson (2019-present). This level of continuity of leadership is instrumental in building meaningful relationships within the national and regional bar association community and keeping the CBA apprised of recent trends within the non-profit association industry. 
We also have several dedicated and longstanding staff members. The success of the CBA is rooted in the commitment of its staff and their drive to implement member ideas and programming.

2. The CBA’s strategic planning has placed it in a sound financial position
The CBA has made a series of solid financial decisions that directly impact its current financial position. Here are just a few notable decisions that have contributed to their financial stability. 
The CBA owns the building at 225 East Sixth Street free and clear without a mortgage. The CBA Board of Trustees decided to purchase the building in 2000 as a strategic investment in the local bar community. A few years ago the CBA paid the outstanding mortgage because it had the financial reserves to do so. 
In 2019, the CBA considered whether to join other Ohio regional bar associations in forming a notary services partnership when notary services were being centralized throughout Ohio. Ultimately, the Board of Trustees voted to join the partnership forming Ohio Notary Services. That decision has proven successful to help shore up operating costs and serve the notary needs throughout Ohio. 
The CBA staff continues to be good financial stewards. Recently, the Supreme Court of Ohio implemented large reductions in the amount of time and expenses that regional bar associations may seek for reimbursement. Because regional bar associations, including the CBA, play a vital role in the intake and investigation of grievances against local attorneys, reimbursement for the CBA’s involvement in the attorney discipline system is a material portion of the CBA budget. As a result, CBA staff has coordinated a joint, measured approach with the other Ohio Metro Bars to address the concerns of local bar associations on the limitation of grievance-related reimbursement by the Supreme Court of Ohio. In response, the Court has agreed to form a task force to review grievance-related reimbursements. The CBA is hopeful to gain representation on the task force so our perspective is factored into the Supreme Court of Ohio’s ultimate decision on the level of grievance-related reimbursement to regional bar associations and certified grievance committees. 
We, as the current CBA members, are privileged to have a committed CBA staff who continue to ensure the CBA remains a viable and productive bar association.