BAR FOUNDATION GRANT-
Last year, the WV Bar Foundation presented a grant to the WV Association of Counties to assist in the production of a documentary film on the county courthouses in the state. In a recent report letter, Patti Hamilton, the Association’s Executive Director, expressed appreciation for the “generous contribution” and stated that the Bar Foundation “will be listed on the documentary as well as all accompanying printed materials as a Gold Sponsor.”  In addition, it was reported that–“The funding received from your organization was invaluable in moving the production forward.” The one hour documentary will focus on “the county courthouse is the center of local, democratic government”, that it “is a symbol of democracy, an architectural monument that inspires us and illuminates aspects of our history” and it “historically has been the center of community life and civic culture.”

BUSINESS COURT FORUM-
On November 12, a Business Court Forum was held in the House of Delegates chamber at the State Capitol in Charleston. The WV Supreme Court has been given the responsibility to review and consider the various aspects of the Business Court model that is now in existence in more than 15 states in the nation. At the forum, a panel of four Circuit Court Judges appointed by the Supreme Court—Judge Murensky (McDowell), Judge Pratt (Wayne), Judge Rowe (Greenbrier) and Judge Wilkes (Berkeley)—heard a report from a North Carolina Judge, who set up the Business Court in that state. There are plans for additional opportunities for the Circuit Court Judges to receive more research, input and information on the Business Court concept.

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES-
Wednesday, November 17-Grants Committee Conference Call
Tuesday, November 30-Bar Foundation Fellows Nominating Committee Conference Call
Monday, December 6-Audit Committee Conference Call
Thursday, December 9-Strategic Planning Committee Meeting
Thursday, December 9-Bar Foundation Board of Directors Meeting