SEVERAL CONVENTIONS CANCELLED

In the face of the tragedies which occurred on Sept. 11, several insurance trade associations announced cancellations of previously scheduled events. The National Association of Professional Surplus Lines Offices cancelled its Annual Convention in San Antonio, Texas, scheduled for Sept. 12-16. “We express our deepest sympathies to all those who are affected by this tragic act of terrorism,” NAPSLO stated. The National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies Board of Directors voted to cancel its 106th Annual Convention, originally scheduled for Sept. 23-26 in Washington, D.C. NAMIC Chairman James A. Blum stated, “Since 1895, NAMIC has suspended its annual convention only once—in 1943—in the middle of World War II. That underscores how very seriously we take this assault on innocent people…We are not merely canceling our convention, but rather are redirecting our efforts toward support in this time of national tragedy.” In addition, the Executive Committees of co-sponsors The Council of Insurance Agents + Brokers and The Council of Insurance Company Executives announced the cancellation of the 88th Annual Insurance Leadership Forum, scheduled for Oct. 5 -10 at White Sulphur Springs, W. Va. The “Greenbrier Meeting,” as it is known in the industry, has been held every year since The Council’s founding in 1913. “Cancellation of the Greenbrier meeting represents a tremendous program and financial loss for our association and members,” stated Ken Crerar, The Council’s president. “However, since Sept. 11, 2001, any collective professional sacrifice we make pales in comparison to the personal and professional tragedies unfolding in New York and at the Pentagon.”