Young Mortgage Bankers

Real Estate Weekly, Jan 12, 2005 by Peter L. Meyer

Networking is just one of the many reasons over 300 bankers, mortgage brokers, appraisers, environmental consultants and other professionals have decided to join the Young Mortgage Bankers Association.

The YMBA also provides members with timely industry-related information so professionals can keep tabs on the many important developments in the banking field.

The group serves as a bridge between senior executives and emerging executives involved in the myriad aspects of the commercial property finance industry.

Attending the organization's many events held throughout the year is among ways members stay in touch with colleagues and keep track of emerging trends. Our semi-annual "Meet the Lenders" luncheons provide members with first-hand accounts of current deals and the kind of loans lenders are seeking to make.

Our "Guest Speaker" luncheons feature prominent industry leaders who share details of the transactions they have completed and keep members up to date with the latest market developments. "Seminar Luncheons" feature panels of industry experts who discuss topics of relevance to the industry.

But joining the YMBA isn't all work and no play. We offer members invaluable opportunities to network through more informal social gatherings.

To help maintain the close connections formed through the events, the YMBA publishes a member directory that serves as an invaluable tool to locate and contact people in the industry. The YMBA was formed in 1967 with the mission of serving individuals in the mortgage, real estate and real estate-related service industries. In recent years we have expanded our services and made some changes with respect to the leadership of the organization.

Our current officers are chairman Peter Meyer, of Citibank, N.A.; vice chairman Mike Softer, of Citibank, NA; treasurer Dan Lisser, of Johnson Capital; program chairperson Angela Ortiz, of Besen & Associates; social chairperson Mitchell Gould, of BRT Realty Trust; membership chairperson Adam Horowitz, of AFC Realty Capital; publicity/Web site chairperson Brian Smalley, of M&T Bank; governor Chuck Merritt, of Merritt Engineering; governor Benjamin Stacks, of HSBC Bank USA; governor Keith Braddish, of L.J. Melody & Company; governor Glenn Grimaldi, of HSBC Bank USA; chief financial officer Frederick Berk, of Friedman Alpern & Green, LLP; counsel Mitchell Berkey, of Wolff & Sampson PC and administrator Carol Bensky, of AMT Marketing Affiliates.

Members can access e information at our website www.ymba.net. Individual new memberships cost $150 per year and $125 per year for renewals. Corporate memberships cost $500 for both new and renewal.

Those interested can download an applications on our Web site or by calling Carol Bensky at 201-440-8144 or cb-mt @erols.com.

We look forward to seeing you.