A Few December Reminders…

Tis the season for holiday reminders, so I thought I would add a few NASBP reminders to the ones you likely are receiving. We all know that this time of year is busy in all respects, both personally and professionally. Everyone can feel stretched and stressed trying to get everything accomplished before the onset of the holidays. Finding assistance and ways to manage it all can be a godsend. Here are a few suggestions.

Take Full Advantage of NASBP Resources, Especially the New Contractor Bonding Education & Mentoring Program

I was gratified to learn from some NASBP producers at recent NASBP meetings how they are using the new Contractor Bonding Education & Mentoring Program (www.contractorbondinged.org), which includes an online, on-demand course to acquaint small business owners and principals on the fundamentals of surety bonding and on the paths and criteria for qualifying and an optional mentoring component. Some producers remarked that they are using the online course as an internal training aid for new hires who do not have a surety background. Others are recommending it to potential clients and existing clients, so they can have more productive meetings and discussions. Others disclosed that they reference it or utilize it in presentations to local contractor and subcontractor organizations. Leveraging this unique and engaging educational resource in these ways—orientation for new staff, education for prospective clients, and outreach to organizations representing local small and disadvantaged construction businesses—can greatly assist your efforts to bring in the right business and to be effective advocates for the product.

Individuals who complete the online course are required to provide their evaluation and feedback. Thus far, evaluations about the online course have been exceptional: 87% strongly agreed that the course provided them what they needed to know about surety bonds; 94% strongly agreed that the course content was clear and understandable; and 87% strongly agreed that they would recommend the course to “a friend.” Feedback received has included comments such as the online course included an “abundance” of information and made it “easy” to learn about surety bonding and the course helped them determine what “next steps” they need to take.

To help NASBP members get the word out about the Program, NASBP has produced a two-page flyer, available as a color PDF download, which can be forwarded or can be printed and used as a handout at a presentation or meeting. The flyer pdf is available only for NASBP members at SuretyLearn. (requires registration)

Put 2023 Federal Legislative Fly-in On Your Calendar

As the end of the year approaches, NASBP is in the midst of planning its next in-person advocacy event, the 2023 Federal Legislative Fly-in, to be held in Washington, DC, at the Kimpton Hotel George, located at 15 E St NW, Washington, DC 20001, just blocks from the US Capitol and the Senate office buildings, on March 29 and 30. The event will start with a reception and orientation on the evening of March 29, allowing participants to arrive in DC earlier that day. All congressional visits will be scheduled for March 30 throughout that day, from approximately 9 am to 4 pm. A concluding reception will allow participants to relax after a rewarding day advocating for surety and allow them to swap their experiences with each other.

All members, affiliates, and associates are strongly encouraged to send personnel to visit congressional offices to acquaint them with the importance of surety bonding. The more participation, the more offices the surety industry will be able to cover in the new Congress! As in years past, a retained scheduling consultant will make congressional appointments for those participating and speaking points and “leave behind” materials will be provided for visits, making this a stress-free and enjoyable experience. Look for notice about the opening of registration for the Federal Legislative Fly-in in early January.

NASBP Bylaw Amendments Approved By the Board
By the way, the NASBP proposed Bylaw amendments I mentioned in my column in the last issue of Pipeline were unanimously approved last month by the Board at the Midyear Board Meeting held in Colorado Springs, CO.

Please take note of these friendly reminders, and please enjoy a healthy and happy holiday season!