MAMP Recruits Account Execs as Ambassadors

January 2009

Account executives from lenders, title companies, appraisers and other organizations that call on mortgage brokers and loan originators as clients are being recruited by the Maryland Association of Mortgage Professionals (MAMP) to serve in a new Ambassador recognition program.

"With numerous critical issues blazing at the feet of mortgage brokers such as the loss of independent appraisers, revisions to the Maryland licensing process and enforcement of the 24-month prohibition on re-financing in the state, it is imperative that MAMP get its message to every broker and LO," said Hunter Bloch, the broker-owner of Annapolis First Mortgage in Hanover, Md., and president of MAMP. "Our exciting new Ambassador program is aimed at helping us achieve that goal."

Developed by the MAMP Membership Committee with strategic input from account executives such as Brooks Bosley of Home Savings of America and Christine Wagner of SunTrust Mortgage, MAMP’s Ambassador recognition program aims to not only help spread the word about critical issues, but to also help promote association membership and its various education and social networking events.

It will also provide a means by which account executives can garner excellent recognition among their clients and prospective clients while simultaneously providing an incentive to them through a point system that will enhance their professional publicity and potentially earn prize awards.

MAMP Ambassadors, for instance, will be listed on the MAMP Web site and in the Maryland Mortgage Press. They will also be recognized at the MAMP Convention (March 5-6 in Baltimore) and at other social and education events sponsored by the Association.

Additionally, at the end of each year, MAMP will recognize its top Ambassadors with a special salute and with the presentation of prizes such as a trip to the Caribbean.

"Besides the recognition given by MAMP," said Bosley, "the fact that the account executive is able to be updated on many important issues affecting brokers and then communicate that information to his or her clientele elevates his or her professional stature and importance to his or her clients."

Recognition levels and maintaining standing as an MAMP Ambassador will be based upon a simple point system.

"For every $100 dollars of income MAMP receives as a result of the work of an Ambassador, he or she will be awarded one point," explained Jenny Smith, MAMP Associate Executive Director who will manage the program. "An account exec could earn two points for recruiting a loan originator into membership, five for a broker, 15 for recruiting an exhibitor for the convention or as many as 75 for signing up a Platinum Partner."

Any account executive can sign up to be an MAMP Ambassador, but to remain one he or she must earn a minimum of five points every quarter. If they are to be recognized as a Charter Ambassador at the March Convention and Exhibition, they must have earned the first five points by February 21.

For 2009, being an MAMP Ambassador does not require any membership commitment on the part of the AE. In 2010, however, to be an Ambassador, someone from the Ambassador’s company must be a full NAMB/MAMP member. After that qualification has been met, other account executives can participate for a nominal fee to MAMP.

"What’s fantastic," stressed Bosley, "is the fact that MAMP will allow the account executives to use their points to pay for MAMP services and events." He explained, "Each point will be worth $10 of purchase power from MAMP. The points are good toward an account executives payment of dues, exhibition booth space, entry to social events, etc."

Brokers and loan originators are being asked to encourage the various account executives that call on them to sign up to be an MAMP Ambassador; for that matter to be a member.

"MAMP members need to realize that the future of their business could depend, to a great extent, on the ability of the association to accomplish it’s mission," emphasized President Bloch. "We should all be asking everyone who calls on us if he or she is a member and supporting MAMP. We should endeavor to support those who support us."