December 2022
In This Month's Edition
- Gratitude and Opportunities Ahead
- Celebrating the Achievement of Estella Guzman Lopez and Her 77 Year Dedication to the Title Industrys
- TLTAPAC Team Continues Strengthening Relationships With Lawmakers Who Oversee Our Regulated Industry
- After the Holidays, the Texas Legislature Will Be Off and Running
- 44-Year Title Insurance Veteran Rita Knox to Retire
- In Memoriam: Ann Thurman
- In Memoriam: Pat Martin
- Happy Holidays From Your Team at TLTA
Gratitude and Opportunities Ahead
A Message From TLTA President, Paul Rodriguez
As we approach the end of the year and celebrate the holidays with our colleagues, friends, and families, I encourage you to take a moment and give thanks for the continued health and vitality of our industry. We are undoubtedly facing some challenges in the coming year, but from my point of view they can be looked at as opportunities. We are fortunate to have an organization like TLTA and its many volunteers to provide a wide variety of supportive platforms. From educational and training options to guidance and direction in maneuvering the approaching legislative challenges, we have the resources to continue to flourish as we support our employees and customers in their real estate endeavors. Let’s take the time to express our appreciation to all of those around us that play a significant role in our professional and personal success.
It is my great honor to serve as the 108th president of TLTA, and on behalf of our entire organization, I wish you happy holidays that include a healthy and prosperous new year.
Celebrating the Achievement of Estella Guzman Lopez and Her 77 Year Dedication to the Title Industry
Estella Guzman Lopez, Sierra Title Company, was recently selected by the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce and the Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas – Rio Grande Valley chapter, as their 2022 Woman of the Year. Estella has been working in the title insurance industry for the past 77 years, and her dedication to this industry and her community is worthy of pause and celebration.
Estella Lopez Honored as Edinburg Chamber of Commerce and the Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas – Rio Grande Valley chapter, 2022 Woman of the Year
Born on December 21, 1927 to her parents Olivia and Ventura Vasquez, Estella began working as a typist clerk for Abstractors in September 1945, the same month the Japanese officially surrendered in WWII. Having learned English as a second language, Estella put herself through McAllen Business College. She remembers when she began her career, there were no blue jean Fridays and her manual typewriter did not have backspace, autocorrect spelling, or cut and paste options.
Working now during her 9th decade, she has remained at the same title office which began as Fidelity Abstract of Edinburg Texas, and became Sierra Title of Hidalgo County in 1969, now owned and operated by John and Liz King. Beginning as a typist, Estella was promoted numerous times, including Escrow Officer and Branch Manager. Estella is a longtime member of TLTA, attending one of the first South Texas seminars in 1997, and we celebrate her achievement of being named 2022 Woman of the Year and her upcoming 95th birthday along with her colleagues and community.
TLTAPAC Team Continues Strengthening Relationships With Lawmakers Who Oversee Our Regulated Industry
The TLTAPAC team remains busy during the legislative interim, working with our legislative allies to recognize good work done last session on behalf of our real estate marketplace, as well as preparing for legislative work ahead.
In addition to presenting a TLTAPAC contribution to Sen. Hinojosa, TLTA President, Paul Rodriguez, had an opportunity to meet with state Sen. Hinojosa, vice-chair of the Senate's Finance Committee.
State Sen. Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa and TLTA President Paul Rodriguez
Our network of industry volunteers have been connecting with other legislators across the state, including Metroplex-area TLTA members, who on behalf of TLTAPAC recently participated in a golf tournament for Rep. Ramon Romero.
Kale Gelles (Old Republic National), Martin Garcia (Simplified Title), Alfredo Goytia and Clay Guest (Southwestern Land & Title) join Representative Ramon Romero Jr., District 90 for the 5th Annual HD 90 Golf Tournament in Fort Worth
After the Holidays, the Texas Legislature Will Be Off and Running
Share Our Industry's Story and Connect With Newly Elected State Legislators
When the Texas Legislature's 88th Session commences in January, there will be 30 new legislators: 6 new senators (3 of whom were formerly state reps) and 24 new representatives, and we have our work cut out for us educating those new members about title insurance – what we do and why our work is so important.
Elected officials in Austin make decisions that impact our industry's health and longevity, and Day at the Capitol is an opportunity for any and all title professionals in Texas to meet with legislators and their staff at the Texas Capitol to make sure our voices are heard in lawmakers' decision-making process.
Day at the Capitol
February 7-8, 2023
Texas Capitol, Austin
Register Now
44-Year Title Insurance Veteran Rita Knox to Retire
After dedicating 44 years to the industry Rita Knox has announced plans to retire at the end of 2022. Rita has been a part of the Snyder Abstract & Title family since the early '90s culminating her time with the business serving as Controller of Accounts.
In Memoriam: Ann Thurman
NOVEMBER 16, 1931 - DECEMBER 14, 2022
Mary Ann Rattikin Thurman, at the age of 91, passed away peacefully in her own home, as were her wishes, on Dec. 14, 2022, after a very courageous and inspirational 3+ year battle with two types of cancers.
Ann was born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas and it was there that she met her future husband Bill Thurman. She was the Salutatorian for Paschal High School. She went on to attend TCU and graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in History with a minor in Anthropology from the University of Texas. She received the distinguished Phi Beta Kappa Award for earning all A’s throughout her years in college and graduated Magna Cum Laude. After moving to Austin in 1971, Ann and Bill became the co-owners of Gracy Title Company in Austin and owned it till Bill retired.
Read Ann's Obituary »
In Memoriam: Pat Martin
OCTOBER 29, 1947 - DECEMBER 10, 2022
Patricia “Pat” Martin, age 75, passed away on Saturday, December 10, 2022. She was a longtime member of the title industry, having worked in the field for over 40 years.
Pat was born on October 29, 1947, in Rotan, Texas to Fred and Bernice Rutledge. Her family, which included two sisters and one brother, lived a few years in Brock, Texas before moving to, what she considered her hometown, Weatherford, Texas. Here she was well known throughout Parker County for her kindness, glowing personality and fierce work ethic. Pat has been recognized on numerous occasions for her acts of kindness and positive impact on the community,
Read Pat's Obituary »
Happy Holidays From Your Team at TLTA
The happiest of holidays to you and yours from your team at TLTA. We look forward to seeing you in the new year!
