This group is a service of the Interpreting Service Mangagers Member Section of the Registry of interpreters for the Deaf (RID). Its purpose is to serve the members of the RID who share a mutual interest in the provision and management of Sign Language interpreting services. Please do not use this group for advertising or solicitation.

It was decided by the membership to dedicate each month to the topics raised in San Antonio at the workshop. Please bring your questions, comments, concerns, observations about these topices.

In order from least to greatest concern:

September, Topic 10. Laws and Regulations

October Topic 9. Business Infrastructure - Accounting support/Legal advice/ Skilled office staff/ Capital

November Topic 8. Scheduling Issues - Traffic/ Midday 1-2 hour assignments/ Last minute jobs/ Inability to fill a job

December Topic 7 Cost of Benefits- Rising costs/ Being competitive/ Travel policies

January 2006 Topic 6. Community Relations - Consumers not understanding our role/Consumers thinking we are too expensive/ Giving back to the community/Advocacy

February Topic 5. Competition from Interpreters - Interpreters don't understand ISM's/ Interpreters' business practices/ Policies: non-compete,
travel, cancellation/ Independent contractors vs. employees

March Topic 4. Money - Salaries/Fees/Rates/Overhead/Clients calling more than one agency/Collections/ Bad debt

April Topic 3. Competition from other Agencies - Stealing employees/ Low
overhead/ Lowballing/ Undercutting/ Unethical competition

May Topic 2. Marketing & Client Service - Contracts/ Bids/ Proposals/
Educational interpreter roles/ Clients recognizing worth/ Exclusive
contracts not honored/ Advertising

June Topic 1 **!!## Recruiting and Staffing - Interpreter shortage- where are they?/ Rising salaries/ Maintaining quality/ Interpreter preference/Interpreters' perception that I.C. is more lucrative than employee/Competing for staff