On September 20, 2008, the WBASNY Board of Directors met at Clifford Chance US, LLP in New York City.  Here are the highlights of that meeting.

• President Boggio reported that she has received positive feedback concerning Leadership Training which was held in July at the Kaatskill Mountain Club in Hunter, New York.  Particularly, she advised that members have expressed to her that Ann Daly was a good facilitator and provided an excellent opportunity for the exchange of ideas and suggestions on growing chapters, CLE programs, etc. 
• President Boggio mentioned that Maureen Crush is working on a list serve that will be available for chapter presidents to use to exchange ideas and increase communication.  A list serve will also be created to assist WBASNY committees. 
• President Boggio then led a discussion concerning the creation of an on-line directory as a member benefit.
• A working breakfast was held with Judge Pfau, Chief Judge Judith Kaye and bar association leaders and members of the legal assistance programs to discuss the mortgage crisis and the new foreclosure court in Queens.  President Boggio reported that WBASNY is looking into ways the Bankruptcy Committee may assist the foreclosure court by providing assistance, including possible pro bono services.
• WBASNY has a designated travel agent who is available to assist chapters and committee chairs in coordinating travel arrangements for board meetings. 
• WBASNY will also be offering babysitting services at meetings. 
• The September 20, 2008 meeting of the Board of Directors was the largest in WBASNY’s history having had 135 attendees. 
• WBASNY has sent letters to the following:  Gov. Paterson supporting his statement regarding comity of same sex marriages as well as a letter concerning the across the board budget cuts and a third letter to the Secretary of Health and Human Services regarding proposed regulations that would effect women’s right to choose.  These letters are available on WBASNY’s website.
• WBASNY is also in the process of finalizing a press release regarding the family leave survey. 
• President Boggio announced that she is looking for a volunteer to co-chair the Public Relations Committee with Donna Frosco. 
• She also reported that Linda Chiaverini completed a 1500 piece mailing for newsletter advertisers and will be following up with telephone calls.  She indicated that WBASNY is always looking for new member benefits and if you have a vendor with state wide appeal to please let her know. 
• On a motion by Adrian Orbach, seconded by Hon. Betty Ellerin, the nomination of Deborah Scalise and Shari Jo Hamilton as co-chairs of the Professional Ethics Committee was approved. 
• Karen Richardson provided the Treasurer’s Report.  Discussion began with a focus on the 2007-2008 convention followed by discussion of the proposed budget.  A discussion then ensued.  President Boggio indicated that the Long Range Planning (“LRP”) Committee, Fundraising Committee and Finance Committee were working this year on reviewing the budget and proposing ways to increase revenue going forward.  Such suggestions presently include a dues increase and/or chapter assessment. 
• Alicia Beerley from Energy Plus gave a brief presentation on this new member benefit.  Energy Plus is an energy service provider that would help members save on their electricity bills. 
• Joanne Prescott gave a presentation on Nationwide Insurance on this new member benefit.  Ms. Prescott and Nationwide will offer ways for members to save on their auto insurance.
• Hon. Marion T. McNulty, co-chair of the CLE committee provided a report to summarize the procedure for seeking approval of CLE programs.
• Hon. Sondra Pardes provided a report on behalf of the Long Range Planning Committee.  LRP will be taking a look at several items this year including office space, staffing expenses, allocation of assets/resources/ public relations/lobbying efforts/legislative consultant to assess how they are using time and expenses as well as looking at convention going forward.
• On a motion by Dawn Arnold, seconded by Jody Fay, the board approved that Jane Aoyama-Martin be the WBASNY nominee for the 2008 Haywood Burns award.  The Haywood Burns award is sponsored by the New York State Bar Association and recognizes an individual who has made significant contributions to New York State in the struggle for justice and as an advocate for civil rights.
• On a motion by Deborah Scalise, seconded by Harriet Weinberger, it was approved that Susan Pollet would be the WBASNY nominee for the Ruth G. Schapiro award.  The Ruth G. Schapiro award is an award through the New York State Bar Association and recognizes a female or male who has made a noteworthy contribution to addressing the concerns of women. 
• Maggie Rossi, co-chair of the legislative committee and Sandra Rivera provided a report on the legislative committee.  Legislative had a speaker come from the Innocence Project regarding DNA and also had the WBASNY criminal law committee attend their meeting.  Ms. Rossi provided an update on the issue raised at convention, namely, whether WBASNY, because of its members’ actions needed to register as a lobbyist and was pleased to report that there is no need for WBASNY to register as a lobbyist. 
• Covention 2009 co-chairs Natalie Grigg and Kara Lais reminded everyone that Convention 2009 will take place at Niagara on the Lake in Canada from June 4 - June 7, 2009.  Members will need to get a passport or a passport card because convention is in Canada. Niagara on the Lake is a beautiful family friendly area, 20 minutes from Niagara Falls, with plenty of things to do.
• Sue Moss, Co-Chair of the Matrimonial Section reported that the number one focus of the committee continues to be passage of no-fault divorce.  She indicated that discussions are ongoing with New York NOW and they have things planned in the future but are waiting to see the results of election in order to determine the best strategy moving forward. 
• President Boggio reminded everyone that the next meeting is November 15, 2008 in Albany.