THE PINECONE

Monthly newsletter for area insurance professionals To inform members and associates of industry news, educational opportunities And association activities of the

RALEIGH ASSOCIATION OF INSURANCE PROFESSIONALS

Officers
President Katy Willett, CIC, CISR kwillett@bagwellandbagwellins.com President Elect & Membership Janet Davis, CISR, CPIW, AAI jdavis@triangleinsurancegroup.com Vice-President & Programs Jeanne Hess, CISR, CPIW, DAE, AAI, AIS jhess@iianc.com Secretary Shirley Hudson, ARM, AAI, CISR, CPIW, DAE shudson@iianc.com Treasurer Barb Hutchinson bhutchinson@bmico.com Parliamentarian Wanda Manning, CPCU, CPIW, CIC, DAE w.manning@sau-inc.com Committee Chairmen: Bylaws & Immediate Past President Beth Blackwell, AAI, CPIW bethbwell@nc.rr.com Employment Jeanne Hess, CISR, CPIW, DAE, AAI, AIS jhess@iianc.com Public Relations Co-Chairs Jeanne Hess, CISR, CPIW, DAE, AAI, AIS jhess@iianc.com Pat Norton, API, CPSR, CPIW pat.norton@us.qbe.com Education Pam Grimes, CPIW, CIC, CISR, DAE Pagdreamer18@aol.com Safety Debbie Pass-Soles, CPIW, CISR, CIC Debbie.Soles@mmicnc.com Legislative Shirley Hudson, ARM, AAI, CISR, CPIW, DAE shudson@iianc.com

nals.org/ SCHOLARSHIPS:

www.inssfa.org

Inside this Newsletter

1. October Meeting10/11/11 Fire Safety Cary Fire Dept.

Pinecone Editor
Jeanne Hess, CISR, CPIW, DAE, AAI, AIS

863-6524 - jhess@iianc.com

2. November Meeting11/8/11
Service Project - TBA 3. BRING BOOKS to OCTOBER meeting! Reach Out and Read in the Military See more information below NCAIW project!

October 2011
The October Meeting of the Raleigh Association of Insurance Professionals will meet on October 11, 2011 at the IIANC Office, 101 Weston Oaks Court, Cary, NC at 6:00 pm with social beginning at 5:30 pm. Our guest speaker is Kathy Ellis from the Cary Fire Department with a Great Topic on Fire Safety!! We also will have a very important business meeting afterward. I hope everyone will come, enjoy the fellowship of our group and bring a guest or two!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ IAIP Young & New Professionals

October 2011
Thanks for making NAIW dba IAIP YOUR Association of Choice
Represented by Diversified Professionals

NEW WEBSITE: www.raip.org

NCAIW LINK: www.ncaiw.org NEW IAIP link: http://www.internationalinsuranceprofessio

Have you heard of this sub-group at IAIP? It is an emerging group within our international association that involves members age 42 and younger. Currently they have a forum through the IAIP website and conference calls discussing topics of interest and meet at the International (National) Conference. In Region II there currently are 66 registered members. If you are interested in this group of members who are the future of IAIP, please go to the IAIP website. Members

can select this group in their profile and connect with other Young & New Professionals!

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Operation Edith Supplies ARE HERE!! Still have some

available. Please contact Jeanne to have them ready to pick up!

PRESIDENTS MESSAGE:

Hope to see all of you at the October meeting. I just wanted to remind everyone that we are collecting books for the Reach Out and Read In the Military program. They are looking for books appropriate for children from their 6 month check up through age 5. NCAIW chose this program for the NCAIW project this year. More information about this group is available at http://www.reachoutandread.org/FileRepository/MilitaryOnePager.pdf . Katy Willett, CIC, AAI, CISR, CPIW RAIP President, 2011-2012
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES: 1 Insurance Professional looking. Experienced in customer service, marketing and inside sales,
management and training. Experienced with all sizes of commercial accounts, however special in small business. Experienced in most in house rating systems. Have worked on Applied, AMS Afw, 360 and Sagitta. Can wear many hats at the same time. (added Sept. 2010) 2 Capstone Search Group Commercial Lines Account Manager Charlotte - $45K - $55K Our client is looking for someone with a strong marketing and client service background. Exposure to commercial construction is a plus. Employee Benefits Account Manager Charlotte - $50K - $60K Our client here is looking for someone with experience working in the 100 1,000 life arena and significant exposure to self funded accounts. Commercial Lines Account Manager Raleigh - $45K - $55K Our client here is seeking someone with a strong middle market commercial lines background working with accounts ranging in size from $15K - $30K in revenue with exposure to a variety of industries. (added June 2011) 3 Marketing Director for a small Workers Compensation Insurance Company in Raleigh. (Added May 2011)

4 Insurance Professional looking to re-locate to beautiful NC in the next few months.

I have sold my agency in northern Ohio and am looking for a job opportunity that will allow me to use my 30+ insurance expertise in any capacity to complete my years until retirement. I have been a member of the NAIW since 1981 and hope that this association may be beneficial in assisting me in this move. (added June 2011) 5 - Finmark Insurance Agency in Raleigh is looking for Commercial Producers. Please send resume

to Rick Stallings at rstallings@finmark.com

Please contact Jeanne Hess jhess@iianc.com or 863-6524, if you would like more information.

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NCAIW CONFERENCE is scheduled for NOVEMBER 3-5 in Greensboro! Make plans now to attend!

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Yogurt Reminder Years ago, yogurt companies started a great campaign where if you mailed in the lids a donation was made to breast cancer research. I gave up on washing and mailing them in as it was somewhat messy and I wasnt a huge fan of yogurt! I noticed this week that both Dannon and Yoplait offer an online option inside the lid is a code. Enter it online and the donation is made without mailing a messy lid! I am sure many of you are aware of this, but I thought it would be a nice reminder of how we all can help out! Katy Willett, CIC, AAI, CISR, CPIW

EDUCATION REPORT PAM GRIMES, CPIW, CIC, CISR, DAE

I would like to possibly conduct at least (2) of the (3) classes this year, but need a place to hold them. My office does not have a conference room so if you know of one we could use preferably at no cost that would be great. I am checking to see if any of them have been filed for CE hours also waiting on HQ. Class #1 - Customer Service Balancing Feelings & Facts A six hour program using exercises and role plays to discuss excellent customer service practices and the importance of customer service. It also delves into why preparation and individual commitment are important, how to deal with customers feelings as well as the facts, conducting effective, efficient customer interactions, and how to successfully handle angry, irate, and irrational customers. CPIW and DAE qualifier Class #2 - Making a Difference Ethics and the Insurance Professional Explores the different basis for ethical decisions and examines different case studies where ethical decisions are applied. This course fulfills the one (1) hour Ethics requirements for the DAE designation. Class #3 - Conflict Resolution Conflicts begin when one party wants something that another party resists doing or providing. Conflicts cover a multitude of different circumstances that range from routine disagreements to quarrels or negotiations between sales agents and customers. Conflict management can be used to achieve consensus among individuals and groups and it can increase our understanding of differing points of view. Conflict Resolution will help you learn to identify positive and negative effects of conflict, to recognize individual differences, how behavior affects conflict and to distinguish the levels of escalating conflict. You will also learn to resolve conflict by understanding yourself and your feelings, using language skills, recognizing discounting and fighting fair. Conflict Resolution can help you optimize your actions in difficult situations. 2 hour class CPIW and DAE qualifier Please let me know if you would be interested in any of these classes as I would like to get them scheduled for the 1st and 2nd quarter of 2012. Thank you in advance for your help. I look forward to hearing from you. Pam Grimes, CPIW, CIC, CISR, DAE

2011 NCAIW Bylaws and Standing Rules Proposed Changes

The following recommendations are made on behalf of the NCAIW Bylaws & Standing Rules Committee: 1. Amend the Bylaws & Standing Rules by inserting dba IAIP after each NAIW listed. 2. Amend the Bylaws & Standing Rules as follows: North Carolina Association of Insurance Women to read North Carolina Association of Insurance Women dba North Carolina Association of Insurance Professionals. 3. Amend the Bylaws & Standing Rules by inserting dba NCAIP after each NCAIW listed.

4. Amend the NCAIW Standing Rule item #7:

Currently Reads: The annual meeting shall be carried out in accordance with meeting planning section of the Comprehensive Manual. Proposed: The annual meeting shall be carried out in accordance with meeting planning section of the NAIW dba IAIP Comprehensive Manual. 5. Amend NCAIW Standing Rules #9 which reads: Currently Reads: The annual meeting registration fee and meal charges for all NCAIW officers shall be charged to the NCAIW meeting fund as they serve without compensation.

Proposed: The annual meeting registration fee for all NCAIW officers shall be charged to the NCAIW meeting fund. NCAIW shall pay for half of the accommodations charge for all NCAIW officers, who serve without compensation.

6. Amend the NCAIW Standing Rule item #15 to include an Individual Excellence Award to be given annually by the NCAIW president to a member who has exhibited exemplary participation in NCAIW. 7. Amend the NCAIW Standing Rule #15 to include the following awards: Currently Reads: 1. NCAIW Rookie of the Year 2. NCAIW Claims Professional of the Year 3 .NCAIW Insurance Professional of the Year 1. NCAIW Rookie of the Year

Proposed:

2. NCAIW Claims Professional of the Year 3 .NCAIW Insurance Professional of the Year 4 .NCAIW Professional Underwriter of the Year 5. NCAIW Risk Management Professional of the Year 6. Excellence Award 8. Amend the NCAIW Standing Rule item #15: Currently Reads: Proposed: Recipients of Awards 1-3 will receive a plaque. Recipients of Awards 1-5 will receive a plaque.

Legislative Update - Healthcare Reform

Jill Walker Denton, TAHU Law and Legislative Chair

District court Judge Christopher Conner, presiding in Harrisburg, Pa., ruled Tuesday that PPACA's individual mandate that requires those who don't have health care insurance to buy it "cannot withstand constitutional scrutiny." Conner is the third federal judge to overturn the law in part or in whole, saying of the passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act: "The federal government ... is one of limited enumerated powers, and Congress efforts to remedy the ailing health care and health insurance markets must fit squarely within the boundaries of those powers," Conner wrote in his 52-page decision. The insistence that the individual mandate is authorized by the Constitution's Commerce Clause was rejected by Conner, saying that making the mandate a "constitutional blessing, would effectively sanction Congress' exercise of police power under the auspices of the Commerce Clause." "The power to regulate interstate commerce," noted Conner, "does not subsume the power to dictate a lifetime financial commitment to health insurance coverage." Unlike Florida U.S. District Court Judge Roger Vinson, who in January ruled the entire legislation void because "the individual mandate is unconstitutional and not severable," Conner did not declare the whole law to be a breach of constitutional limits. He did rule that if the individual mandate is to be removed from the legislation as an unconstitutional requirement, the guaranteed issue and pre-existing conditions health insurance provisions also must be severed because the individual mandate "functions as a partial funding mechanism." Without the individual mandate, Conner wrote, "or some other source of subsidy, enforcement of these guaranteed issue and pre-existing conditions provisions will likely drive insurers from the market, threatening the stability of the health insurance market." Will the Supreme Court have to decide? While many hope Congress will repeal the law, others believe there is a good chance its key provision--that all citizens purchase federally approved health insurance--will be declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. The Sixth Circuit was the first of several appeals courts to rule on the validity of Obamacare's mandate. At least two other appeals courts will issue decisions over the next several months, with a likely U.S. Supreme Court hearing next year and a decision by June 2012.

Scholars expect a 5-4 decision, with Justice Anthony Kennedy the deciding vote. Courts are reluctant to overturn major legislation enacted by Congress. The Supreme Court will likely look at public opinion in weighing their decision. If the law is still unpopular, it will be much easier for them to decide that the individual mandate is unconstitutional. But if the country seems to have settled into acceptance, they could easily let the legislation stand. (Reprinted with permission from the Triangle Association of Health Underwriters Newsletter 9-26-11)

Words of Wisdom: As many of you know I've been working out with a trainer and decided to make a goal to run a 5K next spring. This is beyond my wildest dreams. When I started to talk about how I'd never done anything like before a wise friend named Andrej challenged me "Why did my past matter to create this future?" What an eye-opener for me. I had been sucked into my comfort zone and became Queen of Excuses - and didn't realize it. As you lean into fall with your chapter, are you creating a dynamic new future - or limiting yourself because of how you did things long ago? I invite you to join my in my quest - to stretch your imagination and create something beyond your wildest dreams too! Yours in a World of Happy, Active Volunteers! Cynthia Cynthia D'Amour Founder, Chapter Leaders Playground
(borrowed from Amy Craig)

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Good example of a Brain Study: If you can read this you have a strong mind: 7H15 M3554G3 53RV35 7O PR0V3 H0W 0UR M1ND5 C4N D0 4M4Z1NG 7H1NG5! 1MPR3551V3 7H1NG5! 1N 7H3 B3G1NN1NG 17 WA5 H4RD BU7 N0W, 0N 7H15 LIN3 Y0UR M1ND 1S R34D1NG 17 4U70M471C4LLY W17H 0U7

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3V3N 7H1NK1NG 4B0U7 17, B3 PROUD! 0NLY C3R741N P30PL3 C4N R3AD 7H15. PL3453 F0RW4RD 1F U C4N R34D 7H15.
(Thanks Debbie Pass-Soles!)

Thursday, September 22, 2011

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In This Issue: Curried Butternut Squash Soup Death Toll Rises From Tainted Cantaloupes How to Lighten Up Tailgate Faves

Best and Worst Fast-Food Salads

Don't let the lettuce fool you. Some of these salads are more fattening than a cheeseburger! Find out which ones to avoid. Also See: Create a Diet Just for You 15 Ways to Tempt a Veggie Hater The Truth About Alcohol
Announcing

A new way to look at beauty. Tips and tools on anti-aging, body care, and more. Explore now!

From The Recipe Box

Curried Butternut Squash Soup Few things are as belly-warming as a bowl of butternut squash soup. Curry powder and coconut milk give this recipe a hint of the exotic. Also See: Loaded Baked Potato Soup Chunky Vegetable Pot Pie

Healthy Cooking & Diet Tips

Death Toll Rises From Tainted Cantaloupes Fifty five have been sickened, eight are dead after eating cantaloupes contaminated with listeria. What you need to know stay safe. Also See: New 'Super Spaghetti' Protects Your Heart Slideshow: Super Foods to Boost Men's Health How to Lighten Up Tailgate Faves Just because you're tailgating doesn't mean you have to throw your diet out the window. Get tips and tricks for keeping it healthy. Also See: Going Organic: How to Get Started Foods for Healthy, Beautiful Skin More From WebMD: Which Foods Make You Sweaty?

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SHRED EVENTS!
Local sponsors are donating their time and resources to sponsor a free shred-a-thon in your area. Shred-a-thons are a perfect way to destroy old tax records, checks, employment records or credit applications. You do NOT need to remove staples and paper clips from the documents. It usually takes about 10 minutes to drop off your documents and get them shredded. Please pass along this information to co-workers, neighbors and friends. This service is for individuals with personal documents to help prevent identity theft. Thank you. FUQUAY VARINA SHRED-A-THON (Wake County) NBCs SHRED IT Saturday, October 8th 9am- 1pm Fuquay Varina Chamber of Commerce 742 N Main St, Fuquay-Varina Sponsors: Shred It, NBC-17, Fuquay Varina Chamber of Commerce RALEIGH SHRED-A-THON (Wake County) Saturday, October 15 9am- 12pm Tabernacle Baptist Church 8304 Leesville Road, Raleigh Sponsors: Shred It, Tabernacle Baptist Church RALEIGH SHRED-A-THON (Wake County) Saturday, October 22 9am 12pm Apex Town Hall 73 Hunter Street, Apex Sponsors: ProShred, Apex Police Department RALEIGH SHRED-A-THON (Wake County) SECURE YOUR ID DAY Saturday, October 22 8:00 am 12:30 pm

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Coastal Federal Credit Union 1000 Saint Albans Drive, Raleigh (off Wake Forest Road) Sponsors: Better Business Bureau This information brought to you on behalf of North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper. All shredding events are free but donations may be accepted at some events. Always check with the local sponsors for event changes or additional details. The NC Department of Justice does not endorse any business or charity.

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