Hey Ellen,

I'm sorry you were unable to attend the conference this past weekend.  I'm still trying to catch up on my sleep.

Whether an abstract company is a one person operation covering 1-2 counties or one with several employees covering numerous counties we both have similar concerns.  I share the same concerns you have, increased E and O premiums, increased production cost, employee salary increases, some clients wanting us to lower or fees.  Money is the main issue in both of our worlds.  I lost a client today, Capital Title (a local St. Louis metro company),  because they went into receivership and will be filing bankruptcy and I'm out over $6000, so I know where you are coming from. 

I'm trying to see how NALTEA's goals and objectives would not be in your best interest.  Please point them out to me so it can be addressed.  Now I know NALTEA will not be supported 100% in everything it does, anyone would be a fool to believe it, but we are all and I mean all of independent abstractors are small business owners and that, along with employed abstractors, are the persons NALTEA is trying to help.

You are correct that how can NALTEA represent anyone if they don't let their voices be heard.  The only thing I can say then is SPEAK UP!!!  As with elections, propositions and any organizations, we only have ourselves to blame if we don't speak up or just sit back and do nothing.  The little guy is usually the first to go because they can't change and change is going on all around them.

Joining certain associations has its advantages.  Joining the Better Business Bureau relies to your clients that you stand behind your service or product and will work with them to satify any problems.  Also the Missouri Land Title Association has a very informative title school every spring and fall.  There is one March 7th and 8th in Columbia, Missouri.  Go to www.mlta.com and you can download the information and it is reasonably priced.  I hope you will see value in your NALTEA membership as well.  Yes it is a new association and we are only 6 months old, but we are starting out on the right foot.  Otherwise the association would have already folded up and disolved.  How else can you explain almost double attendances over the first conference.

Yes, clients will instruct to do things their way or the highway.  As Ben Renko, DataSearch, stated, clients see you as either a savior, a necessary evil, or as a commodity and it is up to you on how they view you and your company.

So how does everyone else want to be viewed by their clients?