March 27, 2007

IT IS YOUR JOB!

by Mark Greek, First American Title Insurance Company
One of my favorite stories when I was growing up was "The Little Red Hen." Since I was born when Harry Truman was President, I realize many of you are probably not familiar with this story. (If you remember See Spot Run in the first grade, then you're with me!) More story

WHY DOING NOTHING COULD BE YOUR UNDOING

by James Kizziar, Bracewell & Giuliani, LLP
You're in a hurry to fill a job vacancy and you don't have time to run a criminal background check or verify the information provided by the applicant for the position. You like one particular applicant, even though he seemed slightly evasive when you asked him about past criminal convictions. More story

James H. Kizziar, Jr. is a partner with the law firm of Bracewell & Giuliani LLP in San Antonio. He is board certified in labor and employment law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and represents employers for all aspects of labor and employment law. Mr. Kizziar is recognized in the Best Lawyers in America-Labor and Employment Law.

FIRST COURTHOUSE STEWARDSHIP WORKSHOP HELD IN AUSTIN

TLTA's partnership with the Texas Historical Commission Courthouse Stewardship program provided for the first Courthouse Stewardship Workshop held March 1-2 in Austin. TLTA President Bruce Boyer and Executive Vice President Leslie Midgley greeted the county judges and courthouse employees in attendance. More story

APRIL BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

The next meeting of the TLTA Board of Directors will be at 9 a.m. Wednesday, April 11 at the Mansion at Judges Hill in Austin. Attending a TLTA board meeting provides a great opportunity to observe first-hand how your association conducts its business. If you are interested in attending, please contact [email protected].

DAY AT THE CAPITOL

Sixty-five members of the Texas Land Title Association participated in TLTA's Day At The Capitol held Tuesday, March 20 in Austin. The event included tips for members when representing TLTA at the Capitol, an overview of the major issues of the 80th Legislative Session and a luncheon with guest speaker, Attorney General Greg Abbott. More story

ORDER YOUR TLTA MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY TODAY!

If you work in the title industry or provide products or services to those who do, the TLTA Membership Directory is the only resource that will give you all the information you need in one easy-to-use reference. Click here to order your 2007 TLTA Membership Directory today!

HAVE A VOICE IN TLTA - BECOME AN INDIVIDUAL MEMBER

Individual Membership provides a way for everyone to be a part of TLTA and at the same time brings thousands of title industry voices together to create one powerful statement. As an added incentive, all new and current individual members will be eligible to win a Plasma TV, sponsored by Barrett, Burke, Wilson, Castle, Daffin & Frappier, LLP. With your Individual Membership you also receive a discount on your purchase of the TLTA Membership Directory. Take advantage of the new, easy ways to join and renew! Click here for more information.

HERE'S YOUR CHANCE TO NOMINATE SOMEONE YOU KNOW FOR THE TLTA PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE AWARD

Is there one special person you work with in the title industry who contributes above and beyond? Someone everyone looks to for ideas or help? This is your opportunity to nominate this special person for the 2006-2007 TLTA Professional Excellence Award. Click here for more information

THE CIRCLE OF STARS IS GROWING

The Circle of Stars recognizes any member who recruits 10 or more Individual Members. Each TLTA "Star" will become a member of the Circle of Stars and be recognized on the TLTA Web site. The person who recruits the most Individual Members during the year will be recognized with the "Super Star Award" at the 2007 Annual Conference. Click here to view the Circle of Stars.

TLTA'S ALL STAR LINE-UP

TLTA's Member Services Committee has launched a campaign to recruit licensed agents in Texas who are not members of TLTA. Home Runs – $50 gift card for every new agent member you recruit. All Star Line Up – Anyone who recruits two or more new members will be included on this Hall of Fame list on the TLTA website. MVP Award – Presented at the Annual Conference to the person who recruits the most new agent members. Contact [email protected] for more information. The campaign will run until April 30. Click here to view current All Stars.

GET YOUR SWING ON!
REGISTER BY APRIL 9 FOR THE TLTA ANNUAL CONFERENCE - JUNE 8-10 AT HYATT LOST PINES RESORT AND SPA - AND BE ELIGIBLE TO WIN A FREE CONFERENCE REGISTRATION

Click here for more conference information and to register online.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR THESE UPCOMING TLTA EVENTS!

South Texas Regional April 21
TLTA Annual Conference June 8-10

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EXPAND YOUR LIBRARY

The Texas Forms Manual, A Guide for Real Estate and Title Documentation is compiled, edited and maintained by fellow TLTA members. The 8½ x 11, loose-leaf volume contains the documents most commonly used to handle a real estate transaction in Texas – all the way to the closing at the title company. Order yours today, and see why so many real estate and title professionals depend on this valuable resource. Click here for more information.

TITLE PLANT FOR SALE

FOR SALE - 25-year paperless Brewster County abstract plant. Last postings in Sept 2006, was certified in April 2006. 5 computers, 2 scanners, server, back up system, fax/copies combo, misc. furniture & supplies. Contact, Joe Keese III, CEO Transpecos Banks, Alpine, TX 432.837.0094.

THE ONLY ONLINE JOB SERVICE FOR THE TEXAS TITLE INDUSTRY

The TLTA Career Center gives employers and job seeking professionals in the title industry a better way to find one another and make that perfect career fit. Whether you have a job to fill or are job hunting, the TLTA job bank is the resource for you! Click here to learn more.

SHARE YOUR KNOWLEDGE

We know many of you serve as instructors and trainers for your company, or have written articles about the title industry. We welcome your articles and information for publication in Downdate, Dateline, and on the TLTA website. Contact [email protected] for more information.