Valley Land Title Co.

Latest News

Valley Land Title Co. Celebrates McAllen Branch Grand Opening
Valley Land Title Co. marked the opening of its McAllen Branch with a grand opening celebration and a ribbon-cutting ceremony on January 28. The McAllen Hispanic Chamber of Commerce along with hundreds of customers and community leaders were in attendance. The McAllen Branch relocated from 2400 N. 10th St. to 520 E. Nolana, Ste. 130., McAllen. "We are very excited to be in our new office space," said Sonia Longoria, Branch Manager "Our new location is centrally located making it more convenient for our customers." With over 250 years of combined experience in the title industry, our dedicated staff of title professionals offers experience and quality service to each of our customers. Valley Land Title Co. - a Valley tradition. "Open on Saturday so you can Close."

Valley Land Title Co. Recognized Employees
Five employees of Valley Land Title Co. totaling 60 years of experience were recognized for their years of service to the company. "Our employees are at the heart of this great company and it is because of their outstanding service that we have the confidence and loyalty of our customers," said Paul R. Rodriguez, President & CEO. "We appreciate the work they do every day, and therefore, at our quarterly meetings we take a moment to present them with a memento in appreciation for their years of service and offer our gratitude for the value they bring to the company." Shirley Clancey, Vice President/Edinburg Branch Manager was recognized for 30 years of service. Zulema Ochoa, Vice President/Weslaco Branch Manager and Imelda Calvillo, Tax Service Supervisor, were recognized for 10 years. Employees reaching 5 years of service were Mayra Garcia, Exam Department and Dora Flores, Policy Department. With over 250 years of combined experience in the title industry and four locations, Valley Land Title Co. is committed to providing you with personalized and efficient service. Our staff of title professionals offers experience, dedication, and quality to each of our customers to provide the highest level of customer service. Valley Land Title Co. - "Open on Saturday so you can Close."

Zulema Ochoa Recognized for 10 Years of Service
Zulema Ochoa recognized for 10 years of service Paul R. Rodriugez, CEO/President of Valley Land Title Co., and Alonzo Cantu recently honored Zulema Ochoa, Vice President and Weslaco Branch Manager for 10 years of dedicated service and marked the occasion by presenting her with a memento of appreciation on behalf of the company. DD Hoffman hired Ms. Ochoa November 1998. Throughout the years, Ms. Ochoa has seen Valley Land Title grow to five offices throughout Hidalgo County. She was hired as the Branch Manager of the Weslaco office however the office was not scheduled to open until January 1999. Ms. Ochoa was so anxious to get started that her and her team moved in before the finish out of the office was completed. She stated that they did not have the granite countertop, nor carpet or doors on the cabinets, but that didn’t faze them. Zulema remembers fondly to Christmas 1998. She and a former assistant baked goodies such as coffee cakes and rum cakes at her home and drove all over Weslaco delivering and introducing themselves, inviting potential customers to the “grand opening”. Zulema has often been compared to the “Energized Bunny” she just keeps going and going. She is a trailblazer, motivated by her desire and determination to be successful. “The past 10 years have been a blast”, Zulema comments with a smile, “I have a solid staff that is just as dedicated and caring as I am – cannot ask for anything more – other than more customers for 2010.”

Customer Appreciation Event 2009

Valley Land Title Co. Employee Team Meeting April 24, 2009

Clancey Honored for 30 Years of Service
Paul R. Rodriguez, CEO/President of Valley Land Title Co., recently honored Ms. Shirley Clancey, Vice President and Branch Manager, for 30 years of dedicated service and marked the occasion by presenting her with a memento of appreciation on behalf of the company. Mr. Blucher Smith, who had taken over the family business which his father had established in 1919, hired Ms. Clancey as an office clerk on April 9, 1979. Throughout the years, Ms. Clancey saw the company grow from its original location in downtown Edinburg to five offices throughout Hidalgo County. With the growth of the company came the opportunity for her as well to take on additional responsibilities and roles. Before long, Shirley was promoted to receptionist, took on accounting duties and served as personnel records administrator. While serving as receptionist, the opportunity arose to serve as an escrow assistant which eventually led to her further promotion to Escrow Officer. Today, Shirley continues to call Edinburg home. Ms. Clancey oversees the company's Edinburg branch office and together with her staff, continues the tradition of service that has long earned Valley Land Title Co. its reputation as a leader in the industry. Pictured are Paul R. Rodriguez, CEO; Shirley Clancey and Mr. Jerry Canales, Council.

Valley Land Title Co. Sponsors Greater McAllen Association of Realtors General Memberhip Meeting
Valley Land Title Co. was the affiliate sponsor at the Greater McAllen Association of Realtors general membership meeting held Wednesday, February 18 at the McAllen Country Club. Judge J. D. Salinas was the guest speaker and updated the membership on the stimulus package, and how our region would benefit from the funds allocated for levees and highway improvements. He also addressed the importance of working in partnership with other communities to attract business and industry to the Rio Grande Valley. Judge Salinas also discussed the new prescription discount card, he stated that with the discount card a user can save an average of 35% off the retail price of most prescriptions and can be used at any local participating pharmacy. The Greater McAllen Association of Realtors hold their monthly general membership lunch meetings on the third Wednesday of the month. For more information on educational seminars and upcoming events visit www.gmar.org or call 682-4119.

VLTC-Weslaco Hosts an Informative Breakfast
Valley Land Title Co. sponsored an informative breakfast on Monday, February 16 at the Weslaco Chamber of Commerce. Expert panelists with over 75 years of combined experience addressed key industry topics including Rate Rule 18, examination, minerals and foreclosures. Also introduced at the breakfast was Valley E-Record, a new, convenient and secure way to record real estate documents. Pictured are Janie Ramirez, Weslaco Branch Escrow Officer; Zulema Ochoa, Weslaco Branch VP/Manager; Imogene Filkin, VP Policy Dept.; Paul Rodriguez, CEO; Jerry Canales, In-House Counsel; Hal Free, IT Manager; and Mario Garza, Chief Title Examiner.

VLTC Recognized as "BEST" Themed Team at GMAR Annual Bowling Tournament
26 teams competed for prizes and trophies at the 2009 GMAR TREPAC Bowling Tournament held on Friday, February 6 at Flamingo Bowl. Valley Land Title Co. were the Mardi Gras Bowlers in spirit with the season and were recognized with a trophy as the "BEST" Themed Team by TREPAC Chair Adrian Arriga, Jr. Acccepting the award were left to right Patty Galindo, Gracie Sandoval, Susan Valdez, Monica Alvarez, Adrian Arriga Jr., Nanette Palomo, Sylvia Ramos and Danny Gonzalez. Everyone had a wonderful time cheering on their teams. VLTC congratulates the winners Cohrs Realty (1st place), Re/Max 1st Choice (2nd place) and the Monitor (3rd place). For more information on the Greater McAllen Association of Realtors visit www.gmar.org or call 682-4119.

Valley Land Title Co. Celebrates Grand Opening with an Open House
Valley Land Title Co., together with the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce, recently held its official ribbon cutting ceremony for the company's new offices located at 217 W. Cano Street, in downtown Edinburg. Joining VLTC at its Open House event were Mr. and Mrs. Blucher Smith, whose family established the historic Edinburg business in 1919. The event was attended by numerous realtors, builders, mortgage lenders, bankers and other industry professionals. Guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d'oeuvres while they toured the new facility at the corner of Cano and South 9th Street. Valley Land Title Co. has offices in Edinburg, McAllen, Sharyland, and Weslaco and since 1919 been providing professional title services to our customers. Saturday hours are available at the McAllen and Weslaco offices. For more information visit our website at www.valleylandtitleco.com or contact us 956-383-2708.

VLTC sponsors "State of GMAR Breakfast Meeting"
Valley Land Title Co. sponsored the Greater McAllen Association of Realtors General Membership Breakfast on Wednesday, January 21 at the McAllen Chamber of Commerce. Dick Henry GMAR President spoke to an audience of realtors and affiliates on the strategic plan for 2009. He stated that the success of GMAR lies within its membership through volunteerism and asks for support by being a member on a committee or volunteering to participate in the many community projects that GMAR will be involved in throughout 2009. Mr. Henry was very pleased with the attendance and considered it a resounding success. Pictured are Imogene Filkin, Janie Marquez, Nanette Palomo, Dick Henry, Sonia Longoria and Susan Valdez.

Edinburg Chamber Recognizes Valley Land Title Co. as "Feature Business of the Month"
The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce is pleased to recognize Valley Land Title Co. as Feature Business of The Month for December. The Chamber of Commerce Chamber Champion Committee selected Valley Land Title Co. because of their support and participation of the chamber's community endeavors throughout the years. Valley Land Title Co. has been serving the community of Edinburg since 1919. It is one of the oldest and respected companies in Hidalgo County. They are located at 217 W. Cano in Edinburg but also have offices in McAllen, Mission and Weslaco.

NOW AVAILABLE!
Hidalgo County Property Tax Service, Ltd. is proud to announce a new convenient and secure way to record your real estate documents. Valley E-Record is now available online at www.valleyerecord.com . This service allows you to save time and money. Valley E-Record is:

Convenient - eFile at any time, from any location with Internet access
Available 24/7 - even when the courthouse is closed, your transaction will be recorded the next business day
Confirmation - receive immediate verification of a sent transaction and a completed filing
Fee calculation - fees are automatically calculated upfront
Cost effective - eFiling streamlines the recording process and saves valuable time
Secure - eFiling meets state, national, and industry security standards

City Of Edinburg Centennial ECISD Day Essay Contest
The City of Edinburg was founded in 1908, where it was first named Chapin, Texas. In 1911, the town of Chapin was newly named Edinburg, and it officially reached its centennial of its founding on October 10, 2008. During the week of October 5 - 11, Edinburg reflected on the establishment and growth of the community with a series of historic events, which were organized by the Centennial Committee. Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District in celebration of the Centennial held an essay contest for the 5th grade children. Their assignment was to write on the history of our community and how it came to be. The Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District hosted an ECISD Day on Wednesday, October 8 at the Administration Building courtyard where they announced the winners of the Centennial Essay Contest and presented them with a trophy and a scholarship sponsored in part by Valley Land Title Co. Pictured are Kiana Ramirez, Travis Eloementary, Honarable Mention; Jean Almote, Guerra Elementary,Honorable Mention; Brook Baus, Canterbury Elementary, 1st Place Winner; Julissa Mendoza, Esparsa Elementary, 2nd Place Winner; Brianna McCormick, Freddy Gonzalez Elementary, 3rd Place Winner. Back row are Representative Aaron Pena, Paul R. Rodriguez, Valley Land Title Co. CEO, Patty Galindo, VLTC; Shirley Clancey, VLTC; Omar Palacios, ECISD School Board President and Mayor Joe Ochoa

City Of Edinburg Centennial ECISD Day Essay Contest Check Presentation
Paul R. Rodriguez, CEO presented a check in the amount of $850 to Flo Prater, Edinburg Centennial Celebration “Essay Contest” committee member on behalf of Valley Land Title Co. Pictured are Nanette Palomo, Yvonna Vleck, Edinburg Chamber of Commerce, Paul Rodriguez, Flo Prater, Susan Valdez & Elias Longoria, Lone Star National Bank.

Computer Clinic
Computer support options are now available from the Computer Clinic. With over 10 years of experience the Computer Clinic can offer honest, reliable work for all of your hardware and software related needs. For service, support, and installs for your home or business please feel free to call the Computer Clinic today at 956-455-5768, or email at computerclinic@rgv.rr.com or visit us at www.computerclinicrgv.com

VALLEY LAND TITLE CO. RECEIVES MUJERES UNIDAS AWARD
Mujeres Unidas recognized Valley Land Title Co. for their contributions and support of Shelter Women and Children. "It is with great pleasure that we acknowldege the employees of Valley Land Title Co. for making a difference in the lives of the people we serve" states Gloria Jean Ramirez, Mujers Unidas Shelter Manger. Valley Land TItle Co. donated toys, women's gifts and other miscellaneous supplies during the past few yeas.

Valley Land TItle Co. Hosts 2nd Annual Customer Appreciation Barbecue
Valley Land Title Co. treated it's customers to a delicious Texas Style Barbecue complete with all the fixin's on Thursday, April 10, 2008. This annual event is hosted by the management and staff of Valley Land Title Co. to show its appreciation of their customer's and patrons without whose loyal support they could not continue the legacy of being leaders in the title insurance industry. The Barbecue was held at relaxing Allysa's Acres in Mission during a beautiful cool evening. Valley Land Title Co. customers, family members, friends and employees enjoyed delicious food, refreshments, music, dancing and goodie bags provided to attendees. Valley Land Title Co. has been providing title insurance services to the Rio Grande Valley since 1919 and offers four convenient locations in Mission, Edinburg, McAllen, and Weslaco.

VLTC Affiliate Sponsor at Rio Grande Valley Builders Association General Membership Meeting
Valley Land Title Co. participated as the Affiliate Sponsor at the Rio Grande Valley Builders Association general membership lunch meeting on April 2 at the McAllen Country Club. Attendees were updated on issues important to builders by a group from Texas Association of Builders, Rick Montclongo, TAB Vice President; Scott Norman Interim Executive Director/General Counsel; Ned Munoz, Director of Regulatory Affairs; Jerry Garcia, TRCC Commissioner; and Shirley Mims, Regional Director. Valley Land Title Co.employees were on hand to greet the attendees and hand out goodie bags.

Valley Land Title Co. GMAR's March General Lunch Meeting Affiliate Sponsor
Valley Land Title Co. participated as the Affiliate Sponsor at the Greater McAllen of Realtors General Membership Lunch Meeting held on Wednesday, March 19 at the McAllen Country Club. Valley Land Title Co. employees served as greeters and handed out goodie bags to the attendees. The theme for the lunch meeting was TREPAC Idol (a take off of American Idol) the esteemed judges were none other than Randy (Robby Valadez), Paula (Sally Cuellar) and Simon (James DeBerry) plus a special guest appearance by Ryan Seacrest (Britt Massie) who introduced the talent for the contest as well as the live TREPAC Auction. Everyone in attendance enjoyed rap, country and mariachi music performed by the awesome talent of Sandi Goodacre, Rene de la Cruz, Hector Guerra and Milagros Zamora. They also enjoyed the judges' performance which brought the audience to uncontrollable laughter. Congratulations to the winners Milagros Zamora (1st place) and Hector Guerra (2nd place). Pictured are VLTC employees: Heidi Garcia, Monica Alvarez, Sylvia Ramos, Hilda Garza and Imogene Filkin.

Gonzalez Celebrates 25 Years of Employment
Congratulations to Danny Gonzalez, Assistant Chief Examiner for celebrating 25 years of employment with Valley Land Title Co. Mr. Gonzalez was recognized at a continental breakfast on February 1 held at the Edinburg office. Surrounded by coworkers, Paul R. Rodriguez, CEO presented Mr. Gonzalez a certificate and a memento of appreciation on behalf of the company. Gonzalez joined Valley Land Title Co. on February 21, 1983 as the company's runner, moved up to Abstractor and was then promoted to Examiner and more recently Assistant Chief Examiner. Gonzalez's 21 years of experience allow him to focus on some of the more challenging title exams. He also dedicates time to training the company's junior examiners and establishing sources of information to assist the exam department.

Filkin Celebrates 35 years of Employment
Imogene Filkin, Vice President and Policy Manager, celebrated 35 years of employment with Valley Land Title Co. with a surprise continental breakfast held in her honor at the company's Edinburg office on February 1, 2008. Surrounded by her coworkers, Paul R. Rodriguez, CEO presented Ms. Filkin a beautiful memento of appreciation on behalf of the company. Filkin joined Valley Land Title Co. (formerly known as Valley Abstract & Title) on February 1, 1973 under the ownership of Blucher Smith, son of the original founder, Mr. Ernest M. Smith. She began her career with Valley Land Title Co. performing a multitude of tasks including receptionist, file clerk, placing orders, typing commitments and anything else that was required. "Before the days of the computer," Imogene states "I used to have to write down the orders and type the commitments on a typewriter on carbon paper none the less, so there was no room for mistakes." Mr. Blucher Smith remembers when Filkin first started at Valley Abstract & Title Co. "I saw Imogene filing index cards one day in her high heels when the secretary leaned over and said to me "I don't think she is going to last" I chuckle thinking back to that statement 35 years later. Not only has she lasted 35 years but she has shared her experiences and knowledge with her peers". Over the years, Filkin has witnessed not only the growth and development of the company from one office with a staff of five to multiple locations throughout Hidalgo County, but also the evolution of how tasks that were done manually before are now all done instantaneously through the click of a button. Throughout the years she has had the pleasure of working with many of the Valley's premier leaders in the real estate industry and her professional manner in conducting business has earned her their mutual respect. Paul Rodriguez, CEO said, "Valley Land Title Co. is fortunate to have such an extremely knowledgeable employee like Imogene. We appreciate her hard work and dedication, which has contributed to the overall success of the company." Valley Land Title Co. has been insuring the American dream since 1919 with four locations to better serve our customers in Edinburg, McAllen, Mission and Weslaco.

Valley Land Title Co. Donates to Fiesta Edinburg's 40th Anniversary Event
Valley Land Title Co. recently donated $1,000 to assist in sustaining one of Edinburg's largest community events, Fiesta Edinburg. To help celebrate Fiesta Edinburg's 40th Anniversary, the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce and Fiesta Edinburg is going "RETRO". Thursday, February 21, 2008 at the Edinburg Activity Center located on 123 Palm Drive. The community is invited to participate in Fiesta's first Disco Dance Party to help kick off Fiesta's 40th celebration! The Fiesta Edinburg Committee will host a RETRO Disco Dance Party, featuring the popular Deejay, "Johnny Joe". The dance will take place from 7-11 pm, and everyone is invited to come out and take part in reliving the 70's. Attendees are encouraged to dress up in their flashy "RETRO" attire, as there will be a costume contest with $100 prize money and don't forget to wear your dancing shoes as a cash prize of $100 will be awarded to the best dancer. Price is only $5 per person. The Grand Marshall's of the Fiesta Edinburg Parade will be all of the former presidents and chairmen of the board of the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce. Jerry Canales, Valley Land Title Co. in-house council served the chamber as Chairman of the Board in 1996-1997. Fiesta Edinburg and the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce are extremely grateful for the recent sponsorship, gifted by Valley Land Title Co. "Volunteers and supporters are true foundations of Fiesta Edinburg. We are grateful for the recent donation given to Fiesta Edinburg from Valley Land Title Co. They are members of the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce, and are very active in the community of the Rio Grande Valley and Edinburg; without financial support, Fiesta Edinburg wouldn't be possible" notes Letty Martinez, Chamber President. For more information on Fiesta Edinburg or to become involved please call the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce at 956-383-4974.

Valley Land Title Co. Donates Gifts to Mujeres Unidas
Valley Land Title Co. and its employees were in the spirit of giving donating gifts to Women Together/Mujeres Unidas to be given to families at the shelter this holiday season. For 29 years Women Together/Mujeres Unidas has provided hope, dignity, and help to homeless and battered women and children. Pictured are Alma Rodriguez, Bertha Ramirez, Gloria Ramirez, Shelter Manager, Amanda Garcia, Maria Moreno, Diana Garza, Ida Castaneda, Colleen Hansen and Sandra Suitor.

Food Drive
Valley Land Title Co. recently assisted the generous efforts of the Hidalgo County Bar Foundation by donating bags of food staples to the foundation’s Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive. The food drive, which is also sponsored by Edinburg HEB Food Stores and PDQ! Printing, benefits low income families who receive assistance from the charitable organization, Proyecto Azteca.

VLTC Participates at the 9th Annual Home Buyer's Fair
In celebration of National Home Ownership Month, Valley Land Title Co. participated at the 9th Annual Home Buyer's Fair sponsored by the City of McAllen and McAllen Affordable Homes on June 9, 2007 at the McAllen Convention Center. The fair was free to the public and provided prospective home buyers with valuable information necessary to accomplish their dream of ownership. Seminars were offered throughout the day providing step-by-step instructions on how to purchase, qualify for and maintain a home. Congratulations to Eunice Sanchez and Nichole Carrera with McAllen Affordable Homes for a job well done. Pictured are Hilda Garza,Administrative Assistant, McAllen; Imogene Filkin, Vice President - Policy Dept.; Migdalia Rodriguez, Customer Service Coordinator; and Nanette Palomo, Marketing Director.

Valley Land Title Co. says THANK YOU to their customers by throwing Customer Appreciation Event.
Valley Land Title Co. held its first annual Customer Appreciation Fiesta on Friday, May 4th to say a big ''thank you" to its customers. A total of 300 guests attended the event held at Allysa's Acres. Guests were treated to Mariachis, Folkloric dancers, music, fun and food! "We really wanted to take this opportunity to get to know our customers outside of the office, it was a pleasure meeting and talking with everyone who attended", says Nanette Palomo, Marketing Director. Without our valuable customers Valley Land Title Co. would not be the business it is today. Our customers have rewarded us with their loyalty and we look forward to doing this again next year!

Valley Land Title Co. attends TLTA South Texas Regional Seminar
Valley Land Title Co. attended the Texas Land Title Association (TLTA) South Texas Regional Seminar on April 21. VLTC plays an active role in the continuing education of its employees. We strive to provide valued opportunities for employees to maximize their professional skills to better serve our customers.

Valley Land Title Co. 2nd Annual Employee Family Picnic
After a stormy beginning, Saturday, March 31 turned into a great day for Valley Land Title Co. 2nd Annual Employee Family Picnic! More than 100 employee and family members came together to celebrate all the hard work and accomplishments that had taken place throughout the year. The event took place at Allysa's Acres - Mission, Texas. We kicked off the afternoon with a delicious full menu BBQ complete with chicken, brisket, sausage and hotdogs for the kids. There were smiles all around as the employees and family members participated in games such as tug of war, balloon toss and egg race. The Moon Jumps and Pinata were a hit with the younger kids as was the Easter Egg Hunt. The T-shirts looked terrific on everyone. It was a great sight to see!