Change is all around us – change in our industry, change in technology and change in our everyday lives. Some change is good; we embrace or at least accept it but other change may cause us to struggle. Through this time of change, let us look at how we can make the best of what we have to work with and how we might more effectively approach change as it occurs.

It is up to all of us to be positive and proactive. It is time to think “outside the box” about how we can make things work for us. I come to you, our valued CEA members, and those of you who are potential members, and ask for your support in working together to be “Building our Future through Membership and Education.” Membership in your regional, state and national association is very important, especially in our ever-changing industry. Your voice and participation as a CEA member is vital to our organization. We need your input and we want to know how we can better serve you and we also need to find ways to reach and get in touch with those escrow professionals and others who are not members of CEA.

In this time of new regulations and changing escrow practices, we know that keeping our members updated and informed is very important. We know that not all regions have access to current training and education and we want to change that. We wish to help regions that are struggling and in need of assistance. We hope to see all of our regions flourish and prosper. Marilynne McDuffy, Education Chair, is hard at work with Linda Hamilton, Professional Designations Chair, along with their respective committees to provide timely and current material that can be available for regions to access so that education and PD credits are available. Additionally, I intend to be available to your regions, whether it is to come and speak at a dinner meeting or to help with a seminar or other educational session. I am here and available.

Joint efforts are also in the works to continue collaborative efforts with our allied associations including CLTA, The Escrow Institute, AEA and CAR. We are all working so very hard at our jobs and there is much we can share and learn when we come together as the true professionals we are.

Remember that it is you, our CEA members, who are the life of this association and we, your CEA Executive Board, are here to serve you. We want your input and we want to make things happen and work for you. Please let us know how we might serve you better and how we can make this the best association ever. You are the future, and you make a difference.

by Rosanna Medeiros, CEO, CSEO
2011 CEA President