The Title Report was back on the road to join the Texas Land Title Association at its Annual Conference and Business Meeting. I was able to meet many new people and say hello to some friends. The hotel was beautiful. There were even roaming monkeys I’ve been told, though I didn’t spot them myself.
During the meeting five of the title industry’s finest were named Certified Abstract Examination Professionals (CAEP): Carla Gilmer from West Texas Abstract and Title Co.; Kelly Gongloff from Gongloff Piechowiak Law, PLLC; Frank Hernandez, Rio Bravo Title LLC; Leah Kemp, First American Title Co. and Steve Pursley, Community Title.
Five more were named Certified Title Insurance Professionals: Sharon Ferrell Infinity Title Co. LLC; David Jenkins, PTS-Texas Title, Inc.; Sandra Kachmar, Mid-Coast Title Co., John C. Martin, Lone Star Title Co. of El Paso; and Michael Savas of First American Title Insurance Co.
Thirteen members were named Certified Escrow Settlement Professional (CESP): Alamo Title Co.’s John Bullock; Community Title’s Claudia Cook; Janette Coon of Rio Bravo Title, LLC; Lacee Diehl of Chicago Title of Texas, LLC; Rafael Jorge Garcia of Rio Bravo Title, LLC; Hall Henderson of Security & Guaranty Abstract Co.; Allison Mayo of Capital Title of Texas, LLC; Sammie Munoz-Ashrafzadeh of Rio Bravo Title, LLC; Katie Murphy of Monteith Abstract & Title Co.; Donna Phillips of Town Square Title Co., LLC; Rachel Samaniego of Rio Bravo Title, LLC; Teri Shibler of Town Square Title Co., LLC and Travis Smith of Rio Bravo Title, LLC.
During the sessions attendees heard industry trends from American Land Title Association (ALTA) President and First American Executive Vice President John Hollenbeck, along with an economic outlook for Texas and the country from Dr. M. Ray Perryman, president and CEO of The Perryman Group. The Honorable Joe Straus, Speaker of the House Texas House of Representatives offered a Texas legislative outlook. Then, ALTA President and CEO Michelle Korsmo and Director of Public Affairs Wayne Stanley talked about how to communicate the benefits of title insurance to consumers.
Anne Grady, entrepreneur, speaker and author from the Anne Grady Group continued the communication theme with her session “Leading Millennials: Achieving Peak Performance.” She explained the expectations of millennials and how to get the most out of them. This was followed by a special joint agent and underwriter section meeting.
A great time was had by all at this year’s conference. Keep reading The Title Report for more conference coverage in the upcoming weeks.