Times like these demand that we are vital and passionate in our advocacy

Almost 13 months ago, I stood terrified in front of the attendees at the 2010 NASBP Annual Meeting. I was terrified for many reasons, but two stood out, the first being my well-known dislike for public speaking. Second, but worse, was sharing my thoughts, my concerns, my ideas, my vision for my term as President of NASBP. Even after I had chosen my theme of “Passion and Advocacy,” I was concerned that no one would understand what it means. Was it too personal? Was it silly? I was a bundle of nerves. And that picture of me, really inspirational.

I am proud to say that there was little basis for my concerns, as I soon discovered that the NASBP membership answered the call. Members, affiliates, associates, and staff all contributed with enthusiasm, passion, and an appropriate sense of urgency. Committee membership increased and the number of committees expanded as more of you volunteered your valuable time and energy to advocate, educate, and participate. Beneficiaries of our efforts included our members, our government officials (both elected and appointed) on the federal, state and local levels, our current and prospective clients, and particularly small and emerging contractors. Our past and continued participation in the Department of Transportation/Surety and Fidelity Association of America Bonding Education Program has touched numerous contractors seeking an ability to get bonds in today’s surety market. I am here to affirm that NASBP is committed to our continued support and involvement in this necessary program.

Our volunteer educators are busier than ever. In addition to the two sessions of the William J. Angell Surety School, we are offering additional learning opportunities and continuing education sessions at the NASBP Annual Meeting and at all four NASBP Regional Meetings. Offerings of and participation in NASBP’s cutting-edge virtual seminars are up as well. NASBP is providing more tools to more people to do their jobs better with up-to-date distribution of current issues and information.

Legislatively, we are constantly on the move. Staff, member volunteers, and interested third parties, when necessary, are meeting with all levels of government to ensure that people understand our business and the vital and critical role that surety plays. The enthusiasm and passion in these endeavors has been terrific. Please keep it up.

I leave you with challenges. I challenge us all to look beyond the short-term, to the long-term viability of our people, our product, and our Association. Trust me, as a producer and agency owner, I understand all too well the havoc the economy is playing on the revenues of our members. At the same time, attacks on our product’s use, via bond waivers, increased thresholds, and poorly understood alternative product offerings has never been higher. We must stay diligent in our efforts in this arena, and we need our memberships’ continued involvement to succeed. This means attending NASBP meetings, educational offerings and responding to legislative calls to action.

NASBP has heard your calls for a greater value for membership. Increased investment in enhanced communication and education are reaping current benefits. Investment in additional staff in our government affairs arena keeps NASBP current and allows for proactive action on the daily issues in both state and federal government arenas. Combined with a great relationship with SFAA, we have never been this well equipped to create, educate, and react in the legislative arena. Recent efforts in Virginia and Maryland are proof of our capabilities. However, we were the beneficiaries of these issues occurring in the respective staffs’ backyard, where we could throw every resource of ours into the fray. The next time a state issue pops up, we will need local members to answer the bell and run the gauntlet with passion. That is my second challenge to you.

My last challenge concerns the upcoming NASBP Legislative Fly-in Day on Thursday, June 23, 2011 in Washington, DC. Last year, NASBP saw a significant increase in membership participation. As a result, this year we are seeing a heightened interest in our program from officials in Washington, DC and an increase in participation from lawmakers agreeing to present at the NASBP Fly-in. We already have commitments from three Congressmen to speak that morning, with a fourth being finalized as of publication of this column. As NASBP CEO Mark McCallum and Director of Government Relations Larry LeClair have said, it is imperative that NASBP has attendance in numbers to support our Fly-in Day program and our government’s interest in participating in NASBP’s Fly-in Day. We must be vital and passionate or our advocacy will fall on deaf ears. Make sure we have good attendance. I registered last week for the NASBP Fly-in, and I challenge you to click on the NASBP Fly-in Day web site and register as you read this. Your support of the NASBP Fly-in Day is critical for our legislative agenda. Remember, Every Day is Advocacy Day!

In closing, thank you for your support of both NASBP and my Presidency. Thank you for your suggestions and well wishes over this past term. I’ve enjoyed meeting many new people. My family has enjoyed the hospitality you have shown us. I have enjoyed the experience tremendously.

Wendy and I look forward to seeing many of you next month at the Broadmoor.

Stay involved and stay committed with passion!

J. Spencer Miller
NASBP President

J. Spencer Miller, President, Schwartz Brothers Insurance Agency, Inc. in Chicago, IL. Spence can be reached at smiller@schwartzbrothers.com.