May 2008
TIME IS RUNNING OUT! REGISTER TODAY FOR THE TLTA ANNUAL CONFERENCE - JUNE 5-7, 2008 IN SAN ANTONIO
Register for the TLTA Annual Conference June 5-7 in San Antonio. TLTA will wrap up its official celebration for the association's Centennial year at next month's conference with a celebration featuring dynamic speakers and a birthday party you won't want to miss.
TLTA has recently secured several notable speakers including Texas Secretary of State Phil Wilson; retired Army General Tom Hill on Lessons in Leadership; ALTA's new CEO, Kurt Pfotenhauer; Rob Carter, Texas Department of Insurance Deputy Commissioner; Dana Johnson, Senior Vice President and Chief Economist at Comerica, among others.
If you haven't already, make your hotel reservations! Our group rate at the beautiful Hotel Contessa Suites on the Riverwalk, just next door to the Westin Riverwalk, has been extended to May 14-- so act quickly. Make your reservations online or call 210.229.9222.
Also, with so many hot issues and legislative and regulatory changes on the horizon, make plans to attend the TLTAPAC Breakfast June 6 at the Westin Riverwalk Hotel with distinguished guests and speakers Sen. Jeff Wentworth (R-San Antonio) and Rep. Patrick Rose (D-Dripping Springs). And finally, don't forget to sign up for the TLTAPAC Golf Tournament on June 5 at the Westin La Cantera Resort.
We look forward to seeing you at this once-in-a-century event.
TLTA MILESTONES, COMMEMORATIVE CENTENNIAL MAGAZINE NOW AVAILABLE
As a part of our Centennial celebration, TLTA has published a commemorative magazine, TLTA Milestones. All TLTA member companies and individual members received by mail a complimentary copy of TLTA Milestones. TLTA Milestones is a great promotional item to display in your office and we hope you enjoy reading about the rich history of TLTA, the title industry and its leaders. If you would like a copy of TLTA Milestones, email your name and address to
Lauren Carter.
ORDER YOUR 2008 CENTENNIAL EDITION MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY TODAY! TIME IS RUNNING OUT!
The 2008 Centennial Edition Membership Directory is now available! The new and improved format is sure to help you find a member quickly and is full of important information. Each company should have already received their complimentary copies.
WHAT'S HAPPENING AT TLTA?
WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS
We would like to welcome our newest members to TLTA.
ANNUAL AGENT AND UNDERWRITER SECTION MEETINGS SCHEDULED FOR JUNE 6, 2008
Agent Section Chair Jack Rogers and Underwriter Section Chair John Rothermel have scheduled Section meetings on Friday, June 6, 2008 at 3:00 p.m. The meetings will be held at the Westin Riverwalk Hotel in San Antonio in conjunction with the Annual TLTA Conference & Centennial Festivities.
BASIC MANUAL UPDATES NOW AVAILABLE - BECOME A SUBSCRIBER AND SAVE $$$
The May 1, 2008 effective updates to the Basic Manual resulting from the 2006 Biennial Hearing are now available. Please note that changes relating to P-24 will be available prior to the July 1, 2008 effective date; and changes relating to ICL's will be available prior to the October 1, 2008 effective date.
The easiest and most cost-effective way to update your manual is to sign up for our annual subscription service. Not only will you save money but you will automatically receive all updates throughout the rest of the year. Additionally, the Basic Manual is updated on the TLTA Web site.
AGENT STATISTICAL TELECONFERENCES-- REGISTER TODAY FOR ONE OR BOTH!
Tuesday, May 20, 10-11:30 a.m. - Steps for Completing the TDI Statistical Report and Using the Title Agent Call System (TACS) Effectively. $85 per connection for TLTA members; $105 per connection for non-members.
Tuesday, June 10, 10-11:30 a.m. - Troubleshooting Q&A Session. $85 per connection for TLTA members; $105 per connection for non-members.
Both Sessions - $130 per connection for TLTA members; $160 per connection for non-members.
NEW BYLAWS ON TLTA WEB SITE
This is your official notice that the TLTA Board of Directors voted to amend the Bylaws on April 4, 2008.
Click here to view the final updated version of the approved Bylaws amendments.
TLTA SAYS THANKS!
TLTA wishes to extend a warm thank you for the time and effort spent by our members and volunteers during the 2007-08 year. Your unending support, inventive ideas and enthusiastic attitudes are greatly appreciated by TLTA and the entire Texas title insurance community.
Click here to view the TLTA Leadership and Committees lists.
BUSINESS TOOLS & INDUSTRY NEWS
CALL TO ACTION! SEND YOUR RESPA COMMENTS TO HUD BY MAY 13
The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) released a significant new proposal on RESPA that will adversely affect the way you do business. TLTA will be making comments on behalf of the association, but we also need you to write to HUD individually by May 13, 2008 to demonstrate widespread opposition to the proposal. We have prepared a model letter that you can personalize by describing your business and highlighting your concerns. Many TLTA members have already submitted comments and found the process seamless. "I want to encourage all TLTA members to take a few moments to submit comments," said Bob Philo, TLTA member. "The Web site is easy to use." View TLTA's recent Breaking News for more information on how to submit your comments and for the sample letter.
RECORDING OF THE LEARN@LUNCH TELECONFERENCE, "P-24 AND MORE - NEW TDI RULES AND FORMS", IS NOW AVAILABLE. ORDER TODAY!
If you missed the April 22, 2008 "P-24 and More" teleconference, this is your opportunity to hear this important and timely information. This teleconference covered the officially adopted amendments from the rulemaking phase of the 2006 Texas Department of Insurance Biennial Hearing. Two (2) hours of escrow credit available.
TEXAS FORMS MANUAL
The Texas Forms Manual contains the documents most commonly used to handle a real estate transaction in Texas – all the way to the closing at the title company. The guide is organized to provide an initial checklist to assist you and your staff in assembling all the necessary documents. Available in diskette or CD ROM. To order your copies or obtain more information, contact Knowles Publishing, Inc. at 817.838.0202.
A HANDBOOK FOR TEXAS ABSTRACTERS AND TITLE MEN
Written by the late Frank A. Stamper, one of the most distinguished members of the title insurance industry, this textbook contains valuable information for anyone involved in the title industry. Only 30 hardbound copies left. $75 for members.
PROMOTE TLTA AND THE VALUE OF TITLE INSURANCE TO YOUR CUSTOMERS
Looking for a good way to explain what a title company does and why title insurance is important? TLTA provides its members with a great tool to promote the value of title insurance in Texas with a colorful brochure developed by TLTA's Public Relations Committee. This brochure is designed for use by anyone working in the title industry and is perfect for your office reception area or to include in closing packets. Prices start at $20 for 100 brochures. Available in English and Spanish.
IN MEMORIAM
BEN STEELE, 1937 - 2008
TLTA would like to recognize the loss of friend and colleague Ben Steele, husband of Cheri Steele. He work for Pecan Valley Title Company. Prior to joining Pecan Valley Title Company, Ben retired from GTE in 1993 after 33 years of service.
JIM SYNODIS, 1927 - 2008
TLTA mourns the loss of friend and retired colleague, James "Jim" George Synodis. Jim passed away on April 14 in Dallas. He was President of Dallas Title and Texas Title companies for over 25 years, where he retired in 1994.
Read Obituary
WHAT'S NEW WITH OUR MEMBERS?
TODD GREGORY PROMOTED TO EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND INDUSTRY MANAGER OF COUNTRYWIDE BANK
Todd Gregory has been promoted to Executive Vice President and Industry Manager of Countrywide Bank, responsible for leadership of commercial sales. Prior to his promotion, Todd served as Senior Vice President in charge of commercial deposit sales specializing in tailored financial services targeting the title insurance, mutual fund, private equity, broker dealer and financial institution industries.
PAM RODGERS NAMED VICE PRESIDENT AND TEXAS AGENCY MANAGER OF ALLIANT NATIONAL TITLE INSURANCE COMPANY
Pam Rodgers has joined Alliant National Title Insurance Company as Vice President and Texas Agency Manager. Pam is a real estate and title insurance industry expert, bringing over 33 years experience in negotiations, mediations, educational and marketing instruction and expertise to Alliant National. She is an approved instructor of the Texas Real Estate Commission, a Certified Real Estate Instructor through the Texas Real Estate Teachers Association and has conducted over 1,000 real estate seminars.
HENRY WADE, JR. JOINS THE WADE LAW FIRM, PC
Henry Wade, Jr. has joined the offices of The Wade Law Firm, PC., fee attorneys for Stewart Title North Texas, Inc. He has also opened a satellite title insurance and law office in Coppell. Additionally, William Kim Wade, Suzanne Wade, Henry Wade, Jr. and Michelle Moore of the Wade Law Firm, PC, have relocated their office in Dallas.