The NASBP Annual Meeting, held in April at the JW Marriott Grande Lakes in Orlando, Florida delivered numerous educational and networking events and sunny, blue skies each day.

At the Monday General Session, President John M. Rindt first thanked his Annual Meeting Program Committee co-chairs Paul Amstutz and Tracy Tucker and the Committee members for their hard work in organizing the program for the meeting that reported strong attendance — up by 5% in producer member attendance in comparison to last year’s meeting.

President John M. Rindt began the Meeting themed,
“Trusting Relationships,” announcing the high attendance.

(From left) Tracy Tucker and Paul Amstutz Co-Chaired the
Annual Meeting Program Committee for John Rindt

Rindt presented Amstutz with the John “Jack” J. Curtin, Jr. President’s Award for his outstanding service to the Association.

Amstutz received a framed certificate (held by Amstutz) personally
inscribed in two-toned color calligraphy highlighted in gold and signed
by the NASBP President, as well as, a specifically minted NASBP
President’s medallion (held by Rindt) customized with the NASBP logo
and made of 2-troy oz. .999 fine silver. 

The award, named the “John ‘Jack’ J. Curtin, Jr. President’s Award,” honors an individual, who is chosen by the NASBP President for outstanding service contributions during the President’s term to the Association and to the surety industry. The award was first presented in 2007 to John ‘Jack’ J. Curtin, Jr., for whom the award is named.

Keynote Speaker Peter Wilson,
President and COO of CNA Specialty Lines

Then, Rindt introduced NASBP’s Keynote Speaker, Peter Wilson, President and COO of CNA Specialty Lines who delivered his informative presentation, titled “Insurance Industry Perspectives, 2012 and Beyond.”

Later that morning, attendees filled all of the seats until there was standing room only for both breakout sessions.

Nicholas Coppola of the Thompson Research Group presented
on “Beyond 2012: Recovery in the Construction Market.”
Click here to access Coppola’s PowerPoint presentation.

David Castillo (standing) of The Gray Casualty & Surety Company
moderated the program, titled “Emerging Contractor Success Stories –
How to Recognize the Opportunities they Present.” Panelists included
(sitting from left) Paul Smith of SJLL Enterprises, LLC. and
David Rambhajan of Industria, Inc.

That afternoon, Steve Dorenkamp and William Warner, Jr., both from Merchants Bonding presented the seminar, titled “Managing Contractor Risk – A Guide for Surety Professionals,” that offered continuing education credits for bond producers.

On Tuesday, NASBP CEO Mark McCallum reported on the state of the Association and on the state of the industry. He shared results from NASBP surveys of members and affiliates and from interviews with surety company executives.

 NASBP CEO Mark McCallum reported on the State
of the Association and the Industry

Immediately following his presentation, McCallum moderated the State of the Industry Panel. The panelists included Geoff Delisio of Zurich Surety, Gary Dunbar of Great American Insurance Company and Lawrence McMahon of Alliant Insurance Services. These industry leaders reacted to the results of the NASBP surveys and interviews and provided their perspective and predictions of what the surety industry will present in the next few years.
 

The State of the Industry Panelists included (sitting from left)
Gary Dunbar, Lawrence McMahon, and Geoff Delisio.
Mark McCallum (standing far right) moderated the discussion.

The following well-attended breakout sessions were held later that morning.

Michael Ito (left) of NAS Surety Group; Jerry Henderson (center) of BKD, LLP;
and Robert Kalinoski (pictured below) of Whiteford, Taylor, Preston, LLP
presented a program, titled “Legal Structures of Construction Companies.”
David Dominiani (sitting right) of The Harry A. Koch Company moderated
this panel. Click here to access Henderson’s PowerPoint from the session.

Robert Kalinoski of WTP

Panelists Corban Enns (standing) of Surety Solutions, LLC,
Helen Lally (seated center) of Great America Insurance Company
and Steve Swartz (seated far right) of South Coast Surety shared
their perspective on “How to Build a ‘Bond’ with Public Entities.”
Kathleen Mitchell (seated far left) of Wells Fargo Insurance Services
USA, Inc. moderated the panel discussion.

Click here to access the PowerPoint from the presentation.

At the evening’s banquet dinner, Rindt announced the 2012-2013 NASBP Leaders.
See article on the new officers in this issue. Incoming 2012-2013 NASBP
President Carl E. Dohn, Jr. presented Rindt and his wife, Katie,
with a NASBP plaque commemorating Rindt’s presidency this past year.

The Rindts were first on the dance floor to begin a fun night
of dancing to the band “Emerald City.”

To view the registration list from Annual Meeting, click here. For more photos, view the 2012 NASBP Annual Meeting Highlight Photo Gallery, by clicking here.