General Sessions

At each Annual NNA Conference, the General Sessions provide an invigorating way to start the day – with dynamic speakers addressing the most current topics – these are elements of the Conference program that all delegates find value in attending. And so, with the Chicago Conference in 2010, the NNA has decided to expand the number of General Sessions in order to present even more up-to-the-minute information and insight as the Nation’s Notaries Public gather. Each day, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, Conference delegates will hear speakers from all aspects of Notary life – and on Tuesday, we’re presenting two sessions  be sure to plan on attending all four General Sessions while at conference.

Please be sure to use the MyConference feature to add each Pre-Conference Program to your custom Conference itinerary. Remember, you’ll be able to print out or email your planned Conference schedule for any purpose – Conference planning, coordinating with a colleague, or requesting approval to attend from your employer.

Opening General Session
Presented by Robert E. Story, Chairman, Mortgage Bankers Association

2010 Notary of the Year - Daniel C. Lewis

The 2010 Conference will kick off amidst its traditional fanfare, including the Roll Call of States and Official Welcome. This year’s first General Session will then present Robert E. Story, Jr., Chairman of the Mortgage Bankers Association who will offer an address entitled, “Thoughts and Strategies for Boosting America’s Economic Growth.” The talk will focus on the dynamic relationship between mortgage banking, the Notary and other important contributors. As the U.S. continues its gradual emergence from recession, Story will discuss the Notary’s vital role in supporting industry’s need to sustain progressive lending activities and trustworthy transactions while combating mortgage fraud and identity crimes. Story’s analysis comes amid much concern and speculation over the strength of the real estate industry as the primary driver of the nation’s economic recovery. As America’s trusted impartial witnesses, Notaries are heavily relied upon by the mortgage, banking and real estate industries, and their education and training make it essential to maintain professional standards of practice and procedure.

Notary of the Year Panel Discussion

Panelists: Daniel C. Lewis, Carol Salter, Liz Adams, Elaine Wright

How do the best and brightest Notaries apply best practices in their regular Notary routines? In this engaging and informative General Session, past Notaries of the Year Carol Salter (2005), Liz Adams (2008), Elaine Wright (2009) and current Notary of the Year recipient Daniel Lewis will discuss which practices they follow and why. They will explain why they go above the minimum requirements of state laws and how by doing so they protect signers, relying parties and the transaction itself from fraud.

State of the Notary Public Office

Presented by Milt Valera, President, National Notary Association

The National Notary Association’s annual presentation on the official current state of the Notary office and its future course will be delivered by NNA President Milt Valera. As the preeminent authority on the Notary Public office, this Conference highlight will address legislative enactments, industry trends and how your NNA represented the interests of all Notaries across the country and world.

Concluding General Session – What Every Employer Needs to Know

Presented by: Michael Closen, Expert Witness: Vancura v. Katris

Mike Closen, Expert Witness: Vancura v. Katris

The Concluding General Session will provide added perspective and depth to the topic of The New Standard of Care, as dictated by recent court rulings. Michael Closen, the nation’s leading legal scholar on Notary Public law and practice, former Illinois Notary Public, and expert witness in the Vancura v. Katris case, will motivate you to be the best Notary you can possibly be and cover the lessons that employers should take away from this court ruling as well. Mr. Closen will cover the points he raised during his testimony in the Vancura case, and inspire entrepreneurial and employer-based Notaries alike. Attention: If you employ Notaries and would like to attend this General Session, the National Notary Association would like to invite you as our guest free of charge. Just bring a business card and check in at a specially designated table at the General Session. As a new bonus this year, employers of Notaries will be invited to attend this General Session for free to hear about how employers now must supervise and train Notary employees so that the public is protected from the harm of an improper notarization.