MMLA members look to the future

By Christine L. Mobley Legal News If necessity is the mother of all invention then even greater necessity must bring about reinvention. It was in this spirit that the Michigan Mortgage Lenders Association (MMLA) celebrated its 81st Annual MMLA President's Installation Banquet -- aptly titled "Back to the Future II." MMLA's annual conference that was held this past summer was titled "Back to the Future," citing the need for the mortgage industry to reinvent itself by going back to practices, loan types, and the like it had years ago. In his outgoing president's speech, Denny Miller reflected upon the past year, noting that he thought "Back to the Future" was a suitable name for the banquet hosted last month at the Motor City Casino-Hotel. "('Back to the Future') has been kind of a theme of ours, not only in the way we do business in our individual shops, but also in the way we've chosen to position our association going forward," he said. Miller spoke of MMLA's newly developed strategic plan which he hopes "will bring future leadership to the board of MMLA." He applauded the efforts of Alice Alvey, MMLA Education consultant, and Murray Brown, MMLA Legislative consultant. MMLA Executive Director Joanne Misuraca was also lauded for her work with the association. "The Michigan Mortgage Lenders Association - we're 450 odd members strong and we are committed to growing our organization with professional engaged lenders and affiliate partners with the highest integrity," Miller said. "We have a PR mountain to climb after the last two years of negative publicity for our industry," he said "Those who have stuck with the business and the association have, in my opinion, reached the peak already. Miller said he thought the goal of the group now "is we have to lead, we have to throw ropes down to all of those people who are aspiring to financial services careers, but in a way of professionalism and integrity. We must do the right thing. "Don't be afraid to speak up and report major RESPA violations because it's those who skirt the truth with false or deceptive ads and/or practices who've been responsible for a lot of the landslide of regulation and bureaucracy that we're all faced with today. "We're the professionals," Miller concluded. "We will position MMLA as the organization that people should trust and count on...We have to lead by example." The Vic Miller, Ambassador, and the James T. Barnes Memorial awards were then presented to members. Jennifer Reese of IRR Residential was honored with the Vic Miller Award; Janice Hurt of AmTrust with the Ambassador Award; and Alice Alvey of Mortgage U with the J.T. Barnes Award. The Vic Miller Award recognizes an MMLA member's outstanding individual service to the association through the year. Reese became a MMLA member in 2008 and "dove in head first," according to Miller. "(Reese) immediately got involved with all the committees for the southeast chapter and became a board member in 2009," Miller noted. "She has generously given of her time and talents to the social committee, golf committee and luncheon committee." The Ambassador Award is presented to the individual whose new membership initiatives and achievements embody the spirit of a true ambassador. "(Hurt) has been very active in all aspects of the MMLA. She is currently serving her second term as a WMMLA board member. She has chaired and served on many committees over the years as well," Miller said in his introduction. "Janice can always be found at most events and is constantly promoting them to her customers and contacts. She is always trumpeting the benefits of membership and participating in the MMLA events. Janice has truly been an ambassador for the MMLA." The James T. Barnes Memorial Award recognizes outstanding contributions to mortgage banking. It is awarded annually to the person whose career reflects high ethical standards with a deep commitment to mortgage lending in addition to possessing the traits that most epitomize the character and the ideals of James T. Barnes. After joking about how long Alvey has been associated with the MMLA, Miller, on a more serious note, sang Alvey's praises. "For the past three years, she has served the MMLA as Education Board chair. In this time, she has successfully established the MMLA's educational services into the best in state...or second only to her own company, Mortgage U. She has also been a great resource on all of the national legislative changes and has guided the MMLA on how to assist its members in keeping up and staying compliant with all of these changes. "She is in demand as an educator and trainer all over the country, but is always available to assist the MMLA with the highest of standards and a deep commitment to the members of the mortgage industry," Miller said while noting that Alvey "truly embodies the spirit of this award." Giving the keynote speech for the evening was John Courson, president and CEO of the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA). Courson has been involved in the mortgage industry for more than 40 years and served as chairman of MBA in 2003. After discussing the current state of the mortgage industry, Courson conducted the formal installation of the 2010 MMLA Board members. David Jackson of PrimeLending was installed as MMLA president, Randy Fosgard with University Lending Group became MMLA vice president, Kurt Raymond of DataVerify became MMLA treasurer, Reese became secretary, and Miller became MMLA immediate past president. MMLA regional chapters' leadership were also inducted. Mike Fontana of Guaranteed Rate, Inc. and Nicole Nahodil of Tranex Financial became the SEMMLA president and vice president, respectively. Robin Stewart of NuUnion Credit Union became Mid-MMLA president while Mary Townley of MSHDA became Mid-MMLA vice president. Additionally, WMMLA President Dave Ondersma of Macatawa Bank and WMMLA Vice President Cindy Lowman of United Bank Mortgage Corp. took the reigns. Also inducted onto the board as general members were Cyndi Garza of Independent Bank, Allison Meyers of John Adams Mortgage, Kim Renock of AmeriCU, and Anthony Weekley of Fifth Third Bank. Taking the reigns as 2010 MMLA president, Jackson asked the age old question he so often here's from his children, "Are we there yet?" "In order to know if we're there yet, we certainly need a clear, defined road map to where we're going," Jackson said of those in the mortgage industry. Six pillars set within the last year are Jackson's focus in moving the organization forward: membership; board structure; legislative; education; social; and public relations. "We may not be there yet, but I think we're getting much closer to the new normal in our business -- if there's going to be such a thing," Jackson stated. "I'm committed to making sure that the MMLA is with you all the way and doing the right thing for our members and providing value." Published: Tue, Dec 15, 2009

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