Broker Hosts National Marketing Summit; New Marketing Initiative Launched for MetroBranches.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- 1st Metropolitan Mortgage, a division of Empire Equity Group, has developed a marketing advisory council that had its first meeting last month. The group gathered to discuss the most effective current marketing trends in the industry as the company is set to release its new comprehensive marketing library for use by all MetroBranches. In addition, 1st Metropolitan's Marketing Director Corey Trujillo shared the vision of the company's newly enhanced marketing strategy.

"Marketing is an important element of ongoing customer acquisition," said Daniel Jacobs, CEO of 1st Metropolitan. "We wanted to know what our most successful branches felt were the most effective methods of acquiring new customers and referrals, so we created a special focus group to create an open exchange of ideas to guide our marketing department's priorities."

The summit was the result of several focus groups during the last year that pointed to the need for a robust, full-service marketing and creative services department. The meeting included seven branch managers form around the country at 1st Metropolitan's headquarters in Charlotte. The group provided insight to the need of originators while they obtained a more informed understanding of the company's vision.

"Our first Metro Marketing Summit was so incredibly beneficial and informative that I have decided to hold these micro-events quarterly," Trujillo said. "This meeting will keep us informed at the corporate level and in touch with the needs of the branches as they anticipate and respond to an ever-changing market."

For two days, seven branch managers from across the country discussed successful marketing campaigns and what will be needed in the future to successfully continue what has become an even more competitive climate. The branch managers represented several of the models within the company from smaller shops to multiple offices. They offered feedback and suggestions on content of the new marketing library as well as other marketing support services the corporate office can offer.

"1st Metropolitan is well on its way to providing the best branch marketing program in the industry," said David Skibowski, a branch manager and reverse mortgage specialist from Traverse City, Mich. "The tools and systems provided to my staff and me as a branch manager will save us time, money and enable us to reach a much larger share of our potential market."

1st Metropolitan plans to offer the summit periodically to ensure that its efforts at the national level are continuing to meet the needs of its branches and to keep managers informed of any new offerings.

"We have allocated exhaustive resources to fast track implementation and prior to roll out are conducting a marketing focus group to be certain we are fulfilling the goals of our most valued asset; our originators and production managers," Jacobs said.

About 1st Metropolitan Mortgage

1st Metropolitan Mortgage, headquartered in Charlotte, N.C. and a division of Empire Equity Group since 2002, is a national mortgage brokerage, is licensed in 49 states with approximately 250 branches nationwide. Leveraging the 23 years of experience of its parent company, MetroBranches have the economies of scale to offer not only the a broad range of loan products through its 150 lenders, but also the newest and most innovative loan products geared toward true financing solutions customized to each borrower's individual needs.

About Empire Equity Group, Inc.

Empire Equity Group has been in business since 1983 focusing heavily in the Northeastern United States. Since the acquisition of 1st Metropolitan, Empire has established development programs for branch managers, additional infrastructure to meet the needs of branches and installed the latest technology, such as an expanded intranet site and an innovative online loan origination system. For more information, call 704.552.0123.