At the International Association of Special Investigation Unitsconference's opening general session, which was held earlier lastweek on Sept. 11, One Beacon's Dave Nicholson attempted to convinceIASIU members of the importance of a cohesive merging of the IASIU,the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud, and the National InsuranceCrime Bureau.

Nicholson sought to convince IASIU attendees that the merger wasa necessary and judicious move, not only for the three bodies thatwould be affected by the move, but also for the future success ofthe industry's continuing fight. The fight, according to Nicholson,centers on the fraud initiatives that continue to bleed theindustry of billions of dollars annually.

In a business meeting held the following day, IASIU PresidentDan Fitzgerald emphasized that the full participation of themembership was needed in the voting process. Glenn Wolf, IASIUboard member, led a presentation for conference attendees thatoutlined the structure of the new group if it were accepted by allthree organizations. According to Wolf, a merged associationwould: