Texas Title Industry Connects With Congressional Delegation During ALTA’s Advocacy Summit in D.C.
TLTA members and staff traveled to Washington, D.C. to participate in ALTA’s Advocacy Summit May 8-10, attending 13 meetings with members of the Texas congressional delegation and their staffs.
The following Texas title professionals participated as part of TLTA’s delegation: ALTA President Jack Rattikin III, TLTA President Paul R. Rodriguez, Brian Pitman, Celia Flowers, Mary Thomas, Tara Smith, Jennifer Tierney, Mark Till, Brooks Yeager, Troy Greenamyre, Leslie Midgley, TLTA Federal Counsel Jim Hyland. We are grateful for this outstanding team of industry advocates.
TLTA’s delegation met with members and staff from the following congressional offices: U.S. Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz. U.S. Reps. Jodey Arrington, Beth Van Duyne, Nathaniel Moran, Lance Gooden, Henry Cuellar, Jake Ellzey, Roger Williams, Kay Granger, Vincente Gonzalez, Monica De La Cruz, and Al Green..
All of the meetings TLTA’s delegation participated in during the advocacy summit were productive, and we heard positive feedback from federal lawmakers on our industry’s strong concerns related to Fannie and Freddie’s proposed pilot program to waive title insurance.
It was a beautiful crisp Saturday morning and the #VLTCRunningTeam was ready to participate in the 2nd Annual Home is Where the Heart Is 5k Run/Walk on Saturday, Feb. 11th hosted by McAllen Housing Authority and Affordable Homes of South Texas. The monies raised will continue educational opportunities, job training programs, scholarships for housing residents pursuing a higher education and career advancement.
Our Weslaco Team (Joann Hernandez, Zulema Ochoa & Janie Ramirez) attended the Weslaco Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Award Ceremony. On behalf of Valley Land Title Co. we’d like to congratulate all the award recipients; including Man & Woman of the Year, Mr. Leroy Moreno & Ms. Yvonne “Bonnie” Gonzalez. Mr. Ezequiel Reyna, Unsung Hero; Ramon Resendez, Rising Star; Ruben Cardenas, Lifetime Achievement Award and Nana’s Taqueria, Business of the Year.
Valley Land Title Co. had the privilege to sponsor the Women’s Council of REALTORS kickoff event “Get the Tea” about TREPAC with special guest speaker Jonathan Lindley, ReMax Platinum and TREPAC/RPAC Hall of Fame recipient. Mr. Lindley talked about the mission of TREPAC, which is to raise and disburse funds to promote home ownership, protect real property rights and increase political awareness, and how investing helps protect property owner’s rights and the real estate industry. He also stated that through years of building, TREPAC has grown into the largest and most successful trade association PAC in Texas, amplifying the REALTOR® voice across the state.
It is Rodriguez’s work and volunteerism that have earned him the title of Man of the Year, in what’s become a tradition in the McAllen community since 1995.
McAllen Chamber President and Chief Executive Officer Josh Mejia said annually a selection committee, comprised of a variety of stakeholders from the public and private sector select the Man and Woman of the Year.
To be considered for the honor, the recipient must have been nominated by someone in his/her community.
“To be considered by the selection committee, you have to embody the character, experience and background of an individual unconditionally committed to the betterment of the city of McAllen,” said Mejia. “We are proud to announce Mr. Paul Rodriguez, alongside Sony Rego, as the newest members of this exclusive list of extraordinary people who keep McAllen, Texas at the center of all they do.”
As a trustee of STC, Rodriguez serves as a member of the Education and Workforce Development Committee and the Finance, Audit and Human Resources Committee.
In addition to his position on the board, he is also Chairman of Municipal Utility District No. 1 and board member of Affordable Homes of South Texas.
In addition, Rodriguez’s community service expands into various roles dedicated to the Mission Economic Development Authority, Mission Regional Medical Center, Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, Sharyland Independent School District, Juan Diego Regional Catholic High School and Valley Alliance of Mentors for Opportunities and Scholarships.
“It is a privilege serving my community and an honor to be recognized for it,” said Rodriguez. “My goal is to always serve STC, a catalyst for economic development in the Valley and for creating a college-going culture in our region; the constituents who have entrusted me with this responsibility and the community in which I live. All of this is surreal, and I thank my family, friends and supporters.”
STC President Ricardo J. Solis said it makes him proud having someone of integrity and dedication like Rodriguez on the STC Board of Trustees serving the college and its students.
“We are so proud of him, his service and all he has accomplished,” said Solis. “He is so deserving of this honor…he has been our ‘Man of the Year’ every year since 2012 and we’re glad that the city of McAllen sees that as well. Congratulations to him from everyone at STC.”
