INSURANCE PROFESSIONALS OF COLUMBUS OHIO   

GENERAL MEETING
NOVEMBER 6, 2008 

IPOCO’S regular monthly meeting was held at the Chef-O-Nette Restaurant in Upper Arlington, Ohio. 

Pledge of Allegiance/Collect: Stacey Nichols 

Introductions of guests: Kon Chittavong

Kathy Oddi and Erin Gassin. 

Speaker: Walter Rudin, Executive Director Central Ohio Chapter of the National Safety Council.  Mr. Rudin spoke about the role of the Safety Council, road rage, and defensive driving techniques. 

MEETING CALLED TO ORDER:  8:02 p.m. by President Sherry Distelhorst. 

Treasurer – Diana Howell

Read the Treasurer’s Report and this will be filed for audit.  If any member would like a copy, please contact Diana.  Diana gave an update on her recent contact with Linda Hughes (Liaison to the Griffith Foundation) regarding the Lillian Lane Scholarship Fund. There was also group discussion about the financial investments of monies.  It was reported that the 2008 Region IV Conference gave IWOCO a check in full payment of monies loaned to them and $821.53 of interest accumulated.  Pat Johnson made a motion to postpone financial investment discussion on the money that IPOCO (previously IWOCO) gave to the conference. Motion was second by Angie Schmitt.  

Secretary – Theresa Fagan-Smith

Read correspondence of thank you note from Wabash Valley for the donation in helping two of their members rebuild their homes after the flood. Theresa is working with Margaret Wildi to develop a template for IPOCO correspondences.

Communications – Angie Schmitt

Bulletin deadline is November 15, 2008

Please advise Angie of any new designations, classes passed or any announcements.

Business meeting minutes will be posted to the website for review and recommended corrections. 

Bylaws – President Elect Heidi Kugler

Job description manual will be completed in the very near future and will be reviewed at the next Board Meeting.  The title of Treasurer will remain.  By-laws update forthcoming. 

Community Service –Caroline Barnes Weygandt  

Silent Auction will take place at the December 2008 meeting, which will be held at the TAT Restaurant. Proceeds will go to the Ronald McDonald House. This will be a joint meeting with Scioto Valley, with Betsy Adams present. Collection was taken for contributions to the Columbus Literacy Council.

Education/Legislation – Vikki Angelo

Vikki presented three opportunities for continuing education next year.  Choices included: CWC, Advanced Communication Skills ($34.00 including certificate), and Mentors and Protégés: Sharing for Mutual Rewards ($15.00 including certificate). CWC was not highly recommended at this time since it was offered recently. Vikki requested feedback regarding interest and preferred scheduling of class times. 

I-Day will be held on 4/1/09 at Villa Milano on Schrock Road in Columbus. This year the theme will be related to Risk Management.  Sherry reported on the 2008 I-day proceeds distribution which included 4 scholarships to be offered through the Griffith Foundation. Other distributions included child safety fingerprint kits to the Columbus Police Department, smoke detectors to the Columbus Fire Department, a cash donation to the Ronald McDonald House and a cash donation to OII.    

Membership – Kon Chittavong

Currently membership is 34. Newest member is Jackie Christensen of State Auto Insurance. Spreadsheet for mentor program has been developed.

Safety – Theresa Fagan Smith   

On 09/11/08, Theresa Fagan Smith and Michelle Ackermann attended the Safety Award Ceremony at The Columbus Police Department Headquarters.  On behave of IPOCO we presented the recipient’s wife with his certificate in honor of his award, as he was away at war. His two Sons were present also.  On 10/07/08, Theresa Fagan Smith attended the Safety Award Ceremony at the Columbus Division of Fire, House 23 on Livingston Ave. Certificates were presented to the Firefighter of the Month, as well as his wife and 11 year old daughter. During the ceremonies, both Chief Jackson (CPD) and Chief Pettus (CFD) expressed their sincere appreciation to our Insurance Organization for the support and recognition over the many years.    

Special Committees:

Employment – Linda Hughes

No Report. 

Audit/Budget/Finance – Pat Johnson

No report.

Regional conference 2008 – Vikki Angelo/Heidi Kugler  

Treasurer Angie Schmitt will close out the account.  A financial update was given. 

Unfinished Business: None 

New Business:  

Angie Schmitt made a motion to move the January General Meeting to 1/8/09 and Pat Johnson second the motion. 

Announcements:

Bulletin Deadline – 11/15/08

Next Regular Meeting – 12/4/08

Next Board Meeting – 11/20/08

Ohio Council Annual Meeting – Nov 7th & 8th Independence Ohio

Ohio Council Director Betsy Adams will visit our association 12/04/08

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

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

Meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Theresa Fagan Smith

Secretary

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