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President’s message By Randolph A. Rudowicz, The Motorists Insurance Group
The Ohio Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (OAMIC) is fortunate to have a diverse membership base that shares common business values. We may differ in size, business approach, customer base and metro or rural locations, but similar operating principles hold true for all.
Providing maximum service to our customers is paramount. Policyholders and agents may forgive us for not having the slickest IT system or the lowest rate, but failures in service are eventually fatal to the relationship. Conversely, going the extra mile makes people take notice and remember.
Commit to continuous improvement. Giant leaps in technology are rare, risky and expensive. But a continuous improvement mindset can achieve great paybacks over time. This requires vision and unrelenting commitment to be better, but it is doable.
Attract and retain quality associates. There is a proverb that, “We are judged by the company we keep.” Likewise, each of our companies is judged by the people they employ. A creative, optimistic and positive staff when given the proper leadership, latitude and share in the rewards of success will overcome most other limitations.
Be forthright in our dealings with people. This does not mean that we don’t make mistakes; but when we do, we make them right. We strive to do what is right for policyholders and agents. It is not always easy to put integrity at the forefront, but it eventually pulls us way ahead.
As we develop our business plans for 2008, I am hopeful we all have goals that advance these common business values! Best Wishes to you all for a happy holiday season and a profitable new year.
Ohio is first in line for 2008 NAMIC congressional contact program
By Jimi Grande, NAMIC vice president of federal and political affairs
Ohio members of the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (NAMIC) were the first to sign up to participate in the Capitol Hill grassroots program for 2008. NAMIC’s Congressional Contact Program (CCP) gives representatives of NAMIC member companies the chance to meet face-to-face with their senators and representatives about issues important to the property/casualty insurance industry. Company representatives of Ohio NAMIC members were the first to come forward with plans to participate in 2008 and will be in Washington, D.C., May 5 and 6.
“CCP is a unique effort that enables NAMIC to deliver its members’ messages on important issues, such as terrorism insurance, insurance regulatory reform, and coastal insurance issues to individual members of Congress,” said Jimi Grande, NAMIC’s vice president of federal and political affairs. “CCP is a powerful vehicle for NAMIC members to influence decisions on those issues.”
In 2007, a majority of congressional members – 70 senators and more than 260 representatives and/or their staffs – held intimate meetings with insurance industry executives from nearly every state as part of CCP. They heard firsthand the potential effects of specific legislation on their insurance constituents.
In addition to being the first to commit to CCP in 2008, Ohio also lead the way in support of NAMIC PAC. In 2007, Ohio-based companies accounted for more than $20,000 in support of the NAMIC PAC - higher than any other state. “These two programs - CCP and NAMIC PAC - are at the very center of our entire advocacy efforts,” Grande said. “Quite frankly, they are what add the muscle to our voice with policy makers. We couldn’t be successful without our members’ support of these critical tools,” said Grande.
The result has been to halt the momentum behind the misguided efforts to alter or repeal the McCarran Ferguson Act. Also, there is increased support for proposals that would allow the insurance industry to remain competitive and provide the best products for consumers.
“2007 was a record year for CCP, in terms of the number of members of Congress visited and participants in the program,” Grande said. “We applaud and thank Ohio for being the first to step up to the plate in 2008 to take our concerns and issues back to Capitol Hill.”
For more information on CCP and other NAMIC grassroots activities, contact Jimi Grande, at 202-628-1558 ext. 105, or jgrande@namic.org, or visit the NAMIC website at www.namic.org.
OAMIC congressional visits set for May
As part of the NAMIC Congressional Contact Program, OAMIC will be visiting its Ohio Congressional delegation in Washington D.C. on May 5-6, 2008. Accommodations will be at The Hotel Monaco. Please mark your calendar and plan to attend.
Our objective is to get wide spread attendance from all OAMIC companies, with a minimum of one OAMIC representative from each Congressional District. Everyone who has attended these visits will tell you how important they are. Few legislators have any knowledge of the role or problems of the mutual insurance industry – especially the smaller mutual – in today’s business environment. Consider sending at least one representative from your company.
Registration information will be sent to you in January.
More companies benefit from OAMIC sponsorship of AAIS Forms
By Ned Ellis, Ohio Mutual Insurance Group
The OAMIC sponsorship of AAIS forms for Ohio’s assessment mutuals continues to expand – sixteen of Ohio’s assessment mutuals now subscribe. In 2006 the program started with 12 companies subscribing.
As members of OAMIC, Ohio’s assessment mutual companies can gain access to AAIS forms and information through AAISDirect for homeowner, farmowner, dwelling properties, farm properties and personal inland marine product lines.
The increasing number of subscribing companies continues to lower the costs to individual subscribers since the total AAIS service charge is shared among the subscribing companies, based on the size of their written premiums.
If you have any questions about the process for an Ohio assessment mutual company to gain access to AAIS forms and endorsements please contact Ned Ellis at Ohio Mutual Insurance Group (419) 563-0840 or Jon Younker at Woodville Mutual (419) 849-2521 for an explanation of this program sponsorship by OAMIC.
OAMIC’s 2008 convention plans underway
Speakers have been lined up and plans are underway for the 2008 OAMIC convention. Mark your calendars to include the 129th OAMIC Annual Convention, scheduled for Feb. 20-21, 2008, at the DoubleTree Hotel in Worthington, Ohio.
Registration materials have been distributed and can be accessed online at http://www.oamic.org/events/convention.htm.
Fall seminar held Oct. 25
The 6th annual OAMIC/OII/Bricker & Eckler Fall Seminar was held Oct. 25, 2007, at the Villa Milano in Columbus.
Topics and speakers included the following:
- Spoliation of Evidence in Insurance Subrogation Cases – Moderator Dave Tschantz, Wayne Mutual, lead panelists Mark Chilson, Bricker & Eckler; Ken Bargo, State Farm; and Keith Loreno, State Fire Marshal’s Office; in a discussion on the proper collection and preservation of evidence methods needed for a successful subrogation program.
- E-Discovery Relating to Class Action Litigation – Gregory Krabacher, Bricker & Eckler, provided information regarding e-discovery in class action cases.
- Peg Ising and Mike Motil, Ohio Department of Insurance, shared their regulatory perspectives on a variety of issues including ODI’s stance on market conduct exams.
- Bricker & Eckler staffers Miranda Motter, Anne Marie Sferr and Kevin Kinross provided attendees with a timely update on issues impacting the insurance industry.
Ohio Department of Insurance update
As a follow-up to the OAMIC Fall Seminar, Mike Motil, who presented on behalf of the Ohio Department of Insurance, researched the question of how the department communicates the results of an investigation into a complaint filed against a company. He said they are going to revise the letter that notifies the company of the complaint to include a Web site address that will allow the company to monitor the results of the department's complaints investigations. This site will provide the company with access to monitor all complaint activity regarding their particular company.
Welcome new OAMIC members!
OAMIC welcomes a new member to its ranks:
Allcat Claims Service, LLC
160 Creekside Park, Ste. 100
Spring Branch, TX 78070
Contact: Rhae Swisher, Vice President Marketing
P. O. Box 5573
Topeka, KS 66605
rhaeswisher@allcatclaims.com
We hope to see Allcat Claims Service at all of our upcoming activities!
About OAMIC…
Purpose:
- To bring together its members in a mutual concept
- To develop and maintain cooperation among its members, other insurance associations and organizations
- To take an active role in the education of its members and the insuring public for which the membership serves
- To work in all matters that are beneficial to the membership of this association
Membership:
Insurance companies incorporated under the laws of the state of Ohio are eligible for full membership in the association.
Insurance companies not incorporated under the laws of the state of Ohio, industry-related insurers, service organizations, corporations or other associations are eligible for associate membership in the association.
2007 Officers/Directors
President
Randy Rudowicz, The Motorists Insurance Cos.
President-Elect
Dave Tschantz, Wayne Mutual Insurance Co.
Vice President
LaVawn Coleman, Grange Mutual Insurance Co.
Secretary/Treasurer
James R. Silver, Pike Mutual Insurance Co.
Past President
Blaine E. Budd, Washington Mutual Insurance Assn.
Board Members
Blaine E. Budd, Washington Mutual Insurance Assn.
LaVawn Coleman, Grange Mutual Insurance Co.
Ned Ellis, Ohio Mutual Insurance Group
Mary Jane Rodgers, Perry County Mutual Fire Co.
Randy Rudowicz, The Motorists Insurance Cos.
James R. Silver, Pike Mutual Insurance Co.
William R. Stapleton, Celina Mutual Insurance Group
Dave Tschantz, Wayne Mutual Insurance Co.
Jonathon Younker, Woodville Mutual Insurance Co.
Mark Zook, Mennonite Mutual Insurance Co.
Administrative Staff
Daniel J. Kelso, OII President (dank@ohioinsurance.org)
Kathleen B. Strawn, OII Director, Member Services (kathys@ohioinsurance.org)
Mitchell A. Wilson, OII Vice President Public Information & Education (mitchw@ohioinsurance.org)
Calendar of Events
Feb. 20-21, 2008 | OAMIC 129th Annual Convention | DoubleTree Hotel | Worthington, Ohio |
May 5-6, 2008 | Washington Congressional Visit | The Hotel Monaco | Washington, D.C |
June 11, 2008 | OAMIC Annual Golf Classic | Wooster Country Club | Wooster, Ohio |
Feb. 18-19, 2009 | OAMIC 130th Annual Convention | DoubleTree Hotel | Worthington, Ohio |
Feb. 17-18, 2010 | OAMIC 131st Annual Convention | DoubleTree Hotel | Worthington, Ohio |
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