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Has anyone actually taken the time to call the NNA......
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Has anyone actually taken the time to call the NNA......
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Posted by Anthony Bessey on 11/13/13 1:03pm
Msg #492535

Has anyone actually taken the time to call the NNA......

and have a discussion with Bill Anderson? He is their Vice President for Best Practices and Legislative affairs. I called their office and of course they did inquire about my membership status. I am a member so I was put through to the call center. I asked specifically to speak to someone who had been directly involved with the SPW. The representative took my information and told me that they would forward it to their manager. Today at 10:30 am Est Bill returned my call to address my concerns and answer my questions.

I found Bill to be both honest and sincere in his approach to my call. He was able to answer my questions and thoughtfully discuss my concerns. He honestly seemed open to new ideas and opportunities for further clarification for items dealing with the proposed code of conduct. I understand that change is hard, but we are independent contractors and as such we do not enjoy the protections of employment by title companies and attorneys. Notaries are not the problem, but new federal regulations are going to change the way our clients will interact with us whether we like it or not. Might I suggest that you take the time to call Bill Anderson personally to discuss your concerns with the SPW and its proposed code and certification.

Bill Anderson
Vice President of Best Practices and Legislative Affairs
National Notary Association
818-739-4064
[e-mail address]

One item that we discussed was a Bill of Rights or Statement of Rights that this proposed code of conduct would be paired with. It is fair that title companies and SS want us to comply with their policies and we as NSAs should be afforded certain rights or privileges for our compliance.

This is just my two cents and I am interested in yours. I hear and understand all the complaints, but in all fairness until we start talking about what is going on here we cannot be part of the solution. Please feel free to report back on how your conversation with Bill goes.

Reply by Anthony Bessey on 11/13/13 1:07pm
Msg #492536

Bill welcomes calls from all Notary's be they NNA members or not.

Reply by C. Rivera Chicago Notary Services on 11/13/13 1:18pm
Msg #492538

Did you ask the obvious? WHY on earth did he start

this SPW group in the first place? What was the reason or purpose since the NNA already already has a certification program as well as NSA guidelines, etc?



Reply by jba/fl on 11/13/13 1:22pm
Msg #492539

That should be the number one question. n/m

Reply by C. Rivera Chicago Notary Services on 11/13/13 1:27pm
Msg #492541

I honestly believe he has no fricken clue as to WHY

the NNA started this mess. I'm guessing its a publicity stunt by their marketing department.

Maybe their Google analytic stats are down?

Who knows. I know I know...who cares.

Reply by Anthony Bessey on 11/13/13 1:26pm
Msg #492540

Re: Did you ask the obvious? WHY on earth did he start

It is my understanding that the SPW is not or was not created by the NNA, but rather by the title companies in response to issues they have to deal with as a result of Dodd/Frank. The NNA was brought in to represent the interests of Notaries. Before you get upset about the NNA representing you, please understand that all of us cannot be at the table so the Title Companies are going to look for someone to do that job. Of course you are welcome to call Bill and ask him the obvious yourself. He is open to and would like to hear your comments. What is wrong with having a conversation?

Reply by C. Rivera Chicago Notary Services on 11/13/13 1:28pm
Msg #492543

sorry to bust your bubble numb nut...but lookie below...

the website was created by the NNA!

Domain Name: SIGNINGPROFESSIONALSWORKGROUP.COM
Registrar: MONIKER

Registrant [1391390]:
Bob Byron Email Masking [e-mail address]
National Notary Association
9350 De Soto Ave., P.O. Box 4567
Chatsworth
CA
91311
US


Reply by Anthony Bessey on 11/13/13 1:33pm
Msg #492544

Re: sorry to bust your bubble numb nut...but lookie below...

I hate to burst your bubble, but this is a chicken or the egg argument. You are assuming the NNA did this to start a process. Is it possible that the NNA was invited to join this group at its inception and at that time it was asked to undertake the role of distributing the information from the SPW? It does not hurt to ask these questions, but your attempt to bust my bubble is nothing more than an assumption on your part.

Reply by John Tennant on 11/13/13 1:39pm
Msg #492546

Re: sorry to bust your bubble numb nut...but lookie below...

Anthony, your profile is all NNA so it is no surprise that you are defending them. You appear to by the type of individual that "buys" everything they say. JMHO

Reply by Stephanie Santiago on 11/13/13 1:51pm
Msg #492548

Very Interesting, John....hmmmm... n/m

Reply by Anthony Bessey on 11/13/13 1:55pm
Msg #492550

Re: sorry to bust your bubble numb nut...but lookie below...

John, I beg to differ here. My profile merely mentions that I am a member of the NNA and that I am an NNA Certified Notary Signing Agent. I entered this business over 10 years ago by first managing a Maine title company. I was responsible for business development and processing/closing. I am first and foremost an "Attorney Trained" closing paralegal and as such I have made good money over the years. In today's market I decided to look for the most organized Notary organization and get their certification in order to keep abreast of changes that are going to be happening as a result of Federal Regulation. My membership in the NNA is not an endorsement of its policies and my post here is not to defend their actions. I have simply asked if anyone has talked to the NNA? I have concerns about all of these changes, but at least I have taken the time to call and ask questions. I respect the fact that Bill freely encouraged me to share his information with you all. The funny thing is that I felt like I was being close minded.

Reply by C. Rivera Chicago Notary Services on 11/13/13 1:53pm
Msg #492549

OMG, what part of this don't you understand?

Chris Sturdivant
[e-mail address]

Chris Sturdivant, Director, Business Development
818-739-4086 | [e-mail address]

SPW is NNA.
__________________________________________

<<The Standards have been researched, discussed, and mutually agreed upon by members of the SPW, under advisement from the National Notary Association.>>

Ridiculous!

IF this group was NOT at all part of the XYZ, and the XYZ was asked for "advisement" or as you put it, "asked to undertake the role of distributing the information..", then why in the hell did the NNA create the website on behalf SPW?

Do you seriously believe that these are two different entities?

Reply by C. Rivera Chicago Notary Services on 11/13/13 1:57pm
Msg #492552

Anthony, I know times are hard in our business, but...LMFAO!

<<Boss Clown
Dutch the Clown
April 2013 – Present (8 months)Westbrook, Me
• Dutch the Clown is a local entertainer who focuses on services for birthdays, parties, campgrounds, corporate events and more.
• Proud member of the World Clown Association and Clowns of America, International.>>

Sorry dude, but you just made my day! Kudos to you!

Reply by Anthony Bessey on 11/13/13 2:04pm
Msg #492555

Re: Anthony, I know times are hard in our business, but...LMFAO!

I hope I did. I am a former Shrine Clown and I happen to enjoy clowning both for business and charity. I find it interesting that you would put someone down because of any professional endeavor they might be a part of. Just last weekend I was part of a fundraiser that helped raise funds for a family with a child with Cancer. I fail to see how any other business activity I am involved with related to having called anyone at the NNA to share your concerns.

Reply by C. Rivera Chicago Notary Services on 11/13/13 2:42pm
Msg #492557

nothing personal...I'm just cynical sometimes...and was

pleasantly amused at your LinkedIn profile...tienes cojones...and thus gave you mucho respecto for posting that info about the clown...I can't stand clowns myself, too creepy and scary for moi...

But getting back to your post, is there anything else you all talked about that may shed some light as to WHY the XYZ org is teaming up with the mortgage finance industry and trying to create another title for the work we do, as well as more ridiculous "industry standards" for us?


Reply by jojo_MN on 11/13/13 3:45pm
Msg #492571

Anthony, Have you been following any of the posts for the

last couple weeks? "Is it possible that the NNA was invited to join this group...". The leadership committee is made up of the Chairman (First American), President (NNA) and Vice President (NNA). Hmmm. Most companies advising a group does not coming in as Board members. Everything associated with the CSS and SPW are all ran thru the NNA.

Also, I have asked him twice to respond with what other individuals (not companies) were sitting on that committee. He refuses to answer.

No. I do not believe for one second that the NNA is not behind this whole problem. And yes, I am an NNA member; but, will never join up again. The only reason I even joined last time was because I was told by FASS that if I did not get their background check that I could not do business with them any more. Guess what? I did join because you could not get the bgc without joining and they were still using other notaries in my area even though they have NEVER been members of the NNA.


Reply by Notary On The Go on 11/13/13 7:58pm
Msg #492605

I'm in team JoJo n/m

Reply by jac_il on 11/13/13 1:35pm
Msg #492545

At the cost of $1,000 you too can be a SPW

SPW membership is $1,000 per individual, and NNA industry membership is $1,000 per organization. In this down turned economy? Are they serious? This is the first I heard of this! Who is requiring this?

Reply by John/CT on 11/13/13 2:51pm
Msg #492558

So, Anthony, you believe the SPW was not the work of NNA?

Yeah, sure, Anthony! Do you honestly believe it simply sprang up because a bunch to title companies got together, putting the SPW in place by themselves, independently bringing the NNA in as "expert consultants" with two of the three officers being NNA employees/officials, and then (in reality) taking the lead in the process without being significanyly involved from the very beginning? If so, do you also believe pigs can fly?

Reply by EJC/LA on 11/13/13 3:16pm
Msg #492561

Re: Did you ask the obvious? WHY on earth did he start

" . . . The NNA was brought in to represent the interests of Notaries. Before you get upset about the NNA representing you . . . "

The nitwits at XYZ don't know an Act of Vendor's Privilege from an Act of Mortgage and you think they're representing all of us?? NO!! They're representing Calf. notaries .. if you can call it that.

Reply by John Tennant on 11/13/13 3:53pm
Msg #492572

They do not represent me and I am a CA notary. n/m

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 11/13/13 4:19pm
Msg #492575

Why do so any people think they represent CA?

They do NOT represent Ca or CA notaries. They may be headquartered in CA, but that's about it. They *do* have some political pull in CA when it comes to notarial issues, but they do in many other states as well.

California has the LOWEST number of notaries per capita in the entire country. It may seem like there are a lot of us, but the reality is that there really aren't when it comes to representing the population as whole. In fact, when you compare it to population statistics... Florida has 4 times the notaries per capita to CA.

Reply by Belinda/CA on 11/13/13 9:02pm
Msg #492615

How is their Code of Conduct representing CA notaries?

How are they representing us exactly, EJC/LA?


Reply by Linda_H/FL on 11/13/13 9:14pm
Msg #492622

The entire Code of Conduct and SPW has absolutely

nothing to do with notaries at all - it's regulation and control of loan signings/loan signers....

The only ones that can control notaries are the individual state authorities.

JMO

Reply by jba/fl on 11/14/13 7:21am
Msg #492645

Exactly. n/m

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 11/13/13 2:01pm
Msg #492553

*raises hand*

Yup... and I posted it here the other day.

Msg #492259

Some of the things they said:

"The SPW is a mortgage finance industry workgroup of the National Notary Association that publishes standards for Certified Signing Specialists."

"The NNA hosts the SPW as an industry trade group, and we provide administration and expert guidance to support it."

"SPW membership is specifically for lenders and title companies, or other mortgage finance industry bodies that wish to collaborate on setting standards. "


In other words... notaries not allowed or wanted. This is a group for lenders and title companies. Nobody else gets a vote.

Reply by C. Rivera Chicago Notary Services on 11/13/13 2:19pm
Msg #492556

thanks Marian for posting it....but in thinking about it...

... isn't it just like the XYZ to pull something like this...its actually ingenious. I guess they can't keep sucking us out of dry pockets anymore, so why not target the mortgage finance industry, thus the reason for the big bucks $1k membership.

Wow, I wish I would've thought of this first!

Reply by MW/VA on 11/13/13 3:27pm
Msg #492565

Thanks for the info, Anthony. I do believe you shared this

with all the best intentions.
There are many of us that are not on board with NNA, and wouldn't necessarily believe anything they say. This whole movement serves to hurt our industry rather than help us, IMO.

Reply by John/CT on 11/13/13 3:43pm
Msg #492569

It isn't as if we're not on board with NNA, Marilynn ...

it's all about how this mess has played out. It simply doesn't pass the smell test for many of us ... myself uncluded. And, BTW, I just renewed my membership.

Reply by Notarysigner on 11/13/13 5:41pm
Msg #492585

This is what I SEE. Anyone chosing to post on this forum has

got to read post and monitor (get to know what's going on) before posting. I did for almost a year. Anyone choosing to post here would certainly NOT just jump in with all this good information about anybody let alone the Pres (who everybody else and their mother are unable to contact) as easy as Anthony did and the way he did it. Finally, he's only been posting for about three weeks, two subjects.

I guess putting all that together means I must be weird cause I certainly won't say, "has anybody called?" when all that's been posted the last three weeks (Anthony life on the forum) is how people are being told this and that by different representative INCLUDING the information Director himself. Am I dreaming????

Reply by Anthony Bessey on 11/13/13 7:51pm
Msg #492601

Re: This is what I SEE. Anyone chosing to post on this forum has

I have been following this subject for weeks, I have just taken time to ask a simple question. What is wrong with asking the NNA questions? I do not now nor have I ever agreed with the NNA on everything, I simply want to understand where they are coming from on this issue. Bill Anderson made the offer and I put it out there. If this is truly as bad as most of you say it is, this is the time to put your theories to the test. Ask all the questions you want and share your responses. We are all in the same boat. What does it hurt to ask questions of all the people we can that are involved in the SPW. To be honest I think there is are a lot of assumptions being made be everyone. One point is clear and it has been heard. After my post on the SS issue I won't post again. I clearly lack the gravitas many of you possess.

Reply by Shoshana/AZ on 11/13/13 6:38pm
Msg #492589

So, Anthony...you drank the Kool-Aid? n/m

Reply by Notary On The Go on 11/13/13 7:48pm
Msg #492599

Is Anthony an NNA Ambassador sent here to

market their message? I did not read all the posts but if they were representing the NSAs why didn't they reach out to us early in the process? Why didn't they insist on having notaries involved and waive the 1,000 SPW membership fee? I'm calling BS.

Reply by Notary On The Go on 11/13/13 8:03pm
Msg #492606

And the NNA website already has the new certification

test listed. If they wanted our input or represented us why would it be on the website already. This looks like a dine deal to me.

Reply by JanetK_CA on 11/13/13 10:18pm
Msg #492627

OK, let's get real about this issue... ;)

Here's a scenario of how I'd guess all this might have come about (and I should add that this is pure speculation on my part... Wink):

I can visualize some honchos from Fidelity and one of their big lender clients out on the golf course at their country club. One of the lender guys brings up the CFPB and all the new compliance requirements they're facing and what a localized pain it's going to be, since they're now supposed to have all this supervisory responsibility, including all their subcontractors. (Naturally, I'm paraphrasing how I picture the conversation going...) He asks the Fidelity guy how they plan to address that issue. The Fidelity guy hits a nasty hook shot, lets out a few choice words, then begins to mutter about all those notaries who do their signings that they'd have to worry about, as well.

They decide to continue the conversation in the clubhouse to see if they can brainstorm an easy way to make this issue go away or to get it covered without it becoming a major cost item for either of their companies. Lo and behold, who do they run into having a cocktail at the "19th Hole" but their buddy from XYZ! They exchange a look and break out into big smiles as it occurs to them that they can just blame all their compliance issues on the notaries and get XYZ to deal with it. They join the XYZ exec, who never met an opportunity to sell a new service to notaries that he didn't like, and before the night is over, they have scratched out the vague outlines of a plan. The XYZ guy goes back to his fellow execs and the idea starts to snowball into what we've seen.

You can do your own speculation about what happens next... And of course, I'm just having a little bit of fun with this, but I suspect the reality is probably in the ballpark - at least conceptually.

Sooooo... realistically, I believe that the truth of how the SPW came into being is somewhere between them drumming this up on their own just as a money making scheme and them coming up with a purely altruistic way of "serving notaries" (or whatever it is they say in their PR materials to describe their purpose). I also believe that in order to have some impact on this issue and what happens going forward, it's important to keep a balanced outlook, to be solution-oriented, and to have the facts straight. Personally, I still have a fair amount of reading to do!



Reply by Notarysigner on 11/14/13 10:06am
Msg #492686

Very good! Agree n/m


 
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