President's Message
Dear Fellow Members:
Well, I can honestly say that I didn't really expect to be writing another "Message from the President" for the TitleGram after I wrote my last one in 1997. But life is full of surprises, as we all know, so please indulge me the pleasure of addressing you as your president once again.
I would like to congratulate and also to thank Barry Schmulbach for a job well done as our president last year. He never failed to keep our board excited and committed to whatever it was we had to do.
A great big thank you to the convention committee and to Jan Loftis and staff for a wonderful convention. If you were not able to attend this year, you missed out on a lot of great information, fellowship and fun!
Congratulations also to Joy Scheller of Warranty Title & Abstract Company in El Reno for being selected as our William "Bill" Gill Title Person of the Year award winner for this year. Even though Joy used to be a school teacher, a librarian and even a children's clothing retailer, I think you will all agree that her true calling is to our industry.
I had the pleasure of attending the New Mexico Land Title Association convention in Las Cruces, New Mexico the weekend after our convention. Thanks to Mark Bilbrey for going along with me and keeping me out of trouble. Our friends from New Mexico send their greetings to all of you. They have a wonderful association and, just like title people all over the country, they are some of the nicest folks you'll ever want to meet.
Our goals for the upcoming year will include, as always, informative and useful continuing education. (There are even rumors about another "Closing From Hell" being in the works.) I have asked the Legislative Committee and the Public Relations/Membership Committees to meet on a monthly basis and to report to the board in detail at each board meeting. We seem to be at a crossroads in our industry and we must stand united and ready to be proactive in maintaining the integrity and necessity of the services we provide. The Legislative Committee will be held accountable for exploring our options and the Public Relations Committee will be held accountable for keeping you informed. Please be prepared to say "YES" when you are called upon to help in anyway. Whether it be a donation of your time or your dollars, you are vitally important to our industry and to our association.
I wish you God's many blessings as you continue to serve your customers and your communities.
Until next time.
Sincerely,
Bryan K. Thomason
OLTA President
ALTA President-Elect Mark Bilbrey recently presented a contribution to Cong. Brad Carson-D, Muskogee. Pictured L to R are Stan & Bev Jones, Bilbrey, Carson & his wife, Julie.
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