Article by Becky Taylor
Welcome to Summer! Did you know that Friday, June 20, 2025, marks the first astronomical day of summer in the Northern Hemisphere? It is also known as the summer solstice or June solstice and the longest day of the year. My 33rd wedding anniversary is June 20, 2025, and as I write this message, I texted my husband (1) to remind him we have an anniversary this month and (2) that our anniversary is on the LONGEST day of 2025, which means we get to celebrate longer! I celebrate a milestone birthday later this summer – 60 years old – which thankfully is not on the longest day of the year! That will be a day I want to pass quickly!
This year is the 51st anniversary of VLTA. I was 9 years old when VLTA was started by those visionaries who saw a need in Virginia for a Land Title Association and took action by creating the VLTA. I wonder what 9-year-old may end up in the Virginia title industry some years in the future, and what the title industry will look like in the future. What I know will still be the same for the title industry in Virginia is the level of professionalism and expertise of our membership. We are blessed in Virginia to have institutional knowledge of so many title professionals because once you get hooked by the title industry, there is no Catch and Release! You get hooked and you stay hooked because the title industry is full of challenges, mysteries, puzzles, and frustrations as well! It’s never boring!
As I continue my ponderings, I am halfway through my term as President of the VLTA. I am honored to serve the VLTA membership. I have served on the VLTA Board since 2018 and have gained friendships, business connections, and networking opportunities. Most of all, I have grown in wisdom and knowledge both professionally and personally. I’ve learned that my voice is not the only voice and that Each Voice Counts (Convention 2025 reference here!) – even those voices that are in conflict to my own voice. I hope my time within the VLTA gives some proof that you can teach an old dog new tricks.
Last year, we reflected on 50 years of VLTA, and the Convention theme was Power of the Past, Force of the Future. The Power of our Past is where VLTA started, to where it is now! This past legislative session showed how VLTA can affect change in the Virginia legislature. The Force of the Future is YOU, the title industry professional. YOU can contribute to the Future of the VLTA by volunteering at an event, on a committee, or on the Board of Directors. Volunteering is not always easy, but it is always fulfilling and an opportunity to expand your horizons and learn from others. The Force of the Future also means that Each Voice Counts so please let your voice be heard by volunteering within VLTA. VLTA is fortunate to have many amazingly talented professionals in its midst, volunteering their time on the Board of Directors, the Legislative Committee, the Events Committee, the Examiner Publication Committee, and the Education Committee. Each year, the VLTA Board of Directors is comprised of 12-16 members with equal representation of underwriter members and agent/examiner members. These are all volunteer positions! We have an expression we use frequently on the Board – “historically speaking” – because we have a dedicated volunteer base that has the historical knowledge of VLTA from personal experience in volunteering, and it is helpful as decisions are made for the future of VLTA. We also always remind each other to remember that we are acting on behalf of the VLTA membership, not just our own individual or company interests or preferences.
In conclusion, please consider serving OUR industry within the Virginia Land Title Association. YOU are the Force of the Future!
Becky Taylor 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.
