THANK YOU to each of OCEA’s 2024 Silver Sponsors! You are this Association’s backbone! We exist to bring educational programs to our members, and it is your sponsorship which allows us to do so. Thank you for your abiding support. You’re the best!

THANK YOU to our Virtual General Meeting Sponsors, as well! We so appreciate you!

THANK YOU to your amazing, hard-working 2024 Board of volunteers: Mickey Vandenberg, Robin Alvarez, Debbi Faber, Joanna Belanger, Sammy Simpson, Jodi Robbins, Jennifer Van Oel, Denise Hueth, Ray Moody, Margie Coenraad-Martinez and Kelly Wirchak. We moved through the year smoothly to accomplish the business of running our organization, didn’t we? We have a fine “village,” and I appreciate each and every one of you so much. I never felt like a lone soldier in my role as president, with so much experience and support all around. I’m very proud of the important work we do year after year for our members and the industry at large. Thanks also, to my employer, Coast Cities Escrow, for their understanding during those times when the call of duty turned to OCEA.

OKAY...ONE MORE: I was very surprised and moved in November to have received OCEA’s Lifetime Achievement Award. This is a great honor, and I’m tickled pink about it! It has been a distinct honor serve on this Board for many years, and to preside over the association this year, and for almost 4 years in all. I never aspired to the presidency, preferring to be a worker bee in the background. As things turned out, I’m grateful to have been gently nudged into it. Many thanks to the Board, and to all the past presidents who stayed aboard and so unselfishly offered their guidance. I’m talking about you, Debbi Faber, Joanna Belanger, Mickey Vandenberg, Sammy Simpson, and Robin Alvarez. I stand on the shoulders of giants!

PD HOLDERS - GATHER UP YOUR “501’S!” Remember to send your Continuing Education 501 forms in to the current CEA Headquarters before year-end! With the new management company taking over in January, best if you get them shipped ASAP. Find submission form here. 501 submissions are free through December 31; AFTER that, there’s a $40.00 administrative fee.

ARE YOU INTERESTED in getting more involved in OCEA? Would you like to see what it takes to run OCEA by participating on our various committees? We’re always on the lookout for new faces at the table, and the fresh perspectives they bring. The investment in time and energy can be as big or as small as you’re able to give. Plus, it’s a great environment for growing your leadership skills. Please think about it and reach out to us at
info@o-c-e-a.org!

THE END OF AN ERA FOR ME: 2025 will mark OCEA’s 75th year! It blows my mind when I realize that 2024 is my own (gasp!) 50th year in escrow, and that I’ve been active in OCEA and CEA for almost all of that time. (Child labor laws weren’t what they are now...) Way back then, joining was a given; as in, of COURSE you become a member! Escrow is an ever-changing, challenging profession; and whatever my successes have been, I owe them all to my involvement with both associations.

By the end of December, I will have stepped away from my full-time work in escrow to plunge into the unknown world of retirement (another gasp!). My husband retired in 2012 and it’s about time I join him, right?! I’ve met so many wonderful, smart people and made so many great friends in EscrowLand - it’ll be weird not logging in every day, but I won’t be very far away. The lure of “special projects” is calling, and I’m not yet convinced that there’s truly any escape from escrow, once it gets hold of you. <LOL>

I know that OCEA will be in good hands next year, with Robin Alvarez as President and a strong Board of Directors at her side!

“Any new beginning is forged from the shards of the past, not from the abandonment of the past.”
- Craig Lounsbrough

May this year’s holidays be your merriest ever. My best wishes to you in the new year, and always!

Most sincerely and gratefully,
Debi Peters, CEO, CSEO
2024 OCEA President

Here’s a reprise of some of my favorite quotations about education and its importance:
"If you are not willing to learn, no one can help you. If you are determined to learn, no one can stop you.” - Zig Ziglar
“If you think education is expensive, try estimating the cost of ignorance.” - Howard Gardner
“You cannot push any one up a ladder unless he be willing to climb a little himself.” - Andrew Carnegie

As we look ahead, one of the most pressing needs we face as an organization is membership engagement and growth. Every new member brings fresh perspectives, ideas, and potential, and it is through the support of all members-old and new-that we will continue to thrive.

I encourage each of you to take a proactive role in this effort. Reach out to colleagues, friends, and industry peers who may not yet be a part of our association. Share the value and the power of being a part of a network that is committed to professional growth, advocacy, and excellence. Together, we can create an environment where every escrow professional feels supported, inspired, and empowered.

Be on the lookout for an exciting membership promotion that will be sent your way soon. We are introducing new opportunities to get involved and grow, and we want to ensure that every escrow professional has the chance to be a part of our vibrant community.

Our theme for this year is "Stronger Together" - because it’s the truth. By working in unity, we amplify our voice, our influence, and our ability to drive positive change within our industry. Whether you’re a seasoned expert or new to the field, your membership and involvement are vital to our continued success.

Together, we have the power to build a future where the Orange County Escrow Association remains a leader in our industry - a trusted resource for education, advocacy, and community. Let’s step forward with confidence and make a lasting impact.

Thank you for your continued dedication, passion, and support. Here’s to a year of growth, collaboration, and success!

Warm regards,
Robin Alvarez
2025 President, Orange County Escrow Association