A great start to the 2009 Capitol Conference. The first general session started with a recorded presentation of the story of the Star Spangled Banner, followed by the song. I’m a fan of history and enjoyed being reminded of how our nation overcame great adversity & odds. The rest of the session focused on our national legislative priorities and a review of those issues we feel are “draw a line in the sand” issues and what ones we support, but with great caution and instruction.
Our regional break-out session was informative as Charlie Gartlan, current region 1&2 RVP, introduced Norman Michaels, our upcoming Region 1 RVP. Regions 1&2 are being split and Charlie will lead Region 2 and Norman will lead Region 1 (which includes NYS). Norm has risen very quickly in the NAHU ranks and is excited to be working with us all.
Most of the NYS contingent gathered after our regional meeting for a group photo. Check us out.
I attended two afternoon sessions on Pools, Connectors & Exchanges and, let me tell you folks, it was a little more complicated than I had thought (maybe because it was after lunch). I need to do more research before I can tell you about it here.
The last general session was quite informative as we were joined by Representative Steve King (R-IA) who put some interesting recent events together for us. We know that the Federal Government has now bailed out banks and Wall Street. We also know that the Government has “helped out” the Auto Industry. Today CNN reported that the Government is calling for the job of the head of GM (in other words- fired) and is instructing Chrysler to merge with Fiat. Mr. King is worried about the nationalization of a great many previously market-driven industries. I must admit this worries me too.
Now, more than ever, we need to prove our worth to our clients. As I mentioned before, we are in a unique position as we speak both to the insurance industry and to our clients. I urge you all to re-dedicate yourself to our industry and to your clients. Continue to help strive for a fair position where the company is there for our clients and our clients know what is expected of them. The concept of a nationalized healthcare system is most certainly not out of the question for a government that is already proven it will “call the shots” in other areas we never thought possible. These are new times.
I’ll leave you with one quote shared with us here in DC at the end of our day (from Albert Einstein) - We cannot use the same thought process to solve a problem that we used to create it.
Talk to you all tomorrow.
Our regional break-out session was informative as Charlie Gartlan, current region 1&2 RVP, introduced Norman Michaels, our upcoming Region 1 RVP. Regions 1&2 are being split and Charlie will lead Region 2 and Norman will lead Region 1 (which includes NYS). Norm has risen very quickly in the NAHU ranks and is excited to be working with us all.
Most of the NYS contingent gathered after our regional meeting for a group photo. Check us out.
I attended two afternoon sessions on Pools, Connectors & Exchanges and, let me tell you folks, it was a little more complicated than I had thought (maybe because it was after lunch). I need to do more research before I can tell you about it here.
The last general session was quite informative as we were joined by Representative Steve King (R-IA) who put some interesting recent events together for us. We know that the Federal Government has now bailed out banks and Wall Street. We also know that the Government has “helped out” the Auto Industry. Today CNN reported that the Government is calling for the job of the head of GM (in other words- fired) and is instructing Chrysler to merge with Fiat. Mr. King is worried about the nationalization of a great many previously market-driven industries. I must admit this worries me too.
Now, more than ever, we need to prove our worth to our clients. As I mentioned before, we are in a unique position as we speak both to the insurance industry and to our clients. I urge you all to re-dedicate yourself to our industry and to your clients. Continue to help strive for a fair position where the company is there for our clients and our clients know what is expected of them. The concept of a nationalized healthcare system is most certainly not out of the question for a government that is already proven it will “call the shots” in other areas we never thought possible. These are new times.
I’ll leave you with one quote shared with us here in DC at the end of our day (from Albert Einstein) - We cannot use the same thought process to solve a problem that we used to create it.
Talk to you all tomorrow.
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