With his term as NAPSLO president drawing to a close, Matt Nichols reflected on the association's accomplishments of the last year. Nichols pointed to a number of ways in which the association has grown and expanded its offerings to members during his term.

“Our key initiatives as an association continue to be networking, education and career development and legislative advocacy,” says Nichols. “And, I think we've delivered enhancements for members in all three of those arenas.”

Nichols pointed to the Annual Convention as evidence of the value of NAPSLO's networking events. Attendance at the 2013 Annual Convention is record-setting, with more than 3,700 registrants. He believes NAPSLO's Annual Convention and Mid-Year Leadership Forum are recognized as the premier events for surplus lines professionals and consistently draw large attendance because they offer unparalleled venues for connecting and conducting business.

Education/career development is another key NAPSLO offering, and Nichols notes that the program has flourished under the direction of the NAPSLO education committee and Randall Jones, director of education.

“We expanded our education offerings with the addition of the new Professional Selling Skills course this year,” Nichols says. “The course received favorable reviews from its first class, and we will present it several times during 2014 to accommodate student demand for the content. I think our success there really points to the progressive nature of the curriculum and the fact that E&S professionals leave with tangible skills and benefits they can apply at home and at all stages of their career.”

Nichols views NAPSLO's legislative advocacy as perhaps the most valuable benefit for members because of the important regulation and taxation issues that have been on the table in recent years. “The NRRA created the national framework for a uniform approach to regulation and taxation,” he says. “The association has worked very closely this year with many of our fellow insurance trade associations on the need for uniform implementation of the NRRA's insurer eligibility standards. That work is paying off for all of us with improved efficiencies for our businesses.”

Members of NAPSLO's Executive Committee and Legislative Committee also participated in a successful Legislative Day event in Washington D.C. in April. Nichols says the trip was beneficial for the Association and he believes that NAPSLO's continued presence in Washington D.C. is important for all members as NAPSLO builds relationships there and advocates on their behalf on a variety of federal issues.

Finally, Nichols added that during the last year NAPSLO has put into motion a renewed emphasis on communicating the value of the wholesale distribution system to retail agents: “We're working to make sure that NAPSLO members are positioned as innovators who can be counted upon to bring value to an insurance transaction. We will share more in San Diego about the Association's plans to proactively deliver that value message and to elevate the level of professionalism in how the Association is portrayed as well.”

“Integrity and professionalism truly form the foundation of this Association,” Nichols adds. “I'm proud to have been a part of this, and I think we're well positioned for the coming year.”

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