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