INSURANCE PROFESSIONALS OF COLUMBUS OHIO

SEPTEMBER 3, 2009 

IPOCO’s regular monthly meeting was held at the Buckeye Hall of Fame Café, Columbus, Ohio. 

Speaker: Larry Goldsmith, Nationwide Insurance 

Topic: Branding and Project Management 

The meeting was called to order at 7:35 p.m. by President Sherry Distelhorst 

Pledge of Allegiance/Collect:  Angie Schmitt 

Resume of Correspondence-Stacey Nichols

Stacey announced that there is a job opening for a Commercial Lines Account Manager for the Dublin office of Philadelphia Insurance Companies.  If anyone wants more details, contact Stacey. 

An NAIW family member, Jane Rych, is currently battling cancer and has an upcoming birthday.  Cards of support and well wishes are needed.  Contact Stacey or Sherry if you need her address. 

Thank you letters were received from IDAY/Ohio Business Week participants regarding the donations given that allowed for their participation. 

Treasurer’s Report-Diana Howell

Diana read the Treasurer’s report for the time period of June 2, 2009 thru August 27, 2009.  The report will be filed for audit.  If any member wants a copy contact Diana. 

Bylaws Report-Heidi Kugler

Heidi announced that by direction of the Bylaws Committee, she moves that the Employment committee be dissolved as a special committee for IPOCO.  We can alter our website with a link to National for employment opportunities via the “Career Center”.  Standing Rule 14B will need to be revised from: 

The Association shall have the following Special Committees: Audit/Budget/Finance, Employment, and Nominating. 

To: 

The Association shall have the following Special Committees: Audit/Budget/Finance and Nominating. 

The motion was put to a vote and was passed. 

Community Service Report-Karen Lawson

Margaret Wildi reported on behalf of Karen Lawson that we are collecting books and magazine for veterans.  If you would like to contribute any, please bring them to the October and November meetings.  History based literature would be especially appreciated. 

There will be a monthly focus on our website and at each meeting.  September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.  Vikki Angelo and Mary Wildi distributed literature and promotional items.  

The annual bazaar will be held in December.  Margaret asked that you begin putting items together.  There will be an auctioneer this year assisting us to make the event even more exciting and fun.  The designated charity to benefit from the proceeds has not been decided to date. 

The “whale” is absent today.  Spare change is needed to fill the whale’s belly for the Ohio Literacy Council. 

Education Report-Kon Chittavong

Kon was unable to attend.  No report was given for this month. 

Audit and Budget Report-Angie Schmitt

Angie announced that the Treasurer’s books for the Insurance Professionals of Columbus, Ohio have been audited for the period of January 1, 2009 thru June 30, 2009 and have found to be in order.  She made a motion by direction of the Audit and Budget Committee that the audit report be approved.  Motion passed. 

Angie distributed a copy of the IPOCO budget for June 20, 2009 thru June 30, 2010.  Membership is down slightly and the category of Fund Raising was added to the Revenues section to balance the budget.  Sherry noted that not all of the expenses are used each year, but the bylaws require that they be included.  Additionally, the CD is not included in the budget and some of the delegate expenses are paid by company sponsors. 

Angie noted that her committee is working on fundraising ideas.  She passed around a pasta fundraising booklet and will order more for the next meeting.  Margaret mentioned selling flower bulbs and Sherry mentioned selling jewelry as other possible ideas. 

Announcements:

The social event at Scioto Downs was a success.  Rose was especially lucky this year. 

Pat Johnson reported that Scioto Valley Association hosted a networking weekend.  72 people were in attendance and it included games, a show and networking opportunities.  The Ohio Council website has some photos. 

Sherry mentioned that a sympathy card is being passed around for Tim Wallace.  Tim was a 20 year member and former president of IWOCO.  A donation in her memory is being made to the Lillian Lane Scholarship Fund.  Pat shared some personal memories of her travel adventures with Tim. 

November 6-7 is the Annual Meeting and Legislation Day in Van Wert, Ohio.  The website has the registration forms. 

A CWC participant is needed-please let Sherry know if you would like to participate. 

The monthly board meetings are held at State Auto at 5:00 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month.  Anyone is welcome to attend. 

Margaret reiterated that given the name change for IPOCO and other NAIW branding issues, the speaker was very timely.  We need to establish how we will present ourselves to others when explaining who we are, what we do, and who benefits from our fundraising efforts. 

The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m. 

Respectfully Submitted,

Stacey Nichols