I had the privilege of attending my second ALTA One conference last month. If you read last year’s article on the New Orleans conference, you know I was very impressed and looking forward to making this event an annual commitment on my calendar. This year we were in Coronado, California, and the event did not disappoint. It was made that much more enjoyable by the presence of eight VLTA members; two past presidents and six current Board members! Past-President Kevin Pogoda was also a speaker for one of the Notables sessions. All in all, you couldn’t help but notice, Virginia was in the house.
I spoke to many attendees at the convention who marveled at VLTA’s ability to provide so much education to our members. Other Land Title Associations talked to us about how to build a library of courses for CE and CLE credits and were amazed at our certification programs. It was a reminder that what has been created at VLTA, and what we sometimes take for granted, is admired and stands as a goal for many other associations. Virginia also showed up for the National Title Producer recognition event, with three VLTA board members (Stephanie Campbell, Becky Taylor and John Mashack) having achieved that milestone this year. That brings us to six NTPs in Virginia – there are only 104 nationwide.
It was rainy and misty and a little chillier than I expected for California, but that did not dampen the fun. There was a whirlwind of dinners and parties and social gatherings where we were able to meet and talk with so many LTA members and vendors from so many different places. And the hotel is haunted. Ask Past President Megan Meloon about it next time you see her.
All in all, if you have the chance to attend an ALTA One conference, I highly recommend it. Great education, great connections, great socials. It’s in Denver next year – maybe you should start making plans now.
Mary Long
Mary Long joined the Stewart Title family in 1987 and currently serves as President of the local affiliate, Stewart Title and Settlement. Her many years of title experience together with prior real estate industry experiences in Foreclosure, Bankruptcy and Hazard Loss, as well as Relocation Coordination and REO properties, have allowed her to become a resource for training in the areas of underwriting, examination and settlement procedures. Mary serves as the current VLTA President for the 2022-2023 period.
