Vermont Gov. To Address Captive Confab

Vermont Gov. Jim Douglas will deliver the opening address at the Vermont Captive Insurance Association (VCIA) conference next week, the organization said.

Mr. Douglas, who is making an appearance at the annual VCIA meeting, on Aug. 13 is due to visit the exhibit hall, at 9:00 a.m., and at 10:00 a.m. give his speech to attendees.

The conference, Aug. 12-14, in Burlington, Vt., is the 23rd annual conference and the largest captive insurance conference in the world, VCIA said.

VCIA said Vermont-based Ben & Jerry's ice cream will be given away at the Vermont Captive booth starting at 11:30 a.m. on the 13th and 14th.

Dan Towle, director of financial services for the State of Vermont Dept. of Economic Development, who orders the ice cream for the conference, said he increased the amount by 20 percent in 2007 and again by 20 percent for next week's conference--to 20 gallons, or eight 2.5 gallon tubs.

Ben & Jerry's will be served from 11:30 a.m. until it runs out after lunch. Mr. Towle said ice cream selections are based on what he likes and "what's most popular on the Ben & Jerry's Web site."

VCIA said among other conference highlights on Aug. 14 at 3:00 p.m. the State of Vermont will present a regulator's seminar with Dave Provost, deputy commissioner of the Vermont Captive Insurance Division, Mr. Towle and other members of the state's captive division.

Keynote speaker is Will Shortz, The New York Times and National Public Radio's puzzle master.

Conference information is online at www.vcia.org.