June 2011

2011 TLTA Annual Conference Proves There's No Place Like Texas!

TLTA’s 2011 Annual Conference and Business Meeting last weekend at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country was a huge success and it wouldn’t have been possible without all of the incredible attendees, volunteers and sponsors! Mark your calendar now for next year’s Conference, which is June 14-16 at the Omni Fort Worth Hotel.

This year’s theme was “There’s No Place Like Texas” and more than 350 attendees heard the speakers, numbers and facts to prove it. The Opening General Session kicked off with an entertaining interview of Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson by Texas Tribune Editor in Chief Evan Smith. Asked about his future political plans, Patterson said that if Lt. Governor David Dewhurst doesn't seek another term, he will run for Lt. Governor. ALTA President Anne Anastasi also provided insight on some of the federal issues impacting the title industry and emphasized the importance of making sure that regardless of the future of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, there are standards in place for qualified mortgages, including title insurance. Anastasi also provided a more in-depth session the next day, detailing the proposed changes to disclosure and settlement forms by the new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).

At Friday’s General Session, expert economist Jared Hazelton, Ph.D. discussed some of the economic factors and real estate trends that set Texas apart from other states. He said that although the housing market is struggling, Texas is still outpacing the nation in job growth. You may view his Power Point presentation here.

In the afternoon, W. Michael Cox, Ph.D., former Chief Economist of the Dallas Federal Reserve, said we are entering a new era. Even though everyone is “shy, apprehensive and unwilling to lend money,” he said a “monumental migration has made Texas the place to be.” You may view his Power Point presentation here.

On Saturday, Steve Ford, President Gerald Ford’s son and a Hollywood actor, closed the Conference with an inspiring and entertaining speech about the importance of living a life of service and leaving a legacy. He also offered a fun glimpse behind the scenes at the White House and told the crowd what it was like to be an 18-year old suddenly thrust into the First Family limelight.

Hot Topic breakout sessions also offered something for everyone, ranging from the latest mortgage fraud trends to comprehensive Texas Legislative and Federal Issues Updates detailing all of the newly passed legislation that will impact the industry and proposed changes at the federal level. TLTA also recognized several award winners and newly certified title professionals throughout the Conference which you can read more about below.

Stay tuned next week for a big TLTAPAC announcement regarding this year's fundraising goals, and we can't wait to see you next year at the Omni Fort Worth Hotel, June 14-16!

Enjoy Some Conference Highlights!

You may also view the photos here. Golf photos are coming soon! Don't forget to "Like" TLTA's Facebook page to see additional photos from the Conference and other events throughout the year!

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2011-2012 Board of Directors Elected

During the Friday morning business meeting, TLTA installed the new 2011-2012 Board of Directors. The Board of Directors includes: President Phyllis Mulder, Alliant National Title Insurance Company, San Antonio; President-Elect Randy Pittman, West Texas Abstract & Title Company, Midland; Immediate Past President Brian Pitman, Independence Title Company, Austin; Underwriter At-Large Director Mike Savas, First American Title Insurance Company, Houston; Agent At-Large Director Byron Jay Lewis, Edwards Abstract and Title Co., Edinburg; Underwriter At-Large Director Richard Black, Stewart Title Guaranty Company, Austin; Agent At-Large Director John DeLoach, Sierra Title Company, San Antonio; Underwriter Section Chair Joe Grealish, Fidelity National Title Group, Houston; Underwriter Section Vice-Chair Chris Phillips, Title Resources Guaranty Company, Dallas; Underwriter Section Delegate Dan Hassen, Old Republic National Title Insurance Company, Houston; Agent Section Chair Dawn Moore, Allegiance Title Company, Dallas; Agent Section Vice-Chair Celia Goode-Haddock, University Title Company, College Station; Agent Section Delegate James Dudley, Central Texas Land Titles, Inc., Horseshoe Bay.

Celia Flowers Awarded Title Person of the Year

Celia Flowers, Owner of East Texas Title Companies, and TLTA Past President, was awarded the esteemed Title Person of the Year Award during the President's Dinner Friday night. The award recognizes significant and longtime contributions to the title industry and the association. It is the highest honor bestowed by TLTA.

“We are honored to present Celia with this prestigious award,” said Leslie Midgley, Executive Vice President and CEO of TLTA. “Celia has been a constant champion for our association and the title industry in Texas. The contributions she has made as part of our association leadership are too many to name and we are privileged to have her among our ranks.”

Read Celia's Full Press Release | View Past Title Person of the Year Winners

Mark Greek Awarded James H. Garst President's Award

Mark Greek, Texas Agency Manager and Vice President of First American Title Insurance Company in Houston, was awarded the esteemed James H. Garst President’s Award during the Conference. The award recognizes the achievements of an individual who has shown outstanding service to the TLTA president during his or her year in office.

“Mark has been a great leader in TLTA for many years. We are glad to have an opportunity to recognize his tremendous service to our industry,” said Brian Pitman, 2010-11 TLTA President and President/COO of Independence Title of Austin. “Mark has had a continued focus on developing future leaders in our industry and he also led a key effort to increase involvement in the TLTAPAC and the Legislative process. Both of these efforts will benefit TLTA for years to come."

Read Mark's Full Press Release | View Past President's Award Winners

Carolyn Gaston, John DeLoach and Jamie Jacks Honored With Professional Excellence Awards

TLTA awarded Professional Excellence Awards to Carolyn Gaston, Abstract Plant Manager, Aggieland Title Company in Bryan; John DeLoach, Chief Underwriting Officer, Sierra Title Company in San Antonio; and Jamie Jacks, Team Leader and Senior Escrow Officer with Commerce Title Company in Rockwall. The award recognizes individuals who are making a difference and allows us to honor those behind-the-scenes folks for their extraordinary achievements.

Carolyn's Press Release John's Press Release Jamie's Press Release

Ross Weaver Receives E. Gordon Smith Scholarship Award

TLTA is proud to announce this year's E. Gordon Smith Award winner is Ross Weaver, Business and Management Analyst at Town Square Title Company, LLC in Waxahachie. The E. Gordon Smith award is given to the person with the highest score on the the Land Title School of Texas final exam.

Full Press Release

Brandi Abercrombie Receives Peggy Hayes Teaching Excellence Award

TLTA awarded Brandi Abercrombie, CESA, CTIA, Manager of East Texas Title Companies, the esteemed Peggy Hayes Teaching Excellence Award. The award honors a Land Title School instructor who has given of their time and talents to ensure quality education for title industry professionals.

Full Press Release

Brandy Barton Receives Rising Star Award

TLTA also awarded Brandy Barton, Branch Manager at DHI Title Company of Central Texas, the Rising Star Award. The award recognizes an up and coming TLTA committee member for devoting extra time, showing enthusiasm in their role and exhibiting leadership skills.

Full Press Release

Representatives Drew Darby, Jose Menendez and Rodney Anderson Honored With Outstanding Legislator Awards

During the TLTAPAC Breakfast Meetings, TLTA presented Outstanding Legislator Awards to Rep. Drew Darby and Rep. Jose Menendez and the Outstanding Freshman Legislator Award to Rep. Rodney Anderson. TLTA would like to thank these legislators for their help throughout the 82nd Legislative Session and for their outstanding service to the citizens of Texas.

Save the Date for Next Year!

Save the date now and plan to join us June 14-16, 2012 for the next TLTA Annual Conference and Business Meeting at the Fort Worth Omni Hotel!