On behalf of the O.C.E.A. Board of Directors, we wish you and yours a very happy and safe holiday and look forward to seeing you in 2013!

Hopefully, you had an opportunity to attend our November 21st, General Dinner Meeting with dual C.E.A. President guest speakers Lena Signor(2012) and Donna Inman (2013), facilitating a very lively and engaging discussion on the subject "Have You Been Vetted Yet?".

If not, you missed a great opportunity to enhance your understanding of what is going on in the world of escrow and the need to be cautious on subjects like "vetting"! One reason for O.C.E.A.'s General Dinner Meeting continued success is due to the quality of speakers and subjects relevant to YOUR job and YOUR industry! A great forum to stay educated, network and of course have fun!

Past O.C.E.A. Presidents in attendance included Patty Beverly, Daisy Howell, Scott Hunt, Dennis Chaplin and Arwen Estelle.

Your Dinner Meeting had another special purpose. The "passing of the baton" from President Debbi Faber, Chicago Title (2011 & 2012) to our new President, Sammy Simpson, Ticor Title/Fidelity National (2013). Everyone in attendance enthusiastically welcomed Sammy to her new position. Please convey a big "Welcome" to Sammy!

2011 & 2012 President, Orange County Escrow Association Debbi Faber, CSEO, CBSS, CMHS, CEI Chicago Title Co.

2013 President, Orange County Escrow Association S.A.M. (Sammy) Simpson, VP, CSEO Regional Escrow Administrator Senior Escrow Underwriter Fidelity National Financial, Inc.

In turn, 2013 Board Members were introduced. YOUR newest Board Member is Arwen Estelle who joins returning Board Members Debbi Faber, Debi Peters, Dennis Chaplin, Marvina Vrabel, Margie Coenraad-Martinez, Robyn Hubbard and Michelle Rahe.

Still not done! Two special awards were given to Dennis Chaplin, Chicago Title, recipient of the Mary Jacobs Annual Distinguished Service Award and Larry O'Brien, The Escrow Training Institute, recipient of the Bob Whitener Associate Member of the Year Award. Kudos to both Dennis and Larry for their support of O.C.E.A.'s business objectives.

YOUR meeting concluded with a bevy of raffle gifts. Once again, we sincerely thank the following individuals and companies who truly do make a difference! A SPECIAL thanks to Dale Paterson and Margie Coenraad-Martinez, Bank of the West; Linda Doll, City National Bank; Phyllis Barr, Commerce National Bank; Larry O'Brien, The Escrow Training Institute; Hilda Avila, RBJ Software; Pam Putnam, First Corporate Solutions; Michelle Rahe, The Escrow Source; and of course never to be forgotten Scott Hunt, FPS Summit. Most of our Associates offering raffle prizes provided multiple gifts!

Everyone left a winner! If you didn't attend, shouldn't you in 2013?

Enjoy the Season!
YOUR O.C.E.A. Board of Directors

I want to take this opportunity to thank the entire OCEA membership for the honor of serving you as your President in 2011 and 2012. It was my true pleasure to give back to the industry that has supported my career for 40 plus years. We met or exceeded most of the goals I set during my two year term and we are in good financial shape thanks to your hard working Board of Directors. I will continue to serve on the Board as VP so I will still be involved. Our industry has many changes in store in the coming years so we must stay vigilant and continue to grow the membership. There is strength in numbers! Please help meet (or exceed) 2013 CEA President Donna Inman's goal for each of us to bring in two new members in 2013. Happy Holidays to you and your families. See you in February. Debbi Faber, CSEO/CBSS/CMHS/CEI

Debbi Faber

How many times has someone asked you "how did you choose escrow"? Isn't it funny how we all have a somewhat different story of how we ended up here, but the truth is we didn't choose escrow, escrow chose us! It is hard to believe how far we have come! I remember typing escrows by hand, and I wonder how many of us remember carbon paper and liquid white out. At a time before computers, fax machines, and e-mail. Somehow I think the time of so little technology were somehow easier. Yet when I reflect on those times I am amazed at how far I have come, how much I have evolved with my career and this industry. Speaking about technology we will also be reviewing opportunities with "Social Networking" this year. My main goal this next year will be helping to move the OCEA website into the "Interactive" mode for the benefit of all our members.

Sammy Simpson

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to your 2013 Officers & Directors. Please feel free to contact any of us for you 2013 OCEA needs.

Please save the dates below as we hope to see you all at our bi-monthly meetings next year.
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS - All meetings will have an Educational Program with details to follow.

Here's to a fabulous year ahead for all of us.