Prepare to Join Us for A Spectacular Celebration!
A few weeks ago your Executive Committee and a full contingency of NASBP volunteers were fortunate to host and instruct at another sold-out winter offering of the NASBP William J. Angell Surety School. Each time I participate at the NASBP Surety School, I am heartened at the potential of leaving our industry in the hands of these bright, energetic surety professionals.
The attendance at our Surety School is typically a 50/50 split of agency and company personnel.The attendees come from varied backgrounds, some are beginning their first or second career, others are branching out from the insurance world, and some are just improving their surety skills. Attendees constantly remark that while they expected to have a great learning experience, the tremendous networking opportunity and the amazing teachers who provide real-life examples are truly icing on the cake. The enthusiasm and dedication of the instructors shines through from the first class until the graduation ceremony. Afterward, we eagerly wait for the summary of the students’ evaluations of their experience. Yes, the evaluations are taken very seriously. I am proud to report on the instructors’ behalf that 93% of the respondents rated Level I excellent and over 70% of Level II attendees rated the program, teachers and material in the excellent category while the remaining fell into the good category. Our volunteer faculty and committee members welcome constructive criticism, because they will incorporate many of the students’ suggestions into the 2017 Summer Session material and presentations.
When my term in the NASBP chairs began over four years ago, 2017 seemed so distant. Now, two grandsons later and after preparation and planning for this special NASBP event, I can officially say “Happy 75th Anniversary, NASBP.” We and our predecessors have many reasons to be proud of NASBP's accomplishments. As my recap of our history in prior Pipeline messages reminded us, the more things change the more they stay the same, NASBP Members have always put the product we love so dearly first. Our vision to promote and protect surety leads us to the NASBP mission of advocacy, education, and networking. And we do it all well. From the education of stakeholders and our competitors to the advocacy efforts on the Hill, with private owners or with businesses that elect to enter a world in which a professional surety relationship will provide them a competitive edge and accomplish their business plans, NASBP Members, Affiliates and Associates are on it.
Another reoccurring theme is preparation for the future, whether it be the future of our businesses, the younger generation, surety or NASBP itself, your leadership continuously looks forward and questions the status quo.
NASBP excels at networking too, and, in a few short weeks, we will assemble in Boca Raton in record numbers to celebrate our friendships and successes as well as ponder the qualities of resiliency, engagement, and innovation as they relate to the future of surety and the community engaged in the business.
If you are attending the NASBP 75th Anniversary Annual Meeting, the following information about the event may help you prepare for it.
- The hotel has sold over 700 rooms, and there are still a few remaining, so book now.
- If you have not registered yet, please do so this week here.
- Committee meetings are held on Saturday afternoon.
- The opening reception is outdoors and the weather could be hot. There is some indoor access but not enough for all of us.
- We will continue our industry fundraising project supporting the RTM Research Program that has been successful in treating the symptoms of veterans' post-traumatic stress. For information and an update on the program, see the description of the RTM Research effort, the research results revealing its success, and a RTM Research study currently seeking veterans to participate.
- In addition to the panel discussions and educational sessions, we have two, yes two, keynote speakers that you won’t want to miss.
- Affiliate entertaining will reach new heights.
- Golf participants will celebrate our anniversary with some special events.
- Visit the Surety Innovation Center in the Expo to learn about for what’s new in the industry.
- The spouse event on Tuesday morning is going to be a lot of fun!
- The attire for the final event is Beach Formal, and there will NOT be pre-assigned seating for dinner. This suggests an elegant beach wedding—so dress to impress, but also dress for the elements. Anything you'd wear to a nice restaurant on a summer day is appropriate.
He should wear:
A summer suit with a linen shirt (no ties required), linen pants or khakis, and sandals.
She should wear:
A formal summer sundress at tea- or knee-length with flat sandals. Makeup and hair can be natural and everyday.
- Who will leave the celebration with the 1.5 carat diamond pendant?
- The band Emerald City will be back with us for a second year in a row.
- Wear comfortable shoes for dancing, visiting all of the food stations, and roaming between the lounge and dance floor.
One last item for everyone. I hope you noticed the NEW LOOK of our website, NASBP.org! While we are continuously updating the information stored on the site, staff decided that we needed a fresh look and simpler navigation. Please let me know what you think of it so far via email or phone. Hope to see you soon.
Lynne W. Cook is Senior Vice President at Early, Cassidy & Schilling, LLC. in Rockville, MD. She can be reached at cooklw@ecsinsure.com.