Association Spotlight: CAAMP Celebrates a Decade of Publishing Success
The Chinese have a saying: “May you live in interesting times.” Some say the expression is a form of blessing. Some say it's a curse. Whatever you call it, it's clear that the decade since the launch of Mortgage Journal magazine, the official publication of the Canadian Association of Accredited Mortgage Professionals (CAAMP), has been remarkable from both a member communications and industry thought leadership standpoint.
Think of what the world in general—and the mortgage industry in particular—has seen in the 10 years since the first Journal rolled off the press at Naylor's production facility in Winnipeg, Manitoba:
- The millennium—when the predicted Y2K computer crisis did not occur.
- The 9/11 terrorist attacks—two numbers that will define a generation.
- The boom of the condo market.
- The crash of the stock market.
- The domino effect of the subprime mortgage fiasco in the U.S.
The so-called '00s have been quite a rollercoaster decade globally…and certainly a remarkably volatile time for the North American housing and mortgage markets.
Throughout these industry ups and downs, CAAMP has maintained strong and steady lines of member communication with the help of its publishing partner, Naylor (Canada), Inc.
“When the Mortgage Journal started,” says Michael Ellenzweig, AMP, V.P., Member Services at CAAMP, “we looked for a publisher with the size and experience we needed. From the beginning, Naylor has been part of the magazine's evolution to Canada's only fully bilingual industry publication.”
“The advice from Naylor has been outstanding,” says CAAMP Chair Hali Strandlund, AMP. “They understand how CAAMP wants to be portrayed to its members.” She says it's a partnership that has worked.
The Mortgage Journal is a key communications vehicle for CAAMP. An electronic version is also produced as well as a print membership directory and an online directory—all of which help the association stay in touch with its widespread membership from coast to coast. There is no doubt that CAAMP's comprehensive communications strategy has contributed to the association's phenomenal growth. Launched in 1996 with a mere 322 members, the membership has skyrocketed to more than 12,000 in just 14 years.
And those members love reading the Journal. “Everyone in the industry looks forward to the next issue, knowing that reading the articles will bring value to their business,” says Sharon Fitzpatrick, AMP, mortgage industry veteran and previous chair of the CAAMP Communications Committee. “[They] learn something new, hear from key players in the industry and keep up to speed on trends, changes and what's coming.”
Mortgage Journal, which has grown from a base of 7,000 readers to 17,000, is the largest publication of its kind serving the Canadian mortgage industry. Its bilingual format is key to representing the industry nationwide and fulfilling one of the magazine's mandates—to be a unifying force in the Canadian real estate finance industry.
“Together, CAAMP and Naylor ensure that Mortgage Journal magazine is the recognized voice of the Canadian mortgage industry, at home and abroad,” says Jim Murphy, AMP, CAAMP president and CEO.
So how will the Mortgage Journal evolve over the next decade? One thing is clear—the need to communicate quickly will only increase. The ability to be a credible, reliable and relevant source of information will be essential. Many say that earning this reputation relies on implementing new technology, and CAAMP is already moving to take advantage of instant communication trends. As the association's longtime publishing partner, Naylor will continue to work with CAAMP to ensure Mortgage Journal magazine remains the authoritative voice for the industry well into the future.
To learn more about CAAMP, visit www.caamp.org; or read the Mortgage Journal online.
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