Message from the President  

President's Message

Ladies and Gentlemen-may I just say that Las Vegas has nothing over Seattle..but more about that in just a moment.

As I write this, the 42nd Annual NAPMW National Meeting is just ending. I have had some inspiring educational opportunities. I have had chances to mentor and in turn be mentored and oh maybe just a wee bit of fun. Well perhaps more than just a bit.

It has been a time of new thoughts, ideas and challenges but after all, we are committed to an industry that challenges each of us daily are we not? I think what makes this event so special is that women and men from all over the country come for the purpose of exchanging ideas, information and to be recharged. This week alone I have met and listened to people who are risk takers and life changers. They are people of great courage. Each of the attendees including myself are now returning to our locals across the country eager to impact our own communities for the better!

There was a recurring theme at this year's meeting. In one word-COURAGE. It was not tacked to a banner or announced from the podium but it was nonetheless there-loud and clear.

May I take a moment to show you some snapshots of what courage looks like?

How about the first one? It is nine women in 1964 who decided that other women in the growing mortgage/banking industry needed opportunities to grow in their field and be supported in their careers. No doubt they managed this at a time when it wasn't very popular to do so. Three of these women attended this year's meeting and I was honored to shake their hands.

Then there is each subsequent National President who followed them, and shaped the destiny of many others by setting examples of leadership. I had the privilege of getting to know some of these people this week.

Their dedication to the membership, even now, after having passed the gavel to others is inspiring.

I joined the ranks of a new Charter group of professionals within NAPMW, the Certified Mortgage Instructor (CMI). It is a privilege I will treasure. The CMI designation certifies an individual has completed the necessary requirements to offer instruction or training within the Mortgage Industry. National hopes to use this as a presenter or speaker's bureau resource.

This snapshot is one I'll definitely remember, Lyn Brewer, the convention keynote speaker. She had the fortitude to remember her father's words: "If you always tell the truth, you will never have to remember what you said." Character is not built in a crisis it is only exhibited. Against harassment and personal cost-she was the one that blew the whistle that stopped the greed of Enron.

David Acker's words of advice- The attitude of the employee is contagious to the customer. That does take courage does it not? After listening to him, I personally vowed never to look at my fellow employees, employer and fellow NAPMW members again without letting them know how each of them matter! This was only one of many educational seminars I attended.

Last perhaps but by no means least-Outgoing AVP of the Central Region, Rick Hindsman. Despite the complete loss of everything he owned, he returned to his beloved New Orleans after Katrina and made every effort to locate other NAPMW members and their families and assist and support them during and after the crisis. Next month NAPMW-New Orleans will assemble once again to celebrate a new year of NAPMW membership and pick up where they left off. Caring for one another in the industry. It is no surprise that Rick was the recipient of this year's National NAPMW Spirit Award.

It takes courage to change and courage to accept change. Sometimes it just takes courage to sit and wait for the next direction we are being led to take.

I have always been excited by what NAPMW brings to the table, both professionally and personally, but even more so now! As your President, I recognize the potential for growth within our local and I am excited by where we can all go this year! We made great strides last year under our Past President, Rachelle Bennett. However no one wants to end a year the same way they began. As we discussed in our Planning Meeting in May our goals are pretty aggressive:

Increase membership by 40% and retain 90% of our current membership.

Provide cutting edge opportunities to educate and encourage every single Member. will be a light that develops professional and personal growth.

Provide the very best in networking opportunities.

We CAN do this! You have a board that does not know the meaning of 'NO'! Why? Because they want this to be your NAPMW as well as theirs. Where they see obstacles to accomplishments-they see opportunities to grow! I don't think I could hold them back with a whip and a chair. I invite you all to come along for the ride. And incidentally, if the opportunity presents itself then join us for an upcoming Regional or National Meeting soon won't you? I promise to keep you informed of these. Without a doubt you must not miss local seminars, meetings and networking opportunities this year. For now, I look forward to seeing you at the "Cruisin' to Key West" Bottle Auction on June 15th. What? You don't have your ticket yet? Well get on board-time is a wastin' and the ship will leaving the dock.

See you very soon!

P.S. With regard to my opening remark- just a note to the Austin Delegation at National this year remember "What happens in Seattle-stays in Seattle!"

Past Messages:

2006
June


2005
March
May
July
August
December