President's Pen • February 2009

Hello again to all,

I wonder if you too are finding it hard to believe that it is already February and we are closing in on spring. With the repeated snow storms and the cold weather in January, it is no wonder the year has kept us all busy thus far. Look for upcoming event dates in the newsletter as the executive have planned gatherings for all to unwind and have a good time.

As mentioned in the past editions we are looking to the membership for articles photos or any submissions that may be of interest to the members. Recently we have received feedback which has made us consider sending the newsletter in an electronic format for those who request it. Keeping in mind that everything we have done and all that we plan to do has, and is, made possible through the support of our advertisers, our associate members and you. We still intend on publishing hardcopies, however we are looking at alternatives to reduce our environmental footprint. It is important to us that we show support to the great people who have supported us and who continue to support our association. If you wish to receive an electronic copy of the newsletter in the future, please contact one of the executive members.

This month’s dinner meeting will be held at Biagio’s (Richmond Road) on February 17, 2009, with David Bertchi providing an educational presentation. Please see the advertisement within the newsletter. As the attendance is limited, we look forward to a good turnout to what will be a very informative and enjoyable evening. Please confirm your attendance as soon as possible for this event.

Best Regards,

Jason Hess, CIP, CFEI
OVAA President

Reps Ramblings • February 2009

As you are all aware, the 2009 OIAA Professional Development & Claims Conference was held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre on Wednesday February 4, 2009. As has been the case over the past number of years, the trade show was another sell-out and the attendance at the job fair, for students of the area insurance college programs, once again surpassed expectations. This year there were also nine seminars covering a number of topics from accident benefits legal updates to property adjustment scoping – with close to 700 registrants. Congratulations to the Trade show committee for all of their hard work.

Other upcoming events include the annual Curling Bonspiel, this year being held on Thursday March 5, 2009. Then on Wednesday April 8, 2008 the OIAA is hosting their next seminar, the details of which have yet to be confirmed, following which we will have our Elections Luncheon.

The 2009 Out-of-Town Meeting is being hosted on May 28 & 29, 2009 in Kingtson by the Thousand Islands Chapter. Details of this event have been posted in both this issue and previous issues of our newsletter. I would suggest that you register early, as it is sure to be a sell-out!

Finally, once again I wish to draw your attention to the annual OIAA Member Bursary. The Bursary, in the amount of $ 1500.00, is to be awarded to three deserving members of the OIAA, one per each region. The regions are broken into Eastern Ontario, Central Ontario and South-Western Ontario. I refer you the OIAA website (www.oiaa.com), and also to the WP Magazine for further information, noting that the deadline to apply is March 31, 2009.

Jennifer Graham, Hons BA, CIP
OIAA Delegate, OVAA Past President (2004/05 & 2005/06)