November 19, 2007
BUSINESS TOOLS AND INDUSTRY NEWS
MARKETING STRATEGIES IN A POST P-53 WORLD
By Mark Macejewski, Agency Account Manager, TICOR Title Insurance Company
Marketing strategies for title companies have evolved dramatically over the years and today are the subject of enhanced regulatory focus with the adoption and enforcement of p53. In economic boom periods such as the early 80's or the more recent re-fi boom, there was not a great deal of regulatory guidance as to how title companies should spend their resources in their marketing efforts. More story
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY ISSUES NEW RULES REGARDING SSA "NO MATCH" LETTERS
By James H. Kizziar, Jr.
Following the U.S. Congress's failure to pass a comprehensive immigration reform bill in June, the Department of Homeland Security ("DHS") has issued final regulations establishing tougher standards for businesses that receive "no match" letters from the Social Security Administration (SSA) that the name and Social Security number submitted for an employee do not match SSA records. More story
MARKET NEWS
Housing starts decline 10.2 % Existing home sales plunged in September The population of the Lone Star State reached 23,507,783 in July 2006 Mortgage woes hamper existing home sales MBA study shows mortgage industry production profits fell in 2006
WHAT'S NEW WITH OUR MEMBERS
UNIVERSITY TITLE NAMED ONE OF TOP 75 BEST WORKPLACES IN TEXAS
University Title Company in College Station has been named one of the top seventy-five companies to work for in Texas. The Best Companies program was designed in 2006 to identify, recognize and honor the best employers in Texas, benefiting the state's economy, its workforce and businesses.
The rankings will be published in a special section of the February 2008 issue of Texas Monthly magazine and the ranked companies will be recognized at a gala awards luncheon on January 25, 2008 in Austin. The annual list is a joint project of the Texas Association of Business (TAB), the Texas State Council of the Society for Human Resource Management (TSC-SHRM) and Best Companies Group.
LIESMAN JOINS INDEPENDENCE TITLE
Independence Title recently announced the addition of Bruce D. Liesman as Vice President/General Counsel effective Nov. 1. He will provide internal legal counsel for underwriting, regulatory and compliance issues. Bruce maintains a good relationship with the Texas Department of Insurance and will provide significant assistance in dealing with regulatory, as well as TLTA and legislative matters. Bruce will also assist Jason Bragg, San Antonio Area Manager, in further development of the San Antonio area market.
A highly respected leader in the title insurance industry with twenty-four years of experience, Bruce has served TLTA as a speaker, committee member and chairman, and most recently as president in 2005-2006.
LESLIE MIGLEY HONORED BY TEXAS SOCIETY OF ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVES
Leslie Midgley, TLTA Executive Vice President, was recognized by the Texas Society of Association Executives (TSAE) with the Chairman's Award during the group's annual awards luncheon held September 25. The award is given to an individual who has made outstanding and exemplary contributions to TSAE during the tenure of the Chairman. This year's award was presented by TSAE Chairman Eddy Edmondson of the Texas Nursery and Landscape Association.
Midgley is a Past Chairman of TSAE, served on its Board of Directors and currently serves on the Nominating and Awards Committee. She has been a member of TSAE since 1982.
WHAT'S HAPPENING AT TLTA
ADVANCE YOUR CAREER WITH TLTA SEMINARS AND CONTINUING EDUCATION OPTIONS
Whether you choose to attend one of TLTA's on-site seminars or prefer to learn in a virtual environment, we've got it all for you! TLTA's goal is to provide a wide array of opportunities for education and career development to title industry professionals. If you don't see something you're interested in, tell us. We're all about creating the programs you need.
NEW DVD NOW AVAILABLE - TLTA's Business of Doing Business seminar is now available on DVD.
Check out all the seminars, our virtual university and education products TLTA offers.
Attendees peruse the exhibits during a break at the
Central Texas Professional Development seminar.
A TRIP TO VEGAS COULD BE YOURS - SIGN UP TODAY AS 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.
Sign up now to get all the benefits of individual membership and you will automatically be entered in a drawing for a fabulous Dream Vacation to Las Vegas sponsored by Barrett, Burke, Wilson, Castle, Daffin & Frappier, L.L.P.
Sign up for 5 years of membership and save $20. Increase your odds and get FIVE chances to win!
WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS
We would like to welcome our newest members to TLTA. A list of new members approved in October by the TLTA Board of Directors can be viewed here.
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[email protected].