Article by Becky Taylor
As a multiple winner of the VLTA’s PAC Trophy, I was asked to share my why – why do I contribute to the VLTA PAC? My journey with the PAC Trophy started at the 2019 VLTA Convention. The PAC Trophy was offered as a Live Auction with Kevin Pogoda and Skip Sacks acting as auctioneers. If you’ve ever attended a Live Auction, you probably know how easy it is to get caught up in the moment. If you know Kevin and Skip, you can imagine how much fun it was listening to their banter. I was caught up in the bidding fun and then realized how high I’d gone in my bidding and dropped out. My husband came through like the real-life hero he is and made the winning bid for me!
It is my understanding that the VLTA PAC Trophy has been in existence since 2017 and has traveled around the Commonwealth of Virginia finding a home with a new VLTA member each year. The VLTA PAC Trophy seems to be a way to honor the most supportive PAC Donor. After the winning bid in 2019, I can affirm that my husband was the most supportive PAC Donor in terms of monetary support at least for 2019!
After the excitement of winning the PAC Trophy wore off, I realized I knew that PAC meant Political Action Committee but what does that mean? A PAC is a Political Action Committee, typically organized for the purpose of raising money to support (or defeat) legislative issues.
The Virginia Land Title Association Political Action Committee (PAC) is the voluntary, non-partisan committee that works to raise money to help elect and re-elect candidates in our Commonwealth who understand and support the issues affecting the title industry. VLTA encourages all members to learn more about the VLTA PAC, get involved with the committee and make a donation to help.
The VLTA Political Action Committee (PAC) plays a vital role in representing the legislative interests of our industry. One of the key ways to ensure that we have a strong voice legislatively and represent you effectively is to maintain a strong PAC. Regulations are authorized by an accompanying law. The laws that govern title insurance in Virginia change frequently and then they become Title Insurance regulations. As you know, those regulations affect your ability to do your job, negatively or positively, on a daily basis.
Contributions from title professionals, or related business entities, are pooled together and donations are made to members of the Virginia Legislature. Supporting candidates and elected officials who support the title industry financially gives VLTA an opportunity to get to know them and develop working relationships. They appreciate the industry’s support which allows VLTA’s legislative team to educate them about the importance of our industry to Virginia consumers and dispel myths about title insurance, and to create a stronger understanding and appreciation of what we do and why.
The result of these efforts is a stable and successful title insurance industry in which you can continue to work and grow professionally.
After learning specifics about the VLTA PAC, I joined the VLTA Legislative Committee, and a whole new world opened to me. Seeing dedicated title industry professionals/VLTA members donate their time to meet monthly (and then weekly during the General Assembly) and review proposed legislation for comments and concerns, was eye-opening to me as a VLTA member. Previously, I had no idea that the VLTA had a committee that reviewed proposed legislation AND contributed proposed legislation. The 2025 General Assembly involved a great deal of proposed legislation, and I was particularly happy to see the passage of HB 1871 Transfer on Death Deeds, patroned by Delegate Marcus Simon at the request of the VLTA. This bill sought to streamline the transfer-on-death deed statute. Because it contains an emergency clause, the bill will become effective upon the Governor’s signature instead of the usual effective date of July 1. Another VLTA initiative, patroned by Delegate Simon, HB 1889 sought to ease the concerns of Virginia Clerks relating to unclear language in the statute relating to out-of-state electronic notaries. This passed the General Assembly and is awaiting action by the Governor.
I am excited about the future of the VLTA PAC and the VLTA Legislative Committee. The VLTA is fortunate to have amazingly knowledgeable and supportive volunteers. Our lobbyist has developed great relationships with legislators so that legislators know what the VLTA is and who the VLTA members are! The VLTA is in a great position to continue to make a difference to the benefit of our industry and the customers we serve.
While contributing money is important and some say makes the world go round, I contribute to the VLTA PAC, either through the winning bid for the PAC Trophy or a general donation, because of the impact that donation has on the future of our great industry!
Becky Taylor
Becky began her employment with Titleworks Inc. on May 29, 1995 as a settlement processor and post closer. She quickly moved to take on more administrative responsibilities to become Vice President as well as keep an active role in the settlement process. She assumed the role of owner, CEO and President of Titleworks Inc. in 2006. She is a graduate of Clemson University, mother of a Washington & Lee University graduate, Virginia Notary Public, and as of February 2024 is now a grandmother and currently serves as President on the Board of Directors for the Virginia Land Title Association. In January 2024, Ms. Taylor and Titleworks Inc. merged with Cobalt Settlements, LLC and Attorney Jeff Nowak. Ms. Taylor is a Virginia Certified Title Settlement Agent (VCTSA), a Virginia Certified Title Examiner (VCTE), and an ALTA National Title Professional (NTP). Ms. Taylor has been a licensed title agent since August 25, 1995 and has over thirty (30) years of experience in real estate settlements.
