April 4, 2003
 

Spring is something to behold in Texas, and if you're like me, just getting out and driving down the highway makes me thankful to live in the land of bluebonnets. As spring unfolds, world events have put many of our country's military personnel in harm's way. I hope you will join me in wishing them Godspeed and safety as they carry out their mission.

The leadership and staff of TLTA have made excellent progress in several areas, but we continue to face challenges at the state and national level that will ultimately affect our industry. As your president I take great pleasure in reporting our successes, but also must ask for your support as we work on a number of important issues.

The Legislative Committee met on March 26 to discuss TLTA's position to support, oppose or amend specific bills. Committee recommendations were reviewed by the Board of Directors at their meeting on April 2. The Lobby team and legal counsel will continue to work with members of the legislature on issues affecting the industry. To review a list of bills that we are tracking, click here.

Jim Hyland of Piper Rudnick reported on the firm's efforts to represent TLTA at the national level in our opposition to the HUD RESPA Reform proposal. I will be traveling to Washington D. C. later this month to meet with other title industry professionals as well as congressional staff to discuss this proposal. I would urge each of you to contact your state and federal elected representatives to make them aware of your opposition to this proposal. It is evident from recent news articles that HUD officials are feeling the pressure from groups representing real estate and title services, and may reconsider the proposal.

The Texas Department of Insurance is reviewing comments that were submitted in March on the proposed new procedural rule regarding payment and receiving/acceptance of rebates. At this writing it appears that a hearing will probably be delayed until after the Legislative session ends. We will keep you informed of further developments in this area.

The education programs we’ve presented this year have been outstanding – and the Land Title School last month was no exception.  With 211 students, a stellar faculty, and much hard work by the committee, this annual event was a huge success. Just as a reminder, TLTA will present its first management seminar in April in Austin . Managing to Stay Ahead of the Curve - Management Essentials for Title Industry Professionals will be held on Friday, April 11, 2003 at the Hilton Airport . Click here for a seminar brochure and registration form.

TLTA staff is gearing up for the TLTA Annual Conference June 6-8 at The Woodlands Resort and Conference Center . By now you should have received a conference brochure and registration form with this year's schedule and special events. We've sweetened the incentive for those of you who register early. Register by April 15 and you will be eligible to win one free conference registration! Make plans to Rediscover the Nature of Your Business, and register now for TLTA's 93^rd Annual Conference. For a conference brochure and registration form, click here.

Just as a reminder, now is the time to volunteer for 2003-2004 committees. Each year we face many issues of great interest to you as a member of the title industry. As a TLTA committee member, you can directly impact the discussion of these issues and the decisions made by TLTA leadership. If you are interested in serving on a committee, click here to download a volunteer form.

It is not always apparent to the average member the amount of time and energy it takes to insure a well run organization. We, as TLTA members, owe a large debt to the committee members who give freely of their time and energy for the betterment of our organization. As always, if you have concerns or questions, please feel free to contact me or a TLTA staff member.

With warmest regards,


Jack Rattikin, III