It is hard to believe that my year as your President is coming to an end. And what a great way to end my year, with the wonderful Conference we had in Palm Springs! From the Opening Ceremonies on Friday to the Brunch on Sunday, the 52 nd Annual Education Conference of the California Escrow Association helped Make a Difference for all of the escrow professionals that attended. Conference golfers would also argue that a difference was made on the greens!

The topics covered by our speakers were both timely and informative. I have heard from so many attendees about how valuable the information and education was to each of them. The tools and resources shared by many of the speakers together with the networking and support from our peers helped equip us for the market conditions we are facing. Thank you to the Conference Committee for a successful event.

This has been a year of change, challenge and transition. In these times, it is important that we as escrow professionals not become discouraged or lose sight of the importance of the services we provide to the consumer and to the real estate industry.

The reduction in transactions has resulted in the loss of jobs for many of our friends and peers. I encourage each of you to keep the faith in your abilities, our profession, and this Association. It may be difficult to grasp the realities of the market adjustment, but we know that it will recover and that escrow services will always be necessary. The real estate market ebbs and flows and during these times, as the professionals that provide the core services, we should be prepared to service the types of transactions that present themselves and we must maintain our standards of excellence.

CEA is a strong voice for the escrow professional in California. Whether you are a Business Owner, Executive, Manager, Escrow Officer, Escrow Assistant or the Receptionist, CEA will continue to strive to make a difference for you in the our industry.

The 2007 Officers and Board of Directors have worked very hard for our Association and I thank you for your dedication, accomplishment and unwavering support. Thank you, CEA Headquarters staff and Mike Belote for a job well done and greatly appreciated. Thank you to my employer, Old Republic Title Holding for your confidence and support. Thank you to every company and employer who recognizes the value of leading edge education and networking and who supports and encourages their employees to participate in CEA, and last but not least….

Thanks to each of you, the members of this great Association, for gracing me with the opportunity to Make A Difference. This year as your President has been an experience I will cherish and never forget. I am honored to have represented the California Escrow Association.

Fran Butler

2007 President