March 11, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Thomas Shaner, CAE

BALTIMORE - Charles DiPino, Jr. of Universal Trust Mortgage Corp. in Columbia was presented the Maryland Association of Mortgage Brokers (MAMP) Broker of the Year Award On March 2 during ceremonies at the Center Club in Baltimore.

DiPino currently serves as vice president of the 1,300-member MAMP and has been instrumental in the association’s efforts to expand licensing requirements and educational opportunities for mortgage brokers.

In addition to honoring DiPino, MAMP President Ralph Dawson of RAM Financial in Largo presented his President’s Award to Tina McKay of American Brokers Conduit. Presented at the President's discretion, Dawson recognized McKay for her long-term service to the association as past president and as a state representative to the National Association of Mortgage Brokers' National Delegates Council.

MAMP presented Rich Muller of Northstar Mortgage its Georgia S. Crawford Community Service Award in recognition of his tremendous volunteer efforts in organizing MAMP's Children’s Christmas Party project which is held each year in cooperation with the Bethel Community Outreach Center in West Baltimore. This wonderful party brought the holiday spirit to over 400 financially disadvantaged children in Baltimore city.

Kathleen M. Murphy, president of the Maryland Bankers Association, was recognized with the association’s Legislative Award in recognition of his tireless efforts in preventing passage of legislation by the Montgomery County Council that would have been harmful to county residents' ability to get mortgages.

Financial Strategies was bestowed MAMP’s Affiliate of the Year honor in recognition the company's tremendous support in the association's efforts to bring excellent education programs to the state's mortgage professionals.

The award ceremonies took place on the first day of the 2005 MAMP Convention for which nearly 1,000 mortgage professionals and affiliates were in attendance. MAMP leaders are already at work planning the 2006 MAMP Annual Convention and Exposition. For further information on MAMP, contact the Association at 720 Light St., Baltimore, Md. 21230, fax 410-752-8295, e-mail: MAMP@assnhqtrs.com.