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New housing starts have dipped below recent historic levels. However, the residential re-sale market, particularly in the lower to middle price range, remains fairly robust. This combined with mortgage refinance activity brought on by low interest rates has kept lenders, title companies, and lawyers busier than expected during the first quarter.

ATG continues to defy the odds by posting productivity gains throughout the first quarter. This is largely attributable to the increase in ATG's marketshare, particularly through our acquisition of business from several regional lawyer agent service companies in the Chicago area.

In sum, despite a less-than-rosy economy, ATG continues to build on its success as the undisputed leader in the residential re-sale segment of the title insurance market.

Goal to Improve Technology Takes New Turn
Improved technology continues to be at the forefront of ATG's list of goals to ensure our ability to build on our mission of being the premier lawyer service organization in North America.

Over the past four months we have met with several vendors and consultants to finalize our plan to build a new information system at ATG, develop new title and closing production software for members, and build a web-based link between ATG, its membership, and the rest of the real estate community.

We are very close to selecting vendors and outside consultants to work with our talented IS team to bring significantly improved technology to the membership.

This will be a major financial commitment by ATG. While the cost will be high, it is essential that we invest these dollars to ensure your continued ability to compete in the marketplace.

As soon as vendor selection decisions are made, look for us to make a major announcement regarding this exciting new development. We are confident that we can significantly improve on our service to you and at the same time improve your productivity. We know that our failed effort to deliver a Windows-version of ProFUND has been disappointing to you. We believe, however, that we are moving in a better direction, and good results will follow.

ISBA Task Force Continues Efforts to Eliminate Unauthorized Practice of Law
We continue to be extremely active with the Illinois State Bar Association and the Illinois Real Estate Lawyers Association to eliminate the encroachment of title companies, Realtorsâ, and others into the practice of law.

The ISBA Task Force on the Unauthorized Practice of Law, of which I am a proud member, recently filed suit against a title company in St. Clair County. In that case, a consumer suffered significant financial harm as a result of the unauthorized practice of law by a title agent.

In addition, the Task Force has introduced an amendment to the Attorneys Act that would facilitate the ability of individuals and bar associations to bring suit to enjoin Realtorsâ, title companies, and others from engaging in the unauthorized practice of law. That bill was introduced as House Bill 510 and is pending in the Illinois Legislature. We encourage you to contact your local legislator to voice your support.

ATG^® Opens New Offices to Support Volume
Our dramatic expansion in the Chicago market has made it much easier for all members to close ATG transactions. Our new, fully equipped closing offices are located on the North Side of Chicago, Flossmoor, Libertyville, Lombard, Mt. Prospect, North Riverside, and Oak Lawn. These offices are staffed with ATG personnel who are available to assist you and your clients. We encourage you to make use of these conveniently located facilities.

ATG^® Subsidiaries Exceed Expectations
Capital Funding Corporation, our mortgage-banking subsidiary, has already closed more loans in 2001 than it did in all of 2000! We encourage you to take full advantage of this exciting opportunity. Members representing purchasers are now earning significant additional income on the buy side of the transaction and are providing a better service to their clients.

Guaranty Trust Company now has more than $100 million in assets. This is a key benchmark for trust companies and clears the way for ATG to gain a real presence in the financial services market. GTC members, like those at CFC and ATG, are earning additional income and providing top-notch investment and trust services. For more information, contact GTC.

ATG^® Products and Services Build your Practice, Make you More Efficient
We encourage you to continue to avail yourself of ATG's exciting member services.

The ATG Member Health Program can improve both the cost and the coverage available to you, your employees, and your families.

In addition, our Computer Leasing Program allows you to obtain state-of-the-art technology at below market rates.

Our Escrow Department is pleased to announce that it is now available to do Reverse Starker Exchanges for members. This new offering is in response to the needs of clients who are active in real estate investing.

We have also cleared the way to open a Commercial Transaction Services Department at ATG, headed by talented Staff Attorney Marianne Raimondi. This department will give you the tools to compete for larger transactions. How many times have you been frustrated when you have had to refer a commercial transaction to another underwriter? That will change with the opening of our Commercial Services Department.

Growth in Expanded Markets
The Canadian Lawyers Network is making great progress. CLN had its first profitable month in January and we look forward to continued growth and success.

Our Indiana operation is also making good progress. The Indiana membership is growing steadily, with several high volume law firms now on board. Many Illinois lawyers are using this service to represent clients who are relocating to Indiana.

ATG's Wisconsin operation is still doing well. Thanks to more than 100 active agents, we are making good progress. ATG and its Madison, Wis., employees welcome marketing representative Deb Lumby. We are confident that Deb's efforts will have a positive impact on service to existing members as well as recruitment of new members.

Conclusion
The year 2001 may prove to be a challenging year for the U.S. economy. Despite this, ATG continues to make dramatic progress in developing services for law firms and their clients. We look forward to sharing additional opportunities with you as the year progresses. Best wishes to you and your family for a happy and healthy spring season.