CEA - About Us

HALLELUJAH! 2008 is finally over. If there has ever been a trying time, I think we can put 2008 at the top of the list.

I wish I had a crystal ball for the New Year. I would like to take a look to see what 2009 has in store for us. So far it is not starting out good for many, which is why membership is more important now than ever. Being a member of CEA will help you remain current on what is going on in the industry and you can attend the dinner meetings and create that camaraderie with your peers. There are many legislative issues coming up that we need to address and you will want to have a voice. Without membership, our strong voice suffers. I would like to challenge everyone to get just one new member. If we all do that, we will double our membership.

It looks like the Uniform Closing Instructions may actually be a reality this year. Thank you, Dave Shean and others for all the hard work you have put into this project.

We have started a new, three-year Professional Designation cycle. I know that there were many who struggled at the end to get all their credits; I hope you were successful. It is funny that I have heard from several people who really appreciate that we allowed the double credits, but at the same time I have heard from those who resented it. It sure is hard to please everyone! Hopefully those that did struggle and were successful will take that into account and start getting your credits now so that you won’t have to scurry at the end. Your regions have lots of ways to earn those credits with the dinner meetings and educational seminars. You have the AEA Conference and Nor Cal Conference in June, and the CEA Conference in October to get you started.

Please note that your Board of Directors is being very conscientious in our planning. We are being fiscally responsible in these trying times and we are listening to you. We have restructured the Annual Conference in October to two days to make it more convenient and less expensive. Conference will be held in Long Beach, which is a very popular area and truly one of the best places to be, since there are so many attractions and things to do in addition to the conference.

We have reduced the number of board meetings this year from five to four to save our directors’ time and to reduce expenses for both CEA and the regions. I would like to invite any of you to attend a Board meeting this year in Long Beach.

I think you would be amazed at what gets accomplished in one day. Your representatives work very hard on your behalf. The interaction with all the different people is both rewarding and fun. I can honestly say that I have made friendships that will last a lifetime. I know that I can call any of them if I have a question or an issue in their area and they will help me in a heartbeat, and that works both ways. I remember when I first became involved at the CEA board level, I thought that everyone just partied and that it was just a time to get away and have a great time. What I realized was that you had to work hard first, then you could relax with your colleagues afterward.

Wow – can you believe 2008 is here and in full swing? I am really looking forward to leading this organization, although it will be a challenging year for the California Escrow Association, as so many of our colleagues are out of work at this time and businesses are struggling. However, keep your spirits up and try to remember why you wanted to work in this business in the beginning.

We are very lucky to have the careers we have, even in this difficult time. We need to remember that if it was easy, everyone would be doing it! It is so easy to get caught up in every little crisis that comes our way, so much so that we may overlook the most important moments, like the feeling of satisfaction when we’ve closed a very difficult file or helped a buyer with their first ever home purchase.

I want to send kudos to Dave Shean for all his hard work on the Uniform Closing Instructions project. It would be impossible to adequately thank him for all of his time he has spent working on this. Dave represents the type of quality people who are members of CEA. Thank you, Dave!

This year it is more important than ever that you attend your regional meetings to keep in touch with changes in our industry and to keep your saw sharpened – there will be more difficult transactions and you will need to attend educational meetings in order to keep up with the trends. Although some may not be able to continue, there are many who need to join this fantastic organization; some may be reading this now. I encourage you to take charge of your career, to make your own decisions about how you invest your time and to obtain the education needed to move ahead.

I encourage you to continue in our quest to educate every escrow professional in the State. If you are not a member – join today – you won’t be sorry! If you are a member, be a light for others and get someone to join!

I am so proud to be your President and we have a wonderful Executive Board and you ... the members! This is your organization. Feel free to call me or any of the board members at any time with ideas, suggestions and concerns. We are here for you!

Can you believe we are in the second quarter of 2008? I know one thing for sure – the older I get, the faster time passes. This market we are in is challenging beyond anything I have seen before, but I do know that this too shall pass. Those of you who have been in the business for fewer than five years, be encouraged; it will get better. You should think about “sharpening your saw” now before the busy time hits again. Take the time to educate yourself with CEA and become the person you know you can be. Take pride in your chosen profession and educate yourself!

I want to ask each of you to encourage your co-workers to join CEA and become a part of this wonderful organization. If each of our members brought in one additional member, that would be over 2600 members. I know there are escrow professionals out there who want to join us and be able to continue the good fight for escrow people. We need to reach out to them and explain that it is time for us to take our careers in our own hands instead of letting others decide our fate.

I realize this is a very difficult time for all of us. Some of you are not working and going through very trying times. However, I also know there are many others who are working and need to belong to CEA; some don’t even realize it or know the resources, information and services that CEA provides. Beat your own drum – talk to your Realtors®; many are so proud of their designations yet don’t make sure their escrow officer is a member of CEA. Make your customers aware of how important it is for you and others to belong to your professional organization.

Check the CEA Web site for legislation that may change the way you do business. CEA’s Legislative Advocate Mike Belote does a phenomenal job for us watching important legislation that will affect how we do business on a daily basis and working on our behalf to see that our escrow voices are heard. So many proposals are well-intentioned but when analyzed by Mike and practicing escrow professionals like you, we learn the true impact those bills may have on our jobs.

The proposed RESPA regulations are coming – go to www.a-e-a.org to view them; make the time to do this. There are many potential changes that could significantly affect how escrow is conducted and could change the role of the escrow officer/ settlement provider. As a member of CEA, you are also a member of the American Escrow Association. AEA is working with HUD on the RESPA Regulations. Fran Butler, AEA President and CEA’s Immediate Past President, along with Dave Shean, CEA Past President are key members of this effort. Give them your support and offer your comments. When you are asked to contact your legislators and regulators, don’t sit on the sidelines, but instead take action; together we truly do make a difference.

My friends, you are the most intelligent, inspiring and hard-working group of professionals I have ever known. Be a part of CEA. Encourage your friends to join us. We need you. This is your organization. Together We’re Better!

WOW!!! – I have just returned from the American Escrow Association Conference in Washington, D.C. Our California delegation did us proud, putting together a fantastic group of speakers who presented such pertinent, interesting and timely information. Thank you Fran Butler, Carolyn Marcial, Alma Rushing and Shauna Rushing for making California look SO awesome! California was well represented by speakers that included the Honorable John Seymour, U.S. Senator (ret.), Dave Shean, Lexi Howard and Lisa Tyler. It was such a wonderful experience and I thank you for allowing me to represent CEA – it made me even prouder of my profession and the people who work in it.

While in D.C., I met Ivy Jackson from HUD and many of us had a great dialogue with her about the Proposed RESPA Rule. CEA submitted written comments as well. I would like to thank Mike Belote for his input in the response letter; we are so fortunate to have a person of Mike’s caliber as our Legislative Advocate for CEA. Mike anticipates how legislation and regulations may affect the Escrow Professionals’ desk on a daily basis, with input from your Executive Board and YOU!

Let’s talk about legislation. It is imperative that you continue to support CEA with your membership, and to encourage others to join. We need more members in order to be heard in Sacramento and in Washington, D.C. There is much to be done and most of us should be concerned with what the legislators want to put in your court – literally and figuratively. Dave Shean, Lexi Howard and Fran Butler continue to work hard on the Uniform Lender’s Instructions; be sure to keep up to date on the progress! This is going to happen, thanks to the collaborative efforts of many. Thank you all!

Fraud continues to be in the daily news for our industry. Keep yourself educated and know what to look for in your transactions - and which ones to which you should say “NO!” As a member of CEA you have access to seminars, dinner meetings and online education – make use of it!

As an escrow professional, now is the time to take your career in your own hands rather than allowing others to make decisions that affect you on your desk! BE ALL YOU CAN BE (to borrow from the U. S. Army) – become part of CEA and part of something larger than yourself. We need to think of the future – where are we going and how are we going to get there? If you are not a member, become one – and if you are a member, consider becoming more involved in your Regional Association – become part of the solution! CEA has heard you – we know it’s been increasingly difficult for many to pay renewal dues in a lump sum. In response to your request, those with active memberships will be given the opportunity this year to pay your 2009 dues in three installment payments. So when you see those renewal notices coming early this year, remember it’s to allow you the opportunity to spread out your payments. Of course, you can still pay the old-fashioned way, in one payment!

In closing, let me just remind you of how great you are – you are brilliant people, let your light shine – and remember, TOGETHER, WE’RE BETTER!

“Dazzling!” “The best speakers ever!” “I learned so much!” These are just some of the comments I’ve heard after our Annual Conference in Long Beach this October. The combination of national, state and local experts in our field and information reaching beyond into technology, legislation and future trends made this Conference a powerful asset for all who attended. I want to take this opportunity to thank the great people who put this conference together – Donna Grosso, Marilynne McDuffey, Judy Arrington, Martha Castillo, Mark Coniglio, Jenny Blevins, Stephanie Schoen and Mike Belote, and of course, all of the conference committee members and the staff at CEA. Our market made this a challenging conference, but as usual, you all pulled it off! The speakers were of the highest caliber and the vendors were phenomenal. Thank you from all of us at CEA!

I also want to thank my Executive Board, Kathy Lozano – who will be such a fantastic president for 2009, Donna Grosso, Rosanna Mederios, Lexi Howard, Tamara Stoebe, Sara Rogers and Lena Signor. You all are the best – what a wonderful group of people! I am so proud to be named in the same breath as all of them – thanks for a great year. Jenny, Stephanie, Mike, John, Kim, Joseph, Tricia and all of the staff at CEA Headquarters – we could not be the strong association we are without your input and hard work – thanks!

As I write this, our elected officials are arguing as to the best solutions for our credit situation in these United States. We can hope that the best minds in our country can come together as one and help figure this out. I do not know what will happen, but it will have happened by the time you read this.

What I do know is that we are PROFESSIONALS and as such, will continue to serve our clients with utmost integrity and efficiency. You are the cream of the real estate crop – you have risen to the top and will continue to serve your clients expeditiously. Prepare yourselves for the change that continues by educating yourself in different arenas of the real estate market – the profession of escrow changes from the way “we have always done it,” so be open-minded and ready to welcome the new instead of hiding your head in the sand and pretending it won’t happen.

I am so proud to have been your President this past year. I have really enjoyed attending the many regional meetings and loved seeing California! Thank you for this unique opportunity. I am always impressed with you, the members, and howmuch you continue to give to others. You are phenomenal people with so many abilities and an eagerness to share your knowledge with your peers and others in the real estate industry.

I want to continue our outreach to the real estate community and to those in our own industry who need our assistance. We will get through this market – TOGETHER – We have become stronger because of this market – TOGETHER – We will survive and become better people – TOGETHER!

IN THE WORDS OF THE GREAT JIM ROHN, “Resolve says, ‘I Will.’ The man says, ‘I will climb this mountain. They told me it is too high, too far, too steep, too rocky and too difficult. But it’s my mountain. I will climb it. You will soon see me waving from the top or dead on the side from trying.’”

So, climb your mountain and we will see you on the top – because, remember, TOGETHER, WE’RE BETTER!

At our 51st Conference in Ontario, I shared with you my vision and goals for our association as well as my commitment to each of you to “Make A Difference.” I asked each of you to get involved and help make that difference. Many of you have requested a copy of my luncheon speech. Here is an exerpt from my speech:

Yesterday I was asked … Fran what is your platform … what are your goals as President?

My answer … It has been the same since I came to Southern California in 1982, since I first got involved with the Los Angeles Escrow Association, since I agreed to join in with this wonderful State association (CEA), since I made my commitment to serve on this Board … My Platform and Goal is still “To Make a Difference.” As my husband says … That’s it. That’s all!

When Past President Carolyn Marcial indicated the theme for her year was “Paint With the Colors You Are Given,” at installation she said my color was voice. And I love my color.

I want to be a voice for the Escrow Industry. I want to be a voice for the Escrow Officers and Assistants that will be heard, from the desk to the ears of the Legislators.

I want to be a voice that will be representative of this membership, a body of professionals that provide a service that is not just necessary but respected. I want to be a voice for an industry that is recognized for their ethics, professionalism, education, and consumer protection.

As your 2007 President and your peer, I commit to you to do all I can to be a positive voice. To be upright and honest in my dealings and conversation, to encourage and support my board and each of you as members of CEA, to carry out the goals and vision for this association, to represent you the members of CEA with strength, dignity and grace.

We are facing changing times in our industry, and our practices. Uniformity and standardization are being discussed and will be inevitable in many areas of our process. We as an association have participated in and are part of a process for change in the area of Uniform Closing Instructions. For once we have been asked to participate in the process and we are so excited and appreciate the opportunity presented. I thank all of you that gave your comments and ask that we as an Association continue to work together with our Committee Leaders to make the loan closing process more efficient. Your continued participation is needed.

Another change is the way we do business. As we must change our process at the desk level in many ways, we also must make changes as an Association. Many regions are growing and expanding and we are excited about our growth as an Association. Other regions are experiencing challenges and we as an Association want to do all we can to assist you. In 2000/2001 we began looking at ways CEA could better serve our membership in our structure and grow our association.

Change can sometimes be unsettling, but with information, education and togetherness, the changes that we as an Industry are facing as well as those the Association are making can and will make us stronger.

Being an Escrow Officer has offered me a career that I could never have imagined, the demands are great but the rewards are even greater.

If you are new I encourage you to join us. Join in and be a part of a team of professionals that are proud of the service we provide and serious about the industry we belong to.

If you are a member, I ask that you help me “Make A Difference.” You say, How can I help? … I’m glad you asked.

The Power of One is…. that it only takes one to Make A Difference and totally change the course of things. Let that one be you.

CEA continues to Make A Difference by successfully and effectively representing the Escrow practitioner in Sacramento to the Legislature and governmental agencies; by keeping a watchful eye on proposed regulations and bills and their potential impact on our industry; by keeping our members informed of industry changes and challenges; by educating our membership through on line classes and statewide workshops and seminars; and by setting a standard of excellence in our Professional Designation certifications.

Because of the watchful eye of CEA on pending Legislative/Regulatory matters, we as Escrow Practitioners can rest comfortably knowing we have an Advocate fighting on our behalf. Likewise, the charity I have selected for 2007, Operation Gratitude, is an organization that supports people that provide those very same comforts to all Americans.

Operation Gratitude is a non-profit, all volunteer corporation, that is Making A Difference by providing care packages to thousands of men and women in the armed forces. Their mission states they “seek to lift the troops’ morale and bring a smile to their faces by sending care packages to service members overseas. Operation Gratitude care packages contain food, toiletries, entertainment items and personal letters of appreciation, all wrapped with good wishes of love and support.” Regardless of your position on the war, these brave men and women are keeping a watchful eye and fighting so you and I can rest comfortably and live the American Dream. Your support will not be an endorsement of any political position, but will be a strong support of those fighting for us, far away from home.

I am asking the CEA membership to join me in supporting Operation Gratitude with your contribution of money, letters, goods and time. There are two volunteer drives a year where we can help package the boxes, the Patriotic drive in June and Holiday drive in December. More information will be provided to you on how we can help. Please visit www.opgratitude.com to find out more about the organization.

Well … whether it is the market slowdown, or the proposed DOI regulation and the potential impact on our industry; we are faced with change and challenges in 2007.

The California Escrow Association will continue Making A Difference in 2007 ... I hope you will too.

Happy Spring, everyone! Depending where you are, Spring came in like a lamb or lion. Or maybe the whole first quarter of this year has been a lion.

The market has slowed down but, for many of us, the demands of running our desk and closing transactions have not. For those that have experienced a reduction in your workload, now is a good time to look at reviewing your workflow systems and your sources of business.

Other things that can be focused on are: How can I prepare myself for the adversities I am facing? Where can I go to hear more about the changing market and the client base we serve? How can I educate myself?

Your answers? CEA. As a member of CEA, you are afforded opportunities to share and receive information from other escrow practitioners affected by the same market conditions. You’re able to hear speakers discuss pertinent and current topics of relevance to our industry and our livelihoods. You’re able to keep abreast of the legislative and regulatory matters being discussed and potentially impacting the way we do business. And most important, as a member you have a voice in “Making a Difference” in that legislative process.

Most of us wouldn’t dream of not having representation at a court hearing or not having insurance against earthquakes. Can you imagine what it would be like if CEA, represented by our own Mike Belote, had not given testimony several years ago before the Senate Insurance Committee against the Radian product (SB 344) wherein the CEA message was very simple, “On a policy level, escrow practioners spend much of their days helping clear title to real estate, which often involves paying off liens and judgments, including delinquent child support. If this ‘curative’ work is not done, the entire system will suffer”.

What about all of the changes in the California withholding where CEA’s involvement has made a difference? Remember, at one point the proposed bill AB 1338 had language that made escrow officers jointly and severally liable with buyers for failing to withhold. This, of course, was opposed by CEA and ultimately removed.

And in our most recent issue, CEA has continued to present necessary and valuable arguments against the proposed rate reductions by the Department of Insurance and the falsehood that the industry is not competitive. As we all know, the proposed rate reduction will impact all segments of the escrow industry. To quote Mike Belote, “CEA will be prepared to defend the value and integrity of the escrow function, whether performed in the context of title companies, independent escrow companies, broker escrow, or others.”

It is these types of benefits that we can neither take for granted nor do without.

CEA is the members. CEA is for the members. Members are the lifeline of the Association. I ask each of you to remember all of the benefits of membership in CEA and share those benefits with others. We cannot afford to let our strength in numbers wane.

I know with the downturn in the market, many companies have experienced layoffs or cutbacks. The membership dues may have been paid by your employer, but your membership is a benefit to both you and your employer. It is imperative that your employer know how valuable your membership is in CEA. It is important they know that by you being informed and involved, it strengthens their position in the market with their clients. It is likewise as important and vital for YOU to realize, that whether your employer pays for your dues or not, it is a most valuable investment for you.

I ask you to consider the cost of $0.58 per day or less in the big scope of our profession, our livelihoods and our families. That is the cost of membership in CEA. Is that too high a price to pay for such a worthy investment? The value is so much greater.
Remember our agreement:

If you are a member, I ask that you help me “Make a Difference”.
• Make A Difference by educating your clients about the services we provide and the value of that service;
• Make a Difference by educating yourself through our online education classes or Regional meetings and workshops;
• Make a Difference by being informed about the issues and practices impacting our industry;
• Make a Difference by being involved, being a part of the process, part of the solution, part of the change; and finally,
• Make a Difference by supporting the goals of CEA, by being an Ambassador for the Association and telling others about the benefits of being a member of the California Escrow Association.

If you are not a member, I encourage you to join us. Join in and be a part of a team of professionals that are proud of the service we provide and serious about the industry we belong to.

Invest in CEA. Invest in your future. We need you and the Escrow practioners that you know to join in to “Make the Difference” in our industry. It is so important.

Yes, it is time again to start a new year. I hope everyone had a wonderful Holiday Season. In some ways it seems like my year started at our conference. My Installation Ball was fantastic and all of the support received from everyone made it very memorable. I want to thank Fran Butler, 2006 President Elect, her super committee and our wonderful headquarters for putting together such a great conference. But don’t worry, this year’s committee led by Deb Perry, 2006 Vice President, is already putting plans together for another outstanding conference in Ontario so save the dates Oct. 19 through the 22nd and plan to attend!

am very excited to tell you that by the time you read this newsletter, our first on-line class will be live and available through the CEA website. As an escrow professional you can now expand your knowledge online, and as a professional designation holder, you can now earn professional designation credits for the classes you successfully complete online. Look for the news flash announcing that everything is ready to go!

Another exciting item that we should have wrapped-up in early 2006 is the retention of a professional publisher to oversee the publication of our escrow education books. The first book we plan to professionally publish is our Escrow I manual and later this year Escrow II as well. This will add a polish to our education books.

The American Escrow Association is also working very hard on the National level to get the lending industry to understand many of our concerns regarding the documents submitted for the borrower’s signature and the duties and obligations transferred by the lender documents to the settlement agent. Our very own Dave Shean, 1988 CEA Past President, has been asked to join their committee and participated in a Symposium in Florida in January 2006.

We have so many benefits for our members to take advantage of. Here are just a few:

• Michael Belote, our Legislative Advocate, will be reviewing bills that can may affect us
and speaking out at the State Legislature to protect us from the additional responsibilities
that these new bills could give the escrow profession.

• Our Web site, have you used it lately? We have over 1,000 hits monthly. Kim Dawson,
1999 CEA Past President, is the person responsible for turning this into the wonderful tool it is. You can find sample escrow clauses, your own professional designation information, you can zip to the Franchise Tax Board documents section, review past CEA News publications, education opportunities that are offered throughout the state, a link to State & Federal Government Dept. or grocery shopping on line. Our web site offers many things to help with your professional and personal lives. Remember to
visit www.ceaescrow.org.

• Professional Designation Program, which is the only designation program available in California for the escrow professional. Over the years I have used my designations to impress my clients, future clients and employers, it has never failed to impress.

• Education, we produce some wonderful educational materials, which includes our CEA News and Escrow Educational books.

Because of all the opportunities for education that the California Escrow Association offers I have selected as my theme for 2006: “Opening Doors to Opportunities”. All you need to do is look into some of the above programs that we offer and you can walk through those doors to opportunities for yourselves. You might even look around you and ask a non-member to join you.

I would like to ask everyone to help support my charity “The City of Hope”. It is heart breaking when anyone gets cancer. I lost my father to cancer two years ago and the only way I can see to put a stop to the terrible disease is to support an organization like the
City of Hope, who is on the front lines fighting it.

I am very honored to serve as your president this year. I have a wonderful team of Board of Directors, CEA Directors, Past Presidents and our CEA Headquarters, who will be putting in very long hours to continue to provide you with the programs we offer. Please be sure to thank them for all of their hard work.

Sincerely,

Irene L. Genders, CEO, CSEO, CEO
2006 President

by Irene Genders, CEO, CSEO, CEI

You could describe the beginning of this year by saying, “We hit the ground running!” but I’m afraid that would be an understatement when describing our first quarter. It started with California Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi’s “study” in which he went after the California Escrow and Title industries. Mike Belote and Lexi Howard did a great job representing us in our responses to Commissioner Garamendi. You will be glad to hear that, to date, we have not seen any new bills in connection with the “study” his out-of-state consultant completed.

I just returned from the American Escrow Association (AEA) directors meeting in Washington, D.C. We talked with representatives from the American Land Title Association (ALTA), Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) and the National Association of Realtors (NAR). AEA is making some great contacts. This was my first trip to the D.C. area, so I took some vacation days to see the sights and had a wonderful, memorable experience there. I would recommend this trip to all.

CEA has some very exciting news regarding education related projects that are coming to fruition. We have hired a publisher for our Escrow books. Our new Escrow I book is in production right now and is scheduled for distribution in a few months, with the new Escrow II book to follow later this year.Our online education project is up and running. Escrow education and professional designation credits are now just a click away! Our online courses were part of a live Internet newscast on DNN.TV, Real Estate News Network. You can access online learning through the CEA website at www.ceaescrow.org.We are now offering the six-hour notary class to our members and associates. Anyone, not just members, can go to the CEA Web site for class registration through our affiliated provider, Duane Gomer, Inc. CEA members receive a discount towards the class fees. More great news: you can now obtain three professional designation credits when you submit a copy of your new notary commission!

So many things are happening now and it is largely in part to the work our past and current state directors have completed. Thank you for all of your hard work!

I would also like to thank the regions and all our members for their support of my charity “City of Hope.” The work this wonderful organization does will hopefully decrease the suffering many have had to go through. Many thanks to the Desert Escrow Association who made the first 2006 donation!

Conference, conference, conference! Make plans now to attend our 2006 “Mardi Gras” Conference in Ontario, CA, which will be held Oct. 19th through Oct. 22nd. The Conference Committee is planning some great classes for all, and of course, it should be a lot of fun. So mark your calendars for those dates.

Thank you to my Board, Directors and Headquarters for all of your hard work and support. Thank you members, for the many and varied ways you are involved in our association. You are wonderful!

Sincerely,

Irene L. Genders, CEO, CSEO, CEO
2006 President

by Irene Genders, CEO, CSEO, CEI

I am always amazed with how fast time flies. This year is no different; we are more than halfway through 2006 and I’m afraid the second half of the year will speed by even faster than the first.

All the plans are coming together for a wonderful 2006 Educational Conference in Ontario, CA. Save the dates October 19 through 22 this fall, and be ready for the Mardi Gras-themed event. Registration forms are on the CEA Web site at www.ceaescrow.org and in this newsletter. Check it out and you will see the great classes we have to offer for all levels of professionals in the escrow field. Send in your registration in time to receive the early bird discount for registration postmarked before 9/1/06. You’ll want to make your hotel reservations as soon as possible as well. I’m really looking forward to the Casino Night Party to be held on the Saturday evening of conference … gambling is such fun when it’s not really your money!

The Annual Conference of the American Escrow Association was held in Sparks, NV in June. I was very proud to carry our California flag in the opening ceremonies. CONGRATULATIONS to our own Fran Butler who attained the office of President-Elect. It was a great conference and I want to thank our California group for jumping in and helping out wherever needed. Fran Butler, Phyllis Yanagihara, Carolyn Marcial and Alma Rushing put in a lot of work to make the conference a success.

Some of the hot topics at the AEA Conference were:

• e-(Electronic) Signing, e-Mortgages and e-Recordings will become commonplace for us within the next 5 years.

• MBA is hoping to have the Uniform Closing Instructions completed this year. Dave Shean and Fran Butler are working very hard with MBA to make this a reality.

• Look out for fraud! It was said that 10% of loan applications submitted will have some fraud committed in them. Losses have doubled since last year. The lenders need our eyes and ears. Please seek your management’s advice if you suspect fraud. We were told that escrow personnel could get into trouble for lack of action. It gets scarier all the time for the escrow professional!

I wish you a marvelous summer and some great vacations. I look forward to seeing you at Conference!

Sincerely,

Irene L. Genders, CSEO, CEO & CEI
2006 President

by Irene Genders, CEO, CSEO, CEI

What a year we have had. It amazes me that this will be my last President’s Message to you and I would like to Thank You and let you know how Proud and Honored I feel to have served as your President this year. A Big Thank You to Mike Belote, Jenny Blevins, Headquarters, all of my Board and the CEA Directors, for all of your hard work and support which has made this an outstanding year. You are all very much appreciated!

Mike Belote has led us on a tireless fight with John Garamendi, the Insurance Commissioner’s, “proposed DOI Regulations.” I have received

compliments from CLTA on the great job CEA is doing and acknowledgements that they feel CEA is the leader in this fight. Please, everyone spread the word to your friends and family about what is happening on this issue.

I ask you to let your co-workers know how important it is for them to continue or become members in CEA. We are well respected at the State Capital, and when fighting these important issues, our voice becomes much stronger the larger our membership is.

Speaking of membership, congratulations on exceeding our 2006 membership goal! We now have 2852 members and the Membership Committee set the goal at 2850. Good job everyone. Thank you members for your continued support of CEA.

Wishing you all a Wonderful Holiday Season!

Thank You, Your Friend

Irene L. Genders, CSEO, CEO & CEI
2006 President

by Jill Mushaney, CEO, CSEO

Wow, time flies. Here we are already in the first quarter of 2005. I wish all of you and your families a wonderful 2005 and trust your holidays were outstanding.

I would like to take a moment to express the loss of a true CEA icon, with the passing of Chuck Conner in December. Chuck has been a dynamic influence at CEA for many years, all the way back to the mid-60’s as President. Chuck was a true educator.

His mantra was to educate the CEA Boards and escrow practitioners throughout the state. Chuck will be greatly missed. My first introduction to Chuck was during his 1988 New Presidents/Directors training session, one Sunday. I learned so much, he was such a great help to an incoming CEA director, including giving me information I could use everyday on my desk. As we later found out, we had a similar hobby of motorcycle riding and enjoyed sharing road trip stories.

This is our 50th ANNIVERSARY. Watch for exciting information for our 50th anniversary celebration. We have exciting plans for this upcoming year. Not the least of which are:

#1 CEA is aggressively marketing our new State Membership category. This new category will benefit the escrow practitioners in the outlying areas, who are unable to benefit from regional membership. As a State Member you will have access to all the benefits of CEA and AEA; including but not limited to, receipt of the outstanding CEA News publication, timely Newsflashes, access to the members only section of the www.ceaescrow.org website, discounts to the CEA sponsored educational opportunities and CEA Annual Education Conference, and benefits provided at the national level with the American Escrow Association.

#2 CEA is in the “Research and Development” stages of creating “on-line” educational opportunities, which will include professional designation credits for those successfully completing the class.

#3 We are in the “Research and Development” stages of complying our educational materials into a professionally written and published book, in lieu of our current offerings of outstanding educational material; however, this material has been written by numerous escrow professionals, each with different writing styles.

My personal slogan for 2005 is “Each One, Teach One.” I challenge each and every seasoned escrow officer, to share a least one piece of knowledge with his/her assistant or junior escrow officer every week. The benefits from this program are numerous:

The greater your assistant knows, the greater assistant he/she can be to you, making your job easier and making you more valuable to your customers.

As you teach assistants, you are growing the next generation of escrow professionals.

You have information locked away that is not currently being used through the course of typical escrows, but our business is cyclic and those assumptions and All Inclusive Deeds of Trust will come back again. Prepare the next generation.

The Executive Board and Board of Directors look forward to an amazing 2005 year.

Be prepared for a fantastic time.

Jill Mushaney

by Jill Mushaney, CEO, CSEO

The Executive Board and the Board of Directors for CEA have hit the ground running this year. We have already adopted a new logo, as seen in the 1st quarter issue, we have created a Vision Statement, and abandoned the Reality and Mission Statements. The vision statement gives a more concise description of the California Escrow Association (see page 2 of the CEA News).

It is often said, “Give a busy person a job, and it gets done.” A truer statement has never been said about the Board of Directors. Everyone is

working very hard to create a rewarding, valuable, educational experience as a member of the California Escrow Association.

The public relations firm, The Echo Media Group, has been very busy also, creating three new articles for publication, securing placement of CEA articles in 27 different publications throughout the state in just the month of February, and scheduled 3 radio show interviews, to date.

I have just returned from Washington DC and the American Escrow Association meeting, where we met with the National Property Records Industry (the recorder’s association), the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the National Mortgage Brokers Association, had a “photo op” with Senator Barbara Boxer and visited the AEA headquarters. Through years of hard work, AEA is beginning to realize the fruits of their efforts with invitations from the national affiliates and name recognition. Most of my time was spent in meetings, but I was able to see a bit of Washington DC and it is awesome. The buildings and memorials are inspirational. A great city for a great country.

As one of my major goals for 2005, we are continuing to work on the development of online education. I will keep you informed as our efforts continue and we make this goal a reality.

Enjoy the spring!
Share the Knowledge!! Each One, Teach One!!!
Begin planning for the 50th Anniversary Conference: “Golden Opportunities in CEA” September 22-25!

Jill Mushaney, CEO, CSEO
2005 President

by Jill Mushaney, CEO, CSEO

Happy Summer Everyone!

Get out the sunscreen and enjoy the wonderful California weather.

It is hard to believe that we are already mid-way through 2005. This year has gone so fast, a week does not go by without a wonderful CEA event. I have enjoyed meeting escrow practitioners throughout the State.

Regardless where you are in California, or even Nationally, I found wonder-

ful escrow friends. I have truly enjoyed the visits I have made to numerous Regions throughout the State, meeting and visiting CEA members. I still have many visits scheduled, see you soon.

I have recently returned from the American Escrow Association Annual Conference and like CEA this year, they too are celebrating a milestone anniversary-25 years. It was a wonderful conference in Omaha, Nebraska and our own Fran Butler was elected 1st Vice President and Phyllis Yanagihara was elected as Secretary. Congratulations to our California ladies and good luck as you climb the positions to the AEA Presidency.

Have you sent your 2005 Conference Registration in yet? Have you made your hotel reservations yet? Get those forms completed and sent it. We are expecting a huge turnout this year and some of our exceptional sessions may have space restrictions. Get your registration in soon. The Saturday lunch is scripted for the members to participate and enjoy, this will be very exciting. Check out the golf tournament, the course this year is a golfer’s dream. Have you considered attending the “Governors Ball” on Saturday evening? This is going to be a very elegant and memorable event, befitting the California Escrow Association and 50 years of golden opportunities. An enormous thank you to our many sponsors. Our 50th Anniversary Conference is going to be spectacular; our sponsors and exhibitors are a dynamic part.

Thank you to all my CEA friends and family for your support and friendship this year. It has been a remarkable year, and the best part is yet to come.

Conference, Conference, Conference! See you there.

Jill Mushaney

by Jill Mushaney, CEO, CSEO

Happy Holidays to everyone and your families. This year has gone so fast, it is hard to believe it is nearly 2006.

It has been a very exciting, busy and rewarding year. Your Board of Directors and Executive Board have worked very hard this year and achieved the majority of the goals set forth at the Planning Meeting in November 2004. Thank you for all of your very hard work and support this year.

We have had a very successful 50th anniversary educational conference. It was a wonderful, impressive presentation. We began with an outstanding golf tournament at a “golfer’s dream” course. Opening Ceremonies has now become one of the sessions you can not miss with AnnaMarie Ibraham energizing the opening of this conference. Regardless of your experience level—the educational workshops were a benefit to everyone in attendance. The Academy Awards lunch, with our great video, was a stellar production. The Governors Ball was a marvelously elegant affair, Hollywood style. Thank you: Fran Butler, Vice-President/Conference Chair, Conference Committee members and Headquarters staff; all of whom made this conference worthy of our golden anniversary. A special thank you to all of our sponsors, your generosity and support of the escrow industry is truly appreciated and contributed to making the 2005 Conference a truly “Golden Opportunity”.

This year has been busy - - - I was amazed when I totaled my driving mileage this year, at over 5000 miles, I enjoyed every mile. It has been a great pleasure visiting Associations throughout the State and meeting like-minded escrow professionals. Our members are very generous and wonderful people.

I would like to extend a heartfelt “Thank You” to Jennifer Belvins, Mike Belote and all the staff at Headquarters. Your hard work continues to make CEA a successful organization and a driving force in the escrow industry. Your support has been “the hand on my shoulder” this year, when ever I needed it . . . Thank you.

As I started this year, I will end---encouraging “Each One, Teach One”. Surprising, it only takes a few minutes, every week, and before long, you will have educated another successful escrow professional and launched another career in “Escrowland.”

Thank you for allowing me to serve as your President in 2005, it has been an experience I will treasure for the rest of my life.

Jill Mushaney

by Margarita F Billings CEO

Welcome to all of you who feel that without leaps of imagination, or dreaming, we lose the excitement of possibilities. Dreaming after all is a form of planning.

I am extremely proud to represent and guide the California Escrow Association during 2004; it will be a year of small positive changes that will reward us with confidence in our future.

Membership is the number one topic of my agenda and with the help of the Directors and members, I am confident that we can increase our numbers with the implementation of The Business Plan/Reorganization. There is no doubt in my mind that I will have the privilege to work with exceptional people who are driving to implement good procedures for our escrow world and for the benefit of the escrow industry.

I am looking forward to meeting and getting to know each and everyone of you and Thank You for the support you have given the Association thus far and for including it in your future. See you all soon.

Sincerely,

Margarita F Billings, CEO

2004 CEA President

by Margarita F Billings CEO

A BIG “THANK YOU” to all of you for the wonderfully positive response I am getting to the Business Reorganization Plan and the Membership Drive. The number of members we have as of now for this year is AWESOME and we will hit the goal of 4000 members by year-end.

I have attended 3 meetings that involved the recruitment of a public relations company for the Association and, while all 3 companies were excellent in their presentations and desire to help us grow, I believe the “Echo Media Group” will best serve us.

Echo Media Group’s contract began on May 1st and we have already seen lots of action.

The reason I am so excited about this company is that they promise the Association a powerful program that will include enhancing a desirable image and giving the Association credibility that is not just 15 minutes of fame. Echo Media Group’s methodology puts the Association on the map, attracts a strong member base and emphasizes the Association’s greatest asset—its reputation. Also this company is media-driven and, by the use of media programs, they will greatly increase the public’s awareness of the Association.

As the CEA turns the corner of its 50th Anniversary, we will be able to utilize the public relations company and be rewarded with membership expansion and a consumer awareness campaign.

Additional major news during this first quarter of 2004 is RESPA Final Rule (RIN 2502-AH85) and the letter written by Alphonso Jackson, Acting Secretary of U.S.Department of Housing and Urban Development to Dr. John Graham, Administrator for the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs Office of Management and Budget, whereby Mr. Jackson believes “that it would be prudent for HUD to reexamine the RESPA rule before it is made final”; this is a great accomplishment. This could not have been accomplished without everyone participation.

The support you have given me thus far is the fuel that keeps me going and dreaming about an Association that is respected beyond the State.

It is a pleasure to represent you and I continue to look forward to the growth of our membership.

Sincerely,

Margarita F Billings, CEO

2004 CEA President

by Margarita F Billings CEO

We are entering the 3rd quarter of 2004 and the time is flying fast. The Refinance boom may be over, but issues with the lenders’ requirements are not going away.

The amendment to the Franchise Tax Board Bill (AB1338) is progressing. The California Attorney General’s opinion in regards to the recordation of aMemorandum of Lease has eliminated our concerns when dealing with commercial transactions. The Domestic

Partnership Act will take effect the beginning of the year.

CEA has been kept busy during this last quarter with Assembly Bill 2474 which “Mandated” reporting of elder Abuse, the Senate Bill that is proposing Split Tax Rolls and the idea of the Franchise Tax Board to have the Escrow Holder do 1099s on brokers’ commissions.

The American Escrow Association Conference was well attended and Fran Butler was elected 2nd Vice President.Echo Media group is at work getting recognition for CEA Members and gathering information to implement a campaign to attract new members.Membership keeps growing; we have more members today than at the end of last year; please keep working to bring more new members before the year is over.We need to convey to all Escrow Practitioners that Escrow Departments will need to accept the fact that all intellectual information is now available electronically and that the information is vital for the processing of escrow; the information that can be accessed is likely to be almost limitless. CEA is creating a list of the many possible sources of electronic data and incorporating it into our Web site.

The evolution of technology is constant
and each new development requires education as well as a place to which we can go to obtain that information. As you know, when dealing with computers, we need to have knowledge and what better place than CEA when it comes to escrow. CEA is creating, enforcing and maintaining a network system for its members through the Web site; being a member of CEA has a value to the Escrow Practitioner that is more than intangible.

We need to maintain a strong association that keeps us all educated, in compliance and competitive; we need to continue to grow and provide good Customer Service; CEA can help us accomplish that through education. Let us not waste any time in helping the association grow.My year thus far has been a joy, keep up the good job.Sincerely, Margarita F Billings, CEO

2004 CEA President

by Carolyn Marcial, CSEO/CEI

I want to share with you, at the end of the first quarter of 2003, an updateon the “State of the Association.” During this time of extreme pressures in our industry, I sincerely appreciate your continued support of our association with your efforts and enthusiasm.

I enjoyed meeting with several local Associations and found each group striving for excellence in the pursuit of escrow education and professionalism. I hope to be able to travel the state and communicate to each region that the struggles we face are universal in the industry, and by membership in our organization, we can minimize the difficulties and work together to accomplish solutions that work for our allied industries and us.

We have a challenge this year with our legislators looking for a solution to the Cal-Firpta Regulations. There is a proposed revision (AB 1338 [Chavez]) that, if passed, provides that the real estate escrow person and the transferee would be jointly and severally liable for the withholding required by state law. Our chance to fight back with a “Grass Roots” effort to defeat those who wish to make us responsible for penalties associated with filings will be enhanced by an increased membership. The “Each-One Reach-One” slogan for this year could not be more critical.

As I have previously mentioned, our Charity for this year is “Feed the Children” and I am very thankful for everyone’s generosity. Please let me thank you all for digging into your hearts and pockets to support this cause. As a reminder, friends and family of CEA members are also invited to contribute on behalf of CEA. I am encouraged that we will be able to reach our goal of $5,400.00, which allows CEA to sponsor a truckload of food for hungry children in California and be involved in its distribution. I am sure it will be a very gratifying experience for us.

Our conference in San Jose promises to offer something current and useful for everyone. From senior officers, management and entry level personnel. Our Saturday evening event will give you a chance to relax and network with escrow professionals from all corners of our great state.Please access the website and provide your input as to any useful additions that the association may need to consider. The future of the association belongs to you. You can make a difference.Paint with the colors you are given - our lives are permeated with the colors of “RED, WHITE and BLUE” at this time. To all of those who have family members and friends in the military, our support, thoughts and prayers are with you.

Carolyn Marcial

by Carolyn Marcial, CSEO/CEI
If You Offer It, They Will Come

Yes, I have re-constructed a quote that is familiar to all of us. This year I have personally witnessed the incredible dedication and creativity of the regions of the California Escrow Association. We are seeing attendance at seminars in larger numbers than in the past. The people working in this industry are seeking the education necessary to perform at a very professional level. The California Escrow Association is driven by the education benefits we offer and this year is an example of how necessary the association has become to each and every one of the settlement service providers in this great state. Escrow practitioners regulated by the Department of Corporations, Department of Insurance, Department of Real Estate and Lending Institutions have attended the classes offered.

The regions have done an excellent job preparing the membership for the CEA Annual Education Conference to be held this October at the beautiful Fairmont Hotel in San Jose from October 2, 2003 (if you are a golfer) through October 5, 2003, at which time you will carry home with you valuable educational tools.

Legislatively speaking, we have been successful on two fronts so far, and we are mindful of the fact that our grassroots efforts will be necessary in the future. Radian Guaranty’s efforts to offer mortgage lien protection in lieu of a title policy, and the title industry’s response is a current topic and will be ongoing. Please be sure you keep informed by visiting our website and reading the legislative update in this Newsletter. Recently, Mike Belote, our legislative advocate, has informed us that our input on the California Firpta legislation has been positively received and he will keep working on this issue in order to assure Escrow Officers that we will not become burdened with liability in connection with this withholding requirement.

At the national level, the American Escrow Association presented their many accomplishments over the past year to the lucky group of delegates attending the annual business meeting and educational conference in Alaska. We were addressed by a member of the HUD administration and our issues with the Guaranteed Mortgage Pricing were presented. The revisions of RESPA regulations are coming and you need to be well informed so that you can act accordingly. Membership in this association will be very valuable to you in this regard.

Please share with the escrow practitioners you come in contact with, the benefits of membership. Please remember our membership motto, “Each One - Reach One.”

I look forward to seeing you at conference. You will experience the “Masterpiece” that is your California Escrow Association.

Sincerely,

Carolyn Marcial, CSEO/CEI

President 2003

by Carolyn Marcial, CSEO/CEI

As this year comes to a close, I wish to express my sincere gratitude to this association of escrow professionals and the allied industries that support our efforts. In the true spirit of “teamwork,” we have moved through this year and ended with spectacular results. We are moving into the New Year with renewed enthusiasm to create enhancements to this association that provides educational value to our members.Your executive board began last year in Palm Springs, with a painter’s canvas that contained a sketched picture, created by an artist representing my dream for the upcoming year. Your board was asked to work together as a team and complete the water color painting, each with their own skills. If you are ever in Glendale, I ask that you stop by my office and look at the masterpiece which was created. The painting is a representation to me of the awesome job performed by each and every one of your executive board members and state directors this year.

The myriad of accomplishments include: fiscal responsibility, increased membership, creation of a business plan that will incorporate the needs of the members, grassroots efforts in legislative matters, community service through our donations to Feed the Children, new marketing items to increase public awareness, involvement through AEA in the national arena, website enhancements, educational excellence at our annual conference, revisions of the Professional Designation Tests and the informative CEA News delivered on a timely basis.

In summary, it has been a very rewarding year for the CEA membership at large. Please continue the spirit and drive into the New Year. Let us all dedicate our efforts to the new CEA Executive Board and State Directors for the year 2004.

Sincerely,

Carolyn Marcial, CSEO/CEI

President 2003