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Recently more than 20 NAPSLO representatives traveled to Washington, D.C. as part of our third annual Legislative Day. We had very positive meetings with top members of the House and Senate committees and we continued to find support and growing momentum for our initiatives.
We have come a long way since February 2004 when four NAPSLO representatives first traveled to Washington to "plant the NAPSLO flag." Since then we have made great strides and with the additional efforts of our Washington lobbyist, B&D Consulting, we have been able to raise the visibility of our segment of the industry and our issues are now considered a priority by Washington representatives.
Our legislative efforts rely on help from the NAPSLO PAC and cannot be as effective without donations from our generous members. To streamline the contribution process we are looking at the ability to offer online credit card donations to the PAC.
NAPSLO is uniquely positioned to continue to make a positive difference for its members, and we continue to take several important steps to that end.
Adding online features is part of our efforts to improve our electronic interaction with our members. Recent accomplishments include our redesigned website, new electronic newsletter, and updated e-News. In addition our marketing campaign to promote wholesalers has led to the formation of a Speakers Bureau to further educate our customers about our segment of the industry.
I am also pleased to report that we recently published an annual report that provides a consolidated review of the Association’s activities. A copy was mailed to all NAPSLO members and it is also available to download from the website.
In addition to our legislative and communications efforts, we have been busy on the education front, recently naming 13 interns selected to spend this summer with NAPSLO broker and company members as part of our summer internship program. The top two interns will receive an additional internship in London or Bermuda in 2010.
The first Executive Leadership School in February was successful with more than 20 people taking part in the advanced level seminar. I participated in the Leadership School and was pleased to see all of the attendees engaged in the process and learning ways for their firms to improve their decision making skills. NAPSLO will be offering the program again next year and I encourage members to give their employees a change to enhance their leadership skills and send them to the school.
We now offer educational programs at all levels and registration for our E&S School, designed for people with less than five years experience in the industry, is currently underway. The school will take place June 23-26 in St. Louis.
In addition to the schools, the Derek Hughes/NAPSLO Educational Foundation continues to support the Associate in Surplus Lines Insurance (ASLI) designation. Since the first class was conferred at the 1998 NAPSLO Annual Convention in Orlando more than 1,500 students have received the designation and there are 21 new designees already this year.
NAPSLO returns to Orlando in October so mark your calendar now to attend the 2009 Annual Convention. Registration materials will go out in early June and members will again be able to register online through the NAPSLO website.
While these are challenging times much has been accomplished this year. With your continued support, NAPSLO will continue to make a profound, positive difference for its members and our industry. I believe as an association we are well positioned to face the challenges, changes and opportunities of the future and will continue to be a leader of the industry. |
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