Raleigh, N.C. – The Property Records Industry Association (PRIA) announces the opening of the application period for the Ernst Scholarship Award for the 2019-20 membership year beginning on August 1, 2019. Scholarships are offered to one public and one private sector individual each year. Ernst Publishing Co. established the award, in conjunction with PRIA, in recognition of the late Carl R. Ernst for his contributions to PRIA and the extended property records industry.
According to PRIA President Larry Burtness, “The late Carl Ernst was an original member of the Property Records Industry Joint Task Force, the predecessor to PRIA, and a tireless advocate for the development of both eRecording and basic standards for the property records industry. We could not be more pleased to partner with Ernst Publishing Co. in sponsoring this scholarship.”
The award criteria, established in 2013, require that eligible applicants have not previously been members of PRIA, have demonstrated exceptional accomplishments in their chosen fields, been active in their communities and proven service consistent with the mission and values of PRIA.
Erin Niemi, recording deputy in the Okanogan Co., WA, auditor’s office and recipient of this scholarship for 2018-19 writes, “As a county recorder, the Ernst Scholarship provided the rare opportunity to network with other recorders and vendors from across the country. Through the complimentary PRIA membership our office is furnished resources to become informed about technological advancements that we will confront as the property records industry increasingly moves toward digital platforms.”
A committee that includes the PRIA officers and a representative of Ernst Publishing Co. will select the 2019-20 scholarship recipients. Deadline for receipt of applications is June 15.
About PRIA
PRIA develops and promotes national standards and best practices for the property recording industry by identifying appropriate opportunities for collaboration among industry stakeholders; developing recommendations for standards and best practices; encouraging and supporting the adoption of such standards and practices; providing a clearinghouse for property-records-related information; and educating members, stakeholders and the public about the property records industry. For more information on PRIA, visit www.pria.us.
