Surplus Line Brokers Gather at ‘Playground of Pacific Northwest’ for WSSLC

By mixing education with entertainment, Western States Surplus Line Conference (WSSLC) Two Thousand is sure to provide an ideal specialized forum for the surplus line industry. The Surplus Line Association of Idaho is hosting this year’s conference July 30-Aug. 2 at The Coeur d’Alene Resort located on the north shore of Lake Coeur d’Alene.

“Idaho hosted the conference in 1992 and at the managers’ meeting, they voted unanimously to return to CDA when Idaho would again host the conference in 2000,” said Wendy Tippetts, manager of the Surplus Line Association (SLA) of Idaho.

The events kick off on Sunday evening with a welcome cruise to Arrowpoint. At this time, attendees will gather for a prime rib and Alaskan crab feed, followed by dancing to the sounds of “Manito.”

Attendees can expect a high caliber of speakers during the general sessions on both Monday and Tuesday. “Issues such as privacy, producer licensing, e-commerce and global commerce-after Gramm-Leach-Bliley-are unquestionably influencing not only the surplus line arena, but the entire insurance landscape,” Tippetts said.

Monday morning begins with a breakfast buffet, opening remarks and a welcome. Immediately following, Marianne K. Burke, consultant and former Alaska Insurance Director, will look into the “Burke Crystal Ball” to share her view on how commerce will change the industry. Later, Don Aslett, chairman of Varsity Contractors Inc., will take the stage to talk about efficiency and the “48 Hour Day.” To wrap up the general session, Michael Snead, president of Admiral Insurance will discuss commercial lines deregulation, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, November’s election and the entry of the Internet.

Monday afternoon is left open for either a glass blowing tour, a mining tour or any other activity that the Coeur d’Alene Resort has to offer including: fishing charters, fly fishing, gold panning, spa services, helicopter flights, antique shops, art galleries, mountain biking, parasailing, rock climbing, sailing, museums and more. The evening is also open for networking and mingling with friends and associates.

Tuesday’s line up is chock-full of more great speakers. Rick Morgan, executive editor of TAAR, The Automated Agency Report, and managing director and president of IT Solutions for AllianceOne, will start the morning off with his presentation of “E-commerce and Insurance-Trends for the New Millennium.” Wesley Bissett, vice president of government affairs for the Independent Insurance Agents of America Inc. (IIAA) will follow with “Trends, Reforms & The Future of State Regulation.” Lastly, Jeff Thredgold, president and CEO of Thredgold Economic Associates will speak out on “Your Money, Your World, Your Family…The Future of U.S. Economic & Financial Update.”

Golfers will head to the links on Tuesday afternoon for a golf tournament on the Coeur d’Alene Course with its world-renowned floating golf green, while non-golfers will enjoy “Arts on the Green,” the City of Coeur d’Alene arts and crafts show, or an afternoon fashion show at dockside.

The evening includes a reception, dinner and entertainment. The Knudsen Brothers, ranked as the nation’s number one a cappella group, will “electrify” the evening with their performance.

Roughly 300 delegates and guests are projected to attend this year’s event. “In addition to the technical information gleaned from the experts, invaluable contacts and networking always occur at this conference,” Tippetts said.

Topics Agencies Excess Surplus