Bass & Associates, P.C.

November 1, 2011
Bass & Associates, P.C., names Tom Cox Chief Marketing Executive

Bass & Associates, P.C. announces the addition of Tom Cox to its marketing and sales team. Cox, who will serve as Chief Marketing Executive for Education and Government Services, has nearly 30 years of education and government experience from public and private sectors.

Cox is recognized nationally for his work in the area of Default Prevention, having served as Assistant Director of the Illinois Student Assistance Commission from 1998-2007.

“Tom’s experience in the industry paired with Bass & Associates’ commitment to excellence at all levels will result in continued long-term success for our clients,’’ said Patti H. Bass, President and CEO of Bass & Associates. Bass is a nationwide, woman-owned collections and bankruptcy law firm located in Tucson, Ariz.

Cox is a recognized speaker at industry conferences, and has held various committee positions in industry organizations, including: National Council of Higher Education Loan Programs, Coalition of Higher Education Assistance Organizations, National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators and others.

He has served as co-chair of the Default Prevention Subcommittee with Mapping Your Future. He presented at the U.S. Department of Education’s National Default Prevention Day in Chicago in 2002, and facilitated at the Department of Education’s National Default Aversion Conference, held in Boston in 2005.

Cox began his career with Diversified Collection Services, Inc. in 1982 as a collector. He advanced through the ranks by being a top producer, gaining experience managing operations and serving as Contract Manager on the Department of Education and other guaranty agency contracts.

In 1998, as Student Loan Coordinator, Cox helped GC Services, Ltd., earn consistent first-place rankings resulting in contract renewals with the Department of Education, Sallie Mae, National Student Loan Program, and Educational Credit Management Corporation. He spent the last five years as Vice President of Education and Government at Financial Asset Management Systems, Inc. He is a guest lecturer on financial literacy at colleges and universities, and has served as adjunct professor at Robert Morris University.

Cox holds an MBA from Dominican University in Chicago and is a doctoral candidate at Argosy University, also in Chicago.

“I couldn’t be more pleased than to become part of an organization that is known for integrity, personal service and outstanding performance in a market challenged by these economic times,’’ Cox said. “Bass & Associates understands its clients’ long-term success depends on us maximizing recovery dollars at competitive rates.’’

Cox and his wife, Susan are parents of a 12-year-old daughter, Theresa.

Bass & Associates, P.C. is a nationwide, woman-owned collections and bankruptcy law firm that offers comprehensive, fully-coordinated debt recovery services to clients in the credit-granting industries. Bass & Associates has a proven history of successfully managing diverse account portfolios by utilizing custom developed process flows that fit the needs of each client. With more than 20 years of successful experience as debt collection and bankruptcy attorneys, the firm has developed partnership-based relationships with clients incorporating superior performance and excellent customer service.

February 25, 2011
Credit Industry Defines Financial Strategies in America's New Economy

Experts at Annual Collection Summit Weigh In

The credit and collection industries' rapidly evolving practices prove to be a true barometer for the new U.S. economy, say experts who spoke at the 2011 Bass & Associates, P.C. Collection Industry Executive Summit in Tucson, AZ.

"The latest government policies and courtroom resolutions have had an immediate impact on procedures for credit-granting institutions," said Patti Bass, President and CEO of Bass & Associates.

"The frequency of changes are coming at a truly unprecedented pace," Bass continued. "It has amplified the importance of staying on top of all legal and regulatory developments in our industry. "

The summit was the fifth such gathering of senior collection industry executives. Recent industry developments and predictions on current challenges facing the collection industry were reported on by key speakers, including: Professor Robert D. Manning of Responsible Debt Relief; Ann Woods, Vice President of Money Management International, Inc.; David Melcer, Bass & Associates' Managing Attorney; and American Bankruptcy Institute Executive Director Sam Gerdano. Attendees included credit grantors, debt buyers, and industry service providers.

"We have called together fellow executives year after year because it's so important to hear from experts on the frontline of these changes," Bass said. "It's more critical than ever to receive latest developments from those in the field.”

One such expert, Gerdano gave insights into the legislative developments following the election of the new Congress and the formation of the behemoth Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. "With unprecedented consolidated powers and a massive budget, the bureau’s rule-making and regulatory reach extends to any “unfair, abusive or deceptive” practice — fundamentally reshaping the relationship between the financial industry and its customers," he said.

Manning questioned whether the next phase of the economic cycle would bring any new prosperity in the face of mounting debt. Despite government stimulus programs, the “near bankrupt” and consumer bankruptcy issues like mortgage foreclosures continue to rise, which has put previous economic policies and predictors into question. “The conclusion that the recession has ended is proving untrue for most Americans, and we have watched most economic indices deteriorate,” he said.

Woods gave a consumer analysis demonstrating how the recent housing and credit crises have altered economic habits and shifted business practices. Government changes such as the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009 have had a marked affect on consumer behavior and the marketplace. "The credit counseling industry is rapidly adapting more than ever before to meet the needs of individuals receiving debt and budget services," she said.

Melcer spoke about the fallout facing good collection agencies as the consumer debt excesses of the pre-recession years come due. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act has been stretched to its limits and exposed a seamier side of the industry. “Sensing opportunity, many consumer law firms are mining the FDCPA for more gold, and ethical collectors as well as many law-abiding credit grantors are feeling the effects,” he said.

The summit was held in a setting of a major international sporting event, the 2011 World Golf Championships Accenture Match Play Championship. Next year's 6th annual event dates will be February 23rd and 24th, 2012. Again the event will take place in Tucson centered around the dates WGC event.

Bass & Associates, P.C. is a nationwide, woman-owned collections and bankruptcy law firm that offers comprehensive, fully coordinated debt-recovery services to clients in the credit-granting industries.

February 23, 2010
Experts Analyze Economic Climate at 2010 Bass & Associates Summit

The turbulent economy is amplified in the collection industry, say experts who spoke at the 2010 Bass & Associates, P.C. Collection Industry Executive Summit in Tucson, AZ.

The summit was the fourth such gathering of senior collection industry executives. Recent industry developments and predictions on current challenges facing the collection industry were reported on by key speakers, including: Professor Robert D. Manning of Responsible Debt Relief; Ann Woods, Vice President of Money Management International, Inc.; David Melcer, Bass & Associates' Chief Counsel; and American Bankruptcy Institute Executive Director Sam Gerdano. Attendees included credit grantors, debt buyers, and industry service providers.

"A resounding theme from the Collection Industry Executive Summit is that the current economic environment has amplified the importance of staying on top of all legal and regulatory developments in our industry.” said Patti Bass, President and CEO of Bass & Associates.

Melcer spoke about current legal obstacles and reviewed recent rulings, statistics and legislation in the Collection Industry. Woods highlighted the state of credit counseling services and offered a comprehensive overview of the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009. On the final day of the Summit, Gerdano gave insights into legislative and regulatory developments affecting consumer bankruptcy and consumer credit. Professor Robert D. Manning presented an insightful synopsis of the "double financial bubble" and a prediction of impending collapse of the consumer credit consulting system.

The summit was held in a setting of a major international sporting event, the 2010 World Golf Championships (WGC) Accenture Match Play Championship. The event lived up to its billing, despite Tiger Wood’s absence at the tournament. Next year's 5th annual event dates will be February 24th and 25th, 2011. Again the event will take place in Tucson around the WGC event.

October 8, 2009
Bass & Associates Wins the 2009 Wells Fargo Copper Cactus Award
Tucson, AZ

Bass & Associates, P.C., a Tucson law firm committed to giving back to the community, is the winner of the Wells Fargo Copper Cactus Award in the community service category. Winners in four categories were announced at a dinner and presentation October 8, 2009, at the Westin La Paloma Resort. The awards celebrate the accomplishments of innovative small businesses in Tucson.

"We are proud to have received this award", said Patti H. Bass, president and CEO. "Giving back to the community is an important part of what we do at Bass & Associates. We strive to provide high quality service while making Tucson a better place to live."

The company aids numerous Tucson non-profit organizations, including the Sunnyside Foundation and Ronald McDonald House Charities, through financial contributions and volunteer manpower. The firm supports its employees in community involvement initiatives.

Bass annually participates in:

•  Lee National Denim Day, where employees make a donation towards women’s cancer    programs, allowing them to wear blue jeans to work
•  Miracles Inc., of Arizona, providing holiday gifts to thousands of children in need
•  Southern Arizona Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, raising awareness and funds    for breast cancer research

In 2008, employees donated 2,299 volunteer hours to a variety of organizations.

Bass is a nationally-recognized law firm with a strong local presence. With more than 20 years of creditor bankruptcy industry experience, Bass offers top-quality representation and debt recovery services. Partnering with employees, clients, suppliers and the community allows the company to maximize recovery dollars for clients. Integrity, performance and accountability are company values that fortify Bass & Associates in its effort to be the leading provider of high-quality comprehensive debt-recovery solutions.

May 04, 2009
Bass & Associates, P.C. Awarded 2009 Business Ethics Award
Tucson, AZ

Bass & Associates PC is one of four southern Arizona companies to win the 2009 Better Business Bureau Business Ethics Award.

The woman-owned law firm has over 20 years of collections and bankruptcy industry experience. The firm offers comprehensive debt recovery services to clients in the credit-granting industries.

The Business Ethics Award honors local companies for demonstrating exemplary management practices, upholding high standards in relationships with customers, suppliers and shareholders; ensuring honesty and integrity in marketing and advertising; and giving back to their communities.

“Companies don’t just submit a glitzy entry and hope for an award,” says Kim States, BBB interim president. “These companies must demonstrate how they operate according to trustworthy and honorable business practices. It’s something that everyone affiliated with the company should be very proud of.”

Also receiving awards are Krikawa Jewelry Designs, Adobe Rose Inn LLC and Temco Air Environmental.

Local winning entries will be submitted for the Council of Better Business Bureau’s 2010 International Torch Award competition hosted in Washington, D.C.

March 19, 2009
Bass & Associates' Third Annual Executive Summit - Golf Event Concludes Successfully
Tucson, AZ

The third annual Bass & Associates' Executive Summit - Golf Event concluded on Friday, February 27, 2009. Executives from across the industry networked and learned about current industry events in a setting of a major international sporting event - the 2009 WCG Accenture Match Play Championship. This event included an opportunity for an optimal viewing of the 64 top golfers in the world including Tiger Woods, Sergio Garcia, Padraig Harrington, Phil Mickelson, Vijay Singh and Geoff Ogilvy.

Executive Summit attendees included credit grantors, debt buyers, and industry service providers, many of whom were back after attending this event the previous year. Peer to peer networking occurred continuously throughout the event.

Industry executives had the opportunity to hear David Melcer, Bass & Associates' Chief Counsel on the subject of Red Flag Rules while Ann Woods, Vice President of Money Management International, Inc spoke about current consumer trends and solutions in the credit counseling arena.

Professor Robert D. Manning of Responsible Debt Relief presented a balanced creditor-consumer debt recovery system for the challenges of the consumer-led recession.

ABI Executive Director Sam Gerdano provided some insights into the many pending bills in Congress affecting the industry, particularly legislation to allow bankruptcy courts to modify residential home mortgages in Chapter 13.

"The Executive Summit is designed for key executives from the industry to meet and discuss the current issues," said Patti Bass, President and CEO of Bass & Associates, P.C. "And, we are delighted that this major annual golf event provides such a wonderful venue for gathering industry peers together each year."

Next year's 4th annual event dates will be February 18th and 19th, 2010.

December 1, 2008
Bass & Associates Successfully Concludes Annual SAS 70 Type II Audit
Tucson, AZ

Bass & Associates has once again successfully completed the SAS 70 Type II audit of internal controls. The audit was conducted by Clifton Gunderson, LLP, one of the nation's largest certified public accounting and consulting firms.

The SAS 70 Type II audit is designed to determine whether 1) a service provider's descriptions of controls placed in service as of a specified date are fairly presented, 2) the controls are suitably designed to achieve the control objectives, and 3) the controls were operating with sufficient effectiveness during this specified period. Tests are performed to determine the operating effectiveness of the controls

Bass & Associates built on its success from the previous year's audit by upgrading many of the internal controls with state-of-the-art equipment and software. "We strive to have the most thorough and reliable internal controls possible," says Debra K. Davis, Controller at Bass & Associates. Debra says that "we also perform internal auditing and evaluation of systems and performance all year so that when the SAS70 audit occurs each year we are well prepared and avoid surprises."

June 6, 2008
Bass & Associates, P.C. attended and sponsored NCHELP's Spring Convention

Bass & Associates, P.C. attended and sponsored NCHELP's Spring Convention June 2-4, 2008 that took place in our hometown of Tucson.

Conference agenda featured, Chuck Gabriel, a 24-year veteran of political forecasting for institutional investors, that analyzed the student loan market and how it is impacted by fiscal and regulatory policy.

A panel of FFELP experts provided an up-to-date analysis of the implications of the credit crunch and how student loans and student loan providers are faring.

Financial aid expert Mark Kantrowitz talked about the future of the federal student loan programs. For a peek into the future college population, Brian Prescott, an author of a report on projections of high school graduates by state and race, described the demographic sea change the United States is about to undergo.

Political analyst John Mercurio discussed the chances for the three Presidential candidates and what we could expect from a new leader.

April 30, 2008
Bass & Associates, P.C. sponsored and attended NCHELP's Debt Management Conference

Bass & Associates, P.C. sponsored and attended the National Council of Higher Education Loan Program (NCHELP) conference March 29-April 2, 2008 in Orlando, FL.

The 2008 NCHELP Debt Management Conference, "In Search of Excellence", delivered over twenty unique sessions on a wide variety of student loan topics.

Topics included the latest on reauthorization, new regulations and negotiated rulemaking. Attendees shared best practices in skip-tracing and default prevention and took a closer look at the FFELP industry's electronic processes, effective default recovery techniques, and financial literacy initiatives.

One of the highlights of the conference was an update from the U.S. Department of Education (ED) leadership on the latest recovery tools for both ED and FFELP guarantors, project summaries for IRS Skip-Tracing, assigning judgment and e-sign accounts and NDNH matches, and how ED evaluates its private collection agencies.

Bass & Associates, P.C. is planning to sponsor and attend the NCHELP Spring Convention June 2-4, 2008 in Tucson.

December 26, 2007
Bass & Associates Receives SAS 70 Type II Report
Tucson, AZ

Bass & Associates announced today that it has successfully completed the SAS 70 Type II audit of internal controls. The audit was conducted by Clifton Gunderson, LLP, one of the nation's largest certified public accounting and consulting firms.

The SAS 70 Type II audit is designed to determine whether 1) a service provider's descriptions of controls placed in service as of a specified date are fairly presented, 2) the controls are suitably designed to achieve the control objectives, and 3) the controls were operating with sufficient effectiveness during this specified period. Tests are performed to determine the operating effectiveness of the controls

This audit provides a comprehensive assessment and validation of a service provider's internal controls. "The auditors evaluated over 1700 documents, including procedures, logs, and reports" said Patti Bass, President and CEO of Bass & Associates. The auditors also conducted numerous interviews of employees and conducted extensive testing of controls. Patti concludes that "This demonstrates the integrity of our systems and methods of control which enable us to provide the kind of superior service that our clients deserve."

December 4, 2007
Article originally published in The Florida-Times Union:
http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/120407/met_222866797.shtml

Debt agency settles name disagreement
Jacksonville collectors had been sued over use of "Bass & Associates."
By J. Taylor Rushing, Capital Bureau Chief

A Jacksonville debt collection agency being investigated by state attorneys has reached a separate settlement with an Arizona law firm over its use of the firm's name.
Bass Prelitigation Services has agreed to stop using the name "Bass & Associates," one of several it has used recently along with Bass Enterprises and Jackson Phillips & Associates. Jacksonville residents Frank and Evelyn Jackson are the registered principal agents of the firm, but staffers have commonly used "Bass & Associates" during telephone calls.

A Tucson firm called Bass & Associates PC, which also specializes in debt collection, has no office or personnel in Florida but has registered with the state to conduct business. The firm sued Bass Prelitigation Services in August over mounting public confusion. Destin attorney Leslie Sheekley represents the Arizona firm in Florida and would not reveal terms of the settlement except to say that Bass Prelitigation has agreed to stop use of the "Bass & Associates" name.

The Arizona firm has posted a statement on the distinction between the two firms on its Web site at www.bass-associates.com.
Bass Prelitigation Services is fighting a lawsuit by Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum, who accuses the Jacksonville firm of violating state and federal debt collection laws. The firm has filed a motion to dismiss the case, on which a judge reserved ruling last week. The company's attorney, Lee Haramis, said the company will be vindicated.

July 12, 2007
Bass & Associates, P.C. has no connection to the FL company being sued by the FL Attorney General office
By Patti H. Bass, President and CEO of Bass & Associates, P.C.

It has been brought to our attention that a lawsuit recently filed in state court in Duval County, Florida has created some confusion regarding the defendant named in that suit under a d/b/a of "Bass & Associates". Thank you to those of you who contacted us to inquire whether our firm is in any way involved. Be assured we are not in any way associated with that outfit. The lawsuit is one filed by the Florida Attorney General's Office against BASS PRELITIGATION SERVICES, LLC, a Florida Company, and its principals, for alleged violations of the Unfair Trade Practices Act and a variety of alleged illegal debt collection activities.

A number of months ago we began receiving information that persons traced to a Jacksonville, Florida company, BASS PRELITIGATION, were misrepresenting themselves as "Bass & Associates" among other names and had also given our phone number in the course of some of their debt collection phone calls to consumers. As a result of their unauthorized impersonation and damage to our firm's good name and reputation, we began our own investigation and alerted the Florida Attorney General to the situation. At the AG's direction, we have referred misinformed consumers to their Economic Crimes Division, and continue to communicate and cooperate with the Florida AG. We are pleased to see the prosecution of these egregious actions, and are pursuing our own civil action against BASS PRELITIGATION and the others named in the Attorney General's Complaint.

We appreciate your understanding and concern. We also appreciate the participation and support from the Florida Attorney General's office in policing this activity on behalf of all those victimized by this group's behavior.
Thank you,

Patti H. Bass
Bass & Associates, P.C.
President and CEO



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