ENEWS - May 4, 2005

B&D SAGAMORE TO REPRESENT NAPSLO IN WASHINGTON
NAPSLO has signed an agreement with B&D Sagamore effective May 1 to provide the Association with representation and lobbying in Washington, D.C. for both Congress and Executive Branch agencies. 

B&D Sagamore Vice President Maria Berthoud will represent NAPSLO. She has extensive experience working on insurance related legislative issues, and prior to joining B&D Sagamore, she served as Senior Vice President for the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America, Inc. (IIABA) where she was responsible for all components of legislative lobbying efforts including IIABA's PAC, press strategy, and government relations. She has a successful record of legislative accomplishments in both the House and Senate and worked on the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA), and the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act.

The contract with B&D Sagamore was entered into after a thorough search by NAPSLO. Six firms were considered and B&D Sagamore, a subsidiary of the law firm of Baker and Daniels, was identified as the one that provided insurance experience along with extensive contacts with Congressional staff and members of Congress. 

Ms. Berthoud's first priority will be working on the current Congressional action on the State Modernization and Regulatory Transparency (SMART) Act, which could overhaul insurance regulation and include federal standards to be used by states.

REGISTRATION FOR NAPSLO'S ANNUAL CONVENTION TO START IN MID-MAY
Registration materials for the 2005 NAPSLO Annual Convention in San Francisco will be mailed to NAPSLO members in mid-May and will also be available for download from the NAPSLO website beginning the week of Monday, May 16. Login and password information are needed to download the registration materials from the Meetings section of the NAPSLO website.

The convention will take place September 14-18 at the San Francisco Marriott, and rooms also will be available at the Parc 55 and the Argent Hotels. The hotel registration and early convention deadlines are July 29th.

The annual meeting will begin with the Opening Reception on Wednesday evening, September 14. Programs start on Friday with columnist George F. Will presenting the annual Derek Hughes/NAPSLO Educational Foundation Lecture Series. A special Legislative Breakfast is set for Saturday morning to cover current legislative issues and introduce Maria Berthoud, NAPSLO's new Washington, D.C. representative. The convention will close Saturday night with a reception.