Awards Criteria Redefined

The Surety Information Office (SIO) Policy Board has updated the criteria for the Awards for Excellence in Surety Bond Promotion to provide clarity and better understanding about the types of promotional activities considered eligible for these awards. The SIO awards website, http://awards.suretyinfo.org, has been revised to reflect these changes. Examples of such promotional activities are provided to serve as a guide for Local Surety Associations (LSAs). Furthermore, the Policy Board has established a new “Advocacy Award.”

Silver Award
For LSAs that conduct at least five public relations and educational activities in a calendar year to promote the use of contract surety bonds in construction to non-surety/insurance or lawyer audiences.

Gold Award
For LSAs that conduct at least ten public relations and educational activities in a calendar year to promote the use of contract surety bonds in construction to non-surety/insurance or lawyer audiences.

Platinum Award
For an individual Surety & Fidelity Association of America (SFAA) or NASBP member whose efforts to promote contract surety bonds have had a significant impact on the surety industry. This award is not based on the volume of activities, but on the successful outcome of the individual’s actions in promoting the value and benefits of contract surety bonds. Nominations for this award must summarize the significance of the individual’s accomplishments and specify outcomes and results of his or her efforts.

Advocacy Award
For LSAs that conduct significant activities advocating for suretyship, other than public relations or educational, such as fighting legislative efforts to waive bonds or increase bond thresholds, or advocating for reasonable bond forms.

Tiger Trust
For NASBP and SFAA members who persuade a private construction project owner or lender to require surety bonds on a project.

Complete details about the Awards for Excellence in Surety Bond Promotion and Tiger Trust are available on the SIO awards website, http://awards.suretyinfo.org.

Update LSA Officers’ Contact Information

Please visit SIO’s online LSA Directory, review the roster of officers for your local surety association and submit the updated contact information to Marc Ramsey (mramsey@surety.org) by December 31, 2010. If your LSA holds elections after this deadline, please let us know when we should expect to receive your update.

It is important to maintain up-to-date contact information for your officers, because hundreds of visitors to the SIO website access this directory throughout the year looking for local contacts for their surety questions or concerns. NASBP and SFAA also send correspondence regarding important matters to this list throughout the year.

Change of addresses and/or new officer information can be submitted throughout the year by contacting Marc Ramsey at (202) 778-3629 or mramsey@surety.org.