Saturday, March 21, 2009

Associations

Recently we have noticed on other education websites the prices for their renewal packages and educational programs have risen in price. And we wonder why their prices are so high. Our company certainly does not have access to the suppliers and vendors they do, but yet their prices are HUGE! Almost $200 more than our prices. And for the same thing? In these economically disastrous times every penny counts, so why did they RAISE their prices. This is very confusing to us, and should be to you.
On the "PAN" website there is a testimonial from a notary that claims she receives mail from many organizations and she throws them all away except for "PAN". Her husband noticed one of these in the garbage and pulled it out for her, thinking he was doing her a favor. She goes on to state that the only "organization” she deals with is "PAN". So it was not a mistake.
Well in our opinion she is making a major error in judgement. She could first SAVE herself a lot of money and get better support and education than she gets now, by going with another educator. And there are many of them, not just us. She needs to find one that meets her needs and her budget.
Lastly our big question is "Why do you "HAVE" to belong to an "ORGANIZATION”. Your commission does not come from an "organization or association" it comes from the state. Why not put that money back in your pocket. Your commission belongs to you not them. And it is much cheaper and easier to maintain it yourself. This seems like such a no-brainer.

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Commission Facts

Our company was founded on the basis of providing the best education and information available to PA Notaries. We decided that a series of articles posted here would help new and renewing Notaries understand the process and the functions of being a Notary Public in PA. This first article will discuss the facts surrounding your commission and how it is obtained and processed. This area seems to be the basis of the most confusion and has become a statewide issue for everyone involved. For years now there has been confusion about the process and who is actually in charge here in Pennsylvania. This confusion has stemmed from years of advertising and marketing techniques. These practices have not only provided the confusion to notaries but enhanced it between our counties and our state entity. Although these techniques have proved successful to the organizations from a business and financial standpoint, they have been very detrimental to our county governments, our Notaries Public and our State Department. The PA Department of State, Notary Division is the governing body for all Pennsylvania Notaries Public. They approve all notaries, providers of the education and enforce the notary law. Period.

Each provider of the mandatory education must submit their courses for approval by this department. These courses must contain the information required by the notary law. Therefore; all approved courses contain the same information regardless of presenter, organization or provider. The State Department approves their courses and them as approved providers based on the same criteria. The process of applying or renewing a commission is also the same. The application is provided by the State Department. This application must be used by the applicant. This must be forwarded to the local State Senator for execution. Their office then forwards it to the State Department through legislative channels for final approval by the State Department Notary Division. They process and approve all applications and sends you, the Notary Public, the final paperwork for execution. Again the process is the same. The marketing techniques and general advertising practices that have been in place over the years has created the impression that some organizations are the governing entity or at least affiliated in some capacity with the State Department or the county governments. This is simple not true. The final processing of the applications is in the hands of the Commonwealth of PA State Department Notary Division.

These organizations are not affiliated with, attached to or otherwise involved with any of the process or decision making. There is no special treatment provided or back door access given to them. They are simply a business entity providing a basic service. Our State Department does not support, approve or otherwise recommend any organization over another.

The process of applying or renewing is the same whether you pay an organization, association or do it on your own. Your decision for education and commission processing should be an informed one, and we hope that these facts we have provided will help you understand the process a little better.