Fortunately, there are 114 NALTEA members (and growing) that do not share your "what's in it for me" mentality.  I believe that some people really do see the benefit of belonging to a professional association.  Some don't even mind volunteering their time to try to make a difference.  I applaud them all. 

If you look at any professional association, I think you will realize that $200/yr. is a very nominal fee.  More than anything else, membership in NALTEA will gauge the interest of the independent abstractors in working together towards common goals.  If they can't do that - it doesn't matter what the vehicle is, nothing will be accomplished.

If the "whats in it for me" mentality is what is preventing membership in NALTEA, it will do no good to try to turn NALTEA into a co-op.  You will still have people that won't want to join until you have work for them. Without the members, you won't have enough resources to put it all together and sustain the organization while you attempt to find clients (which is probably the biggest hurdle to the plan).

You ask what NALTEA has done to actually benefit the abstractors?  Well, several board members have spoken with other industry groups and Fannie Mae.  NALTEA is letting the industry know about the concerns we all share.  NALTEA has issued a press release about the privacy issue of placing public records online.  NALTEA has organized 4 conferences (and working on a 5th) inviting speakers from underwriters, others industry associations, E&O providers, etc. to help inform its members about changes taking place in the industry and provide valuable education.  NALTEA publishes a monthly newsletter to keep members informed about the associations activities and other noteworthy industry developments. 

I guess some people just won't be satisfied until NALTEA stuffs a wad of cash in their pocket.  Me?  Well, I am proud of what NALTEA has accomplished and those who have chosen to step up and support the organization.  There is much more NALTEA can do and the board is doing the best they can with the resources they have.  As NALTEA continues to grow, it will have more clout to be more effective.  However, if everyone waits to see "what NALTEA can do for them"... it will definitely take much longer.  Will it be too little, too late?... only time will tell.

Best,
Robert A. Franco
SOURCE OF TITLE