[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 103 (Tuesday, July 12, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1291]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  CRAIG OLIVE ``PUTTING PEOPLE FIRST''

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. RENEE L. ELLMERS

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 12, 2011

  Mrs. ELLMERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge my dear friend 
Craig Olive. Since taking office in December, 2002, as Johnston 
County's Registrar of Deeds, Craig Olive has made tremendous strides in 
efficiency, innovative office automation, streamlining services, 
reducing costs to citizens and going the extra mile to serve the people 
of Johnston County.
  Craig has been consistent in his efforts to reduce fees, maximize 
office efficiency, improve computerization and automation of services, 
and provide excellent customer service for Johnston's citizens. He 
implemented a recording software program, to streamline the process of 
recording documents at a cost savings of over $300,000 in a five year 
period. He has automated the marriage license process--allowing 
issuance of a license in 10 minutes. He has also automated the issuance 
of other vital records, i.e., birth and death certificates, reducing 
waiting time and increasing productivity. He has digitized all records 
dating back to the beginning of the county; mid-1700s. Craig was the 
first Registrar of Deeds in North Carolina to follow the North Carolina 
Secretary of State's standards and submit an ``eRecording.'' Craig's 
office was the first in the Nation to electronically record a survey 
map. Through the automation of his office, Craig has been able to 
increase the efficiency of his office, while at the same time saving 
valuable tax dollars.
  In service to the county and State, Craig has spearheaded the effort 
to have legislation enacted that would conceal individuals' Social 
Security and driver's license numbers from appearing on the Internet, 
via public records.
  Craig and his staff always go the extra mile while treating everyone 
with respect. In February 2010, NC Secretary of State awarded Craig 
with the Honorary Keeper of the Constitution for outstanding 
recordkeeping of public documents.
  Craig has been consistent in carrying out policies and methods that 
have reduced fees and costs for citizens and professionals, improved 
productivity and efficiency through automation, and has consistently 
made sure that his office provides outstanding customer service. Mr. 
Olive, through his service, provides the blueprint of how a Registrar 
of Deeds office should be run in order to provide the highest levels of 
efficiency, productivity, innovation and service for the people of this 
county.

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