Page One

In this issue

Page 1
    July 15-17 Meeting
    Note of Gratitude
Page 2
    Regional Meetings Re-Introduced
Page 3
    From Your OLTA Education Committee

Page 4
    President's Message
    2003-2004 Board of Directors
Page 5
    Welcome To Oklahomaville!
Page 6
    Calendar of Events

July 16-17 Summer Meeting
Fast Approaching
Join your OLTA colleagues at the newly renovated Embassy Suites hotel located near I-40 and S. Meridian in Oklahoma City on July 16-17, 2004 and plan to attend the OLTA summer Meeting. Deadline for hotel reservations at the OLTA rate is July 5.

Beginning Friday, July 16, at 8 a.m. tee off for a rousing round of golf at the Crimson Fields Golf Club. At 1 p.m., there will be an accredited class offering four hours of continuing education approved by the OK Department of Insurance. The first two hours will be presented by John Updegraff on "Closing & Escrow Claims." Then, Bill Fairbanks will present two hours on the "Privacy Act" and "Ethical Problem Solving."

After the class, gather for a bus trip to the old ball game - the Bricktown Ball Park, that is, and watch the Oklahoma City Red Hawks play the Albuquerque Isotopes, followed by fireworks! Dinner will be served at the ball park. What a great way to spend a summer evening in Oklahoma! It's sure to be a fun time.

On Saturday, July 17, there will be an OLTA business meeting at 8:30 a.m., followed by two hours of continuing education presented by Ed Hellewell. After lunch on your own, OLTA has arranged for those who are interested to have a fun afternoon at the Oklahoma City Zoo. It's a great way to have a relaxing afternoon in the sun! Be sure to indicate your interest on the registration form, as we will need to have an accurate count to reserve zoo tickets.

For those not spending the afternoon at the zoo, transportation will depart the hotel at 6:15 p.m. for dinner at The Canopy at the spectacular Oklahoma City Zoo. What more can you ask for to end a fun-filled and educational weekend?

Just For Kids
Again this year, OLTA is pleased to offer fun activities for kids 4-12 years old on Friday and Saturday. Convention goers will receive discount coupons to Celebration Station and White Water Bay, both located in the near vicinity to the Embassy Suites Hotel. Please indicate your interest in coupons on the registration form.

Accommodations
Please make your room reservations by calling the Embassy Suites Hotel direct at 405.682.6000. The OLTA room rate $99.00 + tax for a single room. Deadline for room reservations at the OLTA rate is July 5, so make your reservation today. Registration information was mailed under separate cover recently. However, if you've lost your registration form, just contact the OLTA office at 405.840.1944. See you at the Ballpark and the Zoo!

note of gratitude

To: OLTA Membership,
Board of Directors & Bill Gill Selection Committee

It is with humble gratitude that I write to express my appreciation for the recognition as the 2004 recipient of the William "Bill" Gill Title Person of the Year award. This is quite an honor and I hope to continue to deserve and represent the stature that this award brings with it. I have always been in awe of the former recipients and can now understand the surprise and humbleness of receiving this award.

I wish to again express my appreciation to all those that mentored me in my career. Those include Juanita Mitchell Perkins and the late T. D. Nicklas at Oklahoma Abstract Company in Lawton, Eunice Connell, the late Vivian Franklin and the late Dewey Jernigan, at what was Southwest Title & Trust Company in Oklahoma City and Mark Bilbrey at Warranty Title in El Reno. There are many others at national title companies and local offices who have shared with me their knowledge and expertise, and I thank them also. And, while I never actually worked in his office, to my father, the late Nathan Jarnigan, Jr., thanks for teaching me to do things right and giving it your best at all times. It is he that I owe for the passion that Bryan Thomason so graciously credited me with during his presentation of the award.

My hope is that everyone in the title industry mentors those in their employ or their co-workers, as it is by sharing that we continue to grow our industry and prepare others to take our places as time marches on and we fade into history. Without those of the past, we would not be what we are today. We thank all those who came and gave so generously and patiently before us.

I have been privileged to serve OLTA on the Education Committee for several years now and I have enjoyed every minute of meetings, material preparation and presentation. No matter the location or the time, the membership has been supportive and encouraging. As is the goal of OLTA and the Education Committee, I, too, wish to encourage and share with all OLTA members. Those of you that were at the convention banquet will understand this last passing comment. I am proud to be a "sucker" on the OLTA Education Committee! Thanks to the OLTA membership, the board members, the Education Committee members and all those who work so diligently to promote and support our industry. It is has been a pleasure to work for and with you.

Again, thank you for the recognition and to the person who nominated me, my most gracious thanks for submitting my name for this award. It is truly an honor and privilege to receive this recognition and please call on me if I can assist anyone at anytime.

Joy J. Scheller