TAPPS 2014 Annual Convention

• February 20, 2014
• by Kimberly Faber
• Associations

On March 15th, process servers from Tennessee will gather in Nashville for the Tennessee Association of Professional Process Servers (TAPPS) 2014 Annual Convention. The convention will be from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and will include speakers from NAPPS and GAPPS. A southern country buffet with pulled pork, fried catfish filets with hush puppies, country fried steak and gravy will be served. For more information about the event, and for the latest information on what the organization hopes to accomplish this year, we spoke with TAPPS secretary Paul Moore.

What is TAPPS most excited for about this conference?

PM: We are excited to move forward with our proposed education and certification process that will be offered to members of the association and hopefully in the future process servers throughout Tennessee. We are also excited to have the NAPPS President Eric Vennes attending this year, as well as former President Larry Yellon. We look forward to the information they provide regarding process service on a national level and sharing insight with our members as we celebrate our second year as a State Charter Member of NAPPS. We look forward to having Tennessee Representative Harry Brooks as a guest, and the Georgia Association of Professional Process Servers President Deborah Duchon join us to share details about their new charter with NAPPS and moving forward with their education and certification process in Georgia. And finally, we enjoy seeing the members of TAPPS come together as a group, sharing stories and information with each other that always makes the day interesting.

What issues, if any, have process servers in Tennessee been facing?

PM: TAPPS members agree to maintain a high level of professionalism and follow our Code of Ethics. Unfortunately, with the laws in Tennessee being somewhat vague, there are always those that enter the industry with less motivation to improve it, thus giving private process servers a negative image.

What educational seminars or speakers will be at the event?

PM: Eric Vennes and Larry Yellon, current President and Past President of NAPPS. GAPPS President Deborah Duchon will be sharing highlights regarding their process for becoming certified through the GAPPS Education program. Barry Kaley, Owner of Knox County Process here in Tennessee will be presenting our TAPPS proposed education segment.

What are TAPPS's goals for the coming year?

PM: Double our membership, move forward with our proposed education program and initiate an education and certification process through the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts.

Why is it important for Tennessee process servers to attend this event?

PM: Education, Education, Education. To grow as an industry in Tennessee, we must establish that private process service will be a professional and ethical solution when serving papers across Tennessee. As we move forward and increase the number of members in our association the reality of TAPPS becoming an influence on lawmakers, court officials, and process servers, in general, will be attained.

For more details and to register, visit TAPPS.