127th Annual County and District Clerks' Association of Texas Conference

July 10 - 14, 2022

Waco Convention Center
100 Washington Ave.
Waco, TX 76701

Registration opens Tuesday, March 8 at 8 a.m.

For more information contact Luz Hinojosa or Sam Burke at (800) 456-5974.

Join the County and District Clerks' Association of Texas (CDCAT) for its 127th Annual Conference on July 10-14 at the Waco Convention Center. All meetings and registration will take place at this venue.

County clerks, district clerks and combination clerks can earn continuing education credits to help fulfill their annual CE requirements. An integral part of this meeting will be the opportunity to network with your fellow clerks and exchange ideas that are helpful to you and your county. Conference sessions and speakers will offer comprehensive information on popular topics, upcoming changes that affect you directly, and areas of high interest in the clerk profession.

This year’s conference theme is an extension of the fall and winter conferences theme: CDCAT, a Community in Service. Conference sessions and speakers will offer comprehensive information on popular topics, upcoming changes that affect you directly, and areas of high interest in the clerk profession.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from exceptional speakers and explore Waco!

Grant Reimbursement Reminder
Elected clerks can submit a form to receive reimbursement for a portion of their travel and lodging expenses.

Registration Fees
Full conference registration includes all education sessions, meals and breaks.

REGISTRATION FEES
SELECT DESCRIPTION Early Registration (by June 9) Registration (after June 9)
  Clerk/Deputy Registration $250 $275
  Retired Clerk Package $100  
  Corporate Attendee $500  
  On-Site Registration (Members) $275  
  One-Day Registration $90  
 
EVENING EVENT TICKETS – AGES 13 & OVER
EVENTS PRICE
Wacky Waco Karaoke Night and Banquet $30

Hotel Information
The host hotels are the Hilton Waco and the Courtyard by Marriott Waco. You must register for the conference before you can receive instructions for booking your hotel room

Payment Information
Please make checks payable to the Texas Association of Counties.

Mail checks to:
CDCAT Annual Fall Conference
c/o Texas Association of Counties
P.O. Box 2711
San Antonio, TX 78299

Association Officers
Hon. Stacey Kemp, President
County Clerk – Collin County

Hon. Patti L. Henry, Vice President
District Clerk – Chambers County

Hon. Julie Smith, Treasurer
County Clerk – Potter County

Hon. Velva L. Price, Secretary
District Clerk – Travis County

Hon. Laura Hinojosa, Immediate Past President
District Clerk – Hidalgo County

The host hotels are the Hilton Waco and the Courtyard by Marriott Waco. You must register for the conference to obtain hotel reservation information.

Hilton Waco (connected to conference center) (FULL)
113 S. University Parks Dr.
Waco, TX 76701

Room rate: King/queen rooms $165 per night plus tax
Executive rooms $185 per night plus tax

Courtyard by Marriott Waco (across from conference center) (FULL)
101 S. Washington Ave.
Waco, TX 76701

Room rate: King/queen rooms $165 per night plus tax

Overflow Hotels

Hotel Indigo Waco - Baylor, an IHG Hotel (0.4 mile away) (FULL)
211 Clay Ave.
Waco, TX 76706
Reservations: (254) 754-7000

Room rate: King rooms $139 per night plus tax
Double queen rooms $149 per night plus tax

Waco Residence Inn (0.3 mile away)
501 South University Parks Dr.
Waco, TX 76706
Reservations: (254) 714-1386

Room rate: $169 per night plus tax

Aloft Waco Baylor (1.3 miles away)
900 S 11th St.
Waco, TX 76706
Reservations: (254) 870-4644

Room rate: $154 per night plus tax (prices are subject to change)

Element Waco (3 miles away)
2200 Robinson Dr.
Waco, TX 76706
Reservations: (254) 300-5035

Room rate: $145 per night plus tax (prices subject to change)

La Quinta Inn and Suites by Wyndham Waco Downtown – Baylor
No room block acquired, rates and availability can change
911 S 10th St
Waco, TX 76706
(254) 756-2929

1700 South 2nd
No room block acquired, rates and availability can change
1700 S 2nd St
Waco, TX 76706
(254) 709-3288

If you need special accommodations, please contact Luz Hinojosa at (800) 456-5974.

Please note: As in years past, CDCAT anticipates that the room block will fill quickly. In the event the block becomes full, a waitlist will be kept on a first-come, first-served basis. To be placed on the waitlist, contact Sam Burke at samb@county.org or (800) 456-5974. You will be contacted when a room becomes available.

Host Hotel Room Cancellations
If you need to cancel a room reservation, please do not cancel directly with the hotel. Contact Sam Burke at (800) 456-5974 to cancel your host hotel reservation. This will help move fellow attendees off the waitlist. We kindly request that you not post your reservation on the CDCAT Mobilize, because this action hinders waitlist management.

Parking at Host Hotels
Complimentary self-parking.

Sunday, July 10
6 p.m.

President's Welcome Reception at Buzzard Billy’s
100 N. I-35 Frontage Rd.
Waco, TX 76704

*Clerk Nominees Recognized
Sponsored by iDocket

Wednesday, July 13
6:30 p.m.-midnight BANQUET • OFFICERS SWEARING-IN • CLERKS OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Kofile Technologies, Inc.
Entertainment: Clerk Karaoke
DRESS CODE: "Represent your County!" Show your county spirit by wearing County attire! - ex: county shirts, accessories that symbolize your county. Be comfortable in your jeans!
Sunday, July 10
Noon-5 p.m. Registration & Information Desk Open
1-5 p.m. Exhibits Setup
6 p.m.

President's Welcome Reception at Buzzard Billy’s
100 N. I-35 Frontage Rd.
Waco, TX 76704

*Clerk Nominees Recognized
Sponsored by iDocket

Monday, July 11
7:30-8:30 a.m. Coffee With Vendors
8 a.m.-5 p.m. Registration and Information Desk Open
8 a.m.-5 p.m. CDCAT Store
8:30-9:15 a.m. Welcome ● Presentation of Colors ● National Anthem ● Invocation ● Pledges of Allegiance ● Recognition of Dignitaries
9:15-10 a.m. Introduction of Retired Clerks, Regional Directors, Past Presidents, Retirees, Sponsors
10-10:30 a.m. Refreshment Break With Vendors
10:30 a.m.-noon Business Session
Noon-1:30 p.m. Lunch on Your Own
1:30-3 p.m.

Keynote: Servant Leadership
Ms. Susan M. Redford, Executive Director, Texas Association of Counties

Servant leadership is a commonly used but less commonly understood concept. What does it mean? Can it be learned? We will discuss what makes a servant leader special and how being a servant leader differs from the traditional leadership mindset.

3-3:30 p.m. Refreshment Break With Vendors
3:30-4:30 p.m.

Public Speaking: Learn the Tips, Tricks and Secrets of the Pros — and How the Internet Found Them All
Mr. Hank Sanderson, University Lecturer, Speech Coach and Voice-over Artist, Department of Communication, Baylor University

One of the greatest tools you have for life fulfillment and advancement is something you were born with. It is innate and instinctual, and of primal origin, yet somehow, we've convinced ourselves that it's also a mystery. It is not. So let's talk, publicly, about talking in public — what it can do for you and what you were born to do.

Tuesday, July 12
7:30-8:30 a.m. Coffee With Vendors
8 a.m.-5 p.m. Registration and Information Desk Open
8 a.m.-5 p.m. CDCAT Store
General Session
8:30-9:30 a.m.

Electronic Processes, Citations
Hon. Melisa Miller, Montgomery County District Clerk
Hon. Velva Price, Travis County District Clerk

This session will provide a brief overview of the preparation of documents for service through eFileTexas and will walk you through the process of serving a document using the system. The presentation will also include steps on submitting transfers.

9:30-10:30 a.m.

Definition of Legal Terms and Legal Resources
Hon. Tammy Kneuper, Bandera County District Clerk
Hon. Jennifer Martin, Ector County Clerk
Hon. Clarissa Webster, Ector County District Clerk

Words matter! Increase confidence and know how and where to find trustworthy sources.

10:30-11 a.m. Recognition of Vendors/Sponsors
11-11:30 a.m. Refreshment Break With Vendors
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Lunch on Your Own
General Session
1-2:30 p.m.

Arrest, Appoint, Appeal (Arrest to Disposition)
Mr. Gabe Price, Research Analyst, McLennan County

This session is a discussion covering the prosecutor's perspective of case management and case flow from arrest through appeal, and how it applies to the Clerk's Office.

Roundtable Discussion Breakouts
2:30-3:30 p.m.

District Clerk Roundtable
Room: Brazos Ballroom
Hon. Laura Hinojosa, Hidalgo County District Clerk
Hon. Linda Holman, Colorado County District Clerk
Hon. Velva Price, Travis County District Clerk

County Clerk Roundtable
Room: McLennan Hall 207
Hon. Sylvia Garza-Perez, Cameron County Clerk
Hon. Brenda McKanna, Moore County Clerk
Hon. Julie Smith, Potter County Clerk

Combination Clerk Roundtable
Room: McLennan Hall 209
Hon. JoAnna Blanco, Castro County Combo Clerk
Hon. Melissa Mead, Hartley County Combo Clerk

3:30-4 p.m. Refreshment Break With Vendors
4-5 p.m. Breakout Sessions
4-5 p.m.

Breakout 1: District Clerks • Room: Brazos Ballroom
All Things Family
Hon. Sara Kate Billingsley, 446th District Judge
This session features family law cases from start to finish, including original petitions, temporary orders, modifications, SAPCRs, emergency relief, protective orders and self-represented litigants.

Breakout 2: County Clerks Room: McLennan Hall 207
Recording Standards for OPR
Hon. Karren Winter, Archer County Clerk
Presenter will review the standards and statutes of receiving and recording official public records.

Wednesday, July 13
7:30-8:30 a.m. Coffee With Vendors
8 a.m.-noon Registration and Information Desk Open
8 a.m.-noon CDCAT Store
General Session
8:30-9:15 a.m.

Dispute Resolutions Programs and Fees
Ms. Kara Hawthorne, Executive Director, Jefferson County Dispute Resolution Center
Ms. Janet Lyon, Executive Director, Waco Dispute Resolution Center
Ms. Danette Ross Watson, President-Elect, Texas Association of Mediators

This panel discussion will focus on dispute resolution centers throughout the state and how they differ.

9:15-10:15 a.m.

Building Better Relations: Working with the Media
Ms. Ann Harder, Former News Anchor for Channel 25 (KXXV-TV)
Mr. Bruce Gietzen, Baylor University, Director of Student Media and Former Local News Anchor

The public's perception of public court cases is often that people are guilty until proved innocent, and news outlets play a big part in controlling that perception.  But the media is not the enemy, it's a tool you can use to help control your message. In this presentation, you'll learn tips for having better relations with the media, especially if you are in a crisis.

10:15-10:45 a.m. Refreshment Break With Vendors
10:45 a.m.-noon

Appeals and Other Civil Issues
Ms. Stephanie Moreno, Judicial Program Manager, Texas Association of Counties

This session will provide an overview of appeals from justice courts and other civil pleadings that may be filed in county court. We will review timelines and considerations for county clerks handling these unique situations.

Noon-6:30 p.m. Lunch and Afternoon on Your Own
6:30 p.m.-midnight BANQUET • OFFICERS SWEARING-IN • CLERKS OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Kofile Technologies, Inc.
Entertainment: Clerk Karaoke
DRESS CODE: "Represent your County!" Show your county spirit by wearing County attire! - ex: county shirts, accessories that symbolize your county. Be comfortable in your jeans!
Thursday, July 14
8-11 a.m. Information Desk Open
9-10:30 a.m.

HR: What Not to Do
Ms. Rita Fyffe, Human Resources Consultant, Texas Association of Counties
Hon. Patti L. Henry, Chambers County District Clerk
Hon. Julie Smith, Potter County Clerk

Just another day in the clerk's office? Join us as we look at what to do or what not to do within our office and how to provide an environment that you would want to work in. Get ready to test your knowledge with a Kahoot! trivia game.

10:30-11 a.m. Drawing of Prizes • Closing Remarks
Drawing — 2023 Conference Registration and Hotel Lodging
Elected clerks will have an opportunity to earn free registration and hotel accommodations for the next annual conference. Five winners will be selected in a random drawing. Must be present to win.

*Agenda is subject to change.

Application will be made for continuing education credit for county, district and combination clerks. Please check back here for approval updates.

Continuing Education Type Hours
County, District and Combination Clerks Pending

Conference registration is transferable to another person within your organization without additional charge. Cancellation refund requests received in writing (email and fax acceptable) by Friday, June 10, will be granted, minus a $10 administration fee. We are unable to honor refund requests received after June 10.

Please contact Sam Burke for cancellations at samb@county.org or by fax at (512) 477-1324.

Please contact Sarah Lazarowitz, events director with County Progress, for questions about exhibitor or sponsorship opportunities, at (325) 673-4822, ext. 2121.

You can also visit the County Progress CDCAT conference page for exhibitor registration details.

2022 Clerk of Year Nominees

Click on the name of the nominee to learn more about them.

Region 1
Hon. Brenda McKanna, Moore County Clerk
Hon. Melissa Mead, Hartley County Combination Clerk

Region 2
Hon. Kim Carter, Terry County Clerk
Hon. Sandra Roblez, Yoakum County District Clerk

Region 3
Hon. Alison Haley, Midland County Clerk
Hon. Clarissa Webster, Ector County District Clerk

Region 4
Hon. Mary Ann Gonzalez, Schleicher County District Clerk
Hon. Mary Lynn Rusche, Gillespie County Clerk
Region 5
Hon. Cathy Jentho, Eastland County Clerk
Hon. Felicia Pitre, Dallas County District Clerk

Region 6
Hon. Laura Hughes, Kaufman County Clerk
Hon. Terri Willard, Rusk County District Clerk

Region 7
Hon. Schelana Hock, Polk County Clerk
Hon. Linda Holman, Colorado County District Clerk

Region 8
Hon. Diane Gonzales, Atascosa County Clerk
Hon. Anne Lorentzen, Nueces County District Clerk

2022-2023 CDCAT Secretary Candidates

Hon. Shelley Coston, Bell County Clerk (Watch Video)
Hon. Cathy Jentho, Eastland County Clerk (Watch Video)
Hon. John Warren, Dallas County Clerk (Watch Video)

2024 Conference City

Rockwall (Rockwall County)

Voting (June 13-17)

Elected clerks in good standing with their membership dues will receive a virtual ballot on Monday, June 13, at 9 a.m. (CDT). Clerks will be able to vote for a district and a county clerk of the year, a CDCAT secretary candidate, and the 2024 host city. The virtual ballot will remain open until Friday, June 17, at 6 p.m. (CDT). If you did not receive a virtual ballot, please contact Hon. Velva Price, CDCAT secretary, at velva.price@traviscountytx.gov.

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