October 13, 2003

Dear TLTA Member:

It seems as though we all have an extra burst of energy this time of year, as temperatures cool off a bit and sports fans don their favorite team's regalia. Our TLTA committees and staff can use the extra energy as they set to work this fall on a very full agenda. Here's a brief overview of the major issues and events for TLTA in October and the months to come:  

Several TLTA members and staff were present at the Rule Hearing which was held Wednesday, September 24, 2003 in Austin. Thanks to the pre-hearing work performed by the Rates Rules and Forms Committee, the TLTA officers and Tom Rutledge, the hearing went very smoothly.  As of this writing  there has been no decision by the Commissioner regarding the proposed agenda items, but we will advise you as soon as a ruling is announced. The Rate portion of the hearing is currently set for December 15, 2003 at 9:30 a.m. For a complete list of agenda items, amended items and TLTA’s current positions, please click here.

The TLTA Board of Directors will meet at the Renaissance Austin Hotel,  9721 Arboretum Boulevard at 1:00 p.m. on October 15. If you have not attended a Board Meeting in the past, we invite you to do so. Contact Leslie Midgley at the TLTA office if you would like more information.

The West Texas Regional Seminar and Video Simulcast held in September in three cities had overall attendance that was up 48% from last year. Preliminary registration numbers are already higher than last year for the Austin Regional Seminar which will be held October 14 & 15 at the Renaissance Austin Hotel. The first of three Abstract/Examination Workshops will be held on November 5 in San Antonio, as well as our revamped Advanced Closing Issues Seminar in Irving on November 13. Last but not least, The Texas Land Title Institute will be held December 4 & 5 at the Hyatt Hill Country Resort. Watch your mail for registration and program information, and register early for this popular program. To view the complete 2003-2004 TLTA education calendar, or for additional program information click here.

Our Individual Membership program is off to a great start with over 60 new members thus far. I'm very excited about this program, as we reach out to employees of TLTA member companies and provide benefits and information at a minimal cost for each person. Urge your employees to get involved, stay informed and become an Individual Member of TLTA! For more information click here http://www.tlta.com/about/indmemberprizepromo.asp.
Renaissance Ho
The Annual Conference committee and TLTA staff met in Corpus Christi in mid-September to begin planning a great line-up of social and educational events unique to the Texas coast. If preliminary planning is any indication, this meeting will be one to remember! Mark your calendars now for "Smooth Sailing" at the TLTA Annual Conference, June 4-6, 2004.

I look forward to meeting many of you in the coming months in order to get a better idea of your individual concerns and priorities. As always, if you have comments or suggestions, don't hesitate to contact me or a TLTA staff member.

Best regards,



Dave Ginger
TLTA President