by Howard Nelson

Greetings once again...Here we are in early February already, 2010 is well underway, and 2009 seems long ago. We have all begun to transition into a new RESPA world and many other changes that seem to be never ending for our industry. And while many would reflect on the uncertainty of tomorrow, one thing that is certain and that is "change". Yes, seems like everywhere we turn, change is impacting our lives and those around us. For many, any change or all changes in general, creates stress in our lives, which can be both good and bad, depending upon how it motivates us. We would probably all agree that our world gets more complex every day and seems to be moving at a faster pace than ever before. Yes, change is here to stay. It is not going away, so we really just need to take a good look inwardly and adjust our attitudes and behaviors. We must determine those changes that we can influence and/or control, accept the changes we have no control over and move on to greater productivity and successes. How?

A writer I have much respect for, Chuck Swindol, writes..."The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company...a church...a home. The remarkable think is we have a choice, every day, regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past...we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude...I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you...we are in charge of our attitudes."

Yes, our attitude, our behaviors, the way we react to the changes that are upon us and the changes to come, can best be met head-on with the right attitude and equally important, with partnerships. We shouldn't face these changes alone, nor do we have too. Whether we face a business or personal challenge, we have greater chances of success with others as partners...our teammates, our family and friends, and as it relates to our Association and Industry, our important industry partners. I have mentioned in my two preceding newsletter articles, this year's theme, Strength in Partnerships. Given the economic and regulator climate, (which many are predicting to continue for some time), our industry partnerships and alliances are crucially important. I am hearing from many MBA Chapter leaders of the successes at local levels teaming with other Industry partners, such as Board of Realtors and Home Builders Associations on local legislative regulations, issues that are not in our industry's best interest or the interest of the American Dream of Home Ownership...and yes, home ownership is still a dream of many families in America! Many of these local issues have been elevated to State and National levels and are receiving active attention of other industry leaders as we speak. MBAF continues to work very closely with and strengthening partnerships with the Florida Association of Realtors, Florida Home Builders Association, Florida Bankers Association and other Industry trade association on important industry issues and topics.

The Mortgage Bankers Association of Florida's new alliance with MBA National continues to grow stronger. We continue to work closely with MBA National on legislative issues that are important at both state and national levels. MBA National's CampusMBA, has partnered with MBAF to offer a valuable new course, Comprehensive SAFE Act Training, in two locations in Florida, (Maitland, Florida on 03/03-03/04 and Jacksonville, Florida on 03/17-03/18). Check out our website for more detailed information and registration information. Class size is limited, so please do not delay here. Later this month, MBAF is once again, hosting a premier event, the Eastern Secondary Market Conference, February 16^th & 17^th, at the Regal Sun Resort, Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Make sure to mark your calendars for our 57^th annual convention, to be held at the beautiful Marriott Delray Beach, located on Florida's Gold Coast overlooking sandy beaches on Ocean Boulevard, Delray Beach, Florida, June 23-24, 2010. We're still working on a possible legislative day in Tallahassee, sometime in late March. Stay tuned for more information on this. Every MBA Chapter around the state also offers exciting and valued monthly programs as well as periodic special educational and charitable events. Yes, MBA is working hard for you. Question is...are you on board? If not, you are missing out and should really think about jumping on board with your local MBA Chapter and MBAF, your State Association. There is, Strength in Partnerships...together we can win!

Wishing all the best and success for 2010...hope to see you at these upcoming events and meetings!