Welcome to the 2009-2010 GCMBA calendar year! As is tradition, GCMBA launched its Luncheon Series earlier this month when Jim Rokakis, Cuyahoga County Treasurer, spoke to a group of almost 50 people that included bankers, mortgage service providers, builders and developers. Jim?s presentation was one of the best received, as he reviewed Cuyahoga County?s real estate valuation trends, the future of housing, and the County?s Land Bank.

In October, GCMBA will welcome Eric Johnson, Director of Real Estate for the Cuyahoga County Port Authority who will review the Port Authority?s major projects and planned activities. Again, we look forward to a large and diverse audience.

November is shaping up to be a Residential Realtor Forum with some of the area?s most influential and successful realtors sharing their stories and success strategies in this tough residential market.

GCMBA plans to make our activities relevant to you. I encourage every one of you to take full advantage of your membership and attend the monthly luncheons. You will be pleasantly surprised at the opportunities they offer including the knowledge gained during the informational sessions, as well as the relationships built by meeting professional friends and colleagues. Your participation at these events will help GCMBA grow and improve, and, as you know, it is only the best organizations that experience growth in tough times. To that end, membership renewals were sent in July and we have received a positive response so far. If you have not completed your renewal, please remember to do so. Thank you in advance for supporting GCMBA so that it can continue to be the successful organization it has become over the years.

Within the next couple of weeks, we will also be contacting your company to become a GCMBA Leadership Sponsor. While Leadership Sponsors are critical to GCMBA?s success, they are also important to yours. GCMBA Leadership Sponsors receive great exposure throughout the year, as they are listed on all electronic correspondence issued by the association, and are duly noted at the monthly luncheons. Being a sponsor informs the real estate world that your company is actively engaged in the industry and finding sound ways to enhance its success.

As you can see, GCMBA is planning activities and scheduling speakers that are relevant to you. But a successful GCMBA requires commitment from everyone. If you determine an educational need, desire a certain speaker, or have ideas for future programs, please contact me or any other Board member; we appreciate hearing from you.

I am looking forward to a great 2009-2010!

John Funderburg
President
Greater Cleveland Mortgage Bankers Association