American Land Title Association President Visits North Dakota

Below are comments from American Land Title Association (ALTA) President Mike Pryor following his speaking engagement at the North Dakota Land Title Association Mid Winter Convention held January 23 & 24 in Bismarck, North Dakota. Pryor, who resides in Arkansas, is the first “sitting” ALTA President to visit North Dakota.

On Saturday, January 24, I had the privilege of speaking at the mid-winter meeting of the North Dakota Land Title Association. The meeting was in Bismarck…where the morning temperature was 12 degrees BELOW zero.

If I were completely honest, I would admit to some pre-travel second guessing of my acceptance to their invitation. Sub-zero temps just aren’t my thing!

But the warmth of the North Dakota Land Title Association quickly dispelled any reservations. In fact, I wouldn’t have wanted to miss it for the world!

Here’s the thing…., the room was filled with people that were of one mind about the absolute need for risk elimination searching. They may quibble in small ways about what the search should entail, but nobody in that room was even close to the “no search” line that some parts of the United States have explored. There’s just something about a room full of true searchers that gives me hope for our industry!

They said in the meeting that I was the first sitting President of the American Land Title Association to ever visit their association. I can’t speak to the accuracy of that statement but I can assure you I intend to let subsequent ALTA Presidents know what they are missing if they do not schedule the North Dakota Land Title Association!

As I mingled with the group, I noticed something else…..a lot of familiar faces. I couldn’t instantly put the names with the faces, but I knew I had seen many of them before. As I began my presentation, I asked “How many of you have attended an American Land Title Association Convention?”

Hands shot up all around the room. (I don’t think I have ever been to a state association event with a larger ratio of ALTA participation.)

Combine their belief in good title standards with their high commitment to ALTA participation…..and you can understand why it was truly my privilege to travel to North Dakota.