Welcome

It is an honor to be here tonight to be sworn in as President of the Mortgage Bankers Association of Greater Philadelphia. I have been involved with the MBS since the early eighties. I served as Treasurer from 1984 to 1991. As a member of this organization, I have served on many committees over the years and I also have the privilege of being the sixth President of this organization to come from Beneficial Savings Bank.

Harry Blair – 1968
Joe McLaughlin – 1976
Tom Boland – 1984
Bob Fleming – 1987 and
Jim Connor – 1996

Beneficial Savings Bank and its leadership have a long history of commitment to this association, and to what Mortgage Banking has brought to our industry. As a community bank, Beneficial has always encouraged involvement to organizations, corporate boards and committees. I would also like to take this time to thank my co-workers from Beneficial who came tonight to show their support.

My first goal as President is to increase the membership of this excellent organization. In order to increase the membership, we need you help and expertise to know what you, our members would like to receive from the organization as far as education sessions, speakers, etc. There is a member “Wish List” on your table and I ask if you would take a few moments to give me some of your thoughts and ideas for the upcoming year.

The organization is making some changes going forward with hopes of increasing our membership. One of the changes this year is the location for our annual golf outing. This year, it will be held at the Huntingdon Valley Country Club on July 9, 2007. Again your thoughts and ideas are encouraged.

Another goal is to increase the involvement of our members. One of the ways is sponsorships. Another is membership involvement in our annual housing fair and volunteers to serve on our various committees. We need the help of all of you to make the committees and our organization a success.

It is going to be a difficult year for our organization with the slow down in the market and the numerous housing bills being presented in Harrisburg. Bob Levy is going to give us a brief overview of the upcoming legislation. We will keep our membership updated at they develop.

One of the changes that will affect our industry this year is The Expanding American Homeownership Act that will bring FHA into the 21st Century and offer a variety of safe homeownership options at a fair price.

To quote Jim Connor from his inaugural address in 1996, “Times can be tough, my friends. If we’re out of sight, we’re out of mind, and we could be out of business. Don’t let this happen, get involved and stay involved.”

Please join me this year in being an active member of the Mortgage Bankers Association and thank you for extending me the privilege to serve as your President and to include me in a group of very special people.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Jackie Callahan
President
Mortgage Bankers Association of Greater Philadelphia
(800) 371-9030 or (215) 735-9030
president@mbagp.org