The 34th Annual FWA conference at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress, Orlando was a smashing success. For those of you who may have missed it, we were fortunate to have an outstanding program of continuing education (with a Back to the Future) theme and, as always top notch speakers, generous sponsors and representatives of the Florida Legislature. Save the date for next year’s conference (June 5-6, 2025) which will move the location out of Orlando for the first time in decades. The 35th Annual Conference will take place on Florida’s west coast at the Wyndham Grand, Clearwater Florida.
Thanks and praise were heaped upon Eric Sandler, Esq. for his outstanding service to our organization as president during the 2023-24 FWA year. The gavel was passed to Holley Akers, Esq. of Jacksonville who takes the helm for the 2025 year. Holley will be joined by Manny Franco, Vice President; Cathy Agacinski, Secretary and Eric Christiansen, Treasurer. Holley expressed her goal to have a more member-centric FWA with free CLEs provided for members on a monthly basis with assistance from Ametros. (Please tune in to the first scheduled for July 30, 2024 at 1:00 pm featuring Jennifer Wright, Business Development Manager, Southeast, Ametros presenting Introduction to Post-Settlement Medical Administration (1-Hour Attorney Credit)). Holley also wanted everyone to know that her door is always open, and she welcomes all members to reach out to her to discuss any issue of interest or concern to them.
Several awards were given to FWA members for their contributions during the year. First, the Christopher Smith CAEL Listserv MVP was bestowed upon Rick Morales, Esq. “who best exemplifies those qualities admired in Christopher J. Smith, pioneer of Claimant’s Email Listserve”. Second, the Above and Beyond Award was presented to Mike Celeste, Esq. for his wicked-good service to the organization on the Membership Committee. During Mike’s tenure on the Committee, membership has more than tripled from 100 to roughly 325 members.
Next, PAC awards were given to Matt Carrillo, Work Injury Rights.com and Michael O’Rourke in recognition of supporting and defending the rights of Florida’s injured workers through generous and significant contributions to the PAC during the past year. Michelle Salzman, state Rep of house District 1 (she’s # 1!), then took the stage and shared stories of the legislative process in Tallahassee.
Many thanks to the outstanding and generous FWA sponsors who participated and contributed to the event including, IWP (Diamond); Ringler, Arcadia (Platinum); Ametros and Peck Law Firm (Gold); Consumer Law Advocates, Thedore Johns Legal Solutions of Florida, 3 Generation Insurance (Silver); and Jason Neufeld, Elder Needs Law; Jim Sullivan, DRS Registry Services; Anthony Pribila, Pribila Consulting Services, Medivest, Kathleen Peek Mediations; Dr. Arpit Patel Excel Pain and Spine; Milestone Reporting, and Specialty Allocations, Inc. (Bronze)
A big thanks to IWP for sponsoring the large Thursday lunch at the conference and for their continued support and Diamond Sponsorship