Lenders Takes Away

Lenders Title has downsized its Northwest Arkansas operations by eliminating reportedly six of its 11 positions between the Fayetteville and Rogers offices.

Among those affected by the downsizing was manager Larry Palmer, who joined Lenders last year. Lynden Polk, manager of the Rogers office, has been retained as the regional manager for the two Northwest Arkansas offices.

When contacted, Palmer only said the move was a “complete surprise.”

Washington and Benton counties have been inundated with title companies, including the newest companies: Superior Abstract and Title of Springdale and Northwest Arkansas Title of Fayetteville.

Title companies have closing agents, title agents and processing assistants who aid in securing a clear deed for both parties involved in real estate transactions.

Lenders, the largest title company in the state with 12 offices, is owned by Pulaski Bank of Little Rock.

“Every business goes through a period where you reevaluate,” Polk said. “We needed to eliminate some overage. There were a small number of layoffs we’ve had in restructuring our regional responsibilities

“We will turn those personnel dollars and make those available for future growth we’re starting to experience so that we can better service our customers.”

Polk said Lenders’ position for 2001 is to “be very aggressive and customer service oriented.”