Message From The President

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September/October 2000 - Volume 79, Number 5

Dear Members of the American Land Title Association®:

It is true. When you sit as President of ALTA®, the year goes by very quickly. Happily, the organization has survived the year with me holding the gavel. I have an even greater appreciation for all ALTA® has done historically, and that it has done it extremely well.

At the annual banquet last year, I set forth the goals and objectives for my reign as President. Included in the list were goals having to do with a continuation of accomplishments in grassroots, technology, and education.

The top priority for the year was assigned to strategic planning — something that was not intended to be a one-year project. The potential power of and value of ALTA® lies with two things: expanding the depth and scope of our agency base, and attracting new constituencies involved in the real estate information and settlement services business into our fold. In terms of long-term effect — probably the most important thing that has been accomplished this year is the strategic planning effort — the laying out of strategies to begin to expand the boundaries of ALTA®.

It has been done in a form and fashion that can and will be carried on — it is something to which all of the members of the Board who are in the chairs to succeed to this President’s position have agreed.

We have our work cut out for us. But it is important and it is exciting. I have enjoyed working with all of the component groups of ALTA® very much, including its Committee Leadership, the State and Regional Associations, Jim Maher and the entire staff in Washington, and the Board of Governors.

These are all talented and dedicated people, whom I know will continue to make a big difference as the industry and our fine association evolves to meet the demands of the changing landscape. Through her heavy involvement in ALTA® issues over the past three years, I have come to know and greatly respect the leadership exhibited by our President-Elect, Cara Detring. While the induction of our first Madam President is a momentus occasion for our organization, I predict that with Cara at the helm, next year will be a momentus year for ALTA®.

The momentum starts at the Annual Convention, scheduled October 18-22 in Hawaii. I hope you have made arrangements to attend. It promises to be one of the best ever.