Nominations are underway for the annual showcase
Even though the industry is still basking in the afterglow of the most recent edition of the Canadian Mortgage Awards, moved this year from April to August due to a certain virus you may have heard about, the time has come to get hyped for the 2021 CMAs.
The challenges of COVID-19 saw this year’s CMAs transform seamlessly into a virtual event that retained the glitz and drama of a red carpet awards show while adding an informative new twist: incisive panel discussions featuring some of the industry’s most reputable players. The addition of education to celebration helped the CMAs evolve into something far more than just the industry’s most exciting annual networking party. (Although it is still very much that as well.)
The 2021 Canadian Mortgage Awards, taking place on April 29, promise to be just as engaging, a chance for the industry to come together in a manner that recognizes the best of the best while also reminding all in attendance that there’s always room to improve.
Nominations will remain open until Friday, January 15, and can be completed here. Finalists will be announced by both Mortgage Broker News and Canadian Mortgage Professional prior to April 29.
A word from our sponsors…
The CMAs would not be embarking on their 15th edition without the continued backing of our sponsors, many of whom will be lending their support to the show again this year.
CENTUM will once again be sponsoring the Award for Industry Service Provider of the Year. CENTUM president and COO Chris Turcotte, who took part in last year’s Innovation Panel, said the CMAs offer a valuable glimpse of the industry’s most forward-thinking participants.
“I love seeing the entrepreneurial spirit,” Turcotte said.
Another sponsor returning this year is the Coalition of Independent Mortgage Brokers of Canada. Last year’s Platinum Sponsor, CIMBC will be adding its name to the Award for Lender BDM of the Year.
“The CMAs are the closest thing to an arm’s length representation of excellence in our industry,” said CIMBC founder and CEO John Bargis. “The gala is typically a top-shelf event that is very well attended by industry stakeholders for the purpose of recognizing the success of their peers.”
Community Trust returns to the festivities as well, continuing its sponsorship of the Award for Alternative Broker Specialist of the Year.
Grant Armstrong, director of national sales for Community Trust, tells MBN that participating in events like the CMAs at a time of anxiety and unpredictability sends a powerful message to consumers.
“It’s a way of saying, ‘Our business isn’t hurting because of what’s going on. We’re adapting, we’re changing, we’re evolving to be part of the new normal,’” he said.
Matthew McWatters, senior vice president and principal at Avison Young, said his company approaches its four-year sponsorship of the Award for Broker of the Year – Commercial as a business opportunity.
“Being appraisers, we’re trying to grow our network appraisal volume, and mortgage brokers seem like a great opportunity for us,” McWatters said. “We really wanted to open up the database a little more.”
Presenting next year’s Award for Broker of the Year – Private Lending is another familiar face, leading private lender Canadian Mortgages Inc.
“We believe that it is paramount to recognize and showcase the immense talent in our industry,” said Bryan Jaskolka, COO at Canadian Mortgages Inc. “We want to thank all of the brokers, brokerages, lenders, BDMs, and underwriters for their dedication to continuing to serve clients in what has been a very challenging year for many. At CMI, we appreciate and support creating a space for industry partners to come together and celebrate their achievements.”
