NASBP gives its members and affiliates numerous opportunities to become involved in the association. Our committees are filled with dedicated surety professionals who are constantly working to improve our industry. As stated on our NASBP Web site, “Central to NASBP's member-driven focus are the NASBP committees. Members and affiliates can choose to serve on a number of committees where their experience and advice help shape the association's activities.”

Our current economic conditions dictate that we become more involved with our industry than ever before. The Stimulus Package has a strong emphasis on the disadvantaged contractor. We must, as an organization, be proactive in our attempts to educate the public on the bonding process. In May, I participated in the first NASBP/U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Virtual Seminar, titled “New Enhancements to the SBA Surety Bond Guarantee Program.” The content of the presentation was excellent, and participation by members and affiliates was outstanding. However, this is just the first step in our joint effort with SBA to support the SBA Surety Bond Guarantee Program. I encourage every member and affiliate to get involved in local programs, which seek to educate and assist the disadvantaged contractor. It is our duty and responsibility as surety advocates to educate our clients and potential clients about the bonding process.

We must also step-up our education of public officials on the benefits and legal background of the surety product. On Tuesday, September 22nd, 2009, NASBP will be having a “Legislative Fly-in Day” in Washington D.C. This event will provide our members and affiliates the opportunity to advocate for surety bonds face-to-face with their respective U.S. Senators and House of Representatives. Tools and objectives for members and affiliates will be provided in an orientation session the morning of the 22nd followed by an ascent to Capitol Hill for visits in the afternoon with members of Congress and their staff. The day will culminate with an NASBP hosted reception on Capitol Hill later that evening at the Rayburn House Office Building. All that we need is your participation to make this a fantastic success. For more information, I encourage you to go to http://www.nasbp.org/legflyin

Members and affiliates of NASBP are fortunate to have a staff in Washington, D.C. that is topnotch. They provide you with tools, documents, and advice that make it easy to participate in the activities of NASBP and to promote the surety product. Remember, NASBP’s Government Relations Committee states, “The strength and fulfillment of NASBP’s government relations initiatives resides in the many efforts of its volunteer members, who work with professional association staff to accomplish NASBP’s annual government relations agenda for action at all levels of government.”

NASBP has given me the opportunity to come out of my shell and realize dreams and achievements that I never thought possible. Allow NASBP to be the driving force behind your success; you will be glad you did!

Todd P. Loehnert
President

Todd P. Loehnert is Senior Vice President, Bond Manager, and Co-chair of the National Surety Practice Group of Wells Fargo Insurance Services. Todd resides in Louisville, Kentucky and can be reached at Todd_Loehnert@wellsfargois.com