May 2020

  • Bright Spots and Silver Linings
  • 2020 Virtual Conference: Dates Finalized July 13-16; Exciting Lineup of Informative and Inspiring Speakers Continues to Grow
  • Get Involved With TLTA's Volunteer Network
  • New Video From ALTA Celebrates Title Industry's Good Deeds During COVID-19
  • TDI Job Opening: Title Insurance Specialist
  • North American Title Insurance Co. Adds Ryan Sabel as Texas State Agency Manager
  • Upcoming Webinars

Bright Spots and Silver Linings

Leslie Midgley, CEO and Executive Vice President | May 18, 2020
These days it’s easy to focus on the negative. Human beings crave certainty, and that’s in short supply these days. What we do know often feels strange and scary. I know I’m having to find ways on a daily basis to keep myself upbeat and focused on the positive. I’m a glass half-full person, but this is testing even the most optimistic of us, right?
 
That said, I’ve always been a huge believer in silver linings. In my personal experience, out of even the worst situations comes some good that would have otherwise not happened. As I’m challenged daily to find the positive, I’ve been focusing on identifying and mentally cataloguing those silver linings – those bright spots and blessings we are finding in the midst of our current chaos.
 
At the top of my list is the most obvious—our renewed ability to take time to reflect—a skill it seemed our modern society had kind of lost. Amid the swirl of living in a sped-up world with so many options of things to do, places to be, and outlets for constant human connection, maybe we had lost the ability to stop, be still and be grateful. That daily reflection has been my saving grace throughout this, and as it turns out, there are so many things to be grateful for in the midst of this otherwise terrible situation.
 
I’m grateful for the kind of quiet weekends I haven’t had since I was a kid, hearing from old friends far and wide who are just checking in to make sure I’m doing okay. And taking time after a busy workday to just sit outside and enjoy the beauty of spring. Little things that mean a lot.
 
I’m also amazed and impressed by the ingenuity all around us – while we wouldn’t choose this, we are figuring out clever ways to keep living, working and connecting. I’m reminded daily of just how resilient human beings are, and I’m particularly amazed by and grateful for those of you on the front lines in our title community who are keeping real estate transactions flowing. Who would have dreamed of curbside closings or tailgate transactions before? I’m in awe of your creativity, dedication and ability to pivot to our new normal without missing a beat. 
  
As we begin to slowly return to the familiar ways of life, I hope we’ll hold on to the lessons we are learning now. I’d love to hear what you are reflecting on and what silver linings and bright spots you are finding. If you are willing to share them with members of our title community who need a little lifting up, would you send your bright spots and silver linings to me, please? We’re all in this together and perhaps we’ll all be just a little better for it going forward.
 
With celebration of our community's continued strength,

Leslie Midgley
CEO and Executive Vice President
Texas Land Title Association
 

 

2020 Virtual Conference: Dates Finalized July 13-16; Exciting Lineup of Informative and Inspiring Speakers Continues to Grow

The dates have been finalized, and registration will officially open later this week! Our 2020 Virtual Annual Conference and Business Meeting will be held July 13-16, and it may be our best event yet! After scouring the virtual marketplace, we've located the leading-edge technologies and best practices that have been driving successful virtual events for years, and we're putting those tools to work for you! At this year's conference you'll be able to remotely come and go from a series of virtual events and gatherings featuring informative and inspirational speakers, experienced professionals sharing their insights on our current marketplace challenges, valuable hot-topic continuing education, a robust exhibition space to connect with vendors of the latest products and services, and several intriguing opportunities to make new connections via virtual networking events.  

Featured Speakers

 
Perennial favorite Evan Smith—CEO of the Texas Tribune and host of the nationally syndicated PBS program Overheard with Evan Smith—will join us to talk about pandemic politics, the upcoming legislative session, which commences in only eight months, and more. 
 

Evan Smith, CEO and Co-Founder, Texas Tribune
 
And, Dr. Jim Gaines, Chief Economist at Texas A&M's Real Estate Center, will help us try to understand the numbers and trends driving our complex economic outlook in Economic and Real Estate Outlook with COVID-19: All Bets Are Off! 
 .
 

Dr. James P. Gaines, Chief Economist, Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University
 
Be on the lookout for registration information later this week. If you've already registered or you are one of our sponsors, thank you! You will receive separate emails with unique opportunities to maximize the benefits of your current commitment to producing our best conference experience yet!
 
We're so proud that we've built a one-of-a-kind experience, and we can't wait to welcome you at the door. Get excited!
 

Get Involved With TLTA's Volunteer Network

TLTA is incredibly fortunate to have more than 300 volunteers who help accomplish great things, including the development and implementation of the specialized tools and resources that are keeping our industry working and real estate transactions flowing smoothly under COVID-19 public health protocols. Now more than ever we must work together to protect and grow our industry – here's your opportunity to lend a hand!
 

 
To join our Volunteer Network, please take a moment to complete the Volunteer Service Survey. Once you've completed the survey, we'll match your skills and talents with opportunities to preserve, strengthen and grow our industry community.
 
Review our committee and advisory group list to learn more about volunteer assignments that might be the right fit for your talents and experience. 
 
TLTA volunteer assignments will be finalized after the 2020 Virtual Annual Conference and Business Meeting, and volunteers will be notified via email in early July.
 
If you have any questions, contact Kim Schoppert at [email protected] or 512.879.2888.
 

New Video From ALTA Celebrates Title Industry's Good Deeds During COVID-19

ALTA  | May 9, 2020
Title insurance professionals take pride in protecting their customers by ensuring that their home is theirs when they make one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the title insurance industry has stepped up even more to help their communities. Whether it's volunteerism or innovation to get deals closed during this time of social distancing, the title industry is here to provide protection, today, tomorrow and forever.
 
Watch this video to see how ALTA members across the country have been delivering for people and organizations in their local communities.
 

 
Throughout the pandemic, ALTA members across the country have been delivering for people and organizations in their local communities. From making masks to donating money to local restaurants and helping the homeless, the response to ALTA's #GoodDeeds campaign has been inspirational.
 
Please continue to share your good deeds on the ALTA blog, by emailing your story and pictures to [email protected] or by posting on social media with #GoodDeeds and tag @ALTAonline. Thank you so much for your leadership and the inspiration you have provided during these times.

TDI Job Opening: Title Insurance Specialist

Texas Department of Insurance | April 21, 2020
The Texas Department of Insurance has a job opening that might interest you or someone in your professional network. The agency is hiring a "Title Industry Specialist" with meaningful title insurance experience.
 
Read TDI's Posting and Apply » 
 
If you have questions, please contact TDI's David Muckerheide.
 

North American Title Insurance Co. Adds Ryan Sabel as Texas State Agency Manager

North American Title Insurance Co. (NATIC) has hired Ryan Sabel as state agency manager for Texas. Sabel will work to support independent title agents in Texas. Before joining NATIC, Sabel held the role of Vice President of Sales, Director at a national title company where he focused on growing the lender, commercial, residential and iBuyer verticals.
 
Read the Press Release » 



In addition to the live webinars listed below, you have access to our library of more than 80 On-Demand webinars and videos covering the title industry topics you need to earn continuing education credits and stay ahead of the curve on the latest industry trends!