MARCH 2025
Members in Action, Practical Title Tips, Upcoming Events and more
Highlights from TLTA’s 2025 Land Title School of Texas
On March 2-5, more than 175 title professionals from across Texas gathered at the Sheraton Georgetown for TLTA’s 2025 Land Title School of Texas. This premier training program provided attendees with a comprehensive understanding of Texas title insurance practices, from the basics to complex transactions.
We extend a heartfelt thank you to our Executive Committee, School Committee members, and the outstanding speakers who made this year’s program a success. Their expertise and dedication helped deliver valuable insights on avoiding costly mistakes, mastering essential skills, and navigating complex topics with confidence.
Couldn't make it to our most recent Land Title School and looking to brush up on your knowledge before the next School is held Spring 2026?
Dive into title industry fundamentals with
Title 101 On-Demand.
Security Insights: Email Flood Attack
Genady Vishnevetsky | March 2025
Increasingly sophisticated cyber threats continue to target our industry, with credential theft and remote access scams evolving to exploit IT assistance needs. Stay vigilant against these tactics that compromise security and learn key protocols to safeguard against potential breaches.
Read more »
TLTA Member in Action: Matt Proffitt, CTIP Shares Insights at PRIA Winter Symposium
Matt Proffitt, CTIP, Senior Vice President of Title Operations at Security Service Title Company and TLTA Legislative Committee and Regulatory Committee member, spoke at the Property Records Industry Association (PRIA) 2025 Winter Symposium in San Antonio on March 5.
Matt Proffitt, CTIP (second from the right) participates in panel discussion at PRIA's 2025 Winter Symposium
Matt participated in the Symposium's Closing General Session,
What Counties Wish Submitters Knew and What Submitters Wish Counties Knew, where he discussed the importance of reviewing documents to ensure they are in recordable form. He emphasized how clear, accurate submissions reduce rejections and make future examinations easier. Matt also highlighted the importance of a strong partnership between agents and county clerks to improve efficiency and maintain record integrity.
Title Tip: Understanding Entity Status - Active, Defunct, and Forfeited
Cathy Clamp | TLTA Education Committee Member
We’re excited to continue Title Tips, our monthly educational series where industry professionals from across Texas share complimentary, bite-sized education in quick, engaging video clips.
This month’s Title Tip features Cathy Clamp, who delves into the importance of an entity's active status and what it means when it's defunct or forfeited. In her short video she answers:
- Why does it matter that an entity is active?
- Where do I check its status on the Security of State's website?
- What happens when an entity is defunct or forfeited?
Watch Cathy’s Title Tip video here and stay tuned for more insights next month!
Looking to revisit our past installments of the Title Tips Series? Visit the Title Tips Section in TLTA's Online Learning Center here.
This information is being provided by TLTA for educational and reference purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial or business advice from or on behalf of TLTA. Users should consult their own legal counsel and subject-matter experts to ensure that any policies adopted or actions taken meet the requirements unique to their company.
ICYMI: Conference Registration and Hotel Reservations Open
June 8-11, 2025 | Nashville
The countdown is on!
Registration is open for TLTA’s Annual Conference in Nashville, happening June 8-11, 2025. This is your chance to connect with industry leaders, gain valuable insights, and be part of the celebration of our community's achievements.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss This Year’s Conference:
- Unmatched Networking: Whether you're connecting with old colleagues or meeting new professionals, this conference offers endless opportunities to expand your network and grow your business.
- Educational Hot Topic Sessions: Gain practical knowledge and stay ahead of the curve with sessions covering the latest trends, tools, and best practices in the title industry.
- Unique Nashville Experience: Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Music City, known for its incredible food, music, and Southern hospitality.
Get the Most Out of Nashville – Don’t Miss These PAC Events!
Already registered? Don’t forget to add the TLTAPAC TopGolf Tournament or the PAC Lunch & Business Meeting to your agenda -
purchase your additional PAC event tickets here!
Celebrate Our Newest Certified Title Professionals!
At TLTA, we’re proud to recognize excellence and commitment in the Texas title industry. Today, we celebrate the newest members of our certified professional community.
Danielle McNiel, CAEP
First Community Title LLC, Temple
Frankie Pavelka, CESP
Essent Title Insurance Inc., Austin
Alexis Thornton, CESP
U.S. Title Company, Inc., Longview
Have questions about the certification process?
Check out our first installment of the Certification Ask the Expert video series here, where Claire Hartman, CTIP answers common certification questions and offers insights to help you succeed.
Ready to chart your course towards certification?
Earning a TLTA certification is a testament to these professionals’ hard work and commitment to our industry.
Join the ranks of distinguished title professionals across Texas and take the first step to earning your designation with our Certification Roadmap.
ICYMI: Showcase Your TLTA Membership
Updated 2025 Member Email Signature Graphic Available!
We’re excited to unveil the
updated 2025 TLTA Member Email Signature Graphic — a simple way to showcase your commitment to the title industry and dedication to protecting Texans' property rights.
By adding this year’s graphic to your email signature, you’re not only reinforcing your dedication to TLTA and our mission of protecting Texans' property rights, but you’re also showcasing your professionalism and active involvement in staying informed and connected.
Let every email you send reflect your investment in our association's mission
Save the image above or
click here to access the graphic and step-by-step instructions for adding it to your signature.
Mark Lewis Named President of Edwards Abstract and Title Co.
Mark Lewis, CESP, CAEP, CTIP, NTP, has been named President of Edwards Abstract and Title Co., succeeding his father, CEO Byron J. Lewis. The surprise announcement was made earlier this month at the company's 21st Annual State and Real Estate Forum.
Lewis previously served as Vice President of Operations and currently chairs TLTA’s Certification Committee, where he helps advance professional standards in the title industry.
Read more from Texas Border Business »
In Memoriam: Than McCracken
APRIL 27, 1965 - MARCH 2, 2025
It is with sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Than McCracken, owner of Guaranty Abstract Company in Graham, Texas.
In addition to his industry involvement, Than was a member of the Young County Masonic Lodge #485 where he was a former Grand Master, Rotary Club of Graham, and Graham Savings & Loan Board of Directors.
Read Than's obituary »