Maryland I-Day 2014

Marland I-Day 2014 Was a Success!   Celebrating the 25th Year

Maryland I-Day celebrated 25 years of providing an educational forum for professionals in the insurance industry, hosted by three great insurance organizations:  Independent Insurance Agents of Maryland, International Association of Insurance Professionals, and Maryland CPCU Society Chapter, Inc.  The conference took place on Thursday, May 8 at the Maritime Conference Center in Linthicum, Maryland.   There were a total of 153 participants.

The theme for the day was “Catastrophes and the Impact on Insurance.”   It opened with a welcome from the I-Day Committee and then straight into a beautiful invocation from Pat Wagner of Diversified Insurance Industries.   After the invocation, Chis H Rose of PSA Insurance and Financial Services led the audience in a powerful and resounding “God Bless America.”

The morning general session began with the “state of the state” from Deputy Insurance Commissioner Karen Stakem Hornig.   The keynote speaker followed;  Evelyn Browning-Garriss, a very knowledgeable historical climatologist.  She gave the audience a look at the history of climate and how it effects each and every one today as well as the impact history can help those in the insurance industry plan for future catastrophes.   She captivated the audience and definitely proved to have earned her the title “The Weather Whisperer.”

There were 4 classes the participants could choose: Flood; Kidnap, Ransom & Extortion; Marine Insurance Post Sandy; Accident & Health.

After having a delicious lunch and visiting the exhibits throughout the day, the participants once again joined the general session where the discussion continued on the climate withBill O’Toole from the Hagerstown Farmer’s Almanac and ending with Ramiro Reyes, Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection & Insurance on Data Compromise and Identity Restoration.

Closing remarks and prizes were presented by Lori Houser and the MD Chapter CPCU President, Anita Lewis.

Comments about the day’s event included:  “The event was wonderful.”  “Can’t wait for ‘26!”  “Providing current events is a must.  These events have been getting much better with a wide variety of speakers.  Keep it up!”

The topics were timely as we again face another Hurricane Season while still continuing recovery efforts from Hurricane Sandy.   Identity theft and Data Compromise concerns continue in the news as personal information is more readily accessible.

The MD I-Day committee wants to thank all the participants, the sponsors, patrons, and the volunteers who helped make this a great day.   Please see the photos from the event on the MD Chapter CPCU Photo Gallery.