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  Forum Topics Posts Last Post Moderator(s)  
 General Discussion    
Business Development & Marketing
7 16 05/24/2007
12:26:39 PM
by: Deron
sohotogo  
Compliance Issues
2 5 12/11/2006
1:49:41 PM
by: Deron
   
Education
0 0      
Ethics
0 0      
General Discussion
UMBA General Discussion
4 12 07/03/2007
08:04:53 AM
by: Rich
   
Lending Trends
2 7 04/09/2007
12:36:53 PM
by: JTWARNS
   
Member Introductions
2 3 05/21/2007
3:05:22 PM
by: tcwhiting
   
Technology
1 2 04/06/2007
11:42:56 AM
by: Deron
   
 Member Grievances    
Suggestion Box
6 14 05/14/2007
10:11:39 PM
by: rrubacher
   
UMBA News
4 7 08/17/2006
3:51:32 PM
by: sheideman
   
Website
Tell us what you like and don't about this site.
10 28 04/09/2007
12:56:15 PM
by: JTWARNS
sheideman, sohotogo  
 Message Board Rules    
CAUTION: Message Board Topics
While members have the discretion to discuss whatever topics they choose, there is one topic that cannot be discussed on this message board �V the UMBs�� fee for their services. UMBA must avoid any appearance of ��price fixing�� on the part of the membership.

Trade associations such as UMBA are subject to strict scrutiny under the many federal and state antitrust laws. One of the most powerful of these laws is the Sherman Act, which prohibits "contracts, combinations or conspiracies ... in restraint of trade." By its very nature, a trade association is a combination, so there no problem in proving this fact. Thus, trade associations must proceed with extreme caution lest they be cited for antitrust infringements, which carrying stiff fines and jail sentences.

At the federal level, penalties are severe. Each individual can be fined up to $100,000 and each member corporation can be fined up to $1,000,000. Individuals are subject to imprisonment of up to three years. In addition, the government can impose civil sanctions such as cease and desist orders which result in government restraints on the activities of association members. This, in turn, inhibits association functions and may culminate in the dissolution of an association altogether.

In addition to lawsuits prosecuted by the government, civil treble damage suits can be brought by competitors and consumers.


Examples of topics that must be avoided on the discussion board:

�X Do not discuss current or future UMB fees
�X Do not discuss what is a fair profit level.
�X Do not discuss an increase or decrease in UMB fees
�X Do not discuss standardizing or stabilizing UMB fees
�X Do not discuss how UMB fees are set
�X Do not discuss controlling sales
�X Do not discuss allocating markets
�X Do not complain that a competitor��s fees constitute unfair practices.
�X Do not discuss dealing with a particular lender because of its pricing or distribution practices

Be advised that any discussion topic on the message board that involves UMB fees or has the appearance of restraint of trade will be removed.
0 0      
 Mortgage Loans    
Commercial Financing
1 1 06/20/2007
3:18:42 PM
by: Jefferson
   
Loan Placement: Ask for suggestions from members
5 12 12/11/2006
1:43:47 PM
by: Deron
   
Specific Lender Discussion
0 0      
Statistics
  31 of 59 Members have made 107 posts in 15 forums, with the last post on 07/03/2007 08:04:53 AM by: Rich.
There are currently 44 topics.
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