Craig Gill (left) President of the Arkansas Land Title Association, and past president Jerry Nixon, present Van Winton with the Titleperson of the Year award at the recent 100th annual convention of the group. (photo provided) [Click to enlarge]

Van Winton of Piggott was awarded the prestigious "Titleperson of the Year" award at this year's Arkansas Land Title Association's 100th annual convention.

Winton, owner of Clay County Abstract and Title Insurance, received the award for his loyal, dedicated and untiring service to the land title industry for the state of Arkansas and the Arkansas Land Title Association.

Winton first started in the title business with his father Jim in 1994, after retiring from the U.S. Marine Corps after serving 21 years as both an enlisted man and an officer. At that time he became the fifth generation of his family to serve as an abstracter.

Winton currently serves as chairman of the Arkansas Abstracter's Board of Examiners, is chairman of the Arkansas Land Title Association's legislative committee and is chairman of the Arkansas Land Title Association's political action committee. He has served in all positions on the board of directors of the Arkansas Land Title Association and was president from 2002-2003. Winton is now serving his second term on the board of directors.

In making the presentation, association president Craig Gill noted, "Van is truly an asset to our industry, as he devotes countless hours of his time in working for the association and the betterment of the title business in the state of Arkansas."

His father, Jim Winton, was also named the 2000 Titleperson of the Year, making them the only father-son team to ever win the award.

Winton is also active locally and serves as president of the Economic Development Corporation for the City of Piggott. Clay County Abstract and Title Insurance operates offices in Piggott, Rector and Corning.