Registration Open for Mid-Year Leadership Forum

Members can now register on-line for the 2010 NAPSLO Mid-Year Leadership Forum, scheduled for March 3-6 at the Fairmont Scottsdale (Ariz.) Resort.

The format of the Mid-Year meeting was overhauled this year in response to members’ requests, with the goal of focusing the meeting on the leadership challenges of our industry and our association.

The meeting format was changed to have the Opening Reception on Wednesday, rather than on Thursday as in the past. In addition, programs are scheduled for early in the day on Thursday and Friday to allow members the rest of the day to meet with others and to take part in activities. Thursday and Friday nights are open for dinners and private parties.

Thursday morning’s program will feature a Town Hall meeting with the NAPSLO Board of Directors following a buffet breakfast. Friday’s program will also follow a buffet breakfast and will feature leaders of several of the top surplus lines insurance carriers in our industry. They will share their vision of leadership and the challenges they face, as well as the accountability they feel in order to achieve superior results in these chaotic times.

Both days’ programs are scheduled to finish before 10:00 a.m. to allow members more time to network and plan other activities. In addition to the programs, several optional activities are planned, including a Hummer Tour, a Spouse Breakfast program on "Caring for the Caregiver," and Spa Treatments.

In addition, the annual Derek Hughes/NAPSLO Educational Foundation Golf Invitational is scheduled for Friday, March 5th and members can register for the tournament on-line or download golf registration materials.

Mid-Year registration fees are $795 for delegates and $425 for spouses until January 25. Members can reserve a hotel room at the Fairmont Scottsdale at the end of the registration process.

Connecticut Recinds Several Bulletins Because of Changes

The Connecticut Insurance Department has issued a Bulletin announcing that several bulletins have been rescinded because they have become obsolete as a result of changes in legislation, regulation, or changes in Department procedures.

The Insurance Department noted that they have rescinded Bulletins EL-1 through EL-6 (Affidavits and Tax information) and Bulletins SL-15-96 through SL-15-99 (Exportable Lists).

The Bulletin also provides updated guidance to surplus lines brokers and insurers concerning compliance with affidavit, tax payment and other insurance requirements applicable to surplus lines insurers and brokers. Current information can be found on the Department’s website concerning:
• surplus lines applications and broker licensing fees
• surplus lines premium taxes
• the Exportable List for which coverages are believed to be generally unavailable from licensed insurers
• a listing of surplus lines insurers (the “White List”)

The Department also noted that surplus lines brokers must fully complete and file the affidavit form (Form SL-8) with the Department within 45 days after the policies have been procured.

Arkansas Proposes Changes to Surplus Lines Rule

The Arkansas Insurance Department has proposed changes to Rule 24 to clarify existing legislation regarding surplus lines insurance "in order to provide clear guidance to originating producers and brokers and surplus line brokers in Arkansas licensed."

A hearing has been set for December 16 at 10:00 a.m. at the department's office in Little Rock and the proposed revised regulation can be downloaded from the insurance department's website.

According to the department, Rule 24 provides direction regarding forms and documents necessary for proper reporting and accounting on property, casualty, surety and marine insurance issued by surplus line insurers through surplus line brokers.