Award certification[1] r1 c1 Associated Bank Mortgage Professional, Paige Hughes, was recently recognized by Chicago Magazine for exceeding customers' expectations, as she received the 2011 Five Star Mortgage Professional Award.

Hughes joined Associated in 2006 and has been providing outstanding customer service in the mortgage industry for nearly seven years. Fewer than seven percent of all licensed mortgage professionals in the Chicago area receive this award.

"The real estate lending environment has become extremely challenging in recent years, so being recognized for my efforts is even more gratifying," said Hughes. "The passion that I bring to my work is exemplified in this honor."

The Five Star Mortgage Professional program is designed to identify mortgage professionals in a local market that score highest in overall satisfaction according to their customers. The evaluation process is completed by clients, peers and industry experts.

"We are very proud to have such an elite mortgage professional in the Chicago market," said Steven Bamberger, Vice President, Residential Lending Manager, Associated Bank. "We continually strive to deliver outstanding service to our customers and Paige, in particular, has a proven track record of exceeding customer expectations."