Page Five

Awards Presented at Winter Meeting

For the first time in recent OLTA history, the Board of Director's voted to present three special awards as provided in the OLTA bylaws. All three recipients were on hand to receive their recognition.

First, president G. Barry Schmulbach presented an Honorary Membership award to Obera Bergdall, former employee of the State Auditor's office. In his remarks, Schmulbach acknowledged Bergdall's hard work and dedication in the regulatory arena on behalf of Oklahoma's abstractors. Bergdall, who is now retired, graciously accepted the award remarking how humble she was to have been chosen to receive the honor.

Schmulbach also presented the special Meritorious Service Award to recipient Kenneth D. Mitchell. This presentation marked the first time in OLTA history that this bylaws provision has been implemented. Mitchell joined the staff of Jelsma Abstract Company in January 1952 and became co-owner and vice president in 1954. When partner Wayne Eshelman retired in 1974, Mitchell became president until 1997. Mitchell served 50 years in the title business and served as president of the OLTA in 1980-81. He has been involved in many community and church related public service activities over the years, while raising a family of six children.

Finally, ALTA president-elect and OLTA past president Mark Bilbrey presented the Meritorious Service Award to former OLTA president Howard Cotner. Cotner, who is a retired member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives, began his work many years ago in the abstract business working for his father in Altus, Oklahoma. What was described as a "colorful" beginning later became a very successful abstracting company in busy southwest Oklahoma.

Cotner was active in the OLTA almost as soon as his business became a member of the association. For many years, Cotner attended every OLTA state convention and worked his way up through the chairs, first as editor and publisher of the Oklahoma Title Gram, later to the office of treasurer, board of directors member and president. Cotner was eventually elected to the Oklahoma House of Representatives in 1970 and held his House seat for 26 years until retiring in 1996.

All three individuals were given standing ovations as they were recognized and a brief reception was held immediately following the presentations.