The TLTA Annual Conference held at The Woodlands Resort in early June was a hit with attendees and sponsors alike. We have received many notes, phone calls and e-mails from those of you who attended, complimenting us on the special events and educational sessions. Friday night was truly a tropical delight – complete with Caribbean steel drum trio, tattoos for the young and old, delicious food, and an incredible array of items at the PAC Silent Auction. The PAC Breakfast on Saturday morning provided an overview of the 2003 Legislative session, and KEGS and TAPS events were hailed by all who attended as top notch. Saturday's General Session recognized many of TLTA's "unsung heroes" (see article below) and featured President Jack Rattikin's "State of the Association" address. The President's Dinner on Saturday evening was filled with tributes and awards to TLTA's finest (see article below), and was topped off with a fabulous "Night In Monte Carlo" casino party. Beck Weathers presented a moving account of his experience on Mt. Everest at the Sunday morning closing breakfast which served as the conference finale. Click here to view the conference photo album.

The General Session of the Annual Conference served as a fitting setting for the presentation of a number of awards to TLTA members who have demonstrated excellence in their profession. PEA Committee Chairman Chris Phillips presented the Professional Excellence Awards to three deserving title professionals. The Professional Excellence Award for Outstanding Abstract Personnel was presented to Debbie Fox. Debbie has worked in the title industry for over 40 years, serving as receptionist, abstractor, examiner, closer, and is currently a Senior Title Examiner for Stewart Title. The award for Outstanding Agency Support Personnel was presented to Lisa Garrett. Lisa has worked in the industry for almost 18 years in numerous positions of responsibility and for various title companies. Lisa is currently an Agency Consultant for Alamo Title Insurance/Fidelity National Title Insurance Company. Kerri Majors was the recipient of the award for Outstanding Escrow Personnel. Kerri is Vice President/Commercial Escrow Officer with Allegiance Title Company in Dallas.

The E. Gordon Smith Award was presented by Teresa Frost, Vice Chairman of the TLTA School Committee to Brittaney Jandrucko with Alamo Title Company, Fort Worth, Sharon Winfield with Community Title in Nacogdoches, and Barbara Winckler with University Title Company in College Station. All three ladies tied with perfect scores on the Land Title School final exam. The Peggy Hayes Award was presented to Shirley Reader by Russell Sugg of Alamo Title Company. This award honors an instructor who has shown outstanding service and commitment to the school. Click here for photos

Terry Grantham of West Texas Title Company in Lubbock, was named TLTA 2003 “TitleMan of the Year” at the President's Dinner held June 7 during the Annual Conference at The Woodlands Resort. Grantham graduated from Texas Tech University in 1979 and from Texas Tech Law School in 1982. He is a member of the Lubbock County Bar Association, College of the State Bar of Texas and Texas Association of Abstractors and Title Agents, for whom he served as President in 2000-2001.   Photo and more story 

Jack Rattikin Jr. current CEO and Chairman of the Board of Rattikin Title Company in Fort Worth received the 2003 TLTA President’s Award during the association’s Annual Conference held at The Woodlands Resort June 6-8, 2003. President Jack Rattikin III presented the award to his father in recognition of his assistance and contributions during his year as president, and throughout his career in the title business. Photo and more story
 

Dave Ginger (right) and family

Dave Ginger, president of Title Insurance Company of America, was installed as the 2003-2004 president of TLTA during a ceremony held June 7 at The Woodlands Resort near Houston. Ginger holds a degree in Marketing from Southwest Texas State University and has worked in the title industry in Texas for over 29 years in marketing, public relations, and executive management positions. He is married with two children. An active member of TLTA, Ginger has served as chairman and as a member of numerous committees as well as on the Board of Directors. 

The  2003-2004 TLTA Membership Directory update process is well under way! Update forms have been sent to all TLTA members, and we are now sending reminders to those who have not responded to the first request. Although the initial deadline for responding was June 9th, we still want your updated information! Please complete the update form and fax it to 512.472.5931. If you have questions or problems regarding your listing, contact Kathy Whatley or Paula Thomas at the TLTA office. And, if you need another form faxed or mailed to you, call Kelly at the TLTA office. Directories will be printed in August and distributed to members in September. Act now to insure you are listed in the TLTA Directory!

May 8, 2003       $582.7 M in title claims paid in 2002, according to ALTA survey The American Land Title Association (ALTA) has released the results of a recent industry survey showing that title insurers paid approximately $582.7 million in claims in 2002, compared to $465.1 million the previous year. These payments were made to or on behalf of insured homeowners for losses they experienced under policies issued to them or their lender, or to defend those titles from the claims of others. More story  reprinted with permission by ALTA

Looking for the best method to reach other title industry professionals? Whether you are looking for a job, selling your business, equipment or service, the TLTA GREENSHEET is your answer. 
Click here for the latest GREENSHEET, your link to title industry related employment and business opportunities in Texas.