I began my term as president of the New England Land Title Association (NELTA) last June by reflecting on the history of our association and its mission. I became aware that issues and industry transformation are continual as it has been during my term and the terms of my predecessors and through it all, NELTA's goal to be a valuable resource to its membership has remained a constant. We continue in that role and seek to educate our members on topics effecting the day to day operations of their agencies. NELTA provides a central place through which members can network and learn from industry peers. In conjunction with the American Land Title Association, NELTA works to keep you informed about the changes within the industry on local and national levels. As our members adapt to these industry changes in the midst of some uncertainty in the housing market the value of our trade association becomes more and more significant.
During the year we have heard often about the continued unpredictability of the economy. It has certainly been a period full of industry highs and lows. The unpredictability is still a central theme for each of us on a daily basis. Many factors perpetuate the uncertainty in the housing market, our market, the one on which we all rely. For all of us, the next year should be as interesting, if not as adventurous as the last several.
As we plot our respective courses through the unknown and adapt to the perceived and practical changes in our industry, please remember NELTA will continue to be a premiere resource for industry information. Again this year we plan to offer various seminars throughout New England. Our goal is to educate our members on topics effecting the day to day operations of their agencies. Joining us for one of our seminars is a great way to learn more about the benefits of belonging to our association and the current events in our industry.
In the coming year with a new president at the helm, NELTA will continue to reach out to prospective members. As we strive to be a strong and vital voice for our industry, increasing membership is a key. We realize each of you juggles many responsibilities and that participating in your industry association may at times seem less than important. Upon review, does it make sense to miss out on the benefits of membership? Networking opportunities, education, professional development, and access to local and national support systems that will help you broaden your practical and industry-wide knowledge while having many opportunities to get involved. Our member volunteers continue to provide the guidance and expertise we need to move our profession forward and keep us relevant and understood. We have momentum having gained 22 new members over the past year. Let's build on that. I encourage each of you to join me this year and talk to your colleagues about NELTA and convince them that participating in our association will be as meaningful and rewarding to them as it has been to you over the years.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the board of NELTA and our executive director Cathy Jones for all of their hard work throughout the past year. Serving as president has been a valuable and gratifying experience for me. Thank you for your commitment and please stay involved. Also know that we want to hear from you. Contact us and let us know what makes NELTA valuable to you! Follow us on Facebook or e-mail us directly at [email protected].
Sandra Schoen is past president of NELTA and vice president of Old Republic National Title Insurance Company, Andover Mass.