SOCIETY HEADLINES
Register Now for National Leadership Institute Courses in Phoenix
You still have time to register for CPCU Society National Leadership Institute courses, April 27-28, in Phoenix, AZ. The NLI is offering nine professional leadership courses on team building, creative thinking, and other career-enhancing topics that can help you develop the skills you need to advance your career. You will also have the opportunity to develop your network among a diverse group of insurance professionals and attend stimulating keynote presentations on both days. This just announced: Demmie Hicks, president and chief executive officer of DBH Consulting, will speak at Thursday’s Leadership Luncheon; and Thomas F. Hartley Jr., CPCU, managing director and head of Marsh Inc.’s Phoenix office, will speak at Friday’s Leadership Luncheon. Register now for NLI courses in Phoenix.

FROM THE MEMBER RESOURCE CENTER . . .
“In Memoriam” Correction
The February/March issue of CPCU News incorrectly listed Richard H. Morse, CPCU, as deceased. Morse, a lifetime retired member, is living in Buffalo, NY. The Society deeply regrets the error.

Made Any Changes Lately?
If you have moved, changed jobs, or have a new e-mail address, please update your member records. Keeping your records up to date ensures that you will continue to receive Society publications, important e-mails, and other timely information. To review and update your member records, log in to the CPCU Society web site and click on “Update Your Member Information.” To change chapter or company information, send an e-mail to the Member Resource Center, or call (800) 932-CPCU, option 4. If you need assistance in updating your e-mail address, send an e-mail to the MRC, including your full name with the change.

WORDS TO LIVE BY . . .

“I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true.
I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live by the light that I have.
I must stand with anybody that stands right, and stand with him while he is right,
and part with him when he goes wrong.”

— Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865)
16th President

WE’RE “SPREADING THE WORD!”
March Visibility Spotlight Winner “Spreads the Word!” to Local Judge
Denise H. Schad, CPCU, vice president of the Syracuse Chapter, helped to spread the word about the CPCU designation by talking to a local judge while attending a pre-trial conference for work. She later sent the judge the Society’s “Why Choose a CPCU?” brochure. Schad also plans to get a supply of the Society’s pocket cards and brochures to display at chapter meetings with a note: “Take a few…to Spread the Word!” Read more in the March Visibility Spotlight. In recognition for her “Spread the Word!” efforts, Schad will receive a business card holder with the CPCU Society logo.

New “Spread the Word!” Tool Available on the Society’s Web Site
As noted in the “Society Headlines” above, Millicent W. Workman, CPCU, CPIW, 2005-2006 Society president, wrote an article for the January 23 issue of National Underwriter. You can use this article as a “Spread the Word!” tool to explain to others the benefits of your CPCU designation and Society membership. Make copies to distribute when you’re talking to your employer, co-workers, clients, or others in your community. You can also use it for your next I-Day or other professional event where you’ll have an opportunity to “Spread the Word!” Download the article now. If you have any questions, send an e-mail to CPCU Visibility.

VITAL INDUSTRY ISSUES
Update on the P&C Insurance Industry’s Ethical Environment
What key ethical issues face the insurance industry today? And how do these current-day findings compare to insurance professionals’ perceptions from 1989 and 1999? In the March CPCU eJournal article “The Property and Casualty Insurance Industry’s Ethical Environment: An Update,” Robert W. Cooper, Ph.D., and Garry L. Frank, Ph.D., highlight findings from a survey of CPCUs conducted in September 2005 to determine their perceptions of key ethical issues facing the industry today. The authors then compare these findings to similar surveys conducted in 1989 and 1999. Read it today.

Stay informed on critical industry topics. Read the CPCU eJournal as soon as it’s posted online. Subscribe to the CPCU eJournal’s reminder service to receive a monthly e-mail with a direct link to the latest issue.

CAREER FOCUS
How to Recharge Your Career: Start with an Annual Plan
Set the stage for success during the coming year by creating or updating your annual plan. Put your plan in writing, and break down major goals into smaller, more achievable tasks. For more tips, read this timely article by Martin E. Murphy, CPCU, chief operating officer of The Jacobson Group:

• Operation Career Recharge Series: Part 1—Set the Stage with Annual Planning

BACK TO SCHOOL
Upcoming Educational Events
In • March and • April, the CPCU Society will present National Leadership Institute (NLI) courses or continuing education workshops in the following cities:

NATIONAL JOB NETWORK NEWS
Promote the National Job Network to Your Employer
If your company needs to fill a critical position, you can find a wealth of experienced insurance professionals on the Society’s online National Job Network. In January, employers posted more than 100 new positions on the National Job Network and viewed more than 650 résumés. The job board is quickly becoming the choice for recruiters and companies to post mission-critical positions. Find out how easy it is to post a job listing on the National Job Network.

MARCH SOCIETY SHOP SPECIAL—SAVE 15 PERCENT
Stock Up on These Great Deals at Our Clearance Sale
Save 15 percent on selected merchandise during the Society Shop’s close-out sale of discontinued items. Choose from the following items: golf balls, regularly $22.71, now $19.30; umbrella, regularly $14.10, now $11.99; key chain, regularly $10.11, now $8.59; pen/calculator gift-boxed set, regularly $16.83, now $14.30; black metal slim design pen, regularly $19.95, now $16.95; white T-shirt, regularly $8.95, now $7.61; and meeting folder, regularly $14.95, now $12.71. Order today at www.jiishop.com/cpcu, or call (800) 468-4332, ext. 6855. Quantities are limited to in-stock merchandise, and no rain checks will be given.

CPCU SOCIETY NEWS
Contributors Give Generously to Society’s Haiti Fund
CPCU Society members, chapters and companies have contributed more than $14,000 to the Society’s Haiti Emergency Relief Fund. The Board of Directors established the fund on Jan. 19 to support earthquake relief efforts. The Society will match contributions up to a total of $25,000. Please post your checks by Feb. 19. The Society will forward all proceeds to the Clinton/Bush Haiti Fund. Find out how to make a contribution, see a list of contributors and learn about a new tax break for contributors.

Sneak Preview of 2010 Annual Meeting
Expand your knowledge base and develop smart business connections at the CPCU Society’s 2010 Annual Meeting and Seminars, Sept. 25–28, at the Orlando World Center Marriott Resort & Convention Center. Celebrate at the Conferment Ceremony; hear former Florida governor Jeb Bush’s inspiring keynote address on leadership; glean insights from distinguished panels on industry trends, risk management and cultural leadership; and take advantage of more than 35 educational programs. Catch the sneak peek now and watch for online registration in April.

Register Online for 2010 Leadership Summit
Join Society volunteers and industry leaders at the CPCU Society’s 2010 Leadership Summit, April 29–May 1, at the Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort in Phoenix, Ariz. Volunteer leaders will conduct Society business and attend workshops to further develop their leadership skills. The Summit will also feature eight CPCU Society Center for Leadership courses, including three new ones. The courses are open to all members and nonmembers. Get details and register online today.

Diversity Committee Kicks Off Second Annual Essay Contest
Set aside some time soon to start working on your essay for the Diversity Committee’s Second Annual Essay Contest. This year’s topic is: “What specific solutions can you offer to address the substantial changes that the CPCU Society and our industry face in recruiting and maintaining a diverse membership? We are specifically looking for suggestions and recommendations that could be used in an action plan to address these challenges.” The deadline for submissions is April 30. The entry form and rules are available online.

Reach a New CPCU Student and Be Eligible to Win an Apple iPod Touch
You know what the designation has meant to you — now share your CPCU Experience by reaching out to others. You can make a difference in someone's career by helping a new student take the first steps toward earning the CPCU designation. When your new student takes his or her first exam, submit the online tracking form. All responses received by June 15 will be eligible to win an Apple iPod Touch. Join the Each One Reach One campaign.

New Ethics Resources Are Available
With March — and our annual Ethics Awareness Month — approaching soon, check out the new information in the ethics area. You’ll find new activities, articles, polls, discussion boards and more. Visit the Web site often to participate in the polls and discussions, and take advantage of all the resources. You can also request a copy of the Society’s new ethics speech for your next presentation by sending an e-mail to Mary Drager.

Society Members Named to ‘The Insurance Dream Team’
Society members Robert P. Hartwig, CPCU, Ph.D.; Therese M. Vaughan, CPCU, Ph.D.; and CPCU Society CEO James R. Marks, CPCU, CAE, AIM, were named to Insurance Newscast’s seventh annual list of the “100 Most Powerful People in the Insurance Industry, North America.” Congratulations!

Society Rolls Out New Ad
Watch for the Society’s new ad in key publications beginning this month. The new ad — the second in a campaign that began last fall — features Rudy Valdes-Diaz, CPCU, regional marketing director of AmTrust North America. The ad will run in the February issues of Risk & Insurance, National Underwriter and American Agent & Broker. It will also appear in Best’s Review, Rough Notes and The Chronicle of Higher Education. See the new ad.

How Can We Close the 'Experience Gap'?
Despite high unemployment, the pressure on the insurance industry to develop new talent hasn’t eased. According to a 2009 CPCU Society survey of insurance executives, more than 40 percent expect their professional development and training needs to climb over the next two years, but their budgets aren’t expected to keep pace. A November 2009 survey of the Society's Member Opinion Panel reveals that emerging leaders are focused on fast-tracking their careers and aren’t likely to wait around.

Be First to Read CPCU News
Read the February/March issue of CPCU News before it’s delivered to your home or office. Log in to download a pdf of the latest issue.

INDUSTRY ISSUES AND TRENDS
NAIC Calls for Revised Reinsurance Collateral Requirements
There has been a lot of pressure to change the standard U.S. collateral requirements for reinsurance agreements. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) recently approved a Modernization Act and framework that would dramatically alter the requirements.  In “NAIC Pursues Revised Reinsurance Collateral Requirements,” Fred E. Karlinsky, J.D., and Richard J. Fidei, J.D., review some of the main provisions of the NAIC’s Modernization Act and discuss issues that will need to be addressed. Subscribe to the eJournal reminder service.

Share Your Expertise with Your CPCU Peers
The CPCU eJournal’s editorial staff invites you to submit original, unpublished articles to be considered for publication. If the eJournal publishes your articles, you gain increased visibility and recognition among your peers. Find out how to submit an article.

EDUCATION CALENDAR
See What’s New on Webinar Calendar
Stay on the cutting edge with convenient, cost-effective training available through CPCU Society webinars. Among the topics in February: “Insuring Wills and Trusts — What the Insurance Professional Needs to Know” and “Bonds and Bonding.” See the latest webinar calendar. And check out the growing list of on-demand webinars. More than 50 on-demand webinars now available for purchase by members and nonmembers.

Local Workshops, Courses Planned
In February and March, technical education workshops and CPCU Society Center for Leadership courses are planned in the following cities: Chicago, Ill.; Concord, N.H.; Fort Wayne, Ind.; Grand Rapids, Mich.; Greenville, S.C.; Indianapolis, Ind.; Malvern, Pa.; Marietta, Pa.; Milwaukee, Wisc.; Philadelphia, Pa.; Portage, Mich.; Princeton, N.J.; Ramal San Jose, San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Louis, Mo.; Webster, Mass.; and West Des Moines, Iowa. For details and to register, go to Local Workshops.

INTEREST GROUP RESOURCES
See the Latest Newsletters
Keep up to date on the latest developments and trends in your field. In the past month, three new interest group newsletters were posted online. Check out the latest issues from the following interest groups: Consulting, Litigation & Expert Witness; Information Technology; and Leadership & Managerial Excellence.

Reinsurance Interest Group to Present Symposium
“Dawn of a New Reinsurance Horizon” is the theme of the Reinsurance Interest Group’s 2010 Reinsurance Symposium on March 17–18 in Philadelphia, Pa. The symposium features a special luncheon honoring completers of the Associate in Reinsurance (ARe) program. Learn more and register online.

MEMBER INFORMATION
Keep Your Member Records Updated
To ensure that you continue to receive Society publications and other timely information, keep your membership records up to date — especially important contact information such as your mailing address, phone number and preferred e-mail. To review and update your records, log in and click on “Update Personal Profile.” To change chapter or company information, or if you need assistance, send an e-mail to the Member Resource Center, or call (800) 932-CPCU, option 4.

MEMBER VISIBILITY SPOTLIGHT
February Visibility Spotlight Winner ‘Spreads the Word!’ by Giving Back
Deane Silke, CPCU, AIS, API, “Spreads the Word!” by persistently talking to members of the Latin American Agents Association (LAAA) about the benefits of continuing insurance education. Read more in the February Visibility Spotlight. In recognition of his efforts, Silke will receive a CPCU Society Scripto Writing Pad bundle set. To be considered for a future spotlight, send us an e-mail with details on how you “Spread the Word!”

CAREER DEVELOPMENT
Making Meetings Work
Want to have an effective 15-minute meeting? Try taking the chairs out of the room. For more tips on how to run productive meetings, read motivational speaker Colleen Kettenhoffen’s article, “Making Meetings Work: Nine Tips.” And check out Peter Wright’s on-demand webinar, “Running Great Meetings.” Look for it on page 9 of the on-demand webinar list. For more advice from industry experts, read the latest career development articles.

Turn to the Job Network for Help with Your Job Search
The CPCU Society’s Career Center/Job Network will provide you with access to the latest premier job opportunities and career-related articles by leading industry experts. Make a habit of checking the Job Network frequently so that you don’t miss out on any great opportunities.

CPCU SOCIETY MARKETPLACE
It’s Easy to Order Customized Items
The CPCU Society Marketplace now offers an almost unlimited variety of articles chapters can personalize. And interest groups also might find that offering Society logoed items will add a new dimension to their success. Go to the Marketplace page, and click on “Custom Products” and “Custom Product Search — GO.” You’ll be on your way to conveniently browse a wide assortment of products in 35 categories on a secure Web site.

The CPCU Society has sent you this issue of e-LINK as a member benefit. You are not receiving this message because you are subscribed to an electronic list. If you have any questions about our electronic mailings, e-mail the Member Resource Center or call (800) 932-CPCU. Please send any comments or suggestions for future issues of e-LINK to Mary Friedberg, editor.

CPCU Society • 720 Providence Road • Malvern, PA 19355