The Louisiana Mortgage Bankers Association is proud to sponsor this signature event on August 16, 2026 and invite you to join us by nominating one of your best and brightest employees and/or colleagues. The evening will recognize and honor the ‘Best in our Biz’ who have achieved exceptional levels of business achievement.

Awards

Community Impact Award

  • Honoring an individual who has made a difference in a charitable and/or philanthropic cause by giving time and effort that has resulted in a positive outcome and has had a tangible, measurable effect on the cause.

  • Best Mortgage Loan Officer for Large Bank
  • Best Mortgage Loan Officer for Community Bank
  • Best Mortgage Loan Officer for Independent Mortgage Banker (Louisiana Residential Mortgage Licensee)
  • Best Mortgage Loan Officer for Credit Union
  • Best Mortgage Loan Officer for Mortgage Broker

  • $15M – $24.9M Silver Award
  • $25M – $39.9M Gold Award
  • $40M – $54.9M Platinum Award
  • $55M+ Diamond Award

  • Closer of the Year
  • Loan Officer Assistant of the Year
  • Loan Processor of the Year
  • Operational Support Person of the Year
  • Underwriter of the Year 

  • Best Title Company Account Representative
  • Best Title Company
  • Best Homeowners Insurance Agent
  • Best Affiliate of the Year (includes individuals working for companies providing mortgage insurance services, risk assessment/compliance services, legal services, appraisal services, technology consulting and more)

Criteria

Best in the Business Award Nominees must meet the following criteria:

  • Be employed with a Mortgage Company, Bank, Credit Union or Mortgage Broker that is domiciled in the State of Louisiana.
  • Demonstrate excellence, outstanding performance and achievement in the mortgage business.

  • Active NMLS License

Additional Information

Include any additional information you feel is important for consideration of your nominee. The more relevant, thoughtful information that is shared on the nomination form, the better the chances that the committee will seriously consider the nominee for an award. Provide specific examples of how the nominee has demonstrated excellence, outstanding performance and initiative in their position. In addition to the completed nomination form, a brief bio can be included along with a photo if possible. Other supporting documentation may include awards, honors received, publications or articles supporting the nominee’s service to his/her profession, industry or community. Please note individuals cannot nominate themselves.

These are the items the committee considers when reviewing nominations, so please consider this when nominating an individual. They include but are not limited to the following:

Residential Loan Originator Awards

  • Customer Satisfaction Ratings (very important)

  • Production (units and volume)
  • Purchase and Refinance %

  • Individual Production only (no teams)

  • Community Involvement (organizations, volunteer work, etc.)

Residential Loan Originator Production Awards

  • Must Originate and have an office in the state of Louisiana

  • Minimum Production is $15 Million or minimum of 50 units

  • 70% Minimum Purchase Business (Commercial Loan and HELOC not applicable)

  • Manager Certification of Production numbers

  • Active NMLS License

Residential Loan Operations Award

  • Customer Satisfaction Ratings (very important)

  • Number of loans processed/underwritten/closed

  • Turnaround time

  • Community Involvement (organizations, volunteer work, etc.)

Industry Service Providers Awards

  • Customer Satisfaction Ratings (very important)

  • Outstanding service and performance in his/her position at the company

  • Mortgage/housing industry involvement (industry associations, boards, etc.)

  • Community Involvement (organizations, volunteer work, etc.)

Process

The Best in the Business Awards Committee, consisting of a diverse group of directors from the LMBA Board and Philanthropy Committee will screen all nominations and may contact nominators and nominees for additional information. The committee will then select the winners. Winners will be announced at the event on August 16, 2026.

Important Dates

Application Deadline

July 15, 2026

Awards Reception

August 16, 2026

Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center
201 Lafayette Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70801

Award winners will be announced and celebrated at the Best in the Business Awards Reception/Dinner.

If you have any questions, please contact: Carl Benefield at carl_benefield@mgic.com or call at 985-209-7329.

Submit Nomination

Louisiana Mortgage Bankers Association

LMBA Best in Business Awards 2026 – Application

Name of Individual being Nominated(Required)
Name of Individual Making the Nomination(Required)
Select One
Professional Headshot(Required)
Accepted file types: jpg, jpeg, png, gif.
Consent(Required)