Having just become President of your association, I need to acknowledge how far we’ve come as an organization, and then focus on where we want to go, and how I can be a leader that helps take us there.
My theme, “An Invitation to Engage” was not just for the VLTA Convention held October 20th through 22nd. It’s going to be my song all year long. I’ve already had several attendees approach me to let me know they are joining committees, and I couldn’t be happier. All the voices together make for a better chorus. You probably know an agent or examiner who is not a member or is not participating in VLTA. Reach out to them; personally invite them to join. Grassroots efforts will make all the difference.
VLTA has developed or strengthened relationships with several industry organizations this past year. The biggest success has been our working relationship with the Court Clerks Association, who invited us to speak at their convention held in August. We have an ongoing taskforce with the Bureau of Insurance which meets several times a year to discuss industry trends and issues. We reached out to the Virginia Association of Realtors this summer to discuss contract changes made in reaction to the BOI letter issued in February. VLTA also has a very dedicated committee tracking legislative issues that affect our industry and in fact has had legislators reach out to us for comment on proposed bills being considered.
I guess my main message here is that there is a lot going on at your organization. Our Executive Director, Leigh Hubbard, does a great job of keeping up with all our deadlines and commitments, and the only thing we need now is you. Your voice. Your opinion. Your expertise. Your energy. I promise you will be welcomed.
Hoping to see you at a meeting soon . . . .
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.
