The Malvern, Pa.-based Chartered Property Casualty Underwriterssociety said it will open its annual meeting to non-membersbeginning with its annual meeting next year.

The CPCU society said it was taking the action to underscore itssupport for ever-increasing levels of professionalism throughoutthe property and casualty insurance industry.

The new policy, announced by society President Marvin Kelly,becomes effective with the society's annual meeting and seminarsscheduled for Aug. 29 to Sept. 1, 2009 in Denver.

“The society must venture outside its comfort level and embracethe future by expanding its base of potential participants,” saidMr. Kelly.

The CPCU society said it was making the move in an effort toincrease interest in the designation and replenish the industry'sworkforce that is entering retirement age.

Mr. Kelly added that the society's action will assist in thecritical need to increase minority participation in the ranks. Henoted that only 1.9 percent of the society's nearly 28,000 membersare African American; only 1.7 percent are Hispanic; and only 1.4percent Asian.

The CPCU society said it is making plans for an aggressivemultifaceted campaign over the next several months to assurewidespread awareness of “this new broadly inclusive approach” toits annual meeting and seminars.