Dear OCEA Members and Future Members,

HAPPY SPRING, Everyone! This time last year, the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic forced us all into mandatory lockdowns and stay-at-home orders, with uncertainty as to how long those safety orders would remain in place. We were all faced with new challenges such as virtual meetings and working remotely. Some of you dove in and went paperless for the first time. COVID-19 hasn’t left us (yet), but by now, we’re used to the novel constraints. I applaud all of you for quickly rising to the challenges this past year brought, and for continuing to offer excellent service to your customers.

OCEA 2021 VIRTUAL COOKBOOK
OCEA is creating a virtual cookbook as a fundraiser. Please share your culinary delights with us! Did you create a new recipe during your COVID lockdown or have a favorite recipe you would like to share? (Personally, I became a pro with Doordash and Postmates during COVID, but I do have a family favorite I will be submitting.) See the attached flyer for submission details. Note: the deadline has been extended until April 30, 2021.

Full-page sponsorships are available for the tiny price of just $25.00. Whether you’re an active member or an Associate, please consider supporting your association in this way, too. Contact our fundraising co-chairs Ray Moody and Margie Coenraad-Martinez for details -- ray.moody@cnb.com, or margie.coenraad-martinez@bankofhope.com.

PAY IT FORWARD! FREE MONEY RIGHT HERE!
Managers and Escrow Officers, the Orange County Escrow Association would love to help YOU support your Support Staff. Simply put, if you’ll pay $50 of their $100 2021 membership fee, OCEA will pick up the other $50! Please let us help you bring the CEA advantage to your support staff - you help them, and we’ll reward you! See the attached flyer for full details of our “Pay it forward” promotion.

CONFERENCE SCHOLARSHIPS
Last year, CEA’s first ever virtual Conference was a big success. Depending on COVID requirements, the 2021 Conference may be virtual, live or a hybrid - but in any event, the show will go on, and you won’t want to miss it, and OCEA will be awarding scholarships! Look for a flyer coming out in May with details on how to submit your application. CEA Conference dates are October 7-9, currently scheduled to be held at the Hilton in Costa Mesa.

MISMO Workgroup Meeting for RON
If you’re interested in participating in MISMO’s meetings for Remote Online Notarization, everyone is welcome to attend! Get the most up-to-date information on the status of “RON” as it moves toward becoming reality. Meetings are the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month, at 10:00 AM Pacific Time on GoToMeeting - https://www.gotomeet.me/MISMO4, dial in number: (872) 240-3212, Meeting Access Code 122-295-005.

UPCOMING OCEA MEETINGS
If you haven’t yet registered, there may still be time to attend our virtual meeting Wednesday, April 21. Representatives from Synrgo are set to educate us about recording challenges during a pandemic (or otherwise), and keeping our recordings from being pulled. Here’s a link to the Eventbrite page: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ocea-general-membership-virtual-meeting-april-21-2021-tickets-146844372471

Then, have you been wondering about the mysteries of the Fed wire system, and why some wires hit the receiving account in moments while others take hours (or days!)? Definitely look for emailed details to be released shortly regarding our virtual meeting we are planning for the summer. We’ll be discussing OFAC and its impact on your escrow desk. Hope to see you there!

In closing, please know that even while we can’t yet meet again in person, your OCEA and CEA Boards of Directors are hard at work for you, as rules and laws that affect us seem to be changing faster than ever! I encourage you to make sure you’re staying current with the industry by attending OCEA’s educational events, and supporting our endeavor to have all escrow professionals become active members of CEA. If you are not already a member, please join today, and encourage your escrow colleagues to do the same. Attached is a link to our membership application.

Stay safe and be well, Everyone.

Sincerely,

Robin Alvarez, CEO, CSEO
2021 OCEA President

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Here’s bit of inspiration:
The truth of the matter is that you always know the right thing to do. The hard part is doing it.
- Norman Schwarzkoff