THE SEATTLE MORTGAGE BANKERS ASSOCIATION AND THE WASHINGTON MORTGAGE LENDERS ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCE MERGER
WASHINGTON, D.C. – April 27, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — Two long-standing and highly respected business organizations have announced their merger. The Seattle Mortgage Bankers Association (SMBA) and the Washington Mortgage Lenders Association (WMLA) will merge, effective February 1, becoming the Washington Mortgage Bankers Association (WMBA). According to WMBA president Lynne Garton, by combining the strengths of the two organizations, “… the WMBA will offer greater support to the mortgage banking community in our state. This merger will expand our opportunities to provide education, better support charities for those in need of housing, and bring greater influence through our government affairs efforts.”
Since 1920, the SMBA has fostered a vibrant community of bankers in the greater Seattle area. Focuses of the SMBA have been charitable giving and education. Over the years, the SMBA has contributed generously to organizations that help those in need of housing and built two Habitat for Humanity houses. The SMBA has also provided education directly to its members and through scholarships.
Founded in 1959, the mission of the WMLA has been to protect the interests of mortgage lenders in Washington State, advocating for prudent policies governing mortgage lending. WMLA members have received timely information regarding important and emerging legislative/regulatory and industry issues impacting the mortgage lending industry. Jessica Fortescue, lobbyist for the WMLA, says of the merger, “The WMLA and the SMBA are excited about accomplishing the first step of a merger, which will enable the interests of mortgage lenders to be represented in Olympia, as well as through events in local chapters.”
The Washington Mortgage Bankers Association is an affiliate of the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA). A national association representing the entire real estate finance industry, the MBA is an influential voice for real estate finance, leading the charge to create a sustainable and vibrant future for all industry participants. The MBA partners with industry leaders and stakeholders with different perspectives to develop innovative solutions to critical industry challenges, and enable members to prosper through impactful education, research, information and events.
Effective in February, the Washington Mortgage Bankers Association (www.wa-mba.org) can be reached at 206.622.8425 or by email to wmba (at) qwestoffice (dot) net.
Contact:
Phone: (206) 622-8425 Fax: (206) 623-4474
