President's Message - April 2004
Remember the day you went for the job interview that landed you your first job in the insurance industry? Some will remember the person who hired you, and some will remember the person who took you under their wing and helped you make a start in the insurance industry with their knowledge, experience and good nature. Think of how that person was thought of in the insurance industry. You will probably remember that he or she earned the respect of coworkers, by providing advice on insurance or simply a second opinion on everyday life events and assurance. You always felt comfortable discussing any issue, and you never felt embarrassed or that you were being spoken down to. In fact, after working many years with this person, you probably became friends, but always kept that employer/employee relationship, as respectful people do. You both have been through some good times, hard times and emotional times, as well as frightening times in the insurance industry when changes took place, but you sit back and talk about them openly today. This person can be described as a leader, teacher, mentor, well-respected insurance professional and a friend that everyone would want to have. I hope I have described someone that you have worked with in the insurance industry, because I have certainly have known such s person Stan Traskowski, someone I worked with for 12 years, and truly an individual who made a difference in the insurance industry and my life, and someone I will now miss. You have heard how someone can make a difference. Think of how you too can make a difference in someone¹s life. Too often we are selfish when we should be giving: we can make a difference, and we will be appreciated at the same time we earn respect. We should all be willing to share our knowledge, time and experiences with fellow workers, friends and family. I leave you with this thought: tell a loved one you love them before someone else does, tell a co-worker or friend that you appreciate them and are willing to help them before someone else does, and take care of your customers before someone else does. If you use this approach, you will retain what you have; if you don¹t, someone will take over and retain what you had.

Last month I had the opportunity to attend Thousand Islands’ curling bonspiel. Thanks to chapter president Rick York and chapter delegate Lori Quibell for their wonderful hospitality.

The third annual OIAA curling bonspiel was held in March. Many thanks to Ian Gallagher and his committee; it was another fun day and a successful event.

Remember, next month the Out-of-Town meeting will be hosted by the Georgian Bay chapter in Collingwood. I encourage all chapters to make an effort to attend the event and show your support. I am looking forward to seeing everyone there.

This month’s regular meeting is election night. Our guest speaker will be Mark Yakabuski, the Ontario Vice-President of the Insurance Bureau of Canada. He will bring us up to date on the developments involving the Government and the Insurance Industry.

I look forward to seeing you at the Intercontinental Toronto Centre (formerly the Crown Plaza Hotel) on Front Street.