March 16, 2004
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Thomas Shaner, CAE

BALTIMORE - John Garofalo, CRMS of Metropolitan Mortgage Brokers in Silver Spring and Joseph M. Brown, Jr., CRMS of Premier Equity Mortgage in Randallstown, were jointly presented the Maryland Association of Mortgage Brokers (MAMB) Broker of the Year Award last night during ceremonies at the Center Club in Baltimore.

Both Garofalo and Brown have served as presidents of the 1,250-member MAMB and have been instrumental in the association’s efforts to expand licensing requirements and educational opportunities for mortgage brokers. Mr. Garofalo still serves the association as its Delegate to the National Association of Mortgage Brokers and Mr. Brown is serving in his third year as treasurer of the state nonprofit group.

In addition to Garofalo and Brown, MAMB President Joseph Child of First Republic Mortgage Corp. in Annapolis presented his President’s Award to Thomas C. Shaner, CAE, and Traci Snyder and in so doing paid special recognition to The Joseph E. Shaner Co. which provides full management services to MAMB. Mr. Shaner serves the client as executive director and Ms. Snyder serves as the associate executive director and director of meetings and membership.

Also honored by MAMB during its convention ceremonies were Ralph Dawson of RAM Financial in Largo who was presented the association’s Legislative Award in recognition of his tireless efforts as a volunteer representing the interests of mortgage brokers in Annapolis. Later in the evening, Mr. Dawson was installed as the new president of MAMB for the 2004-2005 year.

MAMB presented Maryland State Delegate Jeffrey Paige of the 44th District in Baltimore City its Georgia S. Crawford Community Service Award in recognition of his many years of support and participation in the association’s Children’s Christmas Party project which is held each year in cooperation with the Bethel Community Outreach Center in West Baltimore.

Glen Cook of National City Home Equity was given MAMB’s Affiliate of the Year honor to salute him for his efforts as the association’s membership chairman and his overall support for the many activities carried out each year by the organization.

The award ceremonies took place on the first day of the 2004 MAMB Convention for which more than 1,200 mortgage professionals and affiliates were in attendance. MAMB leaders are already at work planning the 2005 MAMB Annual Convention and Exposition. For further information on MAMB, contact the Association at 720 Light St., Baltimore, Md. 21230, fax 410-752-8295, e-mail: mamb@assnhqtrs.com.