January 2007
THE AMERICAN DREAM - AND THE IMPORTANCE OF TITLE INSURANCE
By Janet S. Minke, VicePresident – Training and Development, LandAmerica Financial Group, Inc.
On February 4, 1789, George Washington was unanimously declared President of the United States by Congress. In his inaugural address – because of what he called "the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people" – Washington predicted that the young nation would face many challenges. More story
WORKING ON A "CLEAN SWEEP"
By Barbara J. Groeger
"Clean Sweep" is a popular television program that invites us into the homes of people who need to focus on getting rid of clutter. For many of us, it is difficult to believe some of the images we see. The situations may or may not be exaggerated on camera, but most viewers marvel at the end result. What's the single most effective move you can make to increase your efficiency, boost productivity and dramatically reduce stress? Yes, it's GETTING ORGANIZED! More story
FEBRUARY BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
The next TLTA Board of Directors meeting will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Houston on Thursday, February 8, 2007 at 1 p.m. If you haven't attended a board meeting in the past, take advantage of this opportunity to see how your association works. If you are interested in attending, please contact
[email protected] for more details and to RSVP.
CALL FOR 2007-2008 TLTA BOARD NOMINATIONS
Nominations for the 2007-2008 TLTA Board of Directors are currently being accepted. Chair Bruce Liesman has scheduled a meeting of the TLTA Nominating Committee in late March. All submissions will be considered by the committee. The deadline for nominations is March 15, 2007. More story
GARY FARMER NAMED AUSTINITE OF THE YEAR BY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Gary Farmer, President of Heritage Title Company of Austin, was recently named Austinite of the Year by the Austin Chamber of Commerce. Farmer has been in the title insurance industry since 1985 and has served as president of Heritage Title since 1987. More story
Calling All Artists
Celebrate your inner artist by entering the Texas Land Title Association's Centennial Logo Contest. Get in touch with your creative genius and enter for a chance to win $500 cash. In 2008 TLTA commemorates 100 years of service to the Texas title industry. We are inviting you to help us capture the spirit of this celebration. T he winning logo concept will be modified and used in all print and online promotional materials related to the Centennial. Click here for more information.
NOMINATE SOMEONE YOU KNOW FOR THE TLTA PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE AWARD
Is there one special person who you work with in the title industry who contributes above and beyond? The person 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
KEEP YOUR BUSINESS CONTACTS CLOSE AT HAND
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!
TLTA CONTINUES ITS INDIVIDUAL MEMBER CAMPAIGN WITH STAR SEARCH - THE SEQUEL
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. Click here for more information and to join online.
DO YOU WANT TO BE A STAR?
Join our circle! The Circle of Stars recognizes any member who recruits 10 or more Individual Members. Each TLTA "Star" will be added to the Circle of Stars 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.
UPCOMING EVENTS - MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
Right Rules and Calculations Feb. 6
Gulf Coast Regional Seminar Feb. 7 & 8
Finding Common Ground SOLD OUT March 1
Land Title School March 5-9
Day At The Capitol March 20
Advanced Closing Seminar March 21
Management Seminar March 22
TLTA Annual Conference June 8-10
NEW ESCROW OFFICER APPLICATION, ADDENDUM AND FASTPass
These new forms are all now available on the Texas Department of Insurance Title Forms web page at the following link:
http://www.tdi.state.tx.us/forms/form15.html
IN MEMORIAM - WILLIAM "BILL" BARTON
TLTA member Bill Barton of Center, Texas passed away on Dec. 18, 2006. Mr. Barton graduated from North Texas University with a BS Degree in accounting, SMU with a law degree and New York University with a degree in taxation. He served as CEO of a number of major companies and traveled all over the world prior to returning to Center in 1979. Mr. Barton was president of Elliot & Waldron law office and Shelby County Title Co.
$AVE MONEY WITH THESE GREAT MEMBER BENEFITS
TLTA CAREER CENTER – Take advantage of TLTA's new electronic recruitment resource for the title industry! TLTA Job Bank gives job seekers and employers a better way to find one another and make that perfect career fit. Click here to learn more.
ACCUSOURCE SOLUTIONS - Complete our survey and win a $50 Gift Card!
TLTA has endorsed ACCUSOURCE SOLUTIONS to provide group buying opportunities for paper, toner and office supplies, all at a reduced cost to you. Take this short survey so we can shop for the best discounts and offer you the biggest savings. Click here to take the survey.
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.