January 21, 2004


Dear TLTA Member:

We have rushed headfirst into the new year, with a number of important issues that will require our time and attention in the coming months.

First and foremost on the agenda is the RESPA issue. Due to HUD's recent decision to send a final revised RESPA rule to the OMB (Office of Management and Budget), we are intensifying our efforts to oppose the rule. In a united effort with other industry trade groups, we are going to Washington D.C. with representatives from the Texas Association of Realtors, Independent Bankers Association of Texas and Texas Mortgage Brokers Association to meet with HUD and the White House to voice our concerns.

Now, more than ever, we need your help in this effort. Act now by contacting your elected officials directly and asking them to tell HUD to work with the real estate community and the title industry to develop a RESPA rule that has broad support in the industry. Please take a moment to complete our Grassroots Contact Form, and click here to review the recent Grassroots Legislative Alert outlining what you can do to voice your opposition to the rule. The TLTA Federal Issues Task Force is continuing to work on this issue and will be contacting TLTA members by phone to discuss how you can personally participate in this effort.
 
TLTA seminars are continuing to draw a record number of participants. The Houston Regional Seminar was held last week with 578 attendees, and the Abstracting and Examining seminar held January 15 drew a sellout crowd of 134. The Land Title School of Texas will be held March 8-12 in Austin. Designed for those who are new to the title industry, this course always sells out quickly. Click here for a brochure and to download a registration form. To view the complete 2003-2004 TLTA education calendar, or for additional program information click here.

Upcoming On the Calendar
Abstract and Examining Seminar – February 5,  Fort Worth
Dallas/Fort Worth Regional Seminar  - February 6 and 7, Fort Worth
Land Title School of Texas – March 8-12,  Austin
Management Seminar – April 16, Irving

The TLTA Individual Membership program is growing each month. This new level of membership has been made available for those individuals who work for TLTA member companies and gives individual employees a greater opportunity to participate in their profession. As of January 15 we have a total of 302 individual members since the program began in September. Click here for more information about the Individual Membership program.

The TLTA 2004 Annual Conference theme is Smooth Sailing, and that's just what it will be in Corpus Christi, June 4-6. The conference schedule spans the weekend from Friday’s Golf Outing & Opening Reception to Sunday morning’s closing breakfast. We're putting together an exceptional program of special events and education sessions, so don't forget to mark your calendar and watch your mail for more details!

Our staff, committees and officers are working hard to represent your interests on these and other issues that affect your business and your profession.  As always, if you have comments or suggestions, don't hesitate to contact me or a TLTA staff member.

Sincere regards,

Dave Ginger
TLTA President