NASBP Year in Review

“Time sure goes fast when you’re having fun!” I thought that was an appropriate statement to start my message in the 2023 NASBP Highlights: The Year in Review. I can hardly believe that we are coming to year’s end after assuming my presidential term at the Annual Meeting in Marco Island, Florida. I fervently believe that is a product of my being “all in” on NASBP, and I understand very well as President that NASBP is “all in” on its members and the surety industry. As Immediate Past President Nick Newton stated in last year’s Highlights: “It is nearly impossible to realize the scope of the Association’s endeavors fully as a casual observer; those having the opportunity to take part in NASBP leadership, however, quickly are humbled by what transpires to preserve, protect, and promote our livelihoods.”

I am truly thankful as NASBP’s President to be among the beneficiaries of the volunteer efforts of NASBP members which, combined with the considerable skills and professionalism of staff, drive this organization to greater heights. The admiration I have for our dedicated Surety School faculty and the many committee chairs and volunteers undertaking impactful actions to benefit the interests of surety professionals and suretyship is unbounded. Likewise, our Legislative Fly-in and advocacy efforts are amazing. Our timely communications, like NASBP’s social media channels, the Surety Bond Quarterly, and NASBP SmartBrief, continue to provide us with on-point, relevant information under the guidance of dedicated volunteers like the SBQ Advisory Board and the two NASBP Advisory Councils. I cannot thank all these remarkable individuals personally, but those who read this letter please know you have my sincere thanks for all you do to preserve, protect, and promote our livelihoods!

I would be remiss not to touch briefly on notable achievements, more fully explored in this publication, which demonstrate how “NASBP Is All In” on your behalf. Among those are realizing the 100th episode of NASBP’s podcast, Let’s Get Surety; achieving record attendance at NASBP’s Annual Meeting and the East and West Fall Meetings; gaining a new surety industry partner in the Women In Surety association; delivering NASBP’s first Commercial Surety Level II class; having the highest level of subscriptions to NASBP’s Virtual Seminars; enhancing our alliance with our stakeholder partner, the American Subcontractors Association, Inc.; and being an integral supporter of the RiskStream Collaborative blockchain initiative on digital bonding, among other achievements. Please review the pages within to learn how NASBP is “all in” on building community; educating and developing talent; promoting and protecting surety; enhancing key relationships and communications; and fostering leadership and innovation.

It is easy to be “all in” when you are proud of your organization; I know you are too. Many thanks to all our sponsors and advertisers, who provide critical support to us. I am confident the best is yet to come, however, as NASBP leaders are working diligently on a pragmatic strategic vision for an impactful NASBP future. Thanks for being a member of the NASBP community, and best wishes on an incredible start for your business in 2024!

Cordially,

Patrick Pribyl
NASBP President and
National Surety Team Leader
Lockton Companies, LLC
Kansas City, MO