April 2007 - Interest Notes
In this issue:New program to cultivate future mortgage leaders
By Jim Lewis, CML
Chairman of the Board
For the past 51 years the CMLA has carried a proud tradition of being an organization committed to delivering value to our members and friends through the administration of effective education, principled representation, and gracious networking. As long as I’ve been a businessman and a member of the CMLA, I have appreciated the integrity, loyalty and leadership shown by the Board, staff, and member companies. And, as I have come up through the ranks from Board member to Chairman of the association, my appreciation for the leadership of an organization that represents the interests of some 6,000 people involved in real estate sales and finance in Colorado has deepened.
A few years ago when we honed our mission statement, a renewed sense of energy and vigor infused our organization. I see that enthusiasm still today, despite the turbulence of the market and the changes and challenges we each face as we continue to promote the greatest system of community investment to ever exist – mortgage lending.
New Leadership Program
Never content to rest on our laurels, I’m proud to announce that CMLA is launching today a new leadership development program: Future Mortgage Leaders of Colorado. Patterned after MBA’s Future Leaders Program, CMLA’s leadership program is committed to identifying, cultivating and educating the next generation of mortgage leaders. The brainchild of Julie Piepho, CMB, CML, and CMLA board of directors Executive Committee member, the Future Mortgage Leaders of Colorado program will assist in developing leaders in the mortgage lending industry in Colorado through an annual curriculum of comprehensive training. Selected participants will have the opportunity, through a series of six events, work on a community project, and conference calls, to thoroughly understand the business acumen and leadership skills necessary to succeed in mortgage lending.
Participants in the Future Leader’s program can expect to get a strategic perspective of the future of the mortgage industry delivered by industry leaders
and gain insight into the various channels and components of the mortgage lending industry and how they all work together. Participants also will learn firsthand about the legislative process and how that process can impact our industry. In addition, they will become actively involved with each of the CMLA domains (education, representation, or networking)
and work in teams to develop a holistic approach to community economic development and its impact on housing and commercial development.
Sign me up now!
If you know that mortgage lending is your chosen career and you’re looking for a way to increase and accelerate your leadership skills and business knowledge, this program is for you! More information and the application are available online by clicking on the link below:
The application deadline is May 31, 2007.
Candidates for the Future Mortgage Leaders of Colorado program must have their Certified Mortgage Lender (CML) designation and be employed by a CMLA member company. (Other details about the program are contained in the application.) Those chosen to be in the first Future Leaders “Class” will be announced at the CMLA Convention in Vail August 9, 2007 and will graduate at CMLA’s 2008 Convention.
While I am very pleased by the success our association is experiencing during these tumultuous times, it is imperative that we build on these successes and continue in our commitment to provide superlative service to our members and friends. CMLA leadership is always looking for people who are willing to step up and create a future that others see themselves in by helping us realize our goals. To that end, I offer to those who have a passion to build on our strong foundation: seize this opportunity to develop the leader within YOU and to contribute to the leadership of the best state association representing real estate sales and finance in the country.