Risk management networks key, innovation often comes from necessity: RIMS president
April 27, 2015 by Angela Stelmakowich, Editor
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NEW ORLEANS, La. – The key to preparing risk managers for the uncertainties that lie ahead can be found in strengthening their greatest asset: their networks, Rick Roberts, president of RIMS, the risk management society, said Monday.
Speaking during the opening session of the RIMS 2015 Annual Conference & Exhibition in New Orleans – itself no stranger to the ravages of natural disaster and recovery – Roberts told attendees “the city is proof that sometimes you innovate out of necessity.” Hurricane Katrina, he noted, “is a prime example of what we must prepare our organizations for every day: the unthinkable.”
With a view to innovation – and in a bid to help risk managers address the ever-changing issues they face – RIMS expects to launch a virtual member engagement platform in a few months, Roberts reported. The idea is provide a virtual space for members to connect with one another, build their networks and receive the information they need to get their jobs done, he told attendees.
“It will provide benefits to those members located in areas where we do not have established chapters, both internationally and here in North America. It increases our potential for expanding our member network,” added RIMS executive director Mary Roth.
Roberts noted that when he took office as RIMS president, there were three areas on which he wanted to focus: strengthening RIMS internal network; growing its international network; and supporting its network of rising risk professionals.
Pointing to the virtual platform, Roberts (pictured right) suggested “it will also help engage the next generation of risk professionals. It will be a huge advantage for us as we work to keep this profession’s momentum going for years to come. It’s a way to transfer knowledge gained from years of experience to the risk professionals of the future.”
Roth noted that, this year, RIMS worked with Axco Insurance Information Services to provide risk professionals with a tool to ensure they are managing their risks properly as they enter new markets. As well, RIMS recently released the J.D. Power Commercial insurance Satisfaction Survey, which serves as “a great resource for both our risk practitioners and insurance providers.”
Of the survey, Roberts said that “for those providers, it’s a real advantage for them to know where they stand among their competitors, the services and products that are most appreciated by their customers, as well as areas of focus for the future.”
He added that “for our risk professionals, the more information we have, the better decisions and choices we can make for our organizations.”
More coverage of the RIMS 2015 Annual Conference & Exhibition
RIMS President Rick Roberts @riskroberts and ED Mary Roth welcome delegates at the General Session #RIMS2015 pic.twitter.com/I9neUFd0Ej
— Steve Pottle (@Steve_Pottle) April 27, 2015
Come together: #RIMS2015 president Rick Roberts announces virtual platform for members. #workcompchat @GENEXServices pic.twitter.com/O9GT8lfD9S
— Tom Kerr (@Tomkerr11) April 27, 2015
Welcome to #RIMS2015 with @RIMSorg President Rick Roberts! pic.twitter.com/Betjf3mguh
— Nikole (@nikoletenbrink) April 27, 2015
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