What We're Hearing

Even though financial firms have lost billions of dollars on their mortgage holdings the past two years that doesn't mean the industry's elite shouldn't party. (Of course, there’s been a changing of the guard in regard to ‘the elite.’ More on that in another column.) The annual Midwinter Conference will be held once again in Park City, Utah, on February 24 to 27. According to conference organizer Brian Hershkowitz, the ski meet-and-greet will be held at the brand new St. Regis hotel. He writes: "No doubt this will be one of the best conferences to date." I remember the good old days when one Countrywide executive, during the Q&A, declared "contain, contain, contain" when asked about the all-encompassing power of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. (It wasn't Angelo Mozilo.) Last year former Ameriquest executive Adam Bass was in attendance and dined with our own Lew Sichelman. Who knows: maybe Bill Dallas will show up again this year...