NU Online News Service, Aug. 26, 10:31 a.m. EDT

With Hurricane Irene bearing down on the Northeast this weekend the National Association of Insurance Commissioners has decided to cancel its Summer National Meeting in Philadelphia.

The meeting, scheduled for Aug. 29-Sept. 1, had more than 1,500 insurance regulators, industry representatives and interested parties scheduled to arrive in the city at the same time Irene is expected to to strike on Sunday.

“In evaluating the potential threat of Hurricane Irene, our decision to cancel the meeting was informed by considering the safety of all attendees and members,” says Susan E. Voss, NAIC president and Iowa insurance commissioner, in a statement. “The first priority for all state regulators is responding to disasters, and we are fully committed to assisting the states affected by this disaster.”

“Many of our members and attendees had already decided to cancel travel plans due to their responsibilities for assisting consumers in disaster situations, as well as weather-related travel safety concerns,” says Therese M. Vaughan, NAIC chief executive officer. “As the storm subsides, we will re-evaluate the priorities and establish next steps for conducting business.”

The NAIC says that information about committee work will be updated regularly on the NAIC's website.

The NAIC Fall National Meeting is scheduled for Nov. 3-6 in Washington, D.C.

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