The VBA Journal is the official publication of The Virginia Bar Association.
Issue link: http://vba.epubxp.com/i/815343
SPRING 2017 • 23 to get them in the door. We have to have functions there." YLD Chair Jeremy S. Williams of Kutak Rock LLP, in Richmond, says the social space is going to be a fantastic addition. "I look forward to scheduling events at the new location for Richmond-based initiatives with a social aspect," he said, including collaborations with other bar associa- tions to boost visibility of the VBA to nonmembers. A survey of VBA members found that networking opportunities and CLE presentations rated highest among reasons for participating in VBA ac- tivities. e member center enhances both. According to a 2014 survey by the American Bar Association, only a handful of bar associations across the United States offer office space to bar members. e Bar Center at 401, created by the San Diego County Bar Association, reported that more than half its 10,000 members spent time in its member lounge in its second year and that nearly 1,800 new members joined. Seeing the San Diego bar center in action made Mercer a believer that the concept could benefit the VBA. He, Guy and Executive Director Yvonne McGhee visited the facility in 2015. "It was transformative to me to see how [its bar center] was utilized by the members. e place was humming — vibrant, alive … e utilization of space was really pretty incredible," he said. Mercer added that having office space that can accommodate larger meetings not only may save on the costs of renting other spaces, but will eliminate the time staff spends on packing up, traveling, and unpacking elsewhere. "e concept of energy saving is very attractive," he said. Williams acknowledged that the move is a big step for the VBA. "It takes such moves to make you stay at the front of the pack. … ere's competition among bar groups to have the newest, biggest, and brightest. [VBA on Main] is a real tangible benefit, and a great membership initiative," he said. HuYoung agreed. "Bar membership used to be a prestige thing, something to put on your resume. Now it's a value proposition. We could do CLEs at the bar center. Maybe members interested in being mentors can put out business cards there. We could have cof- fees and socials. "We have to give young attorneys something for their membership," added HuYoung, who coaches law students and is part of the Law Student Initiative of the VSB Diversity Conference. "I'm a VBA mem- ber because I believe in the good it does. But I only know this because I participate. We need to invite that participation to gain supporters." ■ Marilyn Shaw is the com- munications coordinator for e Virginia Bar Association and the editor of the VBA Journal. VBA on MAIN Free Services As a benefit of your VBA membership, access to the following amenities is free: Large boardroom that seats 26; 49 if set up lecture-style* Two conference rooms that seat 6* Two conference rooms that seat 4* (Advance reservations encouraged; access will be awarded on a first-come, first- served basis, including walk-ins. Time restrictions may apply for prolonged use.) Use of carrels* Use of lawyer lounge area Robust Wi-Fi Recharging stations for electronic devices Receive business mail at this address* Copies and faxes* (up to 25 pages) Printouts* (up to 25 pages) Water, coffee Microwave oven use On-site publications to read Event space will be available by contract and required fees will apply. *Nonmembers pay for these services. VBA on Main will present opportu- nities for members needing a "crash pad" when in Richmond, as well as space for the VBA to host section meetings, seminars, and groups. Rendering courtesy of SMBW.