OMBA President Message

Q1 2023

 

Dear Friends, Colleagues, and Industry Peers –

Welcome to another year with the Oregon Mortgage Bankers Association – and what a difference a year makes! While the market shift is enough to give even seasoned experts whiplash, I am constantly impressed with the caliber of professionals that are passionate about our industry, finding opportunities and solutions for current and potential mortgage borrowers. In this environment, staying stagnant is not an option. Taking action could be the difference between closing the deal, keeping the client, or taking the next step in your career.

Your OMBA Board and Committee Members have been taking action since Q4 2022 to plan for the year, supporting our industry with exclusive educational events and some new takes on networking opportunities. January’s Annual Dinner was a huge success, with over 100 attendees and the silent auction bringing in over $2,500 for MIRG. Despite weather challenges, we saw Patrick Galvan speak to a sold out crowd in Vancouver, and Central Oregon held a Trivia Night to welcome this expansion to our team.

In February, the Board held a two-hour in person meeting and strategy session to share and collaborate between our various committees. In addition to announcing a Central Oregon Chapter of OMBA, we are excited to announce a healthy number of new members to start off the year – a warm welcome to:

  • US Bank – Bend
  • U Can United, LLC
  • AgWest Farm Credit
  • NOVA Home Loans
  • BBG – Portland
  • National MI
  • WaFd Bank

We are taking new steps in collaboration and growth this year thanks to the initiative and creative thinking of the OMBA Board and Committees. Working with MBA National, OMBA saw legislative progress in the request to eliminate the LLPAs announced earlier this year (see the letter to Director Thompson of FHFA). Our Legislative Committee has been working hand-in-hand with OMBA Lobbyist, Matt Markee, to stay on top of state issues related to our industry and has produced a 1st Quarter Update for members. Stay tuned for more details on networking, education, legislation, and some truly incredible events – the best is yet to come!

 

Crystal Rustad – OMBA President

Account Executive

American Reporting Company

[email protected] | 503.660.3199