Making Every Minute Count During COVID-19 and Beyond

When the planning process for the Annual Meeting at The Broadmoor started four years ago, one of our primary objectives was to select dates in May that would feature the spectacular, clear, powder-blue skies for which Colorado is famous. We crossed our fingers that May 17-20, 2020 would deliver this weather for every attendee! Sadly, we will not have that experience, because the COVID-19 pandemic forced the closure of The Broadmoor until at least the end of May. We tried hard to postpone the Colorado Springs event that our Meeting Planner Bethany Jones, Program Chairman Nick Newton, and their teams worked tirelessly to arrange; but it was not possible.

“Bonding with Bandwidth” – Complimentary NASBP Virtual Event, May 20, 2020
Thanks to innovative technology, we have designed an alternative event for the NASBP community that is true to our theme this year: “Make Every Minute Count!” Although not a replacement for the Annual Meeting, it will provide an opportunity to gather to hear about some of the critical issues impacting surety. This live, interactive, and virtual event, called “Bonding with Bandwidth,” will occur from 1 to 4 pm Eastern on May 20, 2020, and will be offered free of charge during this unprecedented time to all producer members, affiliates, associates, and their staffs. I will present several well-deserved awards, which will be followed by presentations on the industry’s efforts to obtain acceptance of electronic bonding and on False Claims Act liability implications for surety professionals. The event will conclude with the Incoming NASBP President providing a glimpse into NASBP’s upcoming year! Please register now and plan to join us.       

Committee Meetings and the NASBP Annual Board Meeting Have Been Scheduled Prior to May 20, 2020
Committee Chairs and staff liaisons are already in the process of planning their Committee meetings, which usually occur at the front end of the Annual Meeting. This year, Committee meetings are taking place in late April and early May, either through conference calls or Zoom meetings before the Board Meeting. The NASBP Board of Directors will meet virtually on May 19, 2020, at 2 pm Eastern to cover highlights from Committee reports and other important Association business.

Member Key Contacts to Vote on New NASBP Leaders Via Email During the Week of May 4, 2020
In keeping with NASBP’s Bylaws, NASBP must obtain approval of nominations by the Key Contacts of Producer Members. Naming new leaders of the Association will be handled based on a vote taken via email this year instead of obtaining approval in person as it is typically done during the Annual Meeting. All key contacts of Producer Members must pay close attention to an election ballot that will arrive in their in-box during the week of May 4! Please respond with your votes no later than May 11.

Rest assured that NASBP remains on solid ground and will continue providing the meaningful services, communications, and connections you have come to expect! You will find strong, inspiring evidence of these efforts and activities in this issue of Pipeline.

I look forward to visiting with you virtually in May and in-person when we are able to travel again.

Reminder to NASBP Producer Member Key Contacts: Please return your ballot when it arrives next week!

Stay safe and healthy.

John Bustard is Senior Vice President of King & Neel, LLC in Honolulu, HI. He can be reached at john@kingneel.com and 808.539.5419.