NetVU Blog

You’ll Always Get More Than You Give 

When I was asked if I would write something about volunteering I thought I would talk about my volunteering with our organization, from the Chapter level up to the board of directors. As I was writing I realized it was starting to sound more like a resume than an article about volunteering. So, I’m going to focus on what I get out of volunteering, not about what I give.

Like every one of our board members I started out at the Chapter level, volunteering to be an officer for our local group.  After a few years, that grew into joining a national committee, and eventually being asked to be on the board of directors for NetVU.  Throughout all the years of doing this I’ve gained not just helpful connections in our industry, but friends as well.

I have been a volunteer at some level, from Chapter to the board since 2001, when I first became an officer at my local Chapter.  From each of those areas I gained something far more valuable than what I have given.  I now have friends I can call on at any time if I need help with a system issue, agency issue or even something in my personal life.  Some of the friends are local and some are thousands of miles away, but they are all friendships I wouldn’t have had if it weren’t for the volunteer opportunities I took advantage of.  This is all from taking the time to volunteer within my work life.

I believe everyone should find something they are passionate about and give some of your time to that passion.  Several years ago I was asked by a producer in our office if I would help him with an organization he was involved in.  Challenge Air for Kids is a non-profit organization that sponsors events for children with special needs.  He has a private pilot license, and this group takes special needs children up flying, letting them take the controls if they are able.  Their motto is “If you can do this, you can do anything.”  He needed someone to help load children into the planes and asked if I would help him. That has grown into my helping coordinate the 100 or so volunteers that load the children onto the planes.  The first time one of those children smiles at you and gives you a hug you know your time has been well spent.

I would tell you my reasons for volunteering are all about what I can give to others, but if I’m 100% honest I have to admit a lot of  it is about me and my own sense of worth.  I like knowing that I hopefully have made someone else’s life a little bit better.  So, find your passion and give of yourself.  The rewards are tremendous.  

Janie Ussery of Ragland Strother & LaFitite in Dallas, Texas attended her first conference in 1998. She has received the Chapter MVP twice for the Red River Chapter, has volunteered her time on several NetVU committees, including AMS360 and PowerUsers Education, as well as currently serving on the board of directors. Help us thank Janie by volunteering for one or two opportunities to serve — from registration at conference to directing traffic to helping in your local Chapter.

 Check out the vast array of volunteer opportunities and complete your volunteerism interest form.   

Insurance and Politics

By: Lisa H. Harrington, CPCU, CAE, AAM, AAI, AIAM, AIP, Interim Executive Director, NetVU 

Tis the season.  Everyone is talking about the upcoming election. Insults are being hurled via every modality, families are fighting, and millions of dollars are being spent in support of the candidates. Just a typical day in DC.

But what does politics have to do with you? You’re not affected by all that, are you? Well, of course you know you are. But how? And why should a CSR or Insurance IT person be involved with politics?

At the IIABA ACT (Agents Council for Technology) meeting last week, Bob Rusbuldt talked about the current state of the legislature when it comes to insurance, but more of his conversation with us centered on the issues affecting small business. At least 76% of our independent agencies around the country fall in to the category of “small business” according to the definition from the Small Business Administration and other sources.  As the general state of US small business goes, so does our agency business in many ways.

So, Mr. Rusbuldt, CEO of IIABA, spent some time discussing the implications to small businesses in many areas of pending legislation, such as whether or not small business will be paying more taxes next year (while larger businesses will get a break, something not everyone hears from the media) if the Bush era tax cuts “sunset” in January. You’d like to know if your agency will spend more money on taxes, wouldn’t you? Because that reduces profits, which certainly affects employees. Bob also talked about health care reform issues, of course. He talked about the process, how much money we have in the IIABA Political Action Committee funds, and how IIABA was trying hard to help small businesses avoid the kinds of taxation and penalties that could be crippling next year.

He also talked about the times when one stroke of a pen could have wiped out an entire source of revenue for an agency. In one state a few years ago, the politicians were going to cut all commissions for an entire line of insurance, wiping out billions in revenue to agencies and putting thousands of folks out of work.  It didn’t happen, because someone was there to stop it. Both US and state Congresses have that sort of power, and things like this happen whether there are Democrats or Republicans in there. Someone has to be watching out for us, and that is the job of the state associations connected to IIABA, PIA, CIAB and others.

Our influence on laws that affect the insurance business depends entirely upon cultivating a strong presence in the halls of Congress. 

Talented, experienced lobbyists do their part on your behalf.  Still, senators and representatives who shape our laws listen most closely to the voices of those who put them in office—their constituents, the citizens of their state.  That includes you, and anyone in your office. The ability to speak with a unified voice via the various associations is critical to keep our eyes out for legislation that can hurt our businesses. We help watch out for each other this way.

So, my first admonition would be to get out there and vote. Take advantage of the most important right you have as an American.  And if you can, go to a few meetings with your local representatives. Find out who you have in there representing you.  I was pleasantly surprised that one of my representatives is a neighbor and serves in the local Home Owners Association with me. It’s not hard to get an appointment and you’ll be amazed at what you learn.

Maybe you’ll even decide to get in there and fight and run for office. Either way, there is so much to gain by learning how the system works. Just think: you can help protect your industry, and your livelihood!

All I Did Was Say “Yes”

I have been involved with other organizations like ACORD’s AUGIE (ACORD User Group Information Exchange) and IIABA’s ACT (Agent’s Council for Technology) for many years.  I originally got involved with my users’ group when I had a few suggestions for my management system vendor and I thought it might be better if I could speak with other users and meet my vendor face-to-face.  When we met I was surprised when they actually listened and implemented my suggestions. From that point I started getting involved with the closest Chapter to my area. Before long, I was involved in starting a new Chapter who better fit the needs of agencies closer to my area.

The great people I have met are now friends and colleagues and I can call them whenever I have a question and to discuss our similar challenges.  In NetVU and other organizations I am involved with I am able to get inside info on what’s happening next and provide my input in advance.

I have built a network of insurance friends across the country who can help place out-of-state risks and who I can refer clients who are moving away — and all I did was say “yes” when asked to get involved in my local Chapter.

One of the most surprising things is that I feel great making a difference — it is one of the most rewarding parts of my career as an agency owner! I know my voice is heard more clearly by fellow users, my vendor, and the industry. They actually listen to me!

Steve Aronson, president & CEO, Aronson Insurance in Newton & Needham, Massachusetts has been participating in insurance technology committees since 1981 and with NetVU since 2007.  Steve has presented at NetVU Conference, and many ACORD conferences, he has also represented NetVU as an AUGIE leader for many years. Steve received the Presidential Citation in 2009.  Please thank Steve for his many years of service to your organization and wish him many more years of working with this amazing group!

Join Steve and 300+ wonderful volunteers – check out the opportunities and volunteer today!  

In Every Case I've Volunteered, There is Not a Day I Don't Get Something in Return

I came to this agency 14 years ago with no experience in insurance.  My background was in sales and accounting.  The agency had purchased the DOS version of Prime, but had not installed it, so we waited until the Windows version was released to take the plunge.  By the time I became involved, the system was "up" but not running.  I started attending the local ALGA User Group meetings to find out how bad this thing was and how to fix it. Wow!  I came back from my first few meetings realizing just how messed up we were.  I started calling members of the group to get input on fixing things, and before long, we were off and running.  Hooray for those early helpers!  Without their guidance, we would likely have let Prime go and gone with another vendor.

Like most people, when I first started attending local Chapter meetings, I'd sit to the side, taking notes, keeping my head low and eyes diverted when they asked for volunteers.  I kept attending meetings, taking in every bit of information I could.  Before long, people started calling me asking for my input.  I was more than willing to share, because I knew I could have never gotten through those first 2-3 months of working out the kinks if not for the support of others.  I've always been a "pay it forward" kind of person — someone helped me, so I owed it to the group to help the next person. 

Fast forward a couple of years... I missed a meeting.  Major mistake.  When you miss a meeting, and it's election time, you might find yourself being "volun-told".  I'd been elected VP in my absence.  In our group, the VP was the "president in training."  I began teaching accounting sessions to our group.  I was lucky to have a strong leader, so I picked her brain about running the Chapter, and together, we developed new topics for education.

Then I was invited to join the Prime Education Committee.  The next year, I served as the Education Committee Chairman, and the following 2 years after that as the combined Education/R&D Chairman.  During this time, I began meeting people on other committees as well as Prime users.  One of those was Rob Schlegal.  Rob asked me if I'd be interested in serving on the board of directors.  The rest, as they say, is history!

As for other volunteer work, I've been involved with youth soccer for 19+ years.  I've been a team mom, a team manager, a club manager and president of our High School soccer boosters for 3 years.  I've also been a dance mom, a dance team manager, and the mom to a two-time dance team captain, so volunteering is just a part of who I am. I run ragged most of the time, but I wouldn't change anything. 

I can tell you this, though:  in every single case I've volunteered — whether it was soccer, dance, or NetVU — there is not a day I don't get something in return.  I love to see the look on the faces of people at local Chapter meetings when the light suddenly goes on and they "get" something they didn't know before.  I love to see people talking to each other, helping out the person sitting next to them in classes.  I love to see people sharing ideas during breaks or lunches -- even non-agency management system problems.  Even yesterday, as I sat in the back of the room, watching a presentation on a system we don't currently have in our office, I was thinking ahead to how switching platforms was going to be such a huge benefit to our office.

deNise Cowley of Cullifer & Associates Inc. in Birmingham, AL first came to NetVU Conference nine years ago and has been going strong ever since.  She has been named Chapter MVP four times, volunteered at NetVU Conference multiple times, participated in countless online and face-to-face education, served on the Prime Education and  R&D Committees a few years, Principal Connection Education Committee, Small Agent Task Force, and is currently on the NetVU board of directors.  Please join us in thanking deNise for her continuous service to U and her stewardship to the NetVU organization. 

We have nearly 400 volunteers – join us today. Review opportunities and complete your volunteerism interest form.

Volunteer Today – “The Water’s Fine, and the Payoff Immense!” 

To continue our series highlighting NetVU’s many committed volunteers, we would like to share with you how one long time NetVU volunteer got started and what that means today. Tina Clay has been involved with NetVU (AMSUG when she first started) for more than 12 years.  Here is her story:

“Before attending any NetVU events, I had attended another user group conference which was ok, but it didn’t strike a chord with me.  However, from my first NetVU local users group meeting, I found it amazing. The people were so welcoming and willing to share information. Once I attended the first NetVU Conference, I was hooked!  I found the same warmth and witnessed incredible volunteerism tenfold…make that one hundred fold. 

I began volunteering immediately after attending that national conference.  Even though I’ve attended more than 10 conferences since, that same feeling materializes every time.  I am absolutely amazed at the dedication, hard work and willingness to share from attendees, partners, staff and Vertafore. And the bonus is that I have made some incredible life-long friends in the process! 

Although I have an extremely busy work life, I make time to continue my volunteerism because it is very rewarding and provides a sense of accomplishment and pride not found in any other area of life. My recommendation for new users is to not be shy and dive right in…the water’s fine, and the payoff is immense!” 

Tina has volunteered and presented at multiple NetVU Conferences, her local Chapter meetings and PowerUsers. She has been awarded Chapter MVP many times, has served on Leadership Development, Sagitta Education and R&D Committees, and has been involved with SAUCI and the Pacific West Sagitta Users Group. Tina is a member of the NetVU Educators Guild, currently serves on the NetVU board of directors, and is also one of the first certified Sagitta System Admins. Please join us in thanking Tina Clay for her stewardship and service to NetVU and wish her many more years of contributing to users helping users.

Tina’s friendliness and passion for helping others is contagious to everyone she is around.  Please consider joining Tina and our many other NetVU volunteers.  We have over four hundred opportunities to serve, ranging from passing out registration materials at conference to organizing a local Chapter.  The commitment is up to you as Tina says – “dive right in…the water’s fine!”

Do you have a NetVU Volunteerism story – maybe it’s time you started one?

Check out the vast array of volunteer opportunities and complete your volunteerism interest form.   

By: Stephen M. Moriyama, NetVU Vice Chairman of the Board

On September 11, 2012, we conducted our monthly NetVU Board of Directors meeting.  Chairman Mark Stolly asked us to take a moment to reflect on September 11, 2001 and how it still impacts us.  Some of us knew people either in the Twin Towers or supported search and rescue efforts.  For others, this date is a reflection of how the human spirit of courage in the face of adversity inspires others to do more and give more of themselves.

Our association has its own legacy of legends.  Decades of men and women have made extraordinary efforts to share their passions and to make this industry a better place to live, work, and grow.

The NetVU Board of Directors, in the pursuit for continuous improvement, has moved the national awards selection to the Industry Relations Committee.  This year’s committee includes many of our own association legends, leaders, and advocates.  
 

We asked these simple questions: 

• How do we continue to honor those that have made our association and industry significantly better?  
• Can we inspire others by sharing the stories and accomplishments of these award recipients?  

The board of directors unanimously approved a motion presented by NetVU Vice Chairman Stephen Moriyama to amend the names of three of our awards as follows:

Service Award in Memory of James M. Gibson

Leadership Award in Memory of Louie E. Woodbury Jr.

Insurance Automation Award in Memory of Wade S. Dunbar Jr.

Adding the description of the award before their namesakes highlights the spirit of their achievements.  Continuous recognition is not only given to these industry pioneers, but to the recipients who have been bestowed the honor of these awards, yesterday, today and tomorrow.

Other NetVU awards include:

Chairman’s Award

Automation Excellence Award 

Quantum Award  

Education Memorial Award in Memory of Francis P. McDonnell 

Young Professional Financial Assistance 

Nominations are received from across the industry for the Automation Excellence and Quantum Awards.  Let's be sure to take a few moments to consider those around NetVU that stand out in Chapters, committees and the industry.  People inspire people every day with a class they presented, an NCOM post they shared, or support given in a committee.  Please take a moment to honor these people by nominating them for an award. 

Please visit the Awards page for a full description of each award.
 

We will never forget 9/11 and its impact on our world. On this 9/11, NetVU took time to ensure our own legacy of legends is never forgotten.

 By: Lisa H. Harrington, CPCU, CAE, AAM, AAI, AIAM, AIP, Interim Executive Director, NetVU  

 It’s not something we think about very much as we grow up. But someone took a lot of care in deciding what our moniker would be.  Someone considered the legacy of the name, how it was spelled, what your initials would spell, how it would be pronounced and what it might be shorted into as a nickname.  Hopefully, someone helped you by thinking all that through long before you were born. And for all of our lives, we work with or around our name. Sometimes, our name changes, and it’s a truly emotional experience no matter what the reason is for the change. 

We care how others spell it and pronounce it and we are sensitive if someone can’t remember it when they should. All humans light up at the mention of their name, and sales coaches are all in agreement that in sales situations we should use the prospects name often, but not too much. We might have even practiced the different ways we could write our name and our signature.  

Our name becomes an inextricable part of our identity.   

Businesses go through this similar process. We have to do a search to make sure no one else has the name we want before we can file for our incorporation or LLC. We have to consider all the various implications, logos, and interpretations the name might have for our customers and vendors. We file long formal names (for the corporation) and shortened “nicknames” as D/B/A (doing business as).  

Names matter, no matter who you are.  

So what's our name?  Your user group is The Network of Vertafore Users. 

Some folks have asked us if the NetVU name is a derivation of "net view" or something else that would shorten to NetVu.   Absolutely not!  The U is part of the entire acronym (our D/B/A) in our name: the Network of Vertafore Users.  

Our U is capitalized for a reason: YOU! 

You, the NetVU Users, are the reasons we exist. You’re the reason Vertafore exists. We want you to know how important you are to us, so much so that you are the very essence of our name! That U has relevance, a standing, a place, a significant meaning to all of us.  That’s why, when you send us a note about NetVu, we’ll send a very nice, friendly reminder that we are not NetVu. We are NetVU, because YOU are NetVU.  It’s become a part of our culture here, even as part of our themes for our conferences.  

U R NetVU! 

[Ed. Note: The editor wishes to note that nothing in this article pertains to NetVu, the security and camera company based in Johannesburg, South Africa.  One more reason, by the way, to capitalize the U in the Network of Vertafore Users’ D/B/A.)