INSURANCE PROFESSIONALS OF COLUMBUS OHIO
GENERAL MEETING
January 8, 2009 

IPOCO’S regular monthly meeting was held at the Grange Insurance Company, Gahanna, Ohio. 

Pledge of Allegiance/Collect: Angie Schmitt 

Introduction of guests:  Kon Chittavong 

Speaker:  Betsy Adams, Ohio Council Director.  Her theme as Council Director is: Bright ideas occur when we eliminate the “Me” and make it a “We”.

Betsy spoke of the benefits of NAIW and of the upcoming Regional Meeting in Troy, Michigan 3/26-3/29/09.  One of the highlights will be a variety of educational opportunities. 

The Scioto Valley of Insurance Professionals will host a networking weekend 8/21-8/23/09 in Chillicothe, Ohio.  Betsy presented an overview of the planned events.  

MEETING CALLED TO ORDER:   7:26 p.m. by President Sherry Distelhorst. 

Treasurer – Diana Howell

Read the Treasurer’s Report and this will be filed for audit.  If any member wants a copy contact Diana. 

Secretary – Theresa Fagan-Smith

The Board agreed on stationary letter head to use on behalf of IPOCO communication.  A copy was provided to each Board Member.    

Correspondence from ISFA (Insurance Scholarship Foundation of America) was read from an email dated 11/18/08.  ISFA extended a “Thank You” to everyone who has given so generously to “Promoting Excellence through Education” and extended very best wishes for a joyous and thankful Holiday. 

Minutes from the general meeting 11/06 were approved and will be posted accordingly.

Communications – Angie Schmitt

Bulletin deadline is January 15, 2009. 

Bylaws – President Elect Heidi Kugler

Job description manual has been updated and placed on the website.  Heidi encouraged everyone to review. 

Community Service –Caroline Barnes Weygandt (absent)

Unanimous decision was made for IPOCO to prepare and serve dinner at The Ronald McDonald House in Columbus on 3/17/09.  Baked potato bar was suggested.  Discussion and ideas were generated regarding options for use of funds raised for Ronald McDonald House.  Also, since we would not be having dinner funds generated from the regular scheduled meeting in March, we discussed bringing bed linens in lieu of dinner funds.  The Community Service Committee will discuss and make a decision. 

The Whale was passed around in support of The Literacy Foundation. 

Education/Legislation – Vikki Angelo  

Vikki gave a financial report on the Scholarship Funds.  You may contact Vikki for a copy of the report.  Next month meeting is educational month for IPOCO.  Vikki will present excerpts from a couple different education classes.  

Membership – Kon Chittavong

Currently have 34 members. 

Safety – Theresa Fagan Smith   

Michelle Ackerman presented the Firefighter of the Month award on December 4, 2008 at Fire Station 27, located at 7560 Smokey Row Road. The next award ceremony will be at the CPD Headquarters for the Police Officer of the Month on January 12, 2009, at 2:00 p.m.  Theresa and Michelle plan to attend. 

Program- Elaine Fagan Moore

Next meeting will be at Grange Insurance Company in Gahanna, Ohio. 

Special Committees:

Employment – Linda Hughes

No Report.

Audit/Budget/Finance – Pat Johnson

Angie received the books this evening and her report is forthcoming. 

Unfinished Business:

Checks have been sent to IAMD (Metro Detroit) and Akron organizations as discussed. Remaining funds will be used for future conferences.  

New Business:  

Julie Williams made motion to send one delegate, being our President, to the Regional Conference with the registration fee covered by IPOCO and an allowance towards expenses.  Pat Johnson second; motion granted. 

Pat Johnson announced the educational opportunities at Regional Conference will now be free. Angie will post a tentative agenda on the website.  

Announcements:

Bulletin Deadline – 01/15/09

Next Regular Meeting – 2/5/09

Next Board Meeting – 01/15/09

Regional Conference – 3/26/09-3/29/09 Detroit Michigan

National Conference – 5/29/09-5/31/09 New Orleans, LA 

Meeting was adjourned at 8:02 PM 

Respectfully Submitted, 

Theresa Fagan Smith

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