Welcome to our Spring Newsletter. Please submit any articles or member news to mbaf@mbaf.org for inclusion in future communications.
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Board of Directors
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2014/2015 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
PRESIDENT
Jay Ralstin, Waterstone Mortgage Corp.
PRESIDENT-ELECT
Sandy Garcia, Sierra Pacific Mortgage
VICE PRESIDENT
Kevin W. Strickland, SunTrust Mortgage
SECRETARY/TREASURER
Pat Gaver, Capital City Bank
SECOND VICE PRESIDENT
Matthew Goldman, CLO, CRO
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
Alex Castellanos, Eagle Home Mortgage
LOCAL CHAPTER REP
Bill Daniels
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Brenda Thomas
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
Latisha Moore
LEGISLATIVE REPRESENTATIVE
Eric Prutsman
Prutsman & Associates, P.A.
2014/2016 Directors
(●TERM ENDS JUNE 2015)
● Dana Cummins, Fidelity Bank Mtg.
● Ben Fant
● Dustin Owen, Waterstone Mortgage
● Michael Azzarello, CMB
Randi Gocinski, Radian
Cammie Aucoin, Sierra Pacific Mtg
Brett Bosarge, Fidelity Bank Mtg.
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
● Dena Howrigan, United Guaranty
DIRECTOR EMERITUS
Margie Fletcher (elected 2005)
Chuck Ivy, EverBank (elected 2006)
Georges Lussier, BB&T (elected 2010)
Local Chapter Presidents
MBA OF CENTRAL FLORIDA
Patti Spaniol, United Guaranty
GULF COAST MBA
Mary Lou Bear, BB&T
MBA OF JACKSONVILLE
Mick Dolan
MBA OF SOUTH FLORIDA
Robert Villalon, Mortgage Information Svcs., Inc.
MBA OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
Teresa Walker, Florida Community Bank
MBA OF TALLAHASSEE
Laura Hewitt, Prime Meridian Bank
MBA OF TAMPA BAY
Bill Daniels
Board contact information available on our web site at www.mbaf.org
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Legislative Update
Eric Prutsman, Esq.
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 Our annual legislative Day-on-the-Hill in Tallahassee was highlighted this month by House Rules Chairman, Representative Ritch Workman, who provided our attendees with an insider's view of how the legislative process works and answered questions on every subject imaginable. The group also met with Senate President Pro Tempore Garrett Richter, Senator John Legg, Senator Aaron Bean, and Representative George Moraitis. As our Day-on-the-Hill attendees discovered, the legislative session this year is dominated by one central issue: the fight over Medicaid expansion. The Senate wants Medicaid expansion to draw down federal funds to cover an additional 800,000 Floridians with health insurance. The House and Governor oppose expanding the Medicaid program over concern that the federal government will initially fund the program but will likely require the State of Florida to pay the cost at some point in the future. The resulting discord between the House and Senate has brought the Legislature to a standstill. Few bills are being passed and it appears that Session will end without a budget, which means that a Special Session - most likely in June - will be required to put a budget in place before the State's fiscal year starts July 1, 2015. Few bills impacting our industry were filed this year, and that is good news. For years, we have been battling dozens of foreclosure bills and other legislative proposals that would negatively impact the mortgage market. To finally have a year where foreclosure legislation was nearly non-existent was a welcome change. As we continue in the final days of Session we will be watching for the last-minute stealth amendments that can ruin a Session for any industry and will update the membership soon. |
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Job News
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Essent has hired an addition to their team in Florida! Beth Larson has joined Essent as of April 1st, and will be covering the Tampa Bay area with Candice Racine. Beth brings with her a very well rounded background. She came from VanDyk Mortgage where she was underwriting, but prior to that she ran residential lending for a small Community Bank in the area. She has originated on the retail side, and also has been a Wholesale Account Executive for such companies as Flagstar and ABN Amro. She has experience in the Mortgage Insurance Industry as well, working for United Guaranty in the South Florida market and has served on various MBA boards. Beth has one son currently living in Boynton Beach and enjoys spending time with him and her two grandsons, ages 4 and 1. She also enjoys golfing as her hobby.
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Welcome baby Elliana
Congratulations to Matthew and Christina Goldman |
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Send Us Your News
Newsletter Submission Deadlines
Monday 7/20/2015
Summer Newsletter Submission Deadline
(8/3 distribution target date)
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| President's Message
Jay Ralstin
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Want some good news? If you and your company adapt easily to change, it's all good news.
Business is blooming this spring. We've seen some strong numbers in new originations, reports of decreasing percentages for Florida serious delinquencies and foreclosure starts. During our recent legislative visit, we were pleased to learn that there are no real threats to our industry on the Florida legislative horizon. Our association is in good financial health, membership is up and we're looking forward to an amazing convention in Delray Beach, June 24-25.
If nothing excites you more than a good webinar, TRID implementation has provided you with abundant joy. With all change comes opportunity, and with August 1st right around the corner, there is no better opportunity than our 62nd Annual Convention to network with your peers from other companies and markets across the state. Learning best practices, alternate interpretations of the new regulation and the potential impacts that could be unforeseen. Hearing directly from agency experts and company executives. Sharpening sales skills that will be needed to adapt to this change and educate our own business networks. This is the core benefit that the MBA of Florida offers to our membership. The more you get involved, the deeper your understanding of the issues. If you've attended our convention before, invite at least 2 others that have not so that they may experience the power of networking with peer groups and developing friendships across the state and mortgage industry.
This year for the first time, we have a one day registration option for the convention that is very affordable. Please get involved with a committee yourself and advocate for our association. More involvement helps us all to get more out of our association.
You get what you give!
I'm looking forward to seeing you all in June!
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2015/2016 Nominating Committee Report
Alex Castellanos, Committee Chair
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Nominated Officers
The Nominating Committee met for the purpose of nominating a President-Elect, Vice President, Secretary/Treasurer, Second Vice President, and five elective members of the Board of Directors. Additional nominations may be made from the floor at the time of election at the Annual Business Meeting during the Annual Convention Wednesday June 24, 2015 at the Marriott Delray Beach, Florida. Election shall be by the majority vote. Members qualified to vote are the main contacts at each regular member company that are members of the MBAF.
President - No Vote Needed
Sandy Garcia, Sierra Pacific Mortgage
NOMINATED OFFICERS - To be voted on at the Annual Business Meeting
President Elect Kevin W. Strickland, SunTrust Mortgage
Vice President Pat Gaver, Capital City Bank
Secretary-Treasurer Matthew Goldman, Homeside
Second Vice President Michael Azzarello, CMB, Caliber Home Loans
NOMINATED DIRECTORS - 2-year terms - To be voted on at the Annual Business Meeting
Michael A. Culbertson, JP Morgan Chase Bank, NA
Robert Villalon, Mortgage Information Services, Inc.
Candice Racine, Essent Guaranty, Inc.
Randy Galloway, Mortgage Guaranty Insurance Corp.
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR - 2-year term
Patti Spaniol, United Guaranty
The full listing of the incoming Board of Directors including the Local Chapter Presidents and all Committee Chairs will be available in June.
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Local Chapters
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MBA of Tampa Bay
On April 10, the Tampa Bay MBA held its annual Richard M. Phillips Memorial Golf Classic benefit at The Eagles Golf Club with a networking dinner following golf. Nelson Garcia led the orchestration of the event which included sponsors for longest drive, putting, individual holes and groups of four. Nelson and Tampa Bay MBA Treasurer Al Letizio coordinated the prize raffle and participant gift bags.
MBA of Jacksonville
On Tuesday, February 17th all four Northeast Florida Real Estate Associations: The Florida Association of Mortgage Professionals (FAMP), The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), The Northeast Florida Builders Association (NEFBA), and the Northeast Florida Association of Realtors (NEFAR) joined together to host the Northeast Florida Real Estate Symposium at the University of North Florida, Adam W. Herbert University Center. Industry Experts provided their analysis and commentary on our regions current and future Real Estate Market and Economy. The free 3 hour event was attended by approx. 200 Mortgage Professionals.
Speakers Pictured above: Alan Mosley, PE. VP of Transportation, Energy & Infrastructure with JAXALLIANCE; Broderick Green, Director of Business Development with Jax USA Partnership; Michell L. Glass, Managing Attorney for the Real Estate Division of Vernis & Bowling (Event Sponsor); Dr. John Tuccillo, Chief Economist with FL Realtors Association; and Anthony Crocco, Director of Northern & Central FL with Metrostudy. 
Event Sponsors: Vernis & Bowling of North Florida, P.A. Michelle Glass, Sara Anderson & Rebecca Tripi 
Symposium Committee Members: Perry Wilson, Mick Dolan, Linda McMorrow, Jody Barry, Eddie Hilliard, Sherry Gallitz, Howard Dyal (not pictured: Jim Goodrich & Corey Deal) 
MBA Booth workers: Bill Geary, Mick Dolan (President), Perry Wilson (Treasurer), & Teresa Hale (Director)
ALL Chapter Web Links below:
Gulf Coast MBA
MBA of Central Florida
MBA of Jacksonville
MBA of Tallahassee
MBA of Tampa Bay
MBA of South Florida
MBA of SW Florida
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62nd Annual Convention
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$159 single or double occupancy
$169/$179 availability for ocean/partial ocean balcony viewsIMPORTANT: The hotel has already filled up our original block of rooms. We have added more rooms to the block but space is becoming very limited. If you want to stay at this hotel please make your reservations now. "What a great program this year." We've heard it over and over. We are going casual and folks are happy about that too. The CLUE game is in place and you will love it! The speakers are gearing up to bring you some valuable knowledge. We just announced an additional Executive Panel member too. You can view everything under the link below.
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Membership Committee Update
by Dena Howrigan & Pat Gaver, Co-Chairs
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There is exciting news regarding Membership for the upcoming 2015/2016 year. Your Board of Directors voted to begin this upcoming dues year to offer a one time opportunity when paying state dues that will allow your employees to become Members of all seven local Chapters of the Mortgage Bankers Association. This fee is in addition to the standard dues payment in the amount of $700. When paying your company's annual dues, select the option to pay the additional amount to add this feature to your Membership! We already receive our first membership in this category, First Federal Bank of Florida is now a member of the state and every chapter.
Please see the Chapter Map below to learn where your staff can benefit from attending meetings and participating in local Chapter events as well as the information on what your state association does! Be sure to send a list of your Florida staff when sending in your renewal or new Membership Application so Brenda Thomas and staff can notify our local chapters of new Members within the state and add your staff to the local Membership Rosters!
This is another way your State Association is adding value and keeping you informed of education, legislative, networking and charitable events!
Thank you for your Membership and Support in the MBA of Florida! It is the professional organization for our industry!
Dena Howrigan, Membership Co-Chairman 
(727) 460-3356
dena.howrigan@ugcorp.com
Pat Gaver, Membership Co-Chairman
(850) 402-8038
gaver.pat@ccbg.com
Brenda Thomas, Executive Director
(407) 855-6155
mbaf@mbaf.org
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Membership Listing as of 4/27/2015
(Reminder: Dues Invoices are being mailed within two weeks. If you are a company that wants to take advantage of the new option of joining all seven of the local chapters, it must be paid by June 30th. All dues payments are due by July 1. ) |
Financial Institution Members
Academy Mortgage Corporation
Acopia HomeLoans
Ameris Bank
Angel Oak Funding, LLC
Bank of America
BMO Harris Bank
Branch Banking and Trust
Capital City Bank
Centennial Bank
Chase
Churchill Stateside Group, LLC
Christensen Financial, Inc.
Community Bank, Destin
Consumer Direct Mortgage, a Division of First Bank
Eagle Home Mortgage
Embrace Home Loans, Inc.
Envoy Mortgage
EverBank
Farm Credit of Northwest Florida
Fidelity Bank Mortgage
First Commerce Credit Union
First Federal Bank of Florida
Florida Capital Bank Mortgage
Florida Housing Finance Corp.
Franklin American Mortgage Co.
GMFS, LLC
Green Tree Servicing LLC
Group One Mortgage, Inc.
Hamilton Group Funding
HomeBridge Financial Services, Inc.
Homeowners Mortgage Enterprises
Impac Mortgage Correspondent
K Hovnanian American Mortgage LLC
Mela Capital Group
Mercury Network, LLC
Prime Meridian Bank
PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company
Quontic Bank
Raymond James Bank
Regions Mortgage
Sierra Pacific Mortgage
Stearns Lending
SunTrust Mortgage
Synovus Mortgage
The Mortgage Firm
Towne Mortgage Company
US Bank
VyStar Credit Union
Waterstone Mortgage
Wells Fargo
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Associate Members
Arch MI
Corelogic RE Solutions
CrossCheck Compliance
Essent Guaranty
FACTintel LLC
Genworth MI
InHouse Solutions
Interthinx, Inc.
John Sena Agency, Inc.
Mela Capital Group
Merscorp Holdings, Inc.
Mortgage Guaranty Ins. Corp.
Mortgage Information Service
National MI
O'Kelley & Sorohan, Attorneys At Law, LLC
OS National
Residential Credit Solutions Inc
Ronald R Wolfe & Assoc.
The StoneHill Group
United Guaranty
Individual Members
Jane E. Ashley
Michael Azzarello, CMB
Bill Cannova
Brent Chapman
Chris Chemi
Michael Dunn
Steven Fraser
Alexis Gabriel
Matthew Goldman, CLO, CRO
David Greif
Ted Jeschke, AMP
Elizabeth Karwowski
Holly Mobari
Dustin Owen
William Schuss
Julie Sneed, Esq.
Peggy Thomas
Alan Verch, CMB
Teresa Walker
Local Chapters
Gulf Coast MBA
MBA of Central Florida
MBA of Jacksonville
MBA of South Florida
MBA of SW Florida
MBA of Tallahassee
MBA of Tampa Bay
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Thank you MBAF Members!
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Eastern Secondary Market Conference with Exhibits
February 24-26, 2016
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 Hyatt Regency Orlando - 9801 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819 - 407-284-1234 Reservations 1-888-421-1442 We are going back for 2016! The response with our conference location was so positive we are returning to the Hyatt Regency Orlando, now for the third year in a row. The hotel is perfect for our conference sessions and exhibit space. During off hours for your networking events there is an abundance of choices all within the International Drive area. Mark your calendars now to attend.
$239 Single/Double
$15 Resort Fee Includes:
1. Fitness classes (Zumba, boot camp, spin classes, water aerobics) - retail value of $12 per person/class.
2. 10% discount off Spa treatments and merchandise
3. I-Ride Trolley tickets daily to the international drive area - retail value is $5 per person/day.
4. Incoming/Outgoing faxes
5. Local and 800 calls
6. Two bottled waters per day
Registration will be open in just a couple of months from now. If you would like to submit a speaker proposal for the conference please email mbaf@mbaf.org by July 1st.
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Need Education/Instructions/Refreshers/CMB Classes?
We Offer it All Through our Partnership with MBA national Visit our online store Click Here |
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MBA's Mortgage Action Alliance:
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 MAA is a crucial portion of the Mortgage Bankers Association's (MBA) advocacy efforts as it connects real estate finance professionals with their representatives in a collective voice. Our ability to unite and organize on both the state and local level is what makes the Mortgage Action Alliance such an effective tool for individual members of our industry and state MBAs as well.
Are you speaking up? Are you making your voice heard? Don't wait for someone else to advocate for you. Join the Mortgage Action Alliance today and unite with mortgage professionals all around the country.
Enrollment in MAA is easy ... simply fill out an online form at www.mba.org/maa. Your membership is always free and lasts for one calendar year. We need you. Your voice matters and it is critical that you use it. Together, we can make a difference on Capitol Hill and in state capitals across the country. The larger the group, the louder the voice ... add yours today.
Amy Swaney, CMB is governmental relations officer and branch manager with Scottsdale, Ariz.-based Citywide Home Loans. Amy is also chair of the Mortgage Action Alliance (MAA), a voluntary, non-partisan and free nationwide grassroots lobbying network of real estate finance industry professionals, affiliated with the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA). Amy may be reached by phone at (480) 822-6262, ext. 2164, e-mail amy@amyswaney.com or visit http://mba.org/Advocacy/MortgageActionAlliance
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Thank you to our sponsors!
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Since 1952, the Mortgage Bankers Association of Florida (MBAF) has integrated the state's diverse real estate finance industry into a unified service organization. The MBAF is committed to promoting sound and ethical business practices in the mortgage banking industry; providing a powerful and responsible presence in Florida's legislative arena; educating its members in the most up-to-date practices and methods, so members can grow and mature in their careers; serving as a forum for communication and social interaction among peers; and adapting to change in a mercurial business environment, in order to help mortgage bankers succeed in that environment.
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