By Michael J. Whitlock
I’ve been attending meetings and annual conferences by the Professional Bondsmen of Texas for several decades and they always deliver. Whether it’s the continuing education classes with instructors with legal experts in bail like Roger Moore, Ken Good and Randy Adler or the auctions to raise money for the PAC, they always do it right. American Surety Company is proud to be a regular sponsor of PBT events.
At PBT’s 2023 Annual Convention at The Menger Hotel in San Antonio, PBT held a skeet shot competition, auction for the PAC and raised thousands of dollars for my favorite charity Camp Esperanza, an annual summer camp for pediatric cancer patients.
A special retirement dinner was held for Susie Cannon, she has served PBT for 18 years. She was lauded for her commitment to the betterment of PBT and particularly for her efforts coordinating continuing education classes and events.
Dallas bail agent Scott Walstad was also recognized for serving nearly 20 years as PBT Legislative Chair, from which he is stepping down. He practically lived in Austin during the legislative season. The State Capitol was his second home. Scott’s successor will have Texas size boots to fill.
The conference had several high-quality speakers and panels. I was honored to co-present with Eric Granof of AIA providing a national legislative update. Eric is an excellent public speaker and does great Power Point presentations. We team up frequently and it’s always a pleasure. We will present again later this week at the ABC Agent Conference in Florida.
This year Roger Moore, Nick DeBord and I hosted a dinner for all agents of American Surety Company in San Antonio for the convention. ASC has the best agents in the business so it’s always a pleasure to recognize our partners and treat them to a special evening.
Finally, congratulations to all those elected to the PBT Board of Directors and award nominees. Outgoing PBT President Mike Byrd will be succeeded by Irma Montemayor from Edinburg, TX. Irma has done noble work as a board member on the Hidalgo County Bail Agents Association and I’m confident she will be an excellent leader as the President of the Professional Bondsmen of Texas. Thank you, Mike Byrd, for all your hard work and commitment.
If you write bail in another state and you want to see how a state association should operate, there is no place like Texas.